Mikasa Ackerman is one of Attack on Titan’s bravest, boldest, and most underrated characters. Over the years, she kept countless humans safe from the Titans’ cruelty and even made a monumental sacrifice to save humanity towards the end of the series. Her unstoppable drive, superhuman strength, and sheer physical might make her a nearly undefeatable powerhouse, especially when she is protecting those she loves.

Anyone would be stupid to go head-to-head against Mikasa, whether they are a human or a Titan. As the top ranked member of her Survey Corps class, Mikasa proved her physical strength was top-notch. Furthermore, ambition and ruthlessness are two of her other prominent character traits. She is a fearless protector of her loved ones, especially Eren Jaeger. Since childhood, she had been by his side consistently, doing her best to keep him out of harm’s way, much to Eren’s frustration. But Mikasa is far more than just Eren’s love interest, she’s a formidable and mighty hero in her own right.

10

Mikasa Put Her Own Feelings Aside And Beheaded Eren

In order to save humanity, Mikasa had to sacrifice the most important person in her life

At the end of Attack on Titan, Eren revealed his plan and quickly began a rampage, killing humans indiscriminately. His goal was to wipe out humanity entirely, but even his best friends could not support the horrifying genocide he suggested as a solution to the Titan problem. Mikasa and Armin tried in vain to reason with Eren on more than one occasion, but found they could not get through to him any longer, as he became wrapped up in his inhumane scheme.

Since the Scouts could not stop Eren with words, they were forced to turn to violent means, and Mikasa had to carry out the worst act of all. She beheaded him with her own two hands, kissing his severed head afterward in a heartbreaking display. Mikasa’s love for Eren never wavered throughout Attack on Titan, and it was evident she adored him more than anyone else. Her ability to put aside her feelings and end the life of someone she loved so dearly proves her mental resilience and strength are like none other, as well as her devotion to protecting innocent humans from harm.

9

Mikasa Killed The Yeagerists, Causing A Rainfall Of Blood

The Yeagerists attempted to block Mikasa and the others from Eren, but Mikasa had other plans

When Mikasa and the others who intended on keeping the Rumbling from occurring reached the harbor, they discovered a horrible surprise. A group of Yeagerists, those who devoutly supported Eren’s cause, crept up on them, hoping to keep them from reaching the boats and traveling to find Eren. The ensuing battle was gory and violent beyond belief.

Mikasa fought relentlessly during this fight, slaying the Yeagerists mercilessly. At one point, after slashing a Yeagerist’s body, Mikasa stood in a menacing pose with a brutal facial expression, as the person’s blood rained down from the sky and slid down her head and cheeks. Mikasa is not an evil person who takes delight in violence, but she did what she needed to do to protect others and get closer to Eren, in a desperate attempt at halting his plan. The resulting scenes of blood rain and excellent work with her blades showcase how skilled of a fighter she can really be, when the situation warrants her pulling out all the stops.

8

Mikasa Joined The Survey Corps To Protect Eren

Her choice to enlist in the Survey Corps was not out of personal desire, but fear for Eren’s life

Since childhood, Mikasa had been Eren’s greatest protector, whether he appreciated it or not. From saving him from bullies to protecting him from man-eating Titans, Mikasa made it evident that whenever danger occurred, she’d place herself between the threat and Eren, never letting him be harmed. When Eren expressed his desire to join the Survey Corps, Mikasa was horrified and attempted to dissuade him.

After realizing Eren would not be talked out of fighting in the Survey Corps, she boldly decided that if he joined, she would be there alongside him. Eren told her that was not necessary, but Mikasa’s resolve was unshakable and so, she enlisted in the Survey Corps with him. Mikasa’s stubborn love for Eren is displayed phenomenally through this moment, portraying her as a devoted friend who would do anything to keep those she loves safe. Even if it meant she would risk her own life by plunging herself into situations rife with violent Titans, Mikasa continued to fearlessly protect Eren until the end of his days, proving herself as one of anime’s bravest heroes.

7

Mikasa Became The Number One Ranked Survey Corps Member

The entire Survey Corps class was ranked and Mikasa came out on top

Mikasa’s physical strength is undeniable, and her victory over everyone else in the Survey Corps proves this fact. The early classes under the relentless and aggressive teacher, Keith Shadis, were certainly not easy, but Mikasa aced her training. She became an expert at maneuvering with ODM gear, slashing Titans with blades, and protecting herself and others on the battlefield almost instantly.

Isayama has mentioned how Levi and Mikasa have a rare type of “Ackerman” strength that is exclusive to their bloodline, so some of this genetic predisposition to be excellent in battle may have aided Mikasa. However, her own hard work helped her achieve almost immediate success in the Survey Corps, and her dedication to never giving up certainly contributed as well. Mikasa is not just the strongest member of the Survey Corps, but one of the strongest anime heroes ever.

6

Mikasa Skillfully Fought Against The Armored Titan And Colossal Titan

She helped reveal the secret identities of the two Survey Corps members

Learning that two fellow Survey Corps members, Reiner Braun and Bertholdt Hoover, were actually Titans in disguise, must have been terrifying. However, as everyone else was reeling in shock from this monumental reveal, Mikasa took immediate action without a moment of hesitation. The minute she heard Reiner’s confession, she leaped towards the pair, slicing both of them with her blades before they could react.

Reiner and Bertholdt transformed into the Armored Titan and the Colossal Titan instantly, but rather than run away, Mikasa tries to kill them both. Using every measure she was taught in training, she put up an incredible fight, but unfortunately, she could not handle the combined power of two Abnormal Titans this early on, and the two Titans fled the scene. However, Mikasa’s actions were not in vain. She revealed Reiner and Bertholdt’s true identities to everyone and showcased her fearlessness. Most Survey Corps members would have run in the other direction when faced with two powerful Titans, but Mikasa charged into battle, alone no less.

5

Mikasa Took Down The Female Titan, Annie Leonhart

It was Mikasa’s cunning action that allowed the Survey Corps to finally capture the Female Titan

The Female Titan’s identity was unknown early in season one, but the intelligent and introspective Armin Arlert narrowed the list of suspects down to Annie quite easily. He lured her into a private spot where her Titan transformation could not harm anyone and then the battle began. The Female Titan was quite the formidable foe, and she almost got away, but thanks to Mikasa, the Survey Corps members were victorious instead.

As the Female Titan scaled a tall wall and almost fled the battle scene, Mikasa acted quickly. She detached Annie from the wall after slicing off the Titan’s fingers with her blade. This specific battle shows Mikasa’s fast thinking, smarts, and, of course, her physical strength. Titans are proven to be rather muscular throughout the series, so it is remarkable that Mikasa could cut right through one’s fingers, especially so early on in her journey with the Survey Corps.

4

Mikasa Let Eren’s “Death” Early On In The Series Motivate Her

Rather than let Eren’s demise stop her from fighting, Mikasa chose to let it spur her on even further

A Titan consumed Eren whole in season 1 of Attack on Titan, horrifying Armin and Mikasa and instantly breaking their hearts. Mikasa had not ever known an existence without Eren, since he came into her life at such a young age, so she was unsure how to even go on after the monumental loss of someone she loved so much. Eren was not really dead at this time, and he unveiled his Titan powers later, but Mikasa did not know this and the death felt all too real to her.

For a moment, she felt utterly powerless and did lose some resolve to fight, but quickly regained her composure. She vowed to never give up, for Eren’s sake. She swore she would slay Titans for him and live so the memory of him could continue on through her. This displays her resilience, even in the face of what was a crushing, all-consuming loss for her. Since Mikasa is such a talented and ruthless fighter, many people fail to see her emotional, sentimental side. However, her deep love and dedication to others, especially Eren, is on full display in this scene, proving how multifaceted the hero is.

3

Mikasa Fought Kidnappers And Saved Herself And Eren From Death

Mikasa had a truly chilling and terrifying childhood experience, but managed to muster the strength to save both herself and Eren

When Mikasa was very young, a group of three kidnappers broke into her home, held her hostage, and killed her parents. They intended on selling her, but Eren broke in and put a stop to their evil plans. Eren struggled to fight against three grown men and was severely wounded, which left Mikasa no choice but to step in and take on the final kidnapper by herself.

In this truly dire and necessary moment, Mikasa’s “Ackerman strength” appeared seemingly out of nowhere, and she killed the man with a knife, in a brave display. This circumstance proves that Mikasa has been brave since childhood and that her desire to protect loved ones will always triumph over her fear. Most children placed in this frightening situation would be unable to act, paralyzed by fear. However, Mikasa mustered up just enough courage to save herself and Eren, proving her heroic nature from day one.

2

Mikasa Delivered A Threatening Speech And Almost Defeated Ymir

Her most threatening and memorable words yet occurred when Mikasa faced off against Ymir, the Jaw Titan

When Mikasa and the other Survey Corps members were pursuing Ymir in her Jaw Titan form, Historia stepped in for Ymir’s defense. Historia begged Mikasa to give grace to Ymir, but Mikasa did not give into Historia’s pleas at all. She instead threatened to kill Ymir, in a shocking and ruthless speech that indicated Mikasa would not show any mercy when dealing with the Jaw Titan.

Mikasa is often fairly soft-spoken and quiet, so hearing her deliver a speech filled with such violent remarks astounded many fans. However, this interaction is immensely memorable and quotable, and further solidified that Mikasa is not one to be messed with. Mikasa can be kind and loving indeed, but if someone jeopardizes the safety of her friends or innocent people, they had better watch out. No scene better depicts Mikasa’s unshakable morals and courageousness more than this scene.

1

Mikasa Attacked Levi In An Attempt To Save Armin

Mikasa stood up for Armin, pleading with Levi in the hopes he would give Armin the Titan serum and revive her best friend

In season three, Levi was faced with the most difficult choice he had ever faced. He had to decide who to give the one vial of Titan serum to: Erwin, his best friend, or the talented and wise Survey Corps member, Armin. Levi seemed like he was going to choose Erwin, and Mikasa refused to stand for this or support his choice.

Much to the shock of everyone else around them on the rooftop, Mikasa lunged at Levi and attempted to take the serum from him forcefully. She only stopped when Hange pinned her down and kept her from moving, revealing that she was nowhere close to giving up. Armin means a lot to Mikasa, as one of her childhood best friends, so it makes sense she would fight relentlessly to save him. Further than this, she knew he was well-equipped to be the future Commander of the Survey Corps, and wanted to ensure he had this chance. Mikasa is a phenomenal friend, willing to fight one of the most powerful men in the world to save Armin. This moment proves that she is completely devoted to those who have earned her love and respect.