The Ackerman clan produced two of Attack on Titan’s deadliest soldiers: Captain Levi and Mikasa Ackerman. Both are combat prodigies with identical bloodline abilities. But who’s actually stronger, and who’s the better character?
Combat Abilities
Levi’s Dominance
Levi is canonically “humanity’s strongest soldier.” His feats include:
- Defeating the Beast Titan alone (multiple times)
- Killing dozens of Titans single-handedly
- Surviving explosion point-blank from Thunder Spears
- Fighting while severely injured
His speed and precision are unmatched. The “Levi vs Beast Titan” sequence is anime’s greatest ODM animation.
Mikasa’s Ferocity
Mikasa is described as “worth a hundred soldiers.” Her feats include:
- Protecting Eren throughout the series
- Taking down the War Hammer Titan
- Killing Eren in the finale
- Consistently outperforming all peers
She’s the strongest of her generation by a massive margin.
Direct Comparison
Isayama has stated Levi is stronger than Mikasa. Key factors:
- Experience: Levi has decades more combat
- Technique: Levi’s form is perfect; Mikasa relies more on power
- Feats: Levi’s best moments surpass Mikasa’s
Winner in combat: Levi
Character Analysis
Levi: The Tragic Soldier
Levi’s character is defined by loss. Everyone he cares about dies:
- His mother (childhood)
- Farlan and Isabel (before main story)
- His original squad (Female Titan arc)
- Erwin (Return to Shiganshina)
- Hange (final arc)
Yet he keeps fighting. His devotion to Erwin’s dream and his care for subordinates show depth beneath the stoicism.
Mikasa: The Devoted Protector
Mikasa’s character centers on Eren. This is both strength and weakness:
- Strength: Her love is genuine and motivates heroic actions
- Weakness: She has little identity outside Eren
Her arc conclusion—choosing to kill Eren—represents breaking from obsessive devotion. It’s powerful but comes very late.
Writing Quality Comparison
Levi’s Consistency
Levi maintains characterization throughout AoT. His humor, trauma, and dedication stay consistent while deepening. The “dirty” running gag ties to his underground origins. His final arc (hunting Zeke) provides satisfying closure.
Mikasa’s Underdevelopment
This is controversial but common criticism: Mikasa doesn’t develop enough. She has moments of depth (the scarf scenes, her final choice), but too much of her screentime reduces to “Eren…” Compare her arc to Reiner, Jean, or even minor characters.
Better written: Levi
Popularity and Impact
Both are massively popular, but Levi consistently tops character polls:
- Most popular AoT character in Japan
- Merchandising powerhouse
- Spawned “Levi stan” culture
Mikasa is popular but often placed behind Levi, Eren, and sometimes Erwin or Hange.
Role in the Story
Levi’s Narrative Function
Levi serves as:
- Power ceiling for humans
- Erwin’s executor
- Audience surrogate for rage against Titans
- Symbol of humanity’s defiance
Mikasa’s Narrative Function
Mikasa serves as:
- Eren’s protector (limiting his agency early on)
- Representative of unconditional love
- The one who ends Eren
- Symbol of moving past tragedy
Mikasa’s role in the ending is more thematically important, even if her journey is less developed.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Combat Ability | Levi |
| Character Development | Levi |
| Thematic Importance | Mikasa |
| Popularity | Levi |
| Memorability | Levi |
Overall: Levi is the better character. Mikasa’s importance to the ending doesn’t compensate for underdevelopment throughout the series. Both Ackermans are legendary, but Levi simply has more to work with.
Related: Levi Ackerman: Why Attack on Titan’s Captain Became an Icon