I know a lot of people who absolutely adore this series. I've seen the first episode of the anime and thought it was alright, so I decided to give the manga a shot since I typically like the comic better than the animated version. I felt sort of meh about this first volume. It introduces a lot of characters (view spoiler)[(most of whom get eaten) (hide spoiler)] and I found it a bit difficult to keep track of everyone except Mikasa. Eren struck me as a bit annoying; I don't love him, but I don't hate him, either. 
 (view spoiler)[I like the idea that the main character could die at the end of the first volume - I'm not sure if someone else will be the main character now or if Eren will somehow return, but either way, as a fellow author, I respect how difficult it is to kill your darlings. (hide spoiler)] Hajime Isayama does a good job of conveying the sheer helplessness of the humans -- both the civilians and the military personnel -- so while I didn't love this first installment, I'll stick with the series and try another volume or two.