I have not read Shingeki no Kyojin manga past the end of the Season Four anime

I think that the new studio picking up this "titan" of a show was very brave and served this season particularly well. A new setting and time period fits a new animation style. The art, animation, and music are in my opinion the best the show has ever been at in this season. The new characters are nothing but an upgrade to the cast. The biggest criticism I see of season four is that the story is slow and boring at times. Maybe besides the exception of season one, this is the darkest season in the whole show. There are no happy moments of any sort in this season. Every moment is a loss for someone. This season is just straight-up depressing for the most part. However, this doesn't negatively impact the season or the show in any way. This season hosts my personal favorite episode in the show (Declaration of War) and also what I believe to be the tied for best in the whole show: Assault (next to Hero of course!) This season is so well put together obviously thanks to Isayama.

It was super troll to announce "The Final Season Part Two" even as a concept but I think it is fair to say there is no way MAPPA could fit past season 3.5 into just 16 episodes. If this was really the case, the first few episodes focusing on the humanity of Marley would have had to have been compressed to at most two episodes. Thankfully, however, this was not the case and we got to see the manga animated in full form.

Easily my favorite part is the music though. The music in this whole show is the reason I can call AOT my favorite. If it was not for the awesome music I would not love this show as much as I do. And I think season four does more than just honor the past seasons' soundtracks. The Warhammer's theme is incredible and just screams the victorian era that this season is set in (yes I do realize ww2 as well). The architecture of Marley is very medieval and the Warhammer Titan fits it so well, specifically the opening to the song.

Season four introduces a number of new characters while having to balance out the returning cast. My favorite characters of this season in no order are Gabi, Zeke, Pieck, Levi, and Eren. I don't think that any character is exactly "left behind" by the overwhelming character work the show now has to deal with also. Every character is in their own position going into the final part of the final season.

Season 3.5 has a completely different setting and story behind it compared to the Final season, and I still am not sure if they really can be compared. Eren as a protagonist is completely different and in turn, so is the show. Season 3 part 2 ends for the most part on a happy and feel-good note while season four is uneasy and tense.

My final verdict is that while no, I don't believe this season is better than 3 part 2, it is for sure up for debate.