A decade and more than ninety episodes later,Attack on Titan, one of the most devastating and powerful pieces of fiction ever animated, has come to an end. The sprawling final season of this dark tale had its first run of chapters in December 2020 and concluded withtwo specials airing in 2023.
Now that everything is said and done, it’s safe to say anime (and all animated TV for that matter) will never be the same, as the show transcended every possible convention that could be attached to it. Initially a mysterious fantasy tale of good and evil, it went on to become a profound and tragic study of humanity’s struggle to find common ground.
Adapted from Hajime Isayama’s manga of the same name,Attack on Titanbegan airing in 2013 and earned rave reviews from both critics and audiences. Its fandom rose quickly, and became one of the highest grossing anime franchises in the world.Attack on Titanhas also been praised for venturing into themes and ideas beyond what is expected from the genre, making it one of the shows responsible for bringing anime further into mainstream culture.
Attack On Titan
There’s a lot to be said aboutAttack on Titan.Discussions surrounding almost every subject that the story tackled have flooded the internet for years, and will probably continue to do so. It can take a while to digest it all, so here’s a detailed account of everything you should know about this game-changing saga.
What Is Attack on Titan About?
The story is set in a world where humanity resides within enormous walled cities to protect themselves from gigantic humanoid creatures known as titans who, according to what’s taught to children, appeared out of nowhere. These titans devour humans seemingly without reason, leading people to live in constant fear.
Eren Yeager, a defiant child who lives along of the outer wall of one of the cities, becomes determined to eliminate all the titans after his home is destroyed and his mother is killed by one. He decides to join the Scout Regiment, a military branch dedicated to exploring the world outside the walls.
He is joined by his adoptive sister Mikasa and best friend Armin Arlert in a quest to free humanity and learn the truth about their world. As the story progresses, the mysteries begin to unravel and a complex multilayered narrative unfolds, seamlessly blending action, suspense, drama, existentialism, and philosophy.
Who Are the Protagonists?
Alongside Eren, Mikasa, and Armin are the other Scout Regiment recruits who become part of their core group. These include Jean Kirstein, Connie Springer, Sasha Blouse, and Krista Lenz. Also, a part of the regiment are their superiors, Erwin Smith, Levi Ackerman, and Hange Zoë.
As the story progresses, the cast goes through constant changes, as a lot of characters face untimely deaths while new ones become introduced in the later seasons. Each of the leads is extremely well constructed, and face internal and external dilemmas at every turn. Some of the core themes the show presents and through which characters go through are survival, sacrifice, and the consequences of seeking freedom in a world they don’t fully understand.
How Do They Fight the Titans?
The Scout Regiment is largely disadvantaged against the monsters that live outside the walls. At the beginning of the show, they are perceived by some as heroes, and by others as suicidal maniacs who do nothing but waste their tax money. Usually any time they went outside the walls, they would lose a significant percentage of their numbers. The might of the titans grew in part thanks to this, and it’s not like they were fighting them with their bare hands only.
Attack on Titan: Character Guide and Descriptions
As one of the most important anime sagas of all time reaches its titanic conclusion, here’s a compilation of Attack on Titan’s relevant characters
The regiment developed what they called multidimensional gear, which consisted of gas-powered grappling hooks and maneuvering thrusters attached to the soldiers' waists, allowing them to traverse the three-dimensional space with incredible speed and precision. With this, they can manage to get near to the titans and at their weak point, located at the nape of their necks.
In addition to the multidimensional gear, the scouts wield specially designed weapons, with the primary weapon of choice being a hardened steel blade, which is used for slicing through the tough skin of the titans. These blades are attached to the soldiers' gear and can be replaced as they dull from intense battles. Often, squads of scouts coordinate their attacks to distract and disorient the titans, allowing one member to execute a precise strike. And still, sometimes this is not enough to kill a titan, which makes every episode an uphill battle, as the stakes seem to always be at their highest.
What Lies Behind the Plot?
Part of the high praise thatAttack on Titanhas received is because ofits complicated themes, which differ from a lot of preconceived ideas of what an anime entails. Right at the beginning of the story,survival and freedomare the clear-cut thematic forces behind the narrative, but through nearly every episode, the veil which covers the truth about their world slowly begins to fade, giving away a more complex and dark reality than what was previously thought.
The story transcends the confines of fantasy adventure, and becomes (especially in its final season) a complex dramatic saga about humanity’s historical struggles. Political and sociological notions are incorporated as the story enters its final arcs and the characters come face to face with the consequences of their actions, and what they must do to survive in a cruel world. As they grow, Eren, his friends, and their adversaries ponder thought-provoking questions about morality and power, adding depth and complexity to the traditional anime formula.
Cultural Impact and Change in Anime
Attack on Titanhas had a profound impact onthe anime industry, contributing to a shift in the landscape of storytelling and audience expectations. Its success demonstrated that anime could appeal to a global audience and transcend cultural boundaries. Part of what sets this saga apart from the rest of anime is how it strays away from certain conventions in terms of storytelling and performance that are found in most anime.
Despite having a few lighthearted scenes, there are so many more moments that are visually gruesome, traumatizing, or portray unfiltered human pain. Hope is at an all-time low through most of the story, and since its premiere, its gritty, unapologetic nature has had an impact on the world of anime. The equally grimVinland Sagais a perfect example ofAttack on Titan’sinfluence.
It’s One of the World’s Biggest Franchises
Both the manga and anime have been highly successful and have won numerous awards. With over 120 million copies in circulation, the magna is one of the best-selling of all time. And for a time in 2021, the anime wasthe most viewed show in the United States— more thanWandaVisionorThe Mandalorian. It has even been referenced in The Simpsons, proving the show has become part of western popular culture.
Attack on Titan: The Best Episodes, Ranked
Attack on Titan is one of the best-running anime of all time, with its incredible world-building along with the political intrigue and action.
The popularity ofAttack on Titangoes beyond themanga and anime, all the way to memorabilia, all sorts of products, and even a theme park. It’s safe to say that its impact worldwide will last just as much as other iconic manga and anime, such asNeon Genesis: Evangelion. This would be a great comparison, as it introduced complicated and adult themes into anime more than a decade before.
Interpretations and Controversy
Attack on Titanhas sparked numerous interpretations and controversies since its inception. One prevalent interpretation revolves around the series' exploration of history and politics, and the dehumanization of others. The walls that protect humanity from the titans can be seen as both physical and metaphorical barriers, representing isolationism and fear of the unknown.
The military hierarchy, the strict enforcement of rules, and the sacrifices made for the “greater good” in the series draw parallels to real-world historical events, prompting discussions about the dangers of unchecked power and the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the machinery of war. Controversies exist around the moral ambiguity surrounding some characters' actions.
Additionally, the series has faced criticism for its handling of certain themes, including the representation ofrace and the use of symbolismthat could be interpreted in different ways. Many have debated over whether certain narrative choices contribute to or challenge harmful ideologies. Others have noted that the interpretation of these notions is a fair account of humanity and its historical struggles for understanding. As of today, there exists a certain division within the fanbase, regarding the story’sending and approach, adding yet another layer to a complex story which is, if nothing else, complex and intricate. For fans of anime though, it is certainly worth the time.
