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| Image by deviantart |
Global Popularity
From the very beginning, Attack on Titan stood out due to its unique premise and its intense, fast-paced narrative. It quickly gained a dedicated readership, thanks to its unpredictable plot twists, shocking character deaths, and rich world-building. As the story progressed, readers were drawn into the mysteries surrounding the Titans, the history of the world, and the complex political and military systems within the walls.
The manga’s success led to the development of an Anime adaptation, which debuted in 2013. Produced by “Wit Studio”, the anime skyrocketed “Attack on Titan” to international fame. The first season was a massive success, not only in Japan but also globally.
Hajime Isayama: The Creator’s Journey
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| Image by wikimedia |
Hajime Isayama was born in Oita Prefecture, Japan, in 1986. Growing up in a rural area, he developed a love for manga at an early age and was inspired by other works like “Dragon Ball”, “Neon Genesis Evangelion”, and “Mobile Suit Gundam”. In high school, Isayama made the decision to pursue a career as a “Mangaka” (manga artist) and moved to Tokyo after graduating.
However, his early years in the capital were difficult. Isayama faced rejection and struggled to get his work noticed. Despite this, he continued refining his art and storytelling style, eventually developing the concept for “Attack on Titan” in 2006. The idea behind the story was inspired in part by his feelings of isolation and fear during his move to Tokyo, where he felt overwhelmed by the vastness and density of the city.
“Attack on Titan” first appeared in a one-shot manga that Isayama submitted to “Kodansha’s Magazine Grand Prix” contest in 2006. Although it didn’t win the top prize, it received recognition, and this one-shot served as the foundation for what would eventually become “Attack on Titan”
Isayama’s inspiration for the Titans themselves came from an unsettling experience he had while working part-time at an internet café. One day, a customer became aggressive with him, and Isayama felt a deep sense of helplessness. This encounter, combined with his interest in psychology and the fear of things beyond human understanding, fueled the idea of the Titans—monstrous beings who resemble humans but are devoid of empathy.
The design of the Titans was also influenced by Isayama’s fascination with strange or surreal imagery. He wanted them to appear unsettling yet familiar, something both terrifying and recognizable. Their mindless hunger for human flesh and their uncanny appearance became a central motif in the series.
Initially, Isayama faced skepticism about his work. His art style was rough and unconventional by mainstream manga standards, and publishers were unsure if the dark, brutal nature of his story would appeal to readers. “Kodansha”, one of Japan’s biggest publishers, was also unsure about Attack on Titan due to its bleak and violent themes. However, after some back-and-forth, “Kodansha” eventually accepted the series, and it began serialization in their monthly “Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine” in 2009.
Influences and Inspirations
Isayama has cited several sources of inspiration for “Attack on Titan”, both within and outside of the manga and anime world. One of the most significant influences was the manga “Muv-Luv Alternative”, which features a similarly apocalyptic scenario where humanity fights against powerful alien creatures. Another major influence was the 2005 American film “The Mist”, which depicts characters trapped in a supermarket surrounded by otherworldly monsters. Isayama was captivated by the claustrophobic and desperate tone of the movie, which he later echoed in the walled cities of “Attack on Titan”.
In terms of themes, “Attack on Titan” also explores deep philosophical questions, such as the nature of freedom, the cycle of violence, and the corrupting influence of power—topics that reflect Isayama’s interest in historical events and human behavior. The series often draws parallels to real-world conflicts, totalitarian regimes, and the impact of war, making it a story with global resonance.
Evolution of the Story
As the series continued, Isayama’s vision for “Attack on Titan” expanded far beyond its initial survival-horror premise. What began as a story about humanity’s fight against the Titans gradually transformed into a complex, multi-layered narrative about geopolitics, history, and morality. The mysteries surrounding the Titans’ origin, the true nature of the world beyond the walls, and the power struggles between various factions turned “Attack on Titan” into something much larger than it first appeared.
Isayama also worked closely with the anime team to ensure that the adaptation remained true to his vision. The anime, produced by “Wit Studio” (for the first three seasons) and later “MAPPA” (for the final season), has been praised for maintaining the intensity of the original manga while adding its own flair through breathtaking animation and music.
Fan/Yeagerish reaction
The reactions and feedbacks from fans cant be described in words. The 10 years journey they spent with ”Attack on Titan” will always be appreciated not only for the next 10 years but for a lifetime. They will always recall this story in a way where, a boy saves a girl wrapping his scarf around her neck and the girl had to return the favor wrapping her knife around his neck. The memories of this story of MIKASA from ERENS point of view in ARMIN’s voice will always be engraved into their hearth and mind.
Conclusion
From a fledgling idea born out of fear and isolation to a world-renowned franchise, Attack on Titan has carved out its place in both anime and manga history. Hajime Isayama’s persistence in developing his unique vision paid off, creating a series that resonates with fans across the globe. With its blend of action, mystery, and philosophical depth, Attack on Titan stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the profound impact a single work of art can have on the world.