Attack on Titan, known as Shingeki no Kyojin in Japanese, has become a global phenomenon since its debut. Created by Hajime Isayama, this manga series, later adapted into a popular anime, captivates audiences with its intense action, deep storylines, and complex characters. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about Attack on Titan, from its premise and characters to its themes and story arcs.
The Premise
Setting
Attack on Titan is set in a world where humanity lives in fear of Titans, gigantic humanoid creatures that devour humans. To protect themselves, humans have built three massive walls: Wall Maria, Wall Rose, and Wall Sina. These walls have provided a century of peace until the appearance of the Colossal Titan.
Plot Overview
The story begins in the Shiganshina District, part of Wall Maria. Eren Yeager, along with his friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, witness the sudden attack of the Colossal Titan, which breaches Wall Maria. This catastrophic event leads to the invasion of smaller Titans, resulting in massive destruction and loss of life. Motivated by personal tragedy, Eren vows to eradicate the Titans and joins the military to fight them.
Main Characters
Eren Yeager
Eren Yeager is the main protagonist, known for his fiery determination and unyielding resolve to exterminate all Titans. Throughout the series, Eren’s character undergoes significant development as he grapples with his identity, powers, and the truth behind the Titans.
Mikasa Ackerman
Mikasa Ackerman, Eren’s adoptive sister, is a skilled and powerful fighter. She is fiercely protective of Eren, often risking her life to ensure his safety. Her combat prowess and strategic mind make her an indispensable member of the Survey Corps.
Armin Arlert
Armin Arlert, Eren and Mikasa’s childhood friend, is known for his intelligence and tactical acumen. Although not the strongest in combat, Armin’s keen mind and ability to devise effective strategies make him a crucial asset in humanity’s fight against the Titans.
Levi Ackerman
Captain Levi Ackerman is revered as humanity’s strongest soldier. His exceptional skills and unwavering resolve have earned him a legendary status among the Survey Corps. Levi’s cold demeanor hides a deep sense of duty and loyalty to his comrades.
Erwin Smith
Erwin Smith, the former commander of the Survey Corps, is a charismatic and visionary leader. His strategic brilliance and unyielding commitment to uncovering the truth about the Titans drive much of the series’ progression.
Historia Reiss
Historia Reiss, also known as Krista Lenz, is revealed to be the true heir to the throne within the walls. Her character arc involves a journey of self-discovery and accepting her role in the larger conflict against the Titans.
The Titans
Titans are the central antagonists in the early part of the series. These gigantic, humanoid creatures come in various sizes and possess regenerative abilities, making them formidable foes.
Types of Titans
Pure Titans: Pure Titans are mindless creatures driven by an insatiable hunger for humans. They range from 3 to 15 meters in height and exhibit a variety of grotesque forms.
Abnormal Titans: Abnormal Titans behave unpredictably, often displaying unusual intelligence or abilities. Their erratic behavior makes them particularly dangerous in combat.
Intelligent Titans: Intelligent Titans, or Titan Shifters, possess the ability to transform between human and Titan forms. These Titans, including Eren, Reiner, and Annie, play pivotal roles in the series.
Colossal Titan: The Colossal Titan stands at 60 meters and is known for its immense size and destructive power. Its ability to release scalding steam makes it a devastating weapon.
Armored Titan: The Armored Titan has hardened, armor-like skin, providing it with incredible defense. This Titan’s strength and resilience pose significant challenges to the military.
Female Titan: The Female Titan, controlled by Annie Leonhart, is known for its agility, combat skills, and intelligence. Its appearance introduces the concept of human-controlled Titans.
Beast Titan: The Beast Titan, controlled by Zeke Yeager, has a distinct ape-like appearance and the ability to throw objects with devastating accuracy. It also possesses the power to control other Titans.
Founding Titan: The Founding Titan is a legendary Titan with the ability to control other Titans and alter human memories. This Titan’s power is central to the series’ overarching mystery.
Attack Titan: The Attack Titan, controlled by Eren Yeager, is known for its combat prowess and the ability to access the memories of previous inheritors. It plays a crucial role in uncovering the truth about the Titans.
The Walls
Humanity’s last stronghold consists of three concentric walls:
Wall Maria
Wall Maria is the outermost wall and the first line of defense against the Titans. Its breach by the Colossal Titan sets the stage for the series’ events.
Wall Rose
Wall Rose is the middle wall, providing an additional layer of protection. It becomes a critical battleground as the story progresses.
Wall Sina
Wall Sina is the innermost wall, protecting the central government and the privileged class. It holds many of the series’ darkest secrets.
Military Branches
Survey Corps
The Survey Corps, or Scout Regiment, ventures outside the walls to gather intelligence and fight Titans. Known for their high casualty rate, they are dedicated to uncovering the truth about the Titans.
Garrison Regiment
The Garrison Regiment is responsible for defending the walls and maintaining order within them. They play a crucial role in protecting civilians during Titan attacks.
Military Police Brigade
The Military Police Brigade operates within Wall Sina, maintaining law and order. Often viewed as corrupt, they prioritize the protection of the central government and the privileged class.
Story Arcs
The Fall of Shiganshina Arc
The series begins with the Fall of Shiganshina, introducing the main characters and setting the stage for the conflict against the Titans.
The Female Titan Arc
This arc explores the emergence of the Female Titan, leading to the discovery of human-controlled Titans within the military ranks.
The Clash of the Titans Arc
The identities of several Titan shifters are revealed, escalating the conflict and unveiling hidden agendas.
The Uprising Arc
Focusing on internal political struggles, this arc delves into the secrets of the walls and the true nature of the Titans.
The Return to Shiganshina Arc
The Survey Corps’ mission to reclaim Wall Maria and uncover the secrets in Eren’s basement reaches a climax, revealing shocking truths about the Titans and humanity’s history.
The Marley Arc
Shifting the perspective to the outside world, this arc introduces new characters and explores the global conflict between Marley and Eldia.
The War for Paradis Arc
The final arc brings all the plotlines together, culminating in an epic battle for the future of humanity. The true intentions of the main characters and the fate of the world are revealed.
Themes
Freedom and Oppression
Attack on Titan delves into the struggle for freedom against oppressive forces, whether they be Titans, corrupt governments, or societal constraints.
Identity and Transformation
The series explores themes of identity, with characters undergoing significant transformations and grappling with their roles in the larger conflict.
Sacrifice and Survival
The harsh realities of survival necessitate difficult choices and sacrifices, highlighting the cost of humanity’s fight against the Titans.
Truth and Deception
Uncovering the truth behind the Titans and the history of humanity is a central theme, with deception and hidden agendas driving much of the plot.
The Manga
Hajime Isayama’s manga, serialized in Kodansha’s Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine from September 2009 to April 2021, has garnered widespread acclaim. The manga’s intricate plot and detailed artwork have earned it a dedicated fanbase and numerous awards.
The Anime
The anime adaptation, produced by Wit Studio and later by MAPPA, has brought the story to a global audience. Its high-quality animation, intense action scenes, and faithful adaptation of the manga have contributed to its popularity.
Seasons Overview
Season 1: Season 1 introduces the main characters, the world of Titans, and the fall of Wall Maria. It sets the stage for the series’ overarching conflict.
Season 2: Season 2 delves deeper into the mysteries of the Titans, revealing hidden shifters and escalating the tension.
Season 3: Split into two parts, Season 3 explores internal political struggles and the mission to reclaim Wall Maria, culminating in significant revelations about the Titans.
Season 4: The final season, also split into parts, shifts the focus to the outside world and the global conflict, bringing the story to its epic conclusion.
Conclusion
Attack on Titan is a masterfully crafted series that has captivated audiences worldwide with its intense action, compelling characters, and deep, intricate storyline. From its humble beginnings in Shiganshina to the epic battles that shape humanity’s future, the series explores themes of freedom, identity, sacrifice, and truth. Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time fan, there’s always something new to discover in the world of Attack on Titan. As the final chapters unfold, fans eagerly await the resolution of this epic saga and the ultimate fate of Eren, his friends, and humanity itself. Above is some information you can know about Attack on Titan. Click here for more information and our products!