Attack On Titan

The anime series Attack on Titan has become a cultural phenomenon since its release, attracting a massive global fanbase. But it didn’t start out as anime.

The Manga Source

Attack on Titan originated as a manga series written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama. The first chapter was published in Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine on September 9, 2009. Isayama’s unique storytelling and grim art style quickly captured readers’ attention.

Isayama has admitted that the series was influenced by various personal experiences and cultural elements. Growing up in a remote village surrounded by mountains, the idea of giants lurking beyond the walls was a concept that fascinated him.

Moreover, a real-life encounter with an aggressive customer while working in an internet café served as an inspiration for the human-eating Titans, symbolizing the unpredictability of human nature.

Attack On Titan’s Anime Adaptation

The anime adaptation was announced in 2012, and the first episode aired on April 7, 2013. Produced by Wit Studio, the series was directed by Tetsurō Araki, who was known for his work on Death Note and Highschool of the Dead.

The anime stayed true to the original manga while enhancing the visual experience with stunning animation. The Titans’ grotesque designs, the thrilling aerial combat using Omni-Directional Mobility Gear, and the intense performances by the show’s voice actors contributed to its critical acclaim.

International Success

Attack on Titan‘s success was not confined to Japan. The series gained immense popularity internationally, aided by its availability on platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation.

Themes and Symbolism

Attack on Titan explores deep and often grim themes such as freedom, oppression, survival, and human nature. The walled city where humanity resides is a powerful metaphor for confinement, fear, and the unknown horrors that lie beyond the comfort zones of society.

The Titans themselves serve as allegories for different facets of humanity, such as primal fear, power, and the unknown. They can be seen as a representation of societal fears and the often uncontrollable forces of nature.

Critical Reception and Cultural Impact

Attack on Titan has received critical acclaim for its storytelling, character development, thematic depth, and animation quality. It has won numerous awards, including the Micheluzzi Award for Best Foreign Manga and the Kodansha Manga Award.

The series has also influenced pop culture, with references and parodies appearing in various other media. Its original opening theme, “Guren no Yumiya,” became a viral hit. Merchandise, video games, and even a live-action adaptation followed the success of the anime.

AOTC’s English Voice Cast

Eren Jaeger

Bryce Papenbrooke

Armin Artlet

Josh Grelle

Mikasa Ackerman

Trina Nishimura

Erwin Smith

J. Michale Tatum

Levi Ackerman

Matthew Mercer

Jean Kirschtein

Mike McFarland

Sasha Braus

Ashly Burch

Conny Springer

Clifford Chapin

Reiner Braun

Robert McCollum

Ymir

Elizabeth Maxwell

Krista Lenz

Bryn Appril

Hange Zoe

Jessica Calvello

Dive deep into the world of Attack on Titan with our dedicated glossary of Attack on Titan terminology and technology.

Omni-Directional Gear
Founding Titan: How Does It Work And Why Is It A Doomsday Weapon?
The Different Titans, Explained