‘Attack on Titan’ Creator Reflects on Regrets About the Anime’s Ending

Avatar photoRobert Milaković
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Recent comments from Hajime Isayama have sparked renewed discussion regarding the conclusion of Attack on Titan, particularly focusing on Eren Yeager’s character arc. These insights were shared during an exhibition at the Attack on Titan Museum in Hita City, Japan, capturing the attention of fans and media alike.

Isayama reflects on Eren’s evolution as a character, emphasizing that he was never intended to be straightforward. Instead, Eren’s development was influenced by his internal struggles and the harsh realities of his world, ultimately leading him down a dark path marked by significant destruction.

In his remarks, Isayama elaborates on Eren’s role in the narrative, stating, “Eren became a protagonist who committed mass slaughter on a scale rarely seen in other works of fiction. As for why I conceived such a story from the beginning, part of it was my desire to create a narrative with a major twist—where the victim becomes the perpetrator.”

He also reflects on his mindset during his younger years, acknowledging how it may have influenced his writing. Isayama admits that some of Eren’s darker traits were linked to his personal thoughts when the manga began. Over time, Eren transformed into a more intricate character than he initially planned, especially as readers formed a deep connection with him.

Isayama notes that the story’s direction shifted once Eren gained widespread popularity among fans. He explains that it became challenging to portray him solely as a negative figure, resulting in a final narrative that showcases Eren with greater emotional depth and sympathy rather than as entirely hateful.

He adds, “However, Attack on Titan had long since ceased to be mine alone, and Eren became a character loved by many readers. In the end, without fully committing to portraying him as a detestable figure, I found myself depicting him with a certain closeness and sympathy. As a result, I feel there remains a sense of insincerity in the story’s conclusion—at least in my own assessment.”

The ending of Attack on Titan has been a topic of debate for quite some time. Some fans felt it progressed too quickly, while others accepted the conclusion. Additional pages were later added to the final chapter to provide more detail and expand certain aspects of the ending, yet discussions around it persist.

Isayama’s recent reflections add another dimension to this ongoing debate, revealing that even the creator perceives parts of the ending as flawed and influenced by external pressures, including audience reactions and the lengthy development of the series.

Eren’s journey remains one of the most discussed elements of the series. He begins as a character fueled by anger and loss, ultimately taking extreme actions that alter the entire world of the story. This transformation is what makes him both controversial and unforgettable.

Isayama’s statement underscores the challenges of concluding a long-running story, particularly when the main character becomes beloved by fans. Eren’s final portrayal straddles the line between villain and victim, which is part of what keeps the conversation alive.

It is intriguing when creators candidly express doubts about their own work, illustrating how narratives can evolve beyond their original intentions. Eren’s ending may never fully satisfy everyone, but it undoubtedly left a lasting impact. What are your thoughts on Isayama’s comments and the conclusion of Attack on Titan? Do you agree with his perspective? Share your opinions in the comments.

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