50 Facts About Attack On Titan (Manga)

Creation and Inspiration

Attack on Titan, also known as Shingeki no Kyojin, is a manga series that has taken the world by storm. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about its creation and inspiration.

1. Hajime Isayama, the creator, was born on August 29, 1986, in Oita Prefecture, Japan. His rural upbringing surrounded by mountains inspired the series' walled cities.
2. The initial concept was inspired by a Viking legend where gods built walls to protect themselves from evil giants.
3. Isayama's interests in history and mythology significantly influenced the story and characters.

Publication History

The journey of Attack on Titan from its first publication to its final chapter is a tale of success and global reach.

4. First published in Bessatsu Shonen Magazine in September 2009, the series ran for over a decade.
5. The final chapter was published on September 9, 2020.
6. The manga has been collected into 34 volumes and translated into numerous languages.

Storyline Overview

The dark and suspenseful storyline of Attack on Titan has captivated millions. Here are some key points about the plot and themes.

7. The series is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is on the brink of extinction.
8. It follows Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert as they join the Scout Regiment to fight Titans.
9. Themes explored include survival, sacrifice, and the human condition.

Characters and Names

The characters in Attack on Titan are rich and complex, each with unique backgrounds and inspirations.

10. Eren Yeager: His name means ‘saint’ or ‘holy person’ in Turkish. His surname, Yeager, comes from the German word ‘Jaeger,’ meaning ‘hunter.’
11. Mikasa Ackerman: Named after a battleship of the Imperial Japanese Navy, her nickname, "worth one thousand soldiers," is inspired by a legendary female Japanese warrior Tomoe Gozen.
12. Armin Arlert: Voiced by Marina Inoue, who is also the series' narrator. Known for his intelligence and strategic thinking.

Titan Forms

The Titans are central to the series' intrigue. Here are some interesting facts about their forms and inspirations.

13. Titans are giant humanoid creatures that devour humans without apparent reason.
14. Eren’s Titan form, the "Rogue Titan," was modeled after middleweight mixed martial artist Yushin Okami.
15. The Armored Titan is based on professional wrestler and mixed martial artist Brock Lesnar.

Character Inspirations

Many characters in Attack on Titan were inspired by real-life figures and other fictional characters.

16. Levi Ackerman: Modeled after Rorschach from the Watchmen series, known for his cleanliness obsession and combat skills.
17. Hange Zoë: Inspired by scientists like Marie Curie and Nikola Tesla.
18. Ymir: Voiced by Saki Fujita, who also provides the voice for popular vocaloid Hatsune Miku.

Themes

The series delves into deep and often dark themes, making it a thought-provoking read.

19. Explores themes like survival, sacrifice, and the nature of humanity.
20. Delves into psychological aspects such as trauma, PTSD, and the effects of living in a world filled with Titans.

Cultural Impact

Attack on Titan has left a significant mark on global culture, influencing various media and fan activities.

21. Inspired numerous fan art, cosplay, and fan fiction.
22. Influenced other media such as video games and anime series.
23. In 2013, Universal Studios Japan built a special theme park featuring iconic Titans from the series.

Controversies and Censorship

Despite its popularity, Attack on Titan has faced its share of controversies.

24. Blacklisted in China due to its violent content.
25. Despite the ban, the series remains popular globally, with over 100 million copies sold.

Crossovers and Collaborations

Attack on Titan has crossed paths with other popular franchises, creating unique collaborations.

26. In 2014, Isayama collaborated with Marvel Comics to create a crossover comic titled "Attack on Avengers."
27. This comic was published in the Japanese magazine Brutus and featured characters from both Attack on Titan and Marvel Universe.

Character Birthdays

The birthdays of some characters hold special significance.

28. Armin Arlert: Born on November 3rd, celebrated in Japan as a day for academics and the fine arts.
29. Levi Ackerman: Born on December 25th, Christmas Day.
30. Marco Bott: Born on June 16th, exactly halfway through the year, significant as only half of his body was found after his death.

Sales and Rankings

Attack on Titan has achieved remarkable sales and rankings in the manga world.

31. With over 100 million copies sold, it is the 14th highest selling manga globally.
32. The highest selling manga is One Piece with over 500 million copies sold.

Titan Powers and Graduates

The series features characters with unique Titan powers, especially among the top graduates of the 104th training squad.

33. Four of the top five graduates had Titan powers: Reiner, Bertolt, Annie, and Zeke.
34. The only exception is Mikasa Ackerman, who is so powerful that she doesn’t need Titan powers.

Eren’s Character and Design

Eren Yeager's character and design have interesting origins and inspirations.

35. Eren’s desire to go beyond the walls reflects Isayama’s childhood yearning to explore beyond his village.
36. Eren was designed to look like a secret service member in a music video called "Paris Hilton for President."
37. His actual character inspiration came from a German military man named Irwin Rommel.

Ending Controversy

The ending of Attack on Titan sparked mixed reactions among fans.

38. Isayama originally planned for everyone to die at the end of the series.
39. Due to its immense popularity, he changed the ending to avoid disappointing fans.
40. Despite this, many fans still felt that the revised ending was unsatisfactory.

Military and Technology

The series features various military and technological elements that add depth to its world-building.

41. Marley’s Air Force: Despite relying on Titan power, Marley had an air force, unlike Paradis, which had only land and marine forces.
42. Paradis’s Zeppelin is likely a Marleyan one, as it would be difficult to leave Paradis undetected with such an airship.
43. Onyankopon is capable of piloting an airship and an airplane, possibly receiving extra training from Zeke before joining the Marley army.

Zeke’s Strategic Moves

Zeke Yeager's strategic moves played a crucial role in advancing Paradis’s technology.

44. Zeke’s loyalists were specifically placed on survey ships to arrive at Paradis.
45. This suggests they were not part of their usual deployment, indicating a strategic move by Zeke.

Eren’s Titan Kills

Eren Yeager's prowess in battle is evident in his Titan kills.

46. Eren has the highest Titan kills among the 104th training squad.
47. If only human-form kills are counted, he has only one.

Episode Highlights

Certain episodes of the series have been particularly acclaimed for their intensity and emotional depth.

48. Isayama considers episode 11 from season 3 as the best episode of the series.
49. This episode is highly acclaimed for its intense action sequences and emotional depth.

Miscellaneous Facts

Here are some additional intriguing facts about the series.

50. The lightning spears used by the Scout Regiment were initially depicted as able to pierce and crack the armor of the Armored Titan. This was later corrected in the anime where the spears get stuck in the space between plates made of meat, and it is only the explosion that destroys the plates.

The Legacy of Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan has left an indelible mark on the world of manga and beyond. With its gripping storyline, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, it has captivated millions globally. Hajime Isayama's creation, inspired by mythology and personal experiences, has grown into a cultural phenomenon. From Eren Yeager's relentless drive to uncover the truth to the intricate designs of the Titans, every element of the series has been meticulously crafted. Despite controversies and bans, its popularity remains unwavering. The series has inspired countless adaptations, fan creations, and even theme park attractions. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, Attack on Titan offers a rich, immersive experience that challenges and entertains. Its legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence and inspire future generations of manga enthusiasts.