Attack on Titan: The Series Initial Concept, Explained

by

Attack on Titan: The Series Initial Concept, Explained

Key Takeaways

  • Hajime Isayama created Attack on Titan at age 19, his first and only manga.
  • Shōnen Jump rejected the story due to its dark setting, influencing its serialization elsewhere.
  • Muv-Luv Alternative heavily influenced Isayama, shaping Attack on Titan’s apocalyptic setting.

As a gamer with a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of anime, I can’t help but marvel at the extraordinary journey of Hajime Isayama and his magnum opus, Attack on Titan. Born just a few years after I started exploring the vast digital realms of gaming, this young man’s life story mirrors the spirit of adventure that we, as gamers, embody.

Anime series ‘Attack on Titan’, first broadcast in 2013, has left a lasting impression and gained immense popularity over time. It has managed to enthrall both seasoned anime enthusiasts and attract many newcomers to the medium. However, much like other notable works, ‘Attack on Titan’ didn’t instantaneously become the phenomenon it is recognized as today.

It wasn’t until several years had passed that a young, innovative spirit came to understand something so extraordinary it seemed impossible. That’s when Hajime Isayama, starting with nothing more than an idea, crafted a magnificent piece of art and catapulted himself into the limelight and fame. With no previous works under his belt and limited artistic abilities, the Attack on Titan manga was born.

Hajime Isayama, a 19-year-old Genius

Out of Nowhere

Attack on Titan: The Series Initial Concept, Explained

Hajime Isayama, born on August 29, 1986, spent his high school years engrossed in anime and video games instead of dating like his peers. He began drawing at a young age, showcasing an exceptional and innovative mind. A significant event occurred during his part-time job at a cybercafe when he encountered a drunk man, an encounter that profoundly influenced his life. This interaction left him bewildered and unsettled, as he struggled to connect with this fellow human being. It was then that he understood that the greatest fear humans harbor is other humans themselves.

I am free. Whatever I do, whatever I choose, I do it out of my own free will.

During this period, he came across a video game titled Muv-Luv Alternative. The narrative revolves around a world where humankind is on the brink of extinction due to an alien invasion. Humans counteract the extraterrestrial threat using colossal and potent mecha. The game incorporates time travel and ends in a tragic manner, with all characters meeting grim demises. This video game significantly inspired Isayama to craft his unique story. Between 2003 and 2005, he embarked on the creation of a 65-page standalone manga.

Initially, he sent his completed story to Shōnen Jump, hoping they’d publish it in serial form. Unfortunately, they rejected it promptly, finding the narrative far too grim and violent for their magazine. But when Isayama refused to soften his story, he decided to look elsewhere for publication. He submitted his work to Weekly Shōnen Magazine, a Kodansha subsidiary. To his delight, they accepted to publish his story in the Monthly Shōnen Magazin. This first piece eventually evolved into Attack on Titan.

Attack on Titan: A Smash Hit

A New Era of Anime

Despite frequent criticisms of his art being inferior to other manga and feeling deeply dissatisfied with his own work, Isayama’s series was consistently published in Monthly Shōnen Magazine for over a decade. Over time, his artwork significantly improved, reaching exceptional levels by the conclusion of the story.

This world is cruel, but it is also beautiful.

The influence of his favorite video game, Muv-Luv, is easily recognizable in Attack on Titan. The apocalyptical setting is very reminiscent of the stage of humanity in the series, as an alien threat that suddenly invades almost completely wipes out the human race. And how teenagers employ giant machines to fight this threat. The time-traveling aspect didn’t become apparent until many years later, but it ended up being one of the most vital elements of Attack on Titan. However, the depressing ending is something that led some fans to believe that the series would go in the same direction, but obviously, this was not the case.

  • Hajime Isayama started Attack on Titan at age 19
  • Shōnen Jump declined the story due to its dark setting
  • Muv-Luv Alternative seems to be the biggest influence on Isayama.
  • Attack on Titan is Isayama’s first and only manga.

It’s been pointed out by some viewers that Eren Yeager, a main character from “Attack on Titan,” bears striking resemblances to Shinji Ikari, the lead character from “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” Both characters are subjected to grueling traumatic experiences, share similar physical appearances, and pilot massive humanoid beings. These beings, the Attack Titan and Eva Unit 01, have comparable body structures, facial shapes, and they both consume enemies in a similar fashion. Their green eyes slanted at odd angles and their fearsome teeth add to the terrifying imagery.

A notable comparison made by fans is that of Mikasa Ackerman and Rukia Kuchiki, characters from different anime series. They share similar hairstyles and eye colors, both play significant roles in their respective stories, and they possess comparable personality traits. Given the timeline of Attack on Titan’s creation, it wouldn’t be surprising if influences from Neon Genesis Evangelion and Bleach were present. Yet, Isayama has not confirmed this connection.

Attack on Titan has earned a place in the prestigious Anime Hall of Fame, drawing millions of fresh fans to the medium and enchanting nearly every dedicated anime enthusiast globally. At just 19 years old, Hajime Isayama debuted his initial work – a manga that would later achieve global success and usher in a new era for anime.

Read More

2024-11-25 00:34