Discover the Untold Secrets of Attack on Titan: Volume 0 – The Original Story Behind the Hit Manga!

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Summary

  • Volume 0 was Isayama’s first draft at 19 and won the Fine Work award in 2006.
  • The story features Murakumo and Tsubaki with traits similar to Eren and planned live action movie elements.
  • The pilot chapter reveals differences with Titans as results of government experiments.

Originally titled “Attack on Titan: Volume 0“, this work marked Hajime Isayama’s debut as a mangaka at just 19 years old, back in 2006. After its publication, it garnered the prestigious Fine Work award in the Magazine Grand Prix organized by Kodansha. Interestingly, a physical copy of the book was bundled with the first DVD release of the anime in mid 2013.

In the new scenario, humans find themselves confined within a forested area instead of an enclosed space, guarded by colossal beings resembling humans. Similar to the live-action films from 2015, Titans were engineered for military purposes but soon spiraled out of control.

Eren’s Will

Initially, Mikasa is known as the primary character for the ongoing “Attack on Titan” series; however, “Volume 0” introduces Murakumo, who embodies some characteristics of Eren. Similar to Eren, his protege, a determined young girl named Tsubaki, yearns to avenge her parents’ deaths and has a strong desire to be part of the Vanguard Corps – much like Eren.

It’s quite evident where the primary characters’ origins lie. Murakumo embodies Erwin’s honor, strength akin to Levi, and agility similar to Mikasa. Similarly, Tsubaki shares traits with both Gabi and Eren; they all exhibit passion and a desire for respect. Additionally, her appearance bears a resemblance to the former character.

In their close-knit town, there’s a common belief that Titans capable of assuming human form can blend among humans undetected. Due to his assertive demeanor and skills, Murakumo is suspected of being one such Titan. However, when it was uncovered that one of the accusers was actually a disguised Titan, Murakumo himself transforms into a Titan and willingly gives up his life in order to safeguard everyone.

The Differences and Similarities

It’s important to note that, given this was first published as a prelude three years prior to the official serialization of Attack on Titan, there are numerous differences to be expected. For instance, instead of being caused by supernatural powers, in this version, the Titans were engineered through government experiments, transforming humans into weapons for war.

People with impure hearts or weak willpower find themselves unable to resist it, and so they lose their human forms. Consequently, a portion of humanity chose to withdraw into a society, which is less advanced in terms of civilization by hundreds of years. Interestingly, the barriers protecting them are not conventional walls, but rather towering trees dense enough to keep Titans at bay.

Remarkably similar to the 2015 film version, the narrative and themes of Volume 0 share many parallels. In the movie, it’s disclosed that there are individuals residing beyond the wall, but a select few were forced back within due to Titan tests running amok. Correspondingly, this story unfolds in contemporary times, with nations conducting human experiments to create Titans as biological weapons. Most shifters struggle to control their powers and transform into mindless beings, whereas only a few retain their self-awareness and can change form at will; Eren is one such individual. In all iterations of Attack on Titan, there exists a vulnerable point that results in instant death. However, in Volume 0, this weak spot is a tiny orb situated in the arm, known as a nucleaus.

In another scene, Murakumo helps a child by repairing a radio, similar to Armin mending a faulty electronic device in the live action. Notably, live action Eren has a history of taking temporary jobs but often gets dismissed soon after. Unlike Eren, Murakumo doesn’t have a poor reputation, but he does occasionally take on minor tasks from time to time.

Is it Canon?

It’s likely that Hajime Isayama drew some inspiration from “Volume 0” when scripting the live-action movie. Although the movie varies from the original manga, it expands the “Attack on Titan” universe in a positive way.

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2025-01-26 20:57