The creator of Attack On Titan, Hajime Isayama, has reflected on the series’ controversial ending, admitting that he personally feels a sense of insincerity in how the story concluded. The comment was revealed as part of a newly updated exhibition at the Attack on Titan in HITA Museum in Hita.
The museum, which opened in 2021 in Isayama’s hometown, updated its displays on April 24, adding 26 newly selected pages of original manga artwork.
Each piece was personally chosen by Isayama and is accompanied by behind-the-scenes insights and commentary from the creator, presented in four languages for visiting fans from Japan and overseas.
In one of the featured comments, Isayama reflected on Eren Yeager, describing him as a protagonist who “committed mass slaughter on a scale rarely seen in other works of fiction.”
He explained that from the outset, his goal was to construct a narrative where the victim becomes the perpetrator, which in this case was Eren.
Isayama attributed this to his own mindset during his early twenties, calling Eren’s characterization a product of his “immaturity and foolishness.”
However, as the series grew into a global phenomenon, Isayama noted that Attack On Titan ceased to be his alone, with Eren becoming a character deeply loved by readers.
As a result, he found himself unable to fully commit to depicting Eren as a purely detestable figure. Instead, he approached the character with a degree of closeness and sympathy, which ultimately shaped the final outcome of the story and Isayama feel insincere regarding the ending..
“As a result, I feel there remains a sense of insincerity in the story’s conclusion—at least in my own assessment,” Isayama stated.
Isayama’s latest comment adds to long-standing debates within the fandom following the manga’s conclusion in 2021. While some readers have criticized the ending for perceived plot holes and thematic deviations from the series’ early subversive tone within the shonen genre, others felt the ending worked well and fit the story.
Isayama had previously revealed in a 2023 interview that he considered altering the ending at one point. Despite this, he ultimately felt unable to deviate from the conclusion he had originally envisioned.
Source: TOS Online
The creator of Attack On Titan, Hajime Isayama, has reflected on the series WOW