September 30, 2024
Attack on Titan | 5 Differences Between Anime and Manga Endings
We’re covering the Attack on Titan anime ending, which differs from the manga by enhancing emotional scenes, clarifying character dialogue, and more.
>Buy: Attack On Titan Merchandise & Gifts
Buy: Attack On Titan Merchandise & Gifts
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While the alternate ending speculated for Attack on Titan was never released, the anime's ending still introduced fresh story elements. Mappa Studios didn't merely adapt the manga but significantly enhanced it by introducing new scenes and improving existing ones.
Hajime Isayama acknowledged the flaws of the manga, creating an exceptional conclusion to his highly acclaimed anime series - Attack on Titan.
1. The Fate of Paradis Island
The conclusion of the Attack on Titan manga in Chapter 139.5 provides a glimpse into Paradis Island's future. The panels span several years, revealing the city's evolution, the rise of Paradis' military, and concluding with the island's transformation into a modern metropolis with skyscrapers, automobiles, and busy streets.
In the anime adaptation of Attack on Titan, a small but notable modification from the manga occurs in the mid-credit scenes, specifically concerning Paradis Island's future. Unlike the manga's quick glimpse, the anime showcases multiple phases of Paradis' modernization that last for centuries before revealing its ultimate destruction, proving that the cycle of war continued.
Hajime Isayama probably changed this portrayal to offer a prolonged period of peace to the original characters in the anime. According to the manga, Paradis Island's transformation occurs within a century, while the anime extends this period significantly. This change implies that the people of Paradis enjoyed a much longer time of peace before encountering war again.
2. Eren and Mikasa’s Alternate Life
Before commencing the Rumbling, Eren had one last meeting with all his friends inside the Paths. In this place where time does not exist, he created alternate realities and talked about his feelings and emotions with those he loved.
Through his abilities as the Founding Titan, Eren showed Mikasa what their future would look like if they ran away from all conflict, residing in a countryside cabin, and cherishing simplicity and love. And, after his four remaining years as a Titan shifter pass, he expresses his desire for her to find happiness, encouraging her to move forward.
The Attack on Titan anime slightly lengthens these scenes to focus on how Mikasa and Eren feel about each other, perfectly conveying their emotions and enhancing the connection fans feel towards this couple.
3. The Peaceful World After The Finale
After the conclusion of Attack on Titan, the characters live in a world they liberated together by halting the Rumbling. In the anime's concluding moments, Armin expresses his desire for the people of Paradis to understand their past struggles, and learn how the world was saved. Meanwhile, Levi, Gabi, and Falco are seen aiding Marley in its recovery from the aftermath of recent events.
The manga features different but equally heartfelt moments as the characters journey to a town reminiscent of London. This panel shows Levi in a wheelchair alongside Gabi, Falco, and Onyankopon, with a watchtower similar to the famous Big Ben in the background.
While Hajime Isayama changed these scenes completely, they both share the same message - the world is once again peaceful, and the heroes who saved it continue to spread peace and offer help to anyone who needs it.
4. Armin and Eren’s Final Dialogue
After defeating Eren, the scouts recall different memories of a time spent with him in an alternate reality. In Armin’s instance, the two talk about the state of the world and the decisions they’ve both made leading to the Rumbling.
During their conversation, Eren admits to Armin that by possessing such immense power, he couldn't think of any alternative to save the world except to entirely destroy it. He even confesses that he was indifferent to whether his friends would try to stop him or not.
The thing that caught the eye of all manga readers was Armin’s response to this confession. In the manga, he thanks Eren for the Rumbling, saying that without his help the world wouldn’t have attained freedom. While this particular “thank you” confused fans, Hajime Isayama's idea wasn’t for him to approve of such actions. To fix this, the anime emphasizes that Armin didn't approve of these ideas.
In the final episode of Attack on Titan, the conversation between Armin and Eren is altered, presenting a clearer and more coherent message. Rather than thanking Eren for the Rumbling, Armin confesses his shared responsibility for the world's suffering. They share a final embrace, acknowledging the truth, and promising to meet again in the afterlife.
5. The Setting of Armin and Eren’s Conversation
The anime adaptation improved the emotional value of this scene by not only changing the dialogue but also changing the setting where Armin and Eren talk. In the manga, they sit in a wasteland marked by Titan footprints, symbolizing the devastation caused by the Rumbling. However, even if this setting is perfect, the anime creators went a step further to enhance this iconic moment.
In the Attack on Titan anime, Eren and Armin sit in the same wasteland, now flooded with blood, signifying the consequences of their actions. The realistic animation by Mappa Studios and the expressive voice acting of Yuki Kaji and Marina Inoue perfectly convey the scene's feelings, making the fans reconsider glorifying these characters as heroes and instead grasp the seriousness of the situation.
“To defeat a monster, you must be willing to throw aside your humanity and all that makes you human.” -Armin Arlert
Final Thoughts on the Differences Between the Manga and Anime Endings
Attack on Titan’s anime ending was a hot topic among the community before the final episodes were released. However, despite the speculations, Hajime Isayama remained committed to his original storyline, implementing subtle yet significant adjustments for the anime's conclusion.
While the narrative remained the same, the changes introduced in the anime served to enhance the emotional depth of some important moments. From the touching scenes of Eren and Mikasa’s unfulfilled dream of living together to improving Armin and Eren’s conversation, Mappa Studios elevated the already exceptional manga to create a perfect anime adaptation. An adaptation that solidifies Attack on Titan's status as one of the greatest anime series ever made.
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