Hajime Isayama has always been open about his distaste for his own art style. After being rejected again and again by publishers because of his drawings, there was no doubt that his self-confidence had taken a hit. Attack on Titan’s praise was endless but it wasn’t enough for him to regain his faith in his art style. It was something he just couldn’t unsee.
Even as the manga was coming to an end, he wasn’t convinced about whether or not people actually liked what he drew or just the story itself. Although fans might praise the way he visually narrated the story, it wouldn’t change his mind about the fact that his style may be unimpressive to Isayama himself.
Hajime Isayama is Proud of One Attack on Titan Scene
During an interview commemorating the end of Attack on Titan’s manga (via Tumblr), Hajime Isayama talked about all the efforts he put into its making and how far he had come in a journey that lasted for 11 years. On many occasions, the mangaka has stepped forward to criticize himself on his drawings and the many ways in which he thinks he lacks.
As far as drawings go, the scene I like the most is the one in chapter 104, ‘Victors,’ when the Jaw Titan claws at the Attack Titan. Besides the fact that I feel like I can’t draw anything better than that, there also haven’t been that many action scenes with Titans after chapter 104.
When asked about what scene acts as his favorite, Isayama stood proud, pointing out how the 104th chapter of the series was perhaps where he shined the best. It was an action sequence that was one of his best drawn in his opinion and thus it isn’t something he could ignore either.
As a result, it became his favorite, with Eren and Galliard facing off against each other in a heated battle. The scene in question also marks the best of his capabilities as an artist.
The Jaw Titan vs The Attack Titan
For a long time, many wondered who would become the victor in a battle between the Jaw Titan and the Attack Titan. In Attack on Titan chapter 104, Victors, that very question manifests into a full-blown brawl. Galliard’s Jaw Titan and Eren’s Attack Titan find themselves protecting their own. The entire chapter is a heated battle with everyone wanting to either save those that they care for or charge at those that they don’t.
The highlight of the chapter, however, was the fight sequence between the Jaw Titan and the Attack Titan. Hajime Isayama too found himself captivated by it, admitting that the moment was one he regarded to become of his best work. For someone who is so difficult to admit that his own drawing skills may be good, the admission and self-praise meant a lot more than just casual regard.
While the world may praise his storytelling and art style, that chapter alone stands as proof of himself. However, chapter 71 is where Isayama believed he excelled as a storyteller and not just an artist.
Attack on Titan is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
