For the past decade, Attack on Titan has been a huge sensation in the world of anime, enjoying heights of success that few series could probably fathom. Underneath the sheen of success, however, there was a production with lots of ups and downs.
In a recent interview, the editor of Attack on Titan, Shintaro Kawakubo, discloses all the ups and downs of the creative process and gives a glimpse into the trials and tribulations that forged this modern manga and anime powerhouse.
Attack On Titan‘s Editor Says His Contribution To The Success Of The Story
During the ArtScience Museum’s AoT exhibition virtual press conference, ONE Esports had the opportunity to sit down with Shintaro Kawakubo to talk about the highs and lows of manga publishing and what goes into being a manga editor.
It’s my job to bring out these feelings, meanings, and messages, and assist them along the way so they can put it into words, a drawing, or even a story.
Kawakubo had to work closely with Isayama and act as a bridge between the concept and the final product. He also had to aid in writing and illustrating some of the specific parts of the manga.
How Attack On Titan Got So Popular Outside Of Japan, Which Wasn’t Originally Planned
Attack on Titan has held the most engrossing plot in the history of anime indeed, but its deep message is a universal theme – longing for freedom. It is this thin yet strong line that comes in very relatable with its viewers, making it elevate this series to a phenomenon throughout the world.
I think the reason why it could resonate with readers all around the world is that Isayama’s story has a hidden theme of people without freedom searching for freedom. Maybe it was the key to its popularity.
To editor Shintaro Kawakubo, this success of AoT did not just signify the quality of the manga; rather, it reflected a never-faltering belief and trust in his creator, Hajime Isayama. Kawakubo himself trusted Isayama’s instincts about the story and where the creativity should head, to give life to the series and bring out the best possible outcome.
Kawakubo worked with Hajime Isayama, in developing the series’ iconic cliffhangers and plot twists, where a balance between surprise and tension should be maintained for maximum reader engagement. But Kawakubo was to do more than just the development of the stories. He also plunged deep into the mind of the author to really understand what was going through Isayama’s head, in order to bring this world of dark fantasy to life.
It is in this special balance of all editorial expertise, combined with a collaborative spirit, that Kawakubo helps transform the series into the exciting experience that fans know and love today.
You can watch Attack On Titan on Crunchyroll.
