Hajime Isayama’s popular series ending has created many controversies surrounding the final arc. Eren Yeager’s journey in the Attack on Titan was so compounded that made the character and the series ending difficult. Though it was a masterpiece in the history of the anime world, its finale disappointed some factions of the fan verse.
When the Attack on Titan finale ended, it automatically became a hot topic of discussion in the anime community. Isayama could not provide a happy ending because of his perception of the ongoing real-world scenario. His revelation reflected on his success, the burden of expectation, and the confrontation of his vision with viewers.
Hajime Isayama’s Reflection on the Burden of Success
In an interview via The New York Times, Isayama revealed that the Attack on Titan‘s journey began with a risky situation. He feared the chances of cancelation of his manga during its initial installments. However, it grew inadvertently very popular and became a global success. The success that was thought to be his guiding light became a constraint to his artistic creativity.
It would have been nice if I could have changed the ending. Writing manga is supposed to be freeing. But if I was completely free, then I should have been able to change the ending.
Both Hajime Isayama and the series protagonist, Eren Yeager shared somewhat the same kind of experience. They were bound by their acquired powers. It has added a complex layer that makes it hard to see the truth between the creator and the creation.
He also stated:
The fact is that I was tied down to what I had originally envisioned when I was young. And so, manga became a very restrictive art form for me, similar to how the massive powers that Eren acquired ended up restricting him.
Pressurized by fixating on his original vision, Isayama reflects on how difficult obstacles a creator has to go through. It thus raises questions about the nature of freedom and responsibilities an artist endures.
The Real-World View Through the Lens’ of Attack on Titan
Isayama in his series chose to depict the recurrence of inevitable strife over time. He portrayed the overarching nature of human problems happening in the real world. His creation was simple entertainment yet provocating for discussion as he placed the finale through the lens of an imperfect world.
It kind of seems like it’s not even believable. It’s just not plausible in the world we’re living in right now. And so, sadly, I had to give up on that kind of happy ending.
During the interview, Isayama candidly responded that there could have been a happy ending for the series. But he wasn’t able to give that as it seems impossible to depict a world without war. His words of realism left many fans favoring his decision, while others have remained unsettled.
Although the ending of Attack on Titan divided the fandom, it also placed a provocative theme for the series. Hajime Isayama has ensured that his fantasy series success continues to be controversial in the years ahead.
Attack on Titan Season 4 is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
