“Attack on Titan,” the powerhouse anime that has dominated the genre for nearly a decade, has finally drawn its epic saga to a close. As the dust settles, the finale’s departure from its manga roots has fans and critics alike embroiled in a frenzy of analysis and appreciation. The climactic episode, laden with unprecedented anime-original content, has certainly deviated from expectations — but was it for the better?
The Final Bow: A Scene Not Seen in the Manga
In what was perhaps one of the most anticipated finales in anime history, “Attack on Titan” had a Herculean task on its hands. The challenge was not only to satisfy fans who had followed the journey since its inception but also to address the contentious ending of Hajime Isayama’s original manga — an ending that was met with its fair share of criticism. With Isayama himself steering the ship, the final episode was imbued with new material, elevating the anime beyond its printed counterpart.
Spoiler Alert: Those who have yet to witness the conclusion to this iconic series may want to tread carefully beyond this point.
Finale Delivers Unanticipated Twist
In a stunning turn of events, the anime carved out a moment of tranquility amid its typically dark and tumultuous narrative. A poignant scene featuring Falco and Gabi, two characters who have come to embody the hope of a younger generation, depicts the pair engaged in the simple yet symbolic act of planting trees. This tableau of serenity encapsulates the series’ overarching message — one of peace, renewal, and the human capacity to rise from the ashes of calamity.
This serene moment is a stark contrast to the often grim reality of the “Attack on Titan” universe, where themes of destruction, cynicism, and moral ambiguity reign. Yet, here we are, in the wake of Eren’s cataclysmic actions, witnessing the possibility of a world rebuilt — where the scars of the past pave the way for a verdant future. The anime-original scene is not just a creative flourish by the talented team at MAPPA and Isayama; it’s a visual manifesto of the show’s ultimate lesson.
Today's sweethearts from the Attack on Titan finale are Pieck Finger/Porco Galliard pic.twitter.com/XTkhAyj5aW
— aotshipbot (@aotshipbot) November 5, 2023
Reflecting on a Dark Legacy
As the series concludes, it invites a reflective gaze not only from its ardent followers but also from the industry it has so profoundly influenced. “Attack on Titan” has been a testament to the viability of darker storytelling within the anime landscape, drawing in viewers with its unflinching narrative and complex characters.
The anime has also been pivotal in setting new benchmarks for animation quality. The painstaking efforts of MAPPA to perfect the finale are evidence of the studio’s commitment to excellence — a commitment that likely extends beyond mere commercial success to a genuine desire to honor the story’s grandeur with the splendor it deserves.
The closing episode of “Attack on Titan” represents a watershed moment in the medium’s history. The inclusion of anime-original scenes underscores a poignant message from Isayama: the true horror of warfare and the imperative to pursue peace, not just for the present generation but for all those who will inherit the world we leave behind.
In the final analysis, “Attack on Titan” has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of its audience. As fans bid farewell to this behemoth of a series, the unexpected final scenes ensure that its message — and its legacy — will continue to resonate for years to come. The trees planted by Gabi and Falco will grow tall, a fitting metaphor for the series itself, which will undoubtedly stand as a towering figure in the annals of anime.
