Attack on Titan Finale: Analyzing the Anime vs Manga Differences
The highly anticipated finale of Attack on Titan has left fans buzzing, as the beloved series reaches its climactic conclusion Join us as we delve into the key differences between the anime and manga versions, offering valuable insights and a deep dive into this unforgettable ending
The Attack on Titan finale in the anime occurred last weekend and is still being discussed as one of the industry's most popular series came to an end. There were high expectations for the anime's conclusion, with many fans hoping that Studio MAPPA would address certain issues in author Hajime Isayama's original ending.
The anticipation was that the Attack on Titan finale would resolve certain situations, including Eren's final moments with Armin, inconsistencies in certain characters' story arcs, and overall narrative coherence. While people's perception of the story will vary based on individual interpretations, MAPPA did make some changes to enrich the overall storyline.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the Attack on Titan finale.
All the differences of the Attack on Titan finale between the anime and the manga
In the Attack on Titan finale, one notable change from the manga occurs when Armin and Eren have a conversation in Shiganshina. They come across the flowing river of lava, which they had once mistaken for "burning water" during their childhood. This encounter sparks a heartfelt discussion between them, during which Eren opens up about his fear of death and his sentiments towards Mikasa. It is worth mentioning that the depiction of the "burning water" scene received additional elaboration in comparison to the original manga.
The anime differs from the manga primarily in the conversation between Armin and Eren. In the manga, Armin expresses gratitude to Eren for sacrificing countless lives. In contrast, the anime depicts Armin acknowledging his own responsibility and the grim fate that awaits them both after annihilating 80% of humanity.
Another significant change occurs during Eren and Mikasa's farewell. In the manga, author Hijame Isayama presents a more detailed portrayal of this moment, whereas MAPPA, in the anime, opts for a subtler approach. This subtle rendition enhances the atmosphere between the two characters as they bid their final farewells.
Both renditions depict the eventual ruin of Paradis, but the Attack on Titan anime's conclusion portrays the city's skyscrapers in a considerably more futuristic manner, in contrast to the manga's portrayal which resembles real-life structures.
In the anime's final moments, the remaining cast is shown rebuilding the land after the extensive destruction. One notable scene, exclusive to the anime, illustrates Gabi and Falco planting tree seeds, symbolizing the theme of building a better society for future generations.
The majority of the Attack on Titan finale remains faithful to the source material, with attempts to enhance certain crucial moments, such as Eren's conversation with Armin. While the anime improves certain fight scenes for entertainment value, the overall story progression and plot points remain largely identical to the manga.
Final thoughts
The Attack on Titan finale has left a lasting impact on many fans, and rightfully so. It serves as a fitting conclusion to one of the most beloved anime series of the past decade. MAPPA Studio deserves credit for faithfully adapting the source material and addressing certain aspects that received criticism from the fanbase.
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of Attack on Titan, I have mixed feelings about the anime finale. On the one hand, I appreciate the changes that MAPPA Studio made to improve the story, such as the enhanced conversation between Armin and Eren and the subtle farewell between Eren and Mikasa. These changes added depth to the characters and their relationships, making the ending more emotionally impactful.
On the other hand, I feel that the anime finale rushed through some important plot points, such as the resolution of certain character arcs and the overall narrative coherence. The manga provided a more detailed and satisfying conclusion to these aspects, which I think the anime could have benefited from.
Overall, I believe that the Attack on Titan anime finale was a solid adaptation of the manga, but it could have been even better with a more faithful approach to the source material. Despite its flaws, the finale brought a satisfying conclusion to a beloved series, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have experienced it.
