In the aftermath of the intense anime series finale of Attack on Titan, fans are turning to X (previously known as Twitter) and TikTok as outlets to process their emotions. Major spoilers for Attack on Titan The Final Chapter Special 2 lie ahead.
The decade-long journey of the Attack on Titan series came to a climactic end, leaving fans and characters alike emotionally drained. On platforms like X and TikTok, users have sought solace through humor, often using the poignant Vince McMahon clip from Undertaker: The Last Ride. This clip features McMahon's heartfelt reaction when asked about his profound connection with retired professional wrestler Mark William Calaway, famously known as The Undertaker, in the world of WWE. Amidst the sea of reactions flooding social media in the form of memes, posts, and replies, the recurring phrase "never moving on" resonates deeply with many.
However, as the Attack on Titan manga concluded in 2021, author Hajime Isayama faced a wave of criticism from fans dissatisfied with its ending. Prior to the final episode of the anime series, Isayama addressed this backlash, urging fans to watch until the very end as he had inserted some early draft content.
The final episode of the Attack on Titan anime had significant changes that left a lasting impact on fans. Despite the tragic destiny of the anti-hero, Eren Yeager, his emotional farewell with Mikasa remained intact. However, in the anime, Eren's eyes remained open as Mikasa kissed him before beheading him, making her the last person he saw before his demise. The controversial dialogue from Armin, expressing gratitude for Eren's transformation into a mass murderer, was modified. Instead, Armin thanked Eren for exposing him to a life beyond the walls.
Furthermore, the episode included additional scenes, such as extended moments featuring Mikasa and Eren. One particular moment depicted Mikasa holding hands with an individual many fans speculate to be Eren in the afterlife, leading to speculation of a possible reunion between them.
The finale included additional scenes that emphasized the gravity of Eren's crimes, such as a river of blood and the bombing of Paradis. One of the most memorable moments for fans was the final exchange between Armin and Eren. Instead of Eren declaring that he would save humanity and venture beyond the walls, Armin told Eren that they would remain together in hell.
To wrap up other characters' storylines, a few more scenes were added, like Gabi and Falco planting a tree. The final scene remained unchanged, depicting a young traveler standing before the infamous tree. The ending was left ambiguous, but the general consensus was that the cycle of war continues. Some fans interpreted this as a possible hint towards a sequel series, although no confirmation has been given by the franchise creators.
Fans have been left with a mix of satisfaction and devastation in response to the overall reaction. The closure provided by the anime finale seems to resonate more strongly than the finale of the manga, potentially offering a much-needed change for Isayama. In 2022, Isayama admitted to lingering doubts about his ending, making this reception all the more significant. Many fans have tearfully hailed the series as a masterpiece, but they are hesitant to share it with children or discuss it anytime soon. You can now stream the final episode of Attack on Titan: Final Chapter Part 2 on Crunchyroll.
Source: X (formerly Twitter), TikTok
Editor's P/S
Attack on Titan, one of the most popular anime series of the decade, has finally come to an end. Fans are sharing hilarious memes on social media to process their emotions. Some are finding solace in the humor, while others are still coming to terms with the ending.
As an Attack on Titan fan, I have mixed feelings about the ending. On the one hand, I am sad to see the series end. I have been following it for years, and it has become a part of my life. On the other hand, I am satisfied with the way the story ended. It was a bittersweet ending, but it was also hopeful. It showed that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.
Overall, I think Attack on Titan was a masterpiece. It was a well-written and well-animated series that explored complex themes such as war, genocide, and the nature of humanity. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to watch it, and I will miss it now that it is over.