The fans had high hopes for the ending of the Attack on Titan anime because they were looking for something fresh and innovative. It has been widely discussed within the anime community that the original ending in the manga was not well received, and as a result, there was an anticipation for MAPPA to bring some alterations to Hajime Isayama's conclusion. These changes brought a new and improved perspective to the series, aligning better with its overarching themes.
Without a doubt, the Attack on Titan anime ending diverged significantly from the manga, particularly in the contentious scenes.
Although it didn't have a significant impact on the overarching narrative, it effectively addressed certain confusing and awkward plot elements in the manga, thereby enhancing the development of several scenes, particularly those involving Eren. Please be aware that this article contains spoilers for the conclusion of the Attack on Titan anime.
The Attack on Titan anime is different compared to the manga
The ending of the Attack on Titan anime can be seen as an attempt to rectify some of Hajime Isayama's errors in the manga. Certain moments, such as the well-known Eren moment with Armin where he emotionally breaks down and confesses his love for Mikasa, were tweaked to make them more agreeable to the audience. However, the additional scenes fell short of most people's expectations.
For instance, one extra scene showcased Falco and Gabi planting seeds during the final section of the episode. This inclusion served to further emphasize the themes and messages of the story, highlighting the significance of peace and emphasizing that war is never the solution, no matter how desperate situations may become.
Additionally, certain scenes featuring Eren and Mikasa were given more screen time, particularly their interactions in the cabin. The dialogue between Eren and Armin in his final moments is now presented in a more organized manner, although the protagonist still experiences emotional distress, much like in the original manga.
The team at MAPPA made an effort to address Armin's notorious statement about his friend being a mass murderer, and this particular moment is extended in order to enhance its overall flow and cohesiveness.
The bombing of Paradis in the final part of the ending not only mirrors the events in the manga but also has a more profound impact on the audience, highlighting the severe consequences of Eren's actions.
The general feel of the ending
The general reception of the Attack on Titan anime ending cannot be accurately determined at this early stage. However, initial feedback suggests that it has been received more positively compared to the manga. This is likely due to Isayama collaborating with MAPPA, resulting in a more comprehensive and satisfying conclusion to the story.
For those who have not seen the final episode, it is important to note that the alterations and additional scenes do not significantly impact the overall outcome. The overall structure of the ending remains unchanged, and none of the more contentious scenes have been omitted. Instead, MAPPA has introduced and extended certain scenes to enhance their coherence.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, the conclusion remains unchanged; however, there are supplementary enhancements which render it superior to the original rendition. Ultimately, it is left to the discretion of individual viewers to form their own opinions concerning the conclusion.
The Attack on Titan anime finale has arrived, and the entire community is sure to engage in thorough dissection of it over the next few days. Expect a myriad of perspectives and analyses. Being a series of such high caliber, this is to be expected. Hopefully, this ending fulfills the expectations of many fans who have faithfully followed Isayama's story.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the Attack on Titan anime's ending. On the one hand, I appreciate that MAPPA tried to address some of the criticisms of the manga ending. The additional scenes with Eren and Mikasa helped to flesh out their relationship, and the changes to Armin's dialogue made his character more consistent.
On the other hand, I feel like the anime ending still fell short of its potential. The additional scenes were not enough to completely fix the problems with the manga ending, and the overall tone of the ending was still too bleak and depressing for my taste. I would have liked to see a more hopeful and optimistic ending that left me feeling more satisfied with the conclusion of the series.
Overall, I think the Attack on Titan anime ending was a solid effort, but it could have been better. I am still disappointed with the way the series ended, but I appreciate that MAPPA tried to make it better.