Attack on Titan is a work that, while portraying a harsh battle between humans and mysterious, inhuman beings, poses deep questions such as what freedom means and what it is to live. Set in a grand world, each character struggles, clashes, and makes repeated choices—an unfolding that deeply stirs the hearts of readers. Many may have started reading it thinking it was merely an action manga, only to find themselves reflecting on profound questions by the end.
This article organizes the themes and messages conveyed by the story, allowing readers to once again appreciate the depth and appeal of Attack on Titan.
What Message Is Attack on Titan Trying to Convey?
Before we confront the harsh truths of freedom and survival in Attack on Titan, you might enjoy this related article:
As one continues reading Attack on Titan, it becomes clear that this is far more than just a battle manga. The story contains major questions such as: “Why do people fight?” “What is justice?” and “Where does freedom lie?”
This article is a summary that organizes the story’s content by focusing on the themes felt through reading and the actions of its characters.
- The Question of “What Is Freedom?” As Posed by Eren and His Companions
- The Nature of Humanity Revealed Through the Titans
- The Shifting Nature of Justice Within War and Conflict
- The Message of Choice and Sacrifice Revealed Through Foreshadowing and the Ending
Without relying on spoilers, this article offers a clear and accessible organization of the story’s themes and intended messages, guided by the characters’ actions and the overall narrative flow.
Overview of Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is a globally acclaimed Japanese dark fantasy manga series created by Hajime Isayama. It was serialized in Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine (published by Kodansha) from 2009 to 2021. Spanning a total of 34 volumes, the series has seen widespread media adaptation, including anime, feature films, and live-action versions. With a strong fanbase both in Japan and abroad, it has become a global phenomenon.
The story is set in a world where humanity lives within enormous walled cities. When a colossal titan suddenly breaches one of the walls, the lives of the protagonist Eren and his companions take a dramatic turn. The series falls under the genres of dark fantasy and alternate military history, and it unfolds a grand narrative centered around the struggle for freedom.
This section outlines the basic information and overarching characteristics of the work.
Main Characters and Their Roles in the Story
Here is a brief overview of the key characters, their roles, and their involvement in the story:
- Eren Yeager: The protagonist who vows revenge on the titans after the death of his mother. Possessing unique powers, he shapes his destiny according to his convictions.
- Mikasa Ackerman: Eren’s childhood friend. A calm and composed warrior who fights with her life to protect him.
- Armin Arlert: A close friend of Eren and Mikasa. Using his intelligence and strategic thinking, he overcomes numerous challenges and later plays a leading role in the story.
- Levi Ackerman: Captain of the Survey Corps, known as “humanity’s strongest soldier.” He supports his comrades with sound judgment and exceptional combat skills. A descendant of the Ackerman clan.
- Jean Kirstein: Eren’s peer with a pragmatic perspective. He grows significantly out of a strong sense of responsibility for his comrades.
- Annie Leonhart: Appears before Eren and the others as the Female Titan. Her revealed identity brings a major turning point to the story.
- Reiner Braun: The Armored Titan. Torn between being a comrade and an enemy, he is deeply conflicted and burdened by his dual roles.
- Zeke Yeager: Eren’s half-brother. A key figure who inherits royal blood and pursues the controversial “Eldian euthanasia plan.”
Genre and Thematic Direction
Attack on Titan combines Japanese dark fantasy with military drama to present a unique and thought-provoking worldview. While it begins with the basic structure of “humanity versus titans,” the narrative evolves into layered themes including ideological conflicts within humanity, the meaning of freedom, and the burden of history and atonement.
Initially, readers are drawn into desperate battles against formidable enemies, but as the story progresses, its deeper truths and hidden history reveal parallels with modern social issues such as systemic structures, ethnic conflicts, and the weight of memory and choice. One of the most compelling elements is how questions like “What is freedom?” and “Is peace justified when built on sacrifice?” are brought into focus through the characters’ decisions.
Attack on Titan: 2 Best Quotes
Here are two particularly striking quotes from the story—moments that leave a lasting emotional impact on readers. Through these lines, we reflect on what the work conveys.
“I want freedom!” (volume 1)
→ This line appears when a young Eren cries out with strong emotion for the first time against the titans. After losing his mother and questioning the stifling life within the walls, he begins to yearn for the “outside world.”
→ Readers naturally empathize with his outcry while intuitively sensing that this moment marks the beginning of a powerful and harrowing journey. The intense desire embedded in the word “freedom” becomes a driving force for the entire story.
→ This single line sets in motion a chain of choices and sacrifices, ultimately prompting the question: “What are we willing to give up in exchange for freedom?”
“Humanity will be free!” (volume 34)
→ Spoken during a climactic battle near the end of the story, this line encapsulates Eren’s motivations in their clearest form. He is no longer just a vengeful figure but one driven by a personal vision of liberation and the world he wishes to see.
→ Some readers may feel uneasy or conflicted about Eren’s actions. Still, there’s something undeniably compelling about his unwavering belief in freedom.
→ This quote serves as a redefinition of what “freedom” truly means, and can be seen as Eren’s final answer to the central theme that runs throughout the narrative.
Top 5 Reader Reviews of Attack on Titan
Here are five standout reviews from readers who have experienced Attack on Titan:
- “I was completely drawn into the world of Attack on Titan and binge-read it! The lingering feeling afterward was incredible.”
- “The character development and psychological depth felt real. Every episode was so unpredictable, I was on edge the entire time.”
- “Though set in a fictional world, the emotional struggles and historical weight hit deeply. Some scenes are graphic, but the profound themes are overwhelming in the best way.”
- “It was interesting at first, but the plot became so complicated in the second half that I gave up reading halfway through.”
- “I couldn’t connect with the protagonist’s personality or the story. The graphic content was also too much for me.”
Top 3 Manga Like Attack on Titan
Before we explore more dark and emotional series, here’s another apocalyptic story that blurs the line between monsters and humanity:
For those who were moved by Attack on Titan, here are three recommended manga with similar emotional or thematic impact:
Berserk
Genre: Dark Fantasy
A dark fantasy tale where violence and vengeance clash with emptiness and hope. The story’s deep exploration of human darkness and the meaning of life strongly resonates with the aftertaste of Attack on Titan.
Tokyo Ghoul
Genre: Battle / Dark Action
Depicts coexistence with ghouls—beings unlike humans—while the protagonist wavers between humanity and instinct. Its focus on identity and social structure draws clear parallels.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Genre: Sci-fi / Strategy Drama
A protagonist who fights for freedom gradually transforms into a force that moves massive organizations and the world itself. Themes such as the weight of choice and the cost of conviction echo deeply.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways from This Article
Attack on Titan is far more than just a story about fighting titans. It explores what each character tries to protect and the choices they make. All of these elements are intricately connected to multi-layered themes that leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Rather than providing direct answers to questions like “What is justice?” or “What is freedom?”, the work encourages readers to reflect on these issues themselves.
It is precisely because Attack on Titan is such a rare and powerful Japanese manga that the impact and emotional aftertaste it leaves will continue to stir something within you, long after the final page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why does Eren transform into a titan and fight?
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To gain the power needed to stand against the titans. His convictions and abilities play a major role in driving the story forward.
- What are the titans really?
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They were originally humans, who transform into titans through specific abilities.
- How does the story end?
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The final chapter reveals dramatic shifts in the characters’ destinies. For more details, refer to the original manga.
- What is the main theme of Attack on Titan?
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Themes such as “freedom,” “human nature,” and “the cruelty of war” are deeply woven into the narrative.
- Are there differences between the anime and the original manga?
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The anime stays mostly faithful, but some scenes are original or omitted. Reading the manga offers a more complete understanding.