'Attack on Titan' turns 15: What is next from Hajime Isayama for fans?

15 years ago today, a gritty, industrial world surrounded by towering walls and populated with worn-down buildings emerged in the form of Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan).

Created by then-23-year-old manga artist Hajime Isayama, the series blended a unique plot, complex characters, and themes of patriotism versus humanity. Despite Isayama's self-criticism of his 'amateurish' artwork, little did he know his debut series would become a once-in-a-decade hit.

'Attack on Titan' began to gain widespread attention after its anime adaptation aired in 2013, expanding its audience with each new season. The series's dark, rustic atmosphere, reminiscent of 19th-century Europe, captivated viewers from the start.

Over time, both the anime and the manga's popularity skyrocketed, with over 140 million copies of the manga in circulation by November 2023 and the anime becoming the most in-demand TV show in the world in 2021, according to Parrot Analytics.

The anime's distinctive environment is brought to life with earthy tones—dark browns, greys, and greens—evoking a world of grim conflict, masterfully portrayed by Wit Studio (Seasons 1-3) and MAPPA (Season 4), the production known for drawing miraculously beautiful eyes as if pouring the whole budget in it.

Fans continue to feel the emotional resonance of the series, exemplified by the iconic rallying cry, "Shinzou wo Sasageyo!" (Devote your hearts!), which still gives fans goosebumps.

Though the final episode aired less than a year ago, the series remains a top-tier legend alongside anime classics like 'Naruto' and 'One Piece'. With 34 manga volumes and four seasons of anime, Attack on Titan is more than just entertainment. Its relevance to real-life struggles, mainly 'the hopelessness felt by young people in today's society,' has made it a topic of critical analysis.

Set within three concentric walls, 'Attack on Titan initially introduces us to a world where civilization is believed to be confined due to the threat of man-eating Titans.

These terrifying creatures sparked the creation of the 'Vertical Maneuvering Equipment (VME)', which allows soldiers to combat Titans using high-speed, three-dimensional mobility.

Despite the fear of the Titans, the military defends the walls with heroes like Eren Yeager, who joins the 104th Cadet Corps after witnessing the tragic death of his mother. With each season, the show introduced new characters, breathtaking plot twists, and cliffhangers that left fans eager for more.

Wajiha Hasan Toma, a physics student from the University of Dhaka, shares how Eren's declaration of war in Attack on Titan Season 4 left her with an overwhelming sense of anticipation and tension.

"The way Eren turned against the world gave me chills, and the suspense about how it would all end kept me completely hooked after the long waits between seasons," she says. "I expected nothing less from Isayama."

She also reflects on the anime's iconic second-season opening, "Shinzou wo Sasageyo", which remains a fan favourite to this day. "The theme of the story is conveyed so powerfully in that song. It's an all-time favourite," Wajiha adds, capturing the emotional connection many fans feel toward both the music and the plot. 

Journalism student Moonrat Ahmed recalls the unforgettable twist from Season 2, Episode 6, where Reiner and Bertholdt reveal themselves as the Armored and Colossal Titans, respectively. "It was a moment that left me speechless. I had no idea they were Titans, and it still gives me goosebumps today."

While Attack on Titan has been lauded for its exploration of fear and humanity, some fans humorously joke about the unlikelihood of wanting to live in its world—even within the relative safety of Wall Sina, far from the dangers of Titan attacks.

The grim reality of Attack on Titan's world offers little in the way of escape or comfort, a stark contrast to the idyllic landscapes found in Studio Ghibli films, which showcases that Isayama succeeded in portraying the humane fear of gigantic creatures. 

After winning numerous awards and garnering global acclaim, the Attack on Titan production team has announced an exciting new project commemorating the 15th anniversary of the manga.

On November 6, a special edition of the Attack on Titan magazine will be released, modelled after the original serialized publication in Bessatsu Shonen Magazine.

This special edition will feature selections from the manga's 139 chapters, carefully chosen by critical members of the production team. Adding to the excitement, Hajime Isayama himself has drawn a new illustration for the cover, making this release a must-have for fans of the series.

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