One of the most famous anime series of all time has finally concluded as fans worldwide pave farewell to their all-time favourite manga. Originally a manga, AOT consequently became adapted to an anime series, with its pilot episode aired worldwide last 07 April 2013. Authored by renowned manga writer Hajime Isayama, AOT has captivated the hearts of many fans that invested their daily lives in reading the story’s manga while watching its televised episodes. After precisely 139 chapters published, Isayama decided to leave the dot to his blockbuster manga untouched and concluded its approximately 19-year run.
AOT released its season finale through Netflix and other online streaming applications last December 2020 to entertain weebs and anime fans amidst the exhausting CoVID-19 Pandemic. For AOT fans, this opportunity is a dream come true while keeping themselves safe in the comfort of their home. Want to watch your favourite AOT episodes while earning money and winning a fortune? Why not register to an online casino and test your ‘titanic’ luck? Thanks to the demand of AOT’s fans, you may now easily stream the season finale in the most comfortable spots in your lovely home.
Although, like many outstanding animes, AOT received various backlashes with Isayama’s alleged promotion of fascism and militarization in Chapter 139. Social media platforms, such as Twitter, sparked with outrage, controversy, and debate as die-hard fans attempt to interpret the meaning behind Isayama’s metaphorical masterpiece. Overall, AOT’s legendary reputation among its readers and viewers continues to receive high praises from people worldwide.
The story revolves around three cities protected by solid walls to defend the people against giants referred to as “Titans.” These human-hungry and terrifying beasts destroy houses and devour men, women, and children often—until the Survey Corps rise. Led by Eren Yeager, the Survey Corps’ are responsible for protecting the people from behind the walls against intruding Titans. The story showcases various impactful losses and dramatic defeats which shaped the vengeful Eren’s desire to avenge his mother’s death in Year 856. Initially regarded as the sole antagonists, the problem behind the shadow of the Titans arose between the Eldians and Marleyans—two groups of people striving for dominance among one another.
Deeper into the further chapters, Eren and his colleagues, Levi, Eren, Mikasa, Historia, and Armin, uncover shocking secrets about the rising conflicts amongst the Eldians and Marleyans—and themselves. Isayama shocked everyone in one of AOT’s episodes that revealed Eren’s race as a titan and human, sparking outrage and fear among the Survey Corps and the people inside Wall Maria.
As the finale approaches, there appears a controversy behind this concluding part of the series. In one of the season finale’s episodes, the Eldians decided to remilitarize—and subsequently plans to exterminate the Marleyans once and for all. As a reaction, the Marleyans themselves strengthened their military and imposed mandatory participation for every citizen. Although most fans view this as a typical medieval-themed anime conflict, some individuals see this as promoting fascism, genocide, and a glorification of militarism and martial rule.
Although plagued with critique over the years, Isayama’s message of a future dependent remilitarization seems more apparent than before. With the Yaegerists’ (a rebel faction of the Eldian Empire’s Paradis Military) famous war cry, which stands for the thought “If you can fight you win if you cannot fight you lose! Fight, fight!” against the incumbent monarch of the Eldian people, Historia Reiss, pertaining to such controversial ideology.
However, most commentaries regard to such groundbreaking ending as a pacifist statement. In one dialogue, Isayama’s message about anti-war sentiments becomes proven by Armin’s belief and pursuance to expose Eren Yaeger’s decision to impose worldwide genocide. Yet the finale does not boldly counter the radical outcry of Yaegerists, while settling settling with a silent argument that remains contrasted for pro-imperialist and fascist text that further solidifies a country’s need for a military.
Instead of a twist or subversion that could challenge the debate, Isayama opted for silence. For a historically and infamous militaristic and conservative country like Japan, it is indeed a GIANT ending that sends an advocacy for peace and harmony. Isayama’s silence regarding such conspiracy theories releases the loudest blow against fascism and militarism.
This is a paid guest post.
REFERENCES:
Collins, Hannah, and Hannah Collins (712 Articles Published) Fangirl burdened with trashy purpose. Anime/Manga Features Lead. Contributor to Digital Spy. “Attack On Titan’s Ending, and [SPOILER]’s Fate, Explained.” CBR, 8 Apr. 2021, www.cbr.com/attack-on-titan-chapter-139-ending-eren-death/.
Hashimoto, Kazuma. “Attack on Titan Couldn’t Escape Controversy in the End.” Polygon, Polygon, 19 Apr. 2021, www.polygon.com/22392043/attack-on-titan-ending-analysis-manga-final-chapter-139.