Attack on Titan [Manga] – Info, Plot, Main Characters
Japanese Title: 進撃の巨人 (Shingeki no Kyojin)
Year of Release: 2009 – 2021 (34 volumes)
Writer: Hajime Isayama
Original Publisher: Kodansha (Eng.: Kodansha USA)
TV: Attack on Titan Anime Series 2013 – 2022 (4 seasons, 94 episodes)
Anime Movies: Attack on Titan: The Last Attack (2025), Attack on Titan: Chronicle (2020)
*There are several movies related to the Attack on Titan series. Attack on Titan: Chronicle, released in 2020, recaps the first three seasons of the anime, summarizing key events and character arcs. Similarly, the movie Attack on Titan: The Last Attack covers the events of the fourth and final season.
Video Games: Attack on Titan 2: The Final Battle (2019), Attack on Titan: Wings of Freedom (2016)
*There are a few different video games related to the series. The above ones are some of the most notable.
Facts: As of May 2026, Attack on Titan is the 12th best-selling manga of all time, with over 140 million copies sold. Its acclaim is further underscored by prestigious awards such as the Kodansha Manga Award, the Attilio Micheluzzi Award, and the Harvey Award.
Weebz Club Rating: Attack on Titan Manga Chapter 1 Review – 9.5/10
Setting
“Attack on Titan” is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity teeters on the brink of extinction. The remaining human population resides within the protection of three immense, concentric walls meticulously constructed to defend them from colossal, humanoid monsters known as Titans. These man-eating giants relentlessly roam the lands beyond the protective fortifications.
Key Elements of the World
- Titans: Titans exhibit a wide range of sizes, with some reaching an astonishing height of 60 meters. They possess remarkable regenerative capabilities, and their method of reproduction is significantly different from that of typical organisms.
- The Walls: These formidable barriers, named Maria, Rose, and Sheena, serve as humanity’s primary defense against the encroaching Titans.
- Eldians: The inhabitants of this world are called Eldians, who believe themselves to be the last remnants of the human race.
Plot
The central storyline follows Eren Yeager, a young boy whose life is irrevocably changed when a Colossal Titan breaches the wall surrounding his hometown, leading to the tragic death of his mother. Fueled by an unwavering determination, Eren vows to annihilate all Titans and subsequently enlists in the military to confront them directly.
Significant Narrative Developments
- Unveiling Truths: As the narrative progresses, Eren and his allies begin to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Titans, discovering their true origins and the intricate historical tapestry of their world, which gradually reveals profound political and social undercurrents. The story’s direction shifts from a straightforward tale of survival to a deeper exploration of humanity’s enduring struggles, its internal conflicts, and the multifaceted nature of freedom.
- The Initial Onslaught: The series opens with a devastating Titan attack, plunging the world into widespread chaos and destruction.
- Military Rigors: Eren, along with his loyal companions Mikasa and Armin, undergoes intensive training to become elite soldiers within the renowned Survey Corps.
Main Characters
In the grim world of Attack on Titan, where humanity struggles to survive behind colossal Walls, the fate of civilization rests on the shoulders of a handful of soldiers and leaders. The story follows characters whose intertwined destinies explore survival, freedom, loyalty, sacrifice, and the devastating consequences of war.
- Eren Yeager: A determined young soldier whose life is shattered when he witnesses his mother’s death during a Titan attack. Driven initially by an intense hatred of Titans and a desire for freedom, Eren’s ambitions evolve dramatically as he uncovers the hidden truths behind his world and becomes a central figure in the conflict threatening humanity.
- Mikasa Ackerman: A fiercely loyal and exceptionally talented soldier who considers Eren her closest family. After losing her parents as a child, Mikasa was taken in by Eren’s family, and her extraordinary combat abilities and unwavering determination make her one of the Survey Corps’ most formidable fighters.
- Armin Arlert: Eren and Mikasa’s childhood friend and a brilliant strategist who dreams of seeing the world beyond the Walls. Although physically weaker than many of his comrades, Armin’s intelligence, creativity, and ability to make difficult decisions repeatedly prove invaluable during humanity’s most desperate battles.
- Levi Ackerman: Humanity’s most renowned soldier and one of the Survey Corps’ most capable commanders. Born and raised in the Underground, Levi’s harsh upbringing forged his exceptional combat skills, while his discipline, tactical intelligence, and determination make him a crucial figure in humanity’s struggle for survival.
- Erwin Smith: The former commander of the Survey Corps and a brilliant military strategist who dedicates his life to uncovering the truth about the Titans and the world beyond the Walls. Willing to make extraordinary sacrifices for humanity’s future, Erwin is a decisive and respected leader whose choices often carry enormous consequences.
- Historia Reiss: A compassionate young soldier whose true identity as a member of the royal Reiss family becomes central to the story. Her journey from a seemingly insignificant recruit to an important political figure is shaped by her struggle to define herself and determine what kind of ruler she wants to become.
- Reiner Braun: A highly capable warrior who infiltrates the Walls while secretly serving Marley as one of its Titan shifters. His conflicting identities, loyalty to his homeland, and relationships with the people inside the Walls create a profound internal struggle that becomes increasingly important as the story progresses.
- Hange Zoë: An eccentric and brilliant member of the Survey Corps whose fascination with Titans drives their research and experimentation. Beneath their energetic personality lies a highly capable commander and scientist who becomes increasingly important to humanity’s survival.
The Core of Attack on Titan
Eren Yeager – Freedom and determination
Mikasa Ackerman – Loyalty and strength
Armin Arlert – Intelligence and strategy
Levi Ackerman – Discipline and combat mastery
Erwin Smith – Leadership and sacrifice
Historia Reiss – Identity and responsibility
Reiner Braun – Conflict and guilt
Hange Zoë – Curiosity and discovery
These characters form the heart of Attack on Titan, each representing a different response to a world shaped by fear, violence, and the pursuit of freedom.
Sources: AOT Official, Kodansha, Wikipedia
