No, episode 87, titled “The Dawn of Humanity,” is not the final episode of Attack on Titan. While it concluded the first part of the fourth season’s final arc, the series has since continued, culminating in a series of specials that definitively conclude the story.
The Long Road to Resolution: Understanding Attack on Titan‘s Finale
The path to the end of Attack on Titan has been anything but straightforward. Originally scheduled to conclude with a single, definitive season 4, the sheer scope of the remaining manga chapters necessitated a multi-part approach. This led to understandable confusion and a prolonged wait for the official conclusion. Understanding the timeline and the reasons behind the delays is crucial to appreciating the complexities surrounding the show’s finale.
Attack on Titan began as a manga series by Hajime Isayama, published from 2009 to 2021. Its immense popularity led to the anime adaptation, produced by Wit Studio for the first three seasons before being taken over by MAPPA for the fourth. The final season, due to its length and complexity, was divided into parts and specials to properly adapt the source material.
The initial announcement of a final season led viewers to believe the end was near. However, the sheer volume of content from the manga’s final arcs proved too much for a single season. This resulted in the division of the fourth season into Part 1, Part 2, and then, controversially, “The Final Chapters” divided into two extended specials.
The Role of MAPPA
The animation studio MAPPA took on the monumental task of animating Attack on Titan‘s final season. While they delivered stunning visuals and intense action sequences, they also faced criticism regarding the pacing and adaptation of certain story elements. The pressure to deliver a satisfactory conclusion to such a beloved series was immense, and the studio ultimately opted for the special format to ensure a more comprehensive and faithful adaptation.
Beyond Episode 87: “The Final Chapters”
“The Final Chapters” served as the true culmination of Eren Yeager’s journey and the resolution of the conflict between Eldia and Marley. These specials covered the remaining chapters of the manga, delving into the complexities of Eren’s motivations and the ultimate fate of Paradis Island. The decision to present the finale as specials allowed for longer runtimes, enabling a more thorough exploration of the story’s nuances and emotional depth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Attack on Titan‘s Ending
Here are some common questions surrounding the ending of Attack on Titan, providing clarity and addressing some remaining ambiguities:
1. What episodes come after episode 87?
After episode 87, “The Dawn of Humanity,” came “Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters Special 1” and “Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters Special 2”. These two specials served as the definitive conclusion to the anime series.
2. Where can I watch “The Final Chapters Specials”?
“The Final Chapters Specials” are available on popular streaming platforms that host Attack on Titan, such as Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Funimation. Availability may vary depending on your region. Check your local streaming provider for accurate listings.
3. Why was the final season split into so many parts?
The final season was split into multiple parts and specials primarily due to the sheer length and complexity of the remaining manga content. The creators wanted to ensure a faithful and detailed adaptation without compromising the story’s integrity. A single season would have been insufficient to cover everything adequately.
4. Is the anime ending the same as the manga ending?
While the anime generally follows the manga, there are minor differences in pacing and visual presentation. However, the core narrative and the ultimate conclusion remain largely the same. Any variations are typically stylistic choices by the animation team.
5. Is Eren Yeager truly the villain of Attack on Titan?
Eren’s actions in the final season are complex and morally ambiguous. While he commits atrocities in his pursuit of freedom for Eldia, his motivations stem from a deep-seated desire to protect his loved ones and end the cycle of hatred. Whether he is a villain is ultimately a matter of perspective and interpretation. The ending highlights the complexities of war and the blurring of lines between heroes and villains.
6. What is the Rumbling, and why did Eren initiate it?
The Rumbling is the act of unleashing the Wall Titans upon the world outside Paradis Island, devastating civilizations and causing widespread death and destruction. Eren initiated the Rumbling as a desperate measure to protect Eldia from annihilation. He believed it was the only way to secure their future, even if it meant sacrificing countless innocent lives.
7. Does Paradis Island survive after the events of Attack on Titan?
The fate of Paradis Island is somewhat ambiguous at the end of the series. While the immediate threat of global annihilation is averted, the island remains vulnerable and faces the potential for future conflicts. The final scenes hint at a cyclical nature of violence, suggesting that peace may be fleeting.
8. What happens to Mikasa at the end of the series?
Mikasa plays a crucial role in stopping Eren and ultimately kills him to end the Rumbling. She then spends her life mourning his loss but eventually moves on and starts a family. She is buried near the tree where Eren is also buried, signifying their intertwined destinies.
9. Is there any sequel or spin-off planned for Attack on Titan?
While there are no confirmed plans for a direct sequel, the possibility of spin-offs or related stories remains open. The world of Attack on Titan is rich with potential, and the creators may explore other characters or storylines in the future. The release of extra pages to the manga hints that Isayama still is not done with the AOT universe.
10. What is the significance of the tree where Eren is buried?
The tree where Eren is buried is likely a reference to Ymir Fritz’s origin, the first Titan, who gained her powers after coming into contact with a mysterious source within a similar tree. It symbolizes the cycle of power and the interconnectedness of fate within the Attack on Titan universe.
11. What are the main themes explored in Attack on Titan‘s ending?
The ending of Attack on Titan explores several complex themes, including the cycle of violence, the cost of freedom, the burden of responsibility, and the ambiguity of morality in wartime. It also delves into the nature of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a world filled with suffering.
12. How did Attack on Titan influence other anime and manga?
Attack on Titan has had a significant impact on the anime and manga landscape. Its dark and complex narrative, its exploration of mature themes, and its stunning visuals have inspired countless other creators. It has raised the bar for storytelling in the medium and has helped to popularize the grimdark genre. Its influence can be seen in numerous series that followed, demonstrating its enduring legacy.
Conclusion: The End of an Era
While episode 87 marked a significant point in the Attack on Titan journey, it was not the definitive conclusion. “The Final Chapters Specials” delivered the long-awaited resolution, albeit one that was both emotionally impactful and open to interpretation. The series’ enduring legacy lies in its compelling characters, its thought-provoking themes, and its unwavering commitment to exploring the complexities of the human condition in the face of unimaginable adversity. Understanding the full scope of the finale, including the specials, is crucial for appreciating the complete narrative arc of Attack on Titan.