Attack on Titan‘s anime adaptation has recently concluded, and it has managed to address one of the major concerns fans had with the manga’s ending. Chapter 139 of the manga raised significant controversy, particularly regarding Armin Arlert’s apparent acceptance and gratitude towards Eren Yeager’s actions, despite the mass destruction he had caused. Many felt this portrayal was an attempt to paint Eren as a hero, which didn’t sit well with some fans.
In the anime adaptation, titled Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters Part 2, creator Hajime Isayama collaborated with the staff of Studio MAPPA to make certain changes to the ending compared to the original manga. One of the most notable changes involved how Armin’s treatment of Eren was portrayed.
Attack on Titan Finale: What’s The Main Difference from Anime to Manga?
In the final Attack on Titan episode, Armin recalls a conversation with Eren prior to his death where he reveals his true motive was to ensure his friends’ statuses were elevated to the saviors of humanity to the rest of the world, alongside giving them the long, fulfilling lives he wanted them to have in a world free of Titans. The reason why they couldn’t remember it is because Eren used the Founding Titan’s ability to erase their memories of his plan. But while Armin is disgusted with Eren’s plan in the anime, he accepts the decision in the manga.
Hajime Isayama had previously acknowledged the shortcomings of Armin’s dialogue in the manga, expressing his regret for not effectively conveying Armin’s true feelings. As a result, the anime addressed this issue, leading to an ending that improved upon the original manga’s conclusion.
The primary way Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters Part 2 rectified Armin’s dialogue with Eren was by making it clear that Armin did not approve of the Rumbling. Armin was depicted as disgusted by the Rumbling’s devastation, which wiped out 80% of humanity. He also confronted Eren, questioning the effectiveness of his plan and pointing out that it wouldn’t save anyone on Paradis Island but rather provide more reasons for conflict. The theme was consistent throughout the episode, with the characters criticizing Eren’s plan for making them targets rather than heroes. The anime made it evident that no one approved of Eren’s actions, contrasting with the manga’s portrayal.
The change in Armin’s dialogue and character development also helps convey the central theme of Attack on Titan more effectively. By ensuring that none of the characters appeared to condone Eren’s actions, the idea that violence is not the solution to major global issues could be communicated more clearly. While this alteration may not resolve all of the challenges in conveying this message, it significantly enhances the finale.
Furthermore, the modifications to Armin’s dialogue have a ripple effect on Eren’s dialogue. In the anime, Eren justifies his actions by claiming they were inevitable due to his visions of the future. Armin counters Eren’s rationale by highlighting the flaws in his plan. Unlike the manga, Eren admits that he chose the Rumbling because he couldn’t devise a better solution. This self-admission by Eren emphasizes that his actions were far from ideal. Altogether, these changes in the anime adaptation significantly address the issues created by Armin’s dialogue in the manga’s finale, resulting in an ending that surpasses the original in many fans’ eyes.
