Whether it is the greatest anime of all time or not, Attack on Titan is undeniably one of the most influential series that drew in millions of fans from every corner of the world. Hajime Isayama’s impressive storytelling throughout the manga’s long run from 2009 to 2021, paired amazingly with the anime’s striking and unforgettable animation. However, what many fans may not realize is the immense personal cost behind creating such an incredible story. 

Nearly four years after the manga’s conclusion, Japanese manga artist Hajime Isayama opened up about the emotional and creative toll it took on him to create Attack on Titan.

After working on Attack on Titan for more than a decade, Hajime Isayama revealed that he is no longer actively developing a new story or drawing regularly. One of the main reasons is the intense emotional strain that he took during his time working on the show.

"If I try to write anything, it ends up feeling like a [rehash] of an element I already used in 'Attack on Titan' ... [It] was like emptying out everything inside me until I was completely drained,” he said in an interview with Oricon, dated January 9.

Even during the manga’s serialization, Isayama often felt exhausted and struggled emotionally during the backlash from fans over the ending. This experience led him to take a more hands-on role in the anime adaptation, where he contributed original scenes.

While it is difficult to see the creator struggle and step away from new projects for now, as he revealed to Oricon, Isayama is finally taking a much-needed break. That said, discussions about Attack on Titan are far from over, especially with Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters – The Last Attack set to hit theaters.

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Not only fans but also the show’s voice cast have opened up about their thoughts and experiences with the series.

Mikasa Ackerman's voice actor, Yui Ishikawa, in a recent Oricon interview dated January 7, recently opened up about how the story has ended, but the emotional connection to it clearly has not, while speaking of Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters – The Last Attack. Other cast members spoke about the ending as well.

Eren Yeager voice actor Yuki Kaji also added how the anime was so much more than just a show for the fans, as well as the entire cast.

“It is something Japan can be truly proud of...the story centers on divisions born from boundaries such as walls and the sea,” he said.

 As the final chapter returns to theatres, the show can be streamed on Crunchyroll. While the story of Attack on Titan may have ended, the story continues to live for years in hearts as seen via Hajime Isayama and the voice actors' views.  

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What do you think about the creator's sacrifice for Attack on Titan? Let us know in the comments section below.