After the mangaka, the editors are usually the most informed people about a popular manga series. Attack on Titan is no different in this regard, as the editor Shintaro Kawakubo played a huge role in shaping its narrative. He was the one person who suggested several changes to the story, keeping Hajime Isayama in check during the serialization of the manga.
During an interview, both of them shared what this process and all the interactions between them looked like. Surprisingly, one iconic scene wouldn’t have been the same if it wasn’t for the editor’s input.
Editor Kawakubo’s presence kept Hajime Isayama grounded
Attack on Titan is an important chapter of anime history due to its complex narrative. Hajime Isayama is considered the genius mind behind the story, and his storytelling skills are highly regarded by fans.
During an interview with Febri, Isayama shared how his editor Kawakubo often asked him many questions about the story. This brings many minute details to his attention that he failed to notice himself. He explains:
Usually, once I finish thinking of a story, I’m overconfident in myself, so he’ll point out things that don’t make sense.
Whenever Isayama revisits these chapters, he can see Kawakubo’s point and he’s stopped putting too much trust into his first drafts as a result. The interviewer asked about the extent of the changes that came from Kawakubo. To which Isayama responded:
I try to forget the more traumatic experiences as quick as I can (laughed), but he’s probably been the source of several changes, my memory of them is just faint.
Even though both Isayama and Kawakubo couldn’t think of the changes rightaway. It was later pointed out that Kawakubo’s suggestion changed one iconic scene in Attack on Titan.
This iconic moment wouldn’t have happened in Attack on Titan
In Attack on Titan Chapter 90, the truth about the Titans was revealed to the general public and the Survey Corps finally made it to the ocean beyond the walls. This was a monumental chapter as it marked an important turning point in Eren’s journey. In the first draft, Isayama didn’t mention Eren’s main motivation.
Isayama made some changes to the structure of the chapter according to Kawakubo’s suggestion, particularly the conclusion. Even though, it wasn’t drawn out or said outright, the events leading to the conclusion explained what completely changed Eren’s mind.
First, he realized the truth behind all things when he kissed Historia’s hand. Within the same chapter, we saw Eren reminding Armin about their shared dream, and then struggling to believe the same dream. Finally, he realized that the freedom he sought so desperately wasn’t within reach.
The developments in this chapter were executed excellently, and it’s hard to imagine Eren’s transformation coming to life in any other way. After the Titans, they had another fight against the enemies beyond the ocean. Even though Isayama couldn’t pinpoint the extent of how much Kawakubo changed the story, this particular instance clarifies it.
Attack on Titan is available to read on the K Manga app and website.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
