The Final Season is the closing chapter of one of the best-selling manga in history. After Wit Studio produced the first three seasons, MAPPA took over and brought Hajime Isayama's story to its end across several broadcasts spanning more than three years.
The Final Season began on December 7, 2020, comprising a 16-episode part, a 12-episode part and two specials aired in March 2023 and November 2023.
Quick Facts
- Studio: Wit Studio (seasons 1–3, 2013–2019); MAPPA (Final Season from December 7, 2020)
- Source: Manga by Hajime Isayama, Bessatsu Shonen Magazine, September 9, 2009–April 9, 2021, 34 volumes, 139 chapters
- Broadcast: 16 episodes (through March 29, 2021), 12 episodes (January–April 2022), two specials (March 2023, November 2023)
- Awards: Manga: Kodansha Manga Award 2011, Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize 2012, Harvey Award 2014
- Sales: Over 140 million copies by November 2023
Story
The story moves from humanity's struggle for survival against colossal Titans to a far more complex political and historical picture. Protagonist Eren Yeager and his friends uncover the truth about the world, and the Final Season brings the conflict between Eldia and the rest of the world to its peak.
Because the plot is tightly connected across seasons, newcomers should start from season 1. The Final Season's parts were split across broadcast schedules, so the viewing rhythm stretches far longer than a normal season.
Behind The Scenes
Kodansha credits Attack on Titan for the company's first revenue increase in 18 years. The manga won the 2011 Kodansha Manga Award, the 2012 Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize and the 2014 Harvey Award, and Comic Book Resources named it the best manga of the 2010s.
The anime by Wit Studio and MAPPA was praised for its animation quality and Hiroyuki Sawano's score, and is seen as a once-in-a-decade hit that brought the manga to a global audience.
Experience
Animation and music
The anime is known for its animation quality and Hiroyuki Sawano's music, creating many of the most cited moments in the genre. MAPPA continued this in the Final Season with a larger production scale.
Themes and debate
The series has been criticized over militarism: South Korean media claimed it promoted militaristic messaging, and character designs inspired by General Akiyama Yoshifuru drew controversy. There were also accusations of fascism and antisemitism regarding the persecution of the Eldians. Scholars note the ambiguity allows varied interpretations since the main characters are themselves Eldians.
The ending
The ending at chapter 139 of the manga remains a topic of debate in the community. The anime adapted the final chapters through specials aired in 2023, giving viewers a chance to reassess Isayama's storytelling on screen.
Strengths
- Praised animation and Sawano's music
- A long-form story with tight structure
- Commercial success and major awards
- A complete adaptation through the final chapters
Weaknesses
- Criticized over militarism and political allegory
- A divisive ending
- Newcomers must start from season 1
What Critics Say
Attack on Titan succeeded both critically and commercially: over 140 million copies by November 2023, seen as a once-in-a-decade hit and boosting Kodansha's revenue. Comic Book Resources named it the best manga of the 2010s.
The flip side is the political accusations and the debate over the ending, though many scholars stress that its ambiguity allows multiple readings.
Who Is It For
For viewers following since the start who want to see the finale. Newcomers should start from season 1. If you are sensitive to war and political themes, prepare for heavy content.
OtaHub Score
Verdict
The Final Season is a worthwhile conclusion to a shonen landmark, strong in animation, music and story scale, and still debated. OtaHub scores it 9.3/10.
FAQ
How many parts does the Final Season have?
A 16-episode part, a 12-episode part and two specials aired in March and November 2023.
When did the manga end?
On April 9, 2021 at chapter 139, in 34 volumes.
Which studio made the final season?
MAPPA, from December 7, 2020, succeeding Wit Studio.