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This article contains major spoilers for the Attack on Titan manga.The final chapter of the Attack on Titan manga, which was released as far back as April 2021, signaled the conclusion of an era. Over a nearly 12-year run, with few, if any breaks, Hajime Isayama's epic dark fantasy title had kindled an overwhelming flood of emotions in the minds of its readers. Fear, anger, joy, pain, love, hatred, resolve, loyalty, compassion, daring, and above all, the unyielding will to fight on, these where the defining themes in a story that had stirred hearts for years and will likely continue to do so in the times to come. However, even with all the plaudits it received throughout its publication, Attack on Titan's concluding arc, and its finale in particular, was burdened with mixed reactions. Many even veered towards the negative end of the spectrum, due to the seemingly rushed and unsatisfactory manner in which long-running plot threads had been tied up.
In response, Isayama, released an extended version of the ending in the manga's final volume, which, added more depth to the story, in spite of its similarities to the original ending. Sadly, this was not enough to appease many die-hard fans of the franchise who felt hard done by with the jarring tonal shifts and irregular pacing of the final chapters. Now, as the concluding segment of the Attack on Titan anime's Final Season airs as one of the most anticipated anime of 2023, there has been much speculation on which of the two versions will be adapted for screen. Although there is little left to cover from the original manga, many theories surround three potential courses for the story to reach its resolution. Besides the first two versions shown in the manga, there is also the slim possibility of a potential anime original ending. Even if the likelihood of this last path is minute at best, it is worth delving into each of the three to ascertain how re-examining them could benefit the story as a whole, and maybe even give the series the send-off it truly deserves.
Original Ending
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Titled "Toward the Tree on that Hill," the concluding chapter of the Attack on Titan manga continues Eren's conversation with Armin in the Paths after the former's death at the hands of Mikasa. As the two travel throughout the various landscapes they dreamed of during their youth, such as those covered in lava and snow, Eren explains the reasons behind his actions to Armin. From his decision to wipe out the majority of humanity outside the walls, to his treatment of Armin and Mikasa, and finally, the ramifications of wielding the Founding Titan power, Eren dives into every detail behind the choices that led the two of them to the present moment. Eventually, on confessing his true romantic feelings for Mikasa, Eren breaks down in fear of his impending demise, only for Armin to console him and offer assurance that he would do whatever he could to save him. Sadly, Eren, who is all to well aware of the unforgivable nature of the atrocities he has committed, embraces his friend for the last time and reiterates his trust in Armin to do what is best for humanity.
Back in the real world, the power of the Titans has been erased, and all pure Titans and shifters revert to their original human form. Mikasa approaches Armin with the remains of Eren's head resolving to give him a proper burial on Paradis Island before fleeing the scene. After a short standoff between the escaping Eldians and Marleyans, Armin manages to broker a truce and earn the trust of both sides. Happy reunions between the main cast and their families ensue, as Levi looks on to see the spirits of all his fallen comrades.
Three years later, after the climactic confrontation which came to be known as the "Battle of Heaven and Earth," the remaining members of the Scouts are engaged in discussion aboard an envoy vessel to Paradis in order to hold diplomatic talks and broker peace on behalf of the rest of the world. In the wake of the battle, the Yeagerist faction had built up the island's military might in fear of retaliation and Armin's delegation is a last ditch effort to prevent any further bloodshed — something he feels particularly strongly about to make sure that his best friend's sacrifice was not in vain. Mikasa, who remained on Paradis, sits next to the tree where Eren once slept.
As she reminisces about her childhood with Eren, eventually bursting into tears, a bird grabs her scarf and tightens it around her neck. While not explicitly stated, there is an obvious nod towards the bird being a redeemed incarnation of Eren's will, having finally found the freedom he so craved On seeing this, she thanks Eren for wrapping the scarf around her one last time, bringing the tale to a close on a somewhat positive note. Although this ending does have a particularly poignant conclusion, the sequence of events leading up to still doesn't adhere to the standard of writing most Attack on Titan fans have grown used to.
Extended Volume Release Ending
Much of the original ending remains the same in the extended version used for the release of the final volume, save for the addition of a few pages that give the story a more open-ended conclusion, even opening up avenues for a sequel of sorts. Following Mikasa's interaction with the bird, hinted to be the personification of Eren who has now finally gained the freedom he so desired in death, the narrative flashes forward to show Mikasa and her new family visiting Eren's grave, which is now the site of a massive tree. There are strong echoes of the tree in which Ymir Fritz first came into contact with the "Source of all living matter," hinting that Eren's remains are still a conduit for the Founding Titan's power.
Over the decades, with the advancement of technology on Paradis Island, the settlement inside the wall transforms into a thriving modern metropolis. Years after Mikasa's own passing, the islander's worst fears come true as the tides of war reach Paradis' shores. Bombs ravage the island's thriving civilization, reducing its cities to ash, dust, and rubble. All that remains is the towering form of Eren's tree, having grown to a gargantuan size. In the closing panels of the manga, amid the now post-apocalyptic landscape of Paradis, a young child and his dog encounter the tree, and begin to approach a fissure in the bark at its base.
While a large part of the ending from the original release has been retained, the additional pages do signal a death knell for the more optimistic tone of the first ending. While the earlier conclusion did not reveal the final fate of the islanders, leaving it up to the reader to discern, this expanded version is far darker in tone. In effect this also renders Eren's sacrifice, that of the deceased Scouts, as well as the innumerable innocents slaughtered by the Rumbling, to be almost entirely in vain, as Paradis is finally razed to the ground. On the other hand, perhaps the most intriguing facet of this ending is how it opens up the possibility of a sequel or continuation through its final frames.
Anime Original Ending
Last but not least, the pushback from fans after the release of both versions of Attack on Titan's final chapter even elicited a response from Isayama, the mangaka behind it. A statement issued by Kodansha contained a public apology where he took full responsibility for the drop in quality towards the manga's end, eventually requesting that readers be patient and sensitive with their criticism. When considering how the manga's serialization seldom took any breaks, along with the incredible quality of writing delivered chapter after chapter, it is hard to fault Isayama for this petition for sympathy.
Interestingly, this might also open up an avenue for an ending which resolves many of the perceived flaws in the manga, particularly the manner in which the tide of the final battle turned, along with the discrepancies and rushed segments of the final parts of the story. There is also room for retcons in the events leading up to the climax, prior to the final battle and epilogue itself. All these possibilities only serve to heighten the incredible amount of hype building up as the curtain falls on a true cultural phenomenon of the last decade.