If you’re an attack on titan reader, then you’re all too familiar with the
controversial ending creating a great rift in the community. However, recently Isayama
has apologized for the disappointing ending (which I personally enjoyed) but nevertheless,
it’s confirmed that there will be an additional chapter truly concluding the franchise.
HOWEVER, after analyzing the numerous leaks,
you realize something bizarre is being set up that heavily contradicts the finale.
And these changes aren’t just simple expansions to the world, no it’s full on retcons seemingly
setting up for a potential boruto-esque sequel. Which is quite bizarre because
Ishiyama stated that he wouldn’t be able to create more content, because he wouldn’t
have the passion to continue. Which is quite deserved considering he’s been producing this
legendary saga for more than a decade now. However, we know his editors have negatively
influenced the production of the finale, so I wouldn’t be shocked if they’re also
pressuring Isayama to continue milking the franchise. Because giant series like these
are never allowed to rest, when there is possibility for mula to fill daddy's pockets.
Nevertheless, there is a possibility the revised finale could heal AOT’s tarnished image, right?
Well let’s just say there is a lot to unpack here...
Exhibit A: Mikasa & Jean are seen with kids presumably at a reunion with fellow scout
members looking at a tree. Possibly the same tree from the other leaks, which resembles Ymirs tree.
Now I'm already lost with questions; why the heck did Isayama ship Mikasa with Jean when there has
been literally nothing hinting at romantical tension? Hell, Armin & Historia would’ve been
more believable because their bond with Mikasa is far clearer throughout the story.
I guess I can infer that Isayama wanted to give an ounce of development to mikasa,
considering her entire character revolved around simping over eren. But I just can’t accept this
forced development because it makes on since! And I fear the new finale will be a shipfest akin to
naruto with Isayama forcing the most arbitrary relationships without an ounce of sense.
Exhibit B: Granny Mikasa is assumably in her grave? Now I'm not sure if that’s actually Mikasa,
so take this with a grain of salt. But assuming this is true, this means the finale will feature
multiple timeskips with the children being the focus of the chapter? This just adds more
credibility to my fear of Isayama setting up a boruto-esque sequel. However, this panel could
be a bittersweet finale sending a farewell to the characters we followed for a decade.
Fingers crossed while shivering in anxiety. Exhibit C: A random kid finds a giant tree with an
entrance, presumably Ymirs tree? I’m guessing this kid will possibly be the protagonists
of this chapter. Most likely Mikasas child for a poetic passing down the torch in an endless cycle
of war, which I’m presuming is the theme Isyama is going with. And he’s seen carrying assumingly a
gun and military attire. This correlates with the original finale as war still continued despite
Erens efforts. However, I fear he’s going to unseal the titans back into society which would
be horrible, because it ruins the epic victory the characters have fought so hard to achieve;
eliminating all the titans! But, if I'm right about Isayama setting up a sequel,
then this is just another case of a great franchise being milked, quality be damned.
Exhibit D: King Fritz is seen speared. Now I'm not sure if this is isayama retconning
the finale all together or establishing extra development of Ymirs character.
Nevertheless, I don’t have much thoughts on this leak, because there’s not much
context surrounding it. Let me know your theories on this panel in the comments.
Finally Exhibit E: Eren Is assumably alive? Now I’m not sure if this is just a flashback
but it would deplorable if eren is revived with some bullshit Titan magic. I hope Isayamas writing
hasn’t stooped to Hiro mashima levels of trash. I rather have the original ending retconned all
together if he wants bring Eren back, which might be the case in the anime if the rumors
of the final season having an original finale. Nevertheless, what your thoughts on these leaks?
Are you welcoming a potential boruto-esque sequel or do you worry about the future of the franchise?
Let me know in the comments, I'm curious to know your opinions.