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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.

The Survey Corps kneel before Queen Historia in Attack on Titan manga | Credits: Kodansha USA

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.

The appeal of Attack on Titan lies in its plot progression and how the story evolves into a profound commentary on the innate nature of humans. The unraveling of different ideas and events in the story is glorious to witness, but even if people lose interest after the first few episodes, they can’t be blamed. In the beginning, the idea was much simpler and one-dimensional.

Mikasa hugs Eren as he emerges out of the Attack Titan’s body in Attack on Titan manga | Credits: Kodansha USA

A war between humans and giant beasts can hardly be called refreshing. This makes one wonder what made the higher-ups give the stamp of approval to Hajime Isayama. Apparently, the answer is something that was initially criticized a lot about the manga. During an interview, the editor of the manga, Shintaro Kawakubo, shared what was this appealing factor.

Here’s what convinced Editor...

Life is beautiful, simply because we’re blessed enough to exist in the same timeline as Attack on Titan. The pages of the manga offer a vivid experience that evokes a wild range of emotions. From existential dread to pulse-pounding thrill, the storytelling ensures that the intensity is understood by the readers.

A panel from the initial chapters of Attack on Titan | Credits: Kodansha USA

Now, imagine a world where Attack on Titan doesn’t exist. Before you pick up arms, it’s important to tell you that this was a very real possibility. Hajime Isayama nearly forgot about Attack on Titan and had many different story ideas. It was the editor of the manga, aka our savior, Shintaro Kawakubo, who redirected Isayama to his initial plans. Here’s how these events unfolded.

Hajime Isayama completely forgot about Attack on Titan for a while

Attack on Titan began its run in 2009, but before that,...

Voice actor Naomi Payton , best known as Sumire Heanna in the Love Live! Superstar!! series, will release her first book titled "Naomi Payton Personal Photo Book Watashi" from Japanese publisher Ichijinsha on April 4, 2025. After making a voice actor debut in March 2020, she was chosen as the role of Sumire Heanna in December 2020. While performing as a member of Liella! , the voice actor unit for Love Live!! Superstar!! , she started her solo artist activities releasing her first single "Mahou" in March 2023. New photographs for the book were shot by the sea and in Saitama Prefecture, her hometown, capturing her pursuit of the "ideal heroine image." Additionally, outtakes from her photo and interview serialization "Heikou Tagen Heroines" ("Parallel Multidimensional Heroines") on the website Febri are also included. Check out sample photos below: "Mahou" Performance Clip from "1st Live 'Mahou'" on March 21, 2023 Sourc e: Febri editorial department official X (formerly Twitter)...

The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise is now over 45 years old and has more than 60 anime shows and movies to its name. With so many series to choose from, it can be intimidating for a newcomer to break into the universe, but a Gundam episode director has now recommended one of the best places to start.

Originally created by director Yoshiyuki Tomino, the Gundam series has gained massive popularity all over the world, and it's become easily the most globally recognizable mecha anime franchise to date. One artist who worked under Tomino on Turn A Gundam has many good things to say, both about director Tomino himself and the series they worked on together. In a recent interview with Febri in honor of the 25th anniversary of Turn A Gundam, Masakazu Hishida, who worked on the anime as an assistant director and storyboarder, shared his experiences.

Related Gundam Reveals Debut Trailer...

Hajime Isayama is the creator of Attack on Titan, an extremely successful anime series that won many global awards, was initially meant to disappoint fans with its ending. The author, Isayama, envisioned a grim conclusion for his series if he continued staying true to his original narrative plans.

Eren in Attack on Titan | Credit: Wit Studio

However, a significant shift in his approach occurred after the author finished watching James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy. The movie contained a sort of mystery and a sense of amazement that led him to change the ending.

This experience was helpful to Isayama as it pushed him to reconsider his storytelling methods, as he realized there is more than one way to deliver an impactful story and a tragedy isn’t all that important. This change is what resulted in a more nuanced and emotionally brilliant ending for the world famous work.

The ending of Attack on Titan left the fandom fairly divided, debating on whether it was underwhelming and rushed or perfect. Hajime Isayama wrote an intricate world that dealt with many complicated themes so it is a huge achievement that he could tie it all up into a coherent series.

Of course, Isayama doesn’t work alone on the Attack on Titan manga. There’s a big reason why his convoluted lore makes sense in the end and that’s his editor. Shintaro Kawakubo isn’t afraid to correct the mangaka’s work and have him rework parts that don’t make sense, which is very much an editor’s job.

Eren Yeager is the protagonist of Attack on Titan. [Credit: Wit Studio]

A good editor makes all the difference for any writer’s work and that certainly applies to the manga industry. Isayama himself admits he might’ve been too...

Since its debut, My Dress Up Darling quickly became a hit in the anime world with its heartfelt portrayal of cosplay, friendship, and blossoming romance between its two leads. Marin Kitagawa and Wakana Gojo’s growing relationship, grounded in their shared passion for artistry and craftsmanship, has captivated fans for its refreshing take on young love and self-expression.

Marin and Wakana from My Dress-Up Darling | Credit: CloverWorks

However, many early viewers and readers dismissed My Dress Up Darling assuming the series was little more than a typical romantic comedy with a lot of focus on fanservice. Even the anime director, Keisuke Shinohara is no exception to this. The misconceptions surrounding the series’ theme could have almost ruined the anime adaptation of this popular manga.

Keisuke Shinohara’s Early Impression of My Dress-Up Darling

Many viewers often label My Dress Up Darling as a superficial romantic comedy targeted towards a male audience.

There’s nothing more terrifying than being trapped in the world of spirals. The ever-looming fear of being consumed and coiled is what Uzumaki is all about. This magnum opus by Junji Ito is excellent in its grotesque and repugnant imagery. The horror is so intensifying that it would give one the jitters of a lifetime. However, there’s an interesting thought behind this.

The horrifying cannibalism scene in a still from Junji Ito’s anime | Credit: Production I.G

Before Hajime Isayama popularized cannibalism, blood, and gore, Junji Ito pioneered it. This extends to the never-ending loop of horror. The vicious cycle of dread is a parallel between both series. However, Ito takes the cake with his fusion of body horror with this concept.

Uzumaki’s ending spirals around the ever-looming horror.

Uzumaki underscores the warped symbolism of spirals and highlights its consuming nature. As opposed to the archetype of enlightenment,...

Summers most popular romance anime, Too Many Losing Heroines!, has received all-new behind-the-scenes information in an interview with the series director. According to Shoutarou Kitamura, the series has made a name for itself in the world of harem anime by having a protagonist who has just as much trouble finding love as all his love interests, and for one specific reason.

In a new interview with Febri, Too Many Losing Heroines! director Shoutarou Kitamura discusses how the series differs from the standard "school harem" rom-com. Kitamura explained that he was inspired by the original light novels unique perspective on classic harem tropes. "The original novels theme is about 'slightly deviating from the norm,'" he stated. As such, main protagonist Kazuhiko Nukumizu doesnt have the standard romantic relationship with the female characters normally seen in a harem. Although he develops true relationships with all the female characters in the 'harem,...

In September 2009, then-newbie manga artist Hajime Isayama published the debut chapter of what would become his critically acclaimed dark fantasy series, Attack on Titan, in Bessatsu Shonen Magazine. In a 2021 interview that recently resurfaced online, Isayama and Attack on Titan editor Shintaro Kawakubo discuss how they met and how their collaboration produced one of Japan's most iconic shonen works.

Febri's interview, which is once again trending on the website, was originally published shortly after Attack on Titan's final chapter launched in Bessatsu Shonen Magazine. The story began as a 65-page one-shot that Isayama created during his time at a vocational high school. As part of his program's curriculum, Isayama was required to submit his work to several different publishers. Eventually, his manga landed on the desk of fledgling manga editor Shintaro Kawakubo, who was immediately entranced by Isayama's creation. "The story itself was interesting, but more than anything,...

Hiromu Arakawa, the author and illustrator of the Fullmetal Alchemist manga, didnt believe the popular dark fantasy series would make it past its second volume release. In a resurfaced interview, Arakawa explains why she had little faith in Fullmetal Alchemist -- and what would have happened if her prediction had come true.

Japanese entertainment website Febri interviewed Arakawa about her career as a manga artist in May 2017 for its magazine release, which was then reprinted in March 2021; the interview has once again been trending at #1 on the site in recent days. In the interview, Arakawa discussed her rural upbringing as a child in a family of farmers and her early interests in manga and illustration. As the interview digs deeper into Arakawas professional career as a manga artist, she revealed that she didnt believe Fullmetal Alchemist would go on to spawn 27 manga volumes, let alone two anime TV series adaptations and movies.

From gnarly and creepy Titans to poverty and hunger, Hajime Isayama’s manga Attack on Titan reflected the horrifying reality through its visuals and storytelling. The dystopian manga along with the anime turned out to be a major hit among readers and viewers.

Eren crushes Willy Tybur | Attack on Titan S4, Ep 5 | Mappa

From power-packed action scenes to eerie Titans, the manga surpassed its limits in its depictions of gore and violence. All in all, the process of crafting concepts along with stories and illustrations in the manga is not often discussed.

While some character designs came off smoothly, the author faced obstacles and had to go all out while creating this character in the series.

Hajime Isayama’s key to writer’s block in Attack on Titan

Manga conception and its serialization is no joke. From character designs to storyline, the process involves painstaking effort and obstacles to make...

Be it war, gore, and violence, Attack on Titan, written by Hajime Isayama, perfectly captured the essence of a dystopian world through its visuals and storytelling. The manga highlights themes of survival where characters rummage for normalcy and peace in the middle of chaos.

The Survey Corps in a still from the anime | Credit: Wit Studio

From its backdrop to storylines, the manga draws its inspiration from Norse mythology as well as real-time incidents. In addition to that, the moments of war and violence are a reference to World War 2 and the exodus of Jews.

While there are references to real-time stories and incidents, the author admitted the usage of Western and Japanese storytelling methods in his work. However, this move by the author wasn’t what fans hoped for.

Western influences on Hajime Isayama’s writing in Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan, written by Hajime Isayama, follows the...

It is a known fact by now that Hajime Isayama started Attack on Titan’s serialization with its ending already prepared in his mind. No matter how compelling the story may have been, it was the ending that caught many fans off guard. The controversy it created led to an immense backlash that could not escape the mangaka either. It split the fandom from within and it was as if all that the manga had taken a decade to build seemed rudimentary in front of the ending.

Mikasa from Attack on Titan | Credit: Mappa

What may be astonishing to learn is that Isayama changed his plans for the betterment of his fans. The original ending was much worse than the final product and it cared little about how pleased or displeased the fans would be. However, it was James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy that ended up changing his mind.

Attack on Titan has featured a variety of different characters, all helming unique designs because of Hajime Isayama’s attention to detail. While he has never been too fond of the artistic prowess he possesses, there are times when the mangaka shines out. The way the series is drawn, it has a combination of sequences that can scar the reader through disturbing imagery or make them weep with how emotional things can get.

Eren Jaeger in Attack on Titan | Credit: Mappa

Sometimes, these sketches can escalate, frightening even Isayama himself. While that may come as a surprise to most, in the ways he was drawing the Titans, some of them haunted him and because of how much he loved to draw them, certain changes were to be made.

Hajime Isayama’s Toughest Titan

Hajime Isayama admitted during an interview with Febri that he has a habit of drawing Titans in...

Every artist, no matter their medium of expression, can often find themselves difficult position, devoid of ideas, at least one point in their lives. For someone as creative as Hajime Isayama, that wasn’t anything he could escape either. No matter how flourished a mind may be of ideas, there can often be times when they face writer’s block or artist’s block, unless you’re Jeffrey Archer.

Attack on Titan | Credit: Mappa

Isayama’s creative journey has been one where he has learned a lot with every step he took. While there are moments when the mangaka criticizes his own work, there are also times when he has praise flowing through him, acknowledging the time and effort put into Attack on Titan. When Isayama found himself in a difficult position, his childhood self came in clutch.

Hajime Isayama was Stuck with No Ideas

During an interview with Febri,...

Hajime Isayama’s decade-long journey with Attack on Titan originated from a modest idea in his imagination. What started as a tale of humanity’s desperate struggle against gigantic, man-eating titans evolved into a complex narrative that explored the depths of human nature, the cycle of violence, and the consequences of choices.

Armored Titan vs Beast Titan | Mappa Studio

Isayama provided a fascinating insight into the creative process behind Attack on Titan, revealing how his original vision for the series shifted dramatically over time. His reflection offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a mangaka and the evolution of a story that has left an indelible mark on popular culture.

Human’s Struggle Against Titans

Building on Isayama’s initial vision, the early drafts of Attack on Titan were primarily focused on the awe-inspiring and terrifying nature of the Titans. In an interview with Febri, he revealed that his...

The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise has had numerous iconic entries, with these anime all having major impacts on the brand as a whole. Now, as one legendary series turns 30 years old, an official voice actor recalls how things dramatically shifted for the Real Robot property.

Mobile Fighter G Gundam was a major change of pace for Gundam, notably by being more of a Super Robot series that had more in common with Street Fighter or Dragon Ball Z than a space opera featuring warring colonies. Nevertheless, its format and how its cast was handled was a major selling point according to one voice actor. This change of pace was also reflected in the next series, which was an even bigger hit.

Related Two of the Most Popular Gundam Anime of All Time Mobilize on Netflix

Two of the most popular Gundam anime of all time are now available to stream on Netflix,...

Within the anime community, many fans can point to one specific series or franchise that sparked their interest in the medium. For veteran anime producer Kyoko Uryu, it was ultimately Mobile Suit Gundam Wing that prompted her to become a full-fledged otaku.

Created in 1979, the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise encompasses a library's worth of animated series, films, manga and novels chronicling the events of Yoshiyuki Tomino's expansive sci-fi universe. Additionally, Bandai Namco's accompanying Gunpla model kit series provides yet another avenue for Gundam enthusiasts to express their devotion to the franchise. In a recent interview with Febri, Uryu explains how it was Mobile Suit Gundam -- specifically Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (2000) -- that transformed a fun childhood pastime into a major part of her adult life. "I got into Mobile Suit Gundam Wing when I was in sixth grade and I feel like that determined my life as an otaku after that,...

In a recent interview with Febri, renowned anime director Hiroyuki Imaishi talked about why he believes it would be impossible to recreate an anime like Kill La Kill today.

Reflecting on a recent screening event where he revisited past episodes, Imaishi revealed that he was struck by the realization that recreating the magic of Kill La Kill would be nearly impossible today.

Imaishi explained that this feeling wasn’t new and surfaced with every project he undertook, but it was especially pronounced in this instance. He emphasized that Kill La Kill was a product of its time, achievable only under the specific conditions and creative environment that existed back then.

Moreover, the production of Kill La Kill didn’t involve much of a planning (even if it was more than what was done during the making of his earlier work Gurren Lagann) and Studio Trigger didn’t have the resources...

The creators of Studio Trigger's popular Kill la Kill anime series have made an intriguing case for the show's blatant fanservice, arguing that it's an essential component of both the medium and the show itself for the fate of humanity.

Japanese outlet Febri spoke to Kill la Kill writer Kazuki Nakashima and director Hiroyuki Imaishi. As Nakashima joked that bathtub peeking scenes were probably off-limits these days except for a good reason, like a character's life being at stake, he outlined his view on fanservice somewhat more seriously. "We're making a commercial work, so we want the audience to see it. I don't care if they say, 'I don't get it,' but I don't want them to feel unnecessarily uncomfortable. On the other hand, if we make the work completely sterile, people's immunity will be weakened, and they will all die. Therefore, there is a way of thinking...

In 2019, The Boys introduced viewers to a brutal yet darkly comedic world where superheroes often have more blood on their hands than the supposed villains. According to Go! Go! Loser Ranger director Keiichi Sato, this world laid some of the groundwork for his latest anime project.

Go! Go! Loser Ranger -- known in Japan as Sentai Dai Shikkaku -- is set in a world where a massive superhero organization rises up to confront an army of evil beings that threaten to destroy humanity. While the series is actually based on a superhero manga by Negi Haruba, the basic premise shares many parallels with Eric Kripke's popular superhero drama. The latter work similarly revolves around a league of heroes who win the public's hearts and minds in spite of their sinister actions and intentions. In a recent interview with Febri, Sato discusses how The Boys helped inspire him while working on Go!

In a recent interview with Febri, director Keiichi Sato shed some insights into the creative process behind the currently airing Go! Go! Loser Ranger! anime adaptation.

During the interview Keiichi revealed that he drew inspiration from the American satirical superhero series ‘The Boys‘ when it came to adapting Negi Haruba’s Go! Go! Loser Ranger! manga into an anime, as he desired to capture the dark and complex world of anti-heroes.

Image source: Febri

He highlighted the prevalence of anti-hero themes in both domestic and international media landscapes, citing The Boys as a prominent example. He noted that Go! Go! Loser Ranger! with its premise of a protagonist from the villain side challenging a justice hero with hidden darkness, resonates with the themes explored in The Boys.

This combined with the manga’s surprising plot twists, convinced Sato to infuse the tone of the series for the anime.

“There are...