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Attack on Titan anime and manga have officially ended, yet the influence of the series remains intact as fans are still curious about different aspects of it. For instance, they still wonder what or who influenced their favorite characters.
Erwin addresses the Survey Corps in Attack on Titan anime | Credits: Studio WitTo the intrigue of fans, Hajime Isayama revealed the inspiration behind Attack on Titan characters during an interview. The revelation about what inspired Erwin is fascinating, as it encompasses the character’s growth throughout the series.
The correlation between Erwin’s appearance and his role in the Survey Corps
Over the years, themes of darkness have become a more prominent part of anime and manga series. Compared to heroes who were driven by unwavering optimism, morally grey characters are becoming the new norm. While Erwin doesn’t exactly fit the morally grey description, the exploration of his selfish motives made fans wonder if he could be described as one.
Erwin sacrifices his life for the greater good | Credits: Studio WitInterestingly, Hajime Isayama chose the most morally right inspirations to create his character. In an interview from the Shingeki no Kyojin character directory 2017 (translations via Tumblr), the mangaka explained the origin of Erwin. The character was created with a very specific image and idea in mind, as Isayama shared:
With side-parted hair, I made his exterior look like he embodies American justice. The reason I made Erwin’s look can be associated with Superman or Captain America—those who fight for freedom and equality—because their images are suitable for the boss of the Survey Corps.
The American Justice or Superman and Captain America, in this case specifically, believe in doing the right thing irrespective of the circumstances. They are symbols of hope and goodness and always choose to do the morally correct thing. Erwin’s introduction portrayed him in a similar light. He was the soft-spoken leader of the Survey Corps, who had the ability to think and act in a righteous manner.
Erwin makes Eren feel at ease by relying on him | Credits: Studio Wit In contrast to Levi, these qualities were even more apparent. However, Isayama didn’t stick with that impression of Erwin for too long. Initially, Erwin was not completely formed and there was a moment that changed it all and completed his character.
In volume 13, the scene where they discovered the true form of the titans, only Erwin who was laughing among the rest who were silent. Since then, I understood that even for Erwin who was thought of being absolutely right, there is a part of him that is not right.
Fans of the series or Erwin would instantly understand what Isayama intended to convey with this statement. The moment when the possibility that Erwin believed in was somewhat confirmed, his character underwent a great change.
The moment that completed Erwin’s character
Erwin smiles after finding out the truth about the Titans | Credits: Studio Wit After Connie had an encounter with the Titan who resembled his mother, a new possibility emerged that the Titans were humans. In the last episode of Season 2 of the anime, Connie revealed this suspicion to Hange, and then to Erwin, Levi, and Pixis. Levi instantly was unnerved and almost disappointed that he was killing humans all along, whereas Erwin had a huge smile on his face.
That moment was a nod to the dream Erwin had dreamt with his father: humans were not extinct. He found a piece to the puzzle he had been working on for so long. The revelation of his selfish motives sparked some doubts about his goodness. However, in the end, he did the right thing as he sacrificed his dream and life for the greater good, confirming what the American Justice preaches.
Attack on Titan is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
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