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Hajime Isayama is the mastermind and the creator of the global fame anime series Attack on Titan. The anime has many unique characters, plots and settings; of all of them, the character of Levi stands out.
Levi Ackerman | Credit: WIT StudioLevi Ackerman’s creation in Attack on Titan was both deliberate and spontaneous, reflecting Hajime Isayama’s unique approach to character design.
Levi initially emerged from an idle doodle on a random piece of paper, yet something about the sketch immediately stood out. Inspired by the gritty and complex character of Rorschach from Watchmen, Isayama wanted a character who was staunch yet reliable and refined Levi’s personality and appearance to embody a similar brooding intensity.
The inspiration behind Levi’s design
It wasn’t just Rorschach that inspired the character and creation of Levi Ackerman. Fans would have noticed that the design, demeanor and speech patterns of Levi are very close to that of Hiei from Yu Yu Hakusho, another compact, sharp-tongued, and fiercely loyal character with an air of mystery.
Hiei from Yu Yu Hakusho | Credit: Studio PierrotThis fusion of influences resulted in a character who exudes mystery, strength, and elegance. Levi might seem to be a bit annoyed and irritable, but he would be the first one on the battlefield and the last one off. These qualities have made him a standout figure in anime and manga, possibly even more than Eren and Mikasa.
You know, those fans might be disappointed to hear this, but maybe I’ve got a little bit of yaoi fangirl inside me too, because something went off in my head that told me, “The yaoi fangirls are going to like this one.” I was going for something similar to Hiei in Yu Yu Hakusho, and the moment I finished his design, I knew I had something good. – Hajime Isayama
Interestingly, Isayama admitted during an interview with Mangabrog that he had a peculiar sense that Levi’s design would appeal to yaoi fangirls. He said he himself had a little fangirl within, and he wanted to give the Yaoi fans something to get excited over.
While this wasn’t his primary intention, he recognized that certain traits in Levi’s character naturally lent themselves to that side and just went with it. The moment that Levi’s design was finalized, Isayama felt confident that he had created something that would resonate deeply with fans.
Cultural impact and fan appeal
Typically, yaoi fans are drawn to stories with simpler universes and more character-driven narratives, offering room for imaginative exploration. Levi is an enigma with his mysterious personality and no-nonsense attitude.
Levi Ackerman | Credit: WIT StudioLevi’s visual and thematic design borrows heavily from the anti-hero archetypes, combining physical elegance with an emotionally restrained demeanor (and his stubbornness in defending both his team members and the common people).
The addition of sharp features, a compact build, and an obsessive sense of cleanliness gives him a unique identity, echoing elements of both Rorschach and Hiei. His stoic presence and hints of emotional vulnerability naturally made him a multi-layered and intriguing character.
Levi’s unexpected popularity among Yaoi fangirls highlights Isayama’s instinctive understanding of the psyche of a fan, an essential skill for any creator.
You can stream Attack on Titan on Netflix.
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