History of Attack on Titan in Timeline

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Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is a manga series by Hajime Isayama set in a world where humanity lives within walled cities to protect themselves from Titans, giant man-eating humanoids. The story follows Eren Yeager, who vows revenge after his hometown is destroyed and his mother killed by Titans. The manga was serialized from 2009 to 2021 and collected into 34 volumes. The series explores themes of survival, freedom, and the cost of war, and has gained a large international following.

September 9, 2009: Attack on Titan Manga Launch

On September 9, 2009, Attack on Titan began its serialization in the first issue of Kodansha's Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine.

September 2009: Attack on Titan Manga Serialization Begins

In September 2009, the Attack on Titan manga series, written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama, began serialization in Kodansha's Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine.

2009: Attack on Titan Serialization Begins

In 2009, Hajime Isayama's Attack on Titan manga began serialization after he had already developed ideas for twists in the story. He brought the manga to the Weekly Shōnen Magazine department at Kodansha.

March 17, 2010: First Tankōbon Volume Release

On March 17, 2010, Kodansha released the first tankōbon volume of Attack on Titan.

2010: Jury Recommended Work at Japan Media Arts Festival

In 2010, Attack on Titan was one of the Manga Division's Jury Recommended Works at the 14th Japan Media Arts Festival Awards.

2010: Isayama's Blog Post Linking Pixis to Akiyama

In 2010, Isayama wrote a blog post that was later linked by media in 2013 to the character design of Dot Pixis being based on General Akiyama Yoshifuru.

April 1, 2011: Attack on Titan: Before the Fall Light Novel Series Begins

On April 1, 2011, the Attack on Titan: Before the Fall light novel series, written by Ryō Suzukaze and illustrated by Thores Shibamoto, began publication by Kodansha.

October 2011: Live-Action Film Announced

In October 2011, a live-action film adaptation of Attack on Titan was announced to be in production.

2011: Jury Recommended Work at Japan Media Arts Festival

In 2011, Attack on Titan was one of the Manga Division's Jury Recommended Works at the 15th Japan Media Arts Festival Awards.

May 2012: Attack on Titan: Junior High Serialization Begins

In May 2012, the Attack on Titan: Junior High manga, written by Saki Nakagawa, began serialization in Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine.

June 19, 2012: First English Volume Published

On June 19, 2012, Kodansha USA published the first English volume of the Attack on Titan manga in North America.

December 2012: Tetsuya Nakashima Leaves Director Position

In December 2012, Tetsuya Nakashima left his position as director of the live-action film due to creative differences.

2012: Eighth Best Manga Series for Male Readers

In 2012, Kono Manga ga Sugoi! named Attack on Titan the eighth best manga series for male readers.

April 7, 2013: Attack on Titan Anime Premieres

On April 7, 2013, the first season of the Attack on Titan anime, produced by Wit Studio and directed by Tetsurō Araki, premiered on Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS).

May 27, 2013: Coverage in Hong Kong Newspaper

On May 27, 2013, the Attack on Titan anime was featured on the front page of the Hong Kong free newspaper am730, highlighting its popularity in Hong Kong, mainland China, and Taiwan.

August 2013: Attack on Titan: Before the Fall Manga Series Begins

In August 2013, the Attack on Titan: Before the Fall manga series, drawn by Satoshi Shiki, started running in Kodansha's Monthly Shōnen Sirius.

September 9, 2013: Release of 'Outside' Guidebook

On September 9, 2013, the Attack on Titan guidebook titled 'Outside' was released, featuring concept art, character profiles, and interviews.

September 2013: Isayama Aims to End Series in 20 Volumes

In September 2013, Hajime Isayama stated that he was aiming to end the Attack on Titan series in 20 collected volumes.

September 2013: Attack on Titan Anime Season 1 Finale

In September 2013, the first season of the Attack on Titan anime television series, consisting of 25 episodes, concluded its broadcast run.

September 29, 2013: First Season of Anime Ends

On September 29, 2013, the first season of the Attack on Titan anime ended after running since April 7.

October 13, 2013: Six Volumes Chart on NYT Manga Best Seller List

For the week of October 13, 2013, six of the seven English volumes of Attack on Titan published in North America appeared on The New York Times Manga Best Seller list.

October 2013: Volume One Tops Nielsen BookScan List

In October 2013, the first volume of Attack on Titan was number one on Nielsen BookScan's list of top 20 graphic novels in American bookstores.

December 2013: Shinji Higuchi Announced as Director

In December 2013, Shinji Higuchi was revealed to be directing the live-action film, and would also be responsible for the special effects. Yūsuke Watanabe and Tomohiro Machiyama were announced to be scripting the movie with series creator Isayama.

December 2013: Spoof on Titan Released on Manga Box

In December 2013, Spoof on Titan (Sungeki no Kyojin), drawn by Hounori, was released on Kodansha's Manga Box smartphone and tablet application in both Japanese and English.

2013: Second Highest Selling Manga of the Year

In 2013, Attack on Titan was the second highest selling manga series, selling 15,933,801 copies.

2013: Shōnen Tournament 2013 Winner

In 2013, Attack on Titan won the "Shōnen Tournament 2013" by the editorial staff of the French website Manga-News.

2013: Controversy over Dot Pixis Character Design

In 2013, media linked Isayama's 2010 blog post indicating that Dot Pixis's design was based on General Akiyama Yoshifuru, sparking controversy and death threats.

January 2014: Drama CD Included in Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine

In January 2014, a 16-minute drama CD featuring the anime's staff was included in the January 2014 issue of Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine.

April 2014: 30 Million Volumes Sold

In April 2014, Oricon reported that 30 million volumes of the Attack on Titan series had been sold.

June 2014: First Spin-Off Manga Volumes Published in North America

In June 2014, Kodansha USA published the first volume of each of the first three spin-off manga series in North America.

July 2014: Two Live-Action Films Announced

In July 2014, it was revealed that two live-action films would be released in the summer of 2015. Some major characters like Levi Ackerman and Erwin Smith would be cut.

August 1, 2014: Attack on Titan: Harsh Mistress of the City Light Novel Series Begins

On August 1, 2014, the Attack on Titan: Harsh Mistress of the City light novel series, written by Ryō Kawakami and illustrated by Range Murata, was published.

September 16, 2014: North American Release of Combined Guidebook

On September 16, 2014, Kodansha USA released a combined edition of the 'Inside' and 'Outside' guidebooks in North America.

November 3, 2014: C. B. Cebulski Reveals Marvel Crossover

On November 3, 2014, American writer C. B. Cebulski revealed that a crossover between Attack on Titan and Marvel Comics was in development, scripted by Cebulski and written by Isayama.

November 2014: 45 Million Copies in Print

By November 2014, the Attack on Titan manga had 45 million copies in print.

December 9, 2014: Attack on Titan: Lost Girls Novel Published

On December 9, 2014, the novel Attack on Titan: Lost Girls, written by Hiroshi Seko, was published. It comprises three short stories featuring Mikasa and Annie Leonhart.

December 30, 2014: Spoof on Titan Concludes

On December 30, 2014, the yonkoma spin-off Spoof on Titan (Sungeki no Kyojin), drawn by Hounori, concluded its run on Kodansha's Manga Box application.

2014: Topped Da Vinci Magazine's Book of the Year List

In 2014, Attack on Titan topped Kadokawa Media Factory's Da Vinci magazine "Book of the Year" list for the second consecutive year.

2014: Top Selling Manga in First Half of the Year

In the first half of 2014, Attack on Titan topped the manga sales chart, ending One Piece's five-year reign. By the end of 2014, it was the second best selling manga with 11,728,368 copies sold.

March 2015: First Live-Action Film Teaser Trailer Released

In March 2015, a teaser trailer for the first live-action Attack on Titan film was released.

April 9, 2015: Attack on Titan: No Regrets OAD Released

On April 9, 2015, an original animation DVD (OAD) episode, based on the Attack on Titan: No Regrets prequel manga, was bundled with the 16th volume of the main series.

May 1, 2015: Attack on Titan: Harsh Mistress of the City Light Novel Series Concludes

On May 1, 2015, Attack on Titan: Harsh Mistress of the City light novel series, written by Ryō Kawakami and illustrated by Range Murata, was concluded.

May 10, 2015: End of Universal Studios Japan Attraction Run

On May 10, 2015, the Universal Studios Japan's "The Real" Attack on Titan Experience, featuring life-size titans, concluded its run.

June 2015: Third Trailer Released, IMAX Release Confirmed

In June 2015, a third trailer for the first live-action Attack on Titan film was released, revealing the Three-Dimensional Maneuvering Gear, and confirming the film would be released in IMAX theaters in Japan.

June 2015: Volume One Clocks 100 Weeks on Top 10 Chart

In June 2015, the first volume of Attack on Titan reached its 100th week on the top 10 chart, having sold 2.5 million copies.

August 9, 2015: Attack on Titan: Lost Girls Manga Adaptation Begins

On August 9, 2015, the manga adaptation of Hiroshi Seko's Attack on Titan: Lost Girls novel, written and illustrated by Ryōsuke Fuji, began publication in Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine.

August 15, 2015: Attack on Titan: Counter Rockets Miniseries Streams

On August 15, 2015, the live-action miniseries Shingeki no Kyojin: Hangeki no Noroshi (Attack on Titan: Counter Rockets), utilizing the same actors as the films, started streaming on NTT DoCoMo's online-video service dTV. The series focuses on Zoë Hange's research and the creation of the Vertical Maneuvering Equipment.

October 2015: Kodansha USA Licenses Spoof on Titan

At New York Comic Con in October 2015, Kodansha USA announced that it had licensed Spoof on Titan.

October 2015: Attack on Titan: Junior High Anime Begins Airing

In October 2015, an anime television adaptation of Attack on Titan: Junior High began airing. The series was directed by Yoshihide Ibata at Production I.G.

2015: "Attack on Avengers" Presentation

During Free Comic Book Day in 2015, Marvel's Secret Wars preview included an 8-page presentation titled "Attack on Avengers" by Hajime Isayama with art by Gerardo Sandoval.

2015: Third Best Selling Manga of the Year

In 2015, Attack on Titan was the third best selling manga, with 8.7 million copies sold.

2015: Japanese Live-Action Film Adaptations

In 2015, Japanese live-action film adaptations were released. Warner Bros. considered remaking these films on January 17, 2017.

2015: Attack on Titan Banned in China

In 2015, the Chinese Ministry of Culture listed Attack on Titan as one of the 38 anime/manga titles banned in China.

March 2016: Kodansha USA Licenses Lost Girls

In March 2016, Kodansha USA announced the licensing of Attack on Titan: Lost Girls.

2016: Fourth Best Selling Manga of the Year

In 2016, Attack on Titan was the fourth best selling manga, with 6.5 million copies sold.

2016: Attack on Titan: Lost Girls Released in English

In 2016, the Attack on Titan: Lost Girls novel, written by Hiroshi Seko, was released in English by Vertical.

January 17, 2017: Warner Bros. in Negotiations for Film Rights

On January 17, 2017, Deadline Hollywood reported that Warner Bros. was in negotiations to acquire the film rights to Attack on Titan, with David Heyman set to produce a two-film remake of the 2015 Japanese live-action films.

June 2017: Attack on Titan Anime Season 2 Finale

In June 2017, the second season of the Attack on Titan anime television series, consisting of 12 episodes, concluded its broadcast run.

June 17, 2017: Second Season of Anime Ends

On June 17, 2017, the second season of the Attack on Titan anime ended after running since April 1.

September 3, 2017: Live Impact Stage Play Cancellation

On September 3, 2017, the Attack on Titan stage play titled "Live Impact" was scheduled to conclude its run; however, the play was cancelled due to a staff member's accident.

2017: Second Best-Selling Manga of the Year

In 2017, Attack on Titan was the second best-selling manga, with 6.6 million copies sold.

2017: Attack on Titan: Lost Girls OAD Miniseries Released

In 2017, the first part of a three-part OAD miniseries of Attack on Titan: Lost Girls was released with the limited editions of volumes 24.

July 23, 2018: Third Season of Anime Premieres

On July 23, 2018, the third season of the Attack on Titan anime premiered on MBS and NHK General TV.

August 7, 2018: Garrison Girl: An Attack on Titan Novel Published

On August 7, 2018, Garrison Girl: An Attack on Titan Novel, a novel created by American writer Rachel Aaron, was published by Quirk Books. It is centered on Rosalie Dumarque, who defies her family to join military garrison.

October 2018: Attack on Titan Anime Season 3, Part 1 Finale

In October 2018, the first part of the third season of the Attack on Titan anime television series, consisting of 12 episodes, concluded its broadcast run.

October 29, 2018: Warner Bros. Finalizes Deal for Live-Action Adaptation

On October 29, 2018, Warner Bros. and Kodansha finalized a deal to produce a live-action adaptation of Attack on Titan, with Andy Muschietti signed on as director.

November 2018: 86 Million Copies in Circulation

By November 2018, the Attack on Titan manga had over 86 million copies in circulation worldwide.

November 2018: Attack on Titan Enters Final Story Arc

In November 2018, the Japanese documentary program Jōnetsu Tairiku aired an episode about Hajime Isayama's struggles to complete the manga, during which he confirmed that Attack on Titan had entered its final story arc.

2018: Attack on Titan: Lost Girls OAD Miniseries Released

In 2018, the final parts of a three-part OAD miniseries of Attack on Titan: Lost Girls was released with the limited editions of volumes 25 and 26.

July 1, 2019: Third Season of Anime Ends; Fourth Season Announced

On July 1, 2019, the third season of the Attack on Titan anime concluded. An announcement was made that the fourth and final season would be released in Fall 2020 on NHK General.

July 3, 2019: Attack on Titan Featured on Fuka Yomi Dokushokai

On July 3, 2019, the Attack on Titan manga series was featured on the NHK BS Premium television station program series Fuka Yomi Dokushokai (Reading Too Much Into the Series Book Club), marking the first time a manga was discussed on the show.

July 5, 2019: Colossal Titan Mascot at Baseball Game

On July 5, 2019, the Colossal Titan mascot made an appearance at the San Diego PadresLos Angeles Dodgers game, performed the first pitch, and took a photo with Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda.

July 2019: Attack on Titan Anime Season 3, Part 2 Finale and Season 4 Announcement

In July 2019, the second part of the third season of the Attack on Titan anime television series, consisting of 10 episodes, concluded its broadcast run. At the airing of the final episode of the third season on July 1, 2019, it was announced that the fourth and final season of the anime series is scheduled for release in Fall 2020 on NHK General.

August 25, 2019: End of Attack on Titan Attractions at Universal Studios Japan

On August 25, 2019, Universal Studios Japan concluded its Attack on Titan attractions as part of the "Cool Japan" program.

December 2019: 100 Million Copies in Circulation

By December 2019, the Attack on Titan manga had reached 100 million copies in circulation.

December 2019: Isayama Plans to End Manga in 2020

In December 2019, Hajime Isayama stated his intention to conclude the Attack on Titan manga in 2020.

2019: Best Manga of the 2010s

In 2019, Comic Book Resources labeled Attack on Titan as the best manga of the 2010s.

June 2020: Isayama States Manga is 95% Complete

In June 2020, Hajime Isayama stated that only 5% of the Attack on Titan manga remained, expecting to conclude it in the upcoming year.

September 23, 2020: Final Season Listed on Broadcasting Schedule

On September 23, 2020, NHK listed the final season of Attack on Titan on their broadcasting schedule.

November 8, 2020: Full Color Serialization Announced

On November 8, 2020, it was announced that the Attack on Titan manga would get a full color serialization.

November 2020: Isayama States Manga is Nearing Completion

In November 2020, Hajime Isayama stated that the Attack on Titan manga was 1% to 2% away from completion, planning to end it the same year.

December 7, 2020: Final Season of Anime Begins Airing

On December 7, 2020, the fourth and final season of the anime series, produced by MAPPA, began airing.

December 2020: Attack on Titan Anime Final Season Premiere

In December 2020, the fourth and final season of the Attack on Titan anime television series premiered, airing 16 episodes in its first part. It began airing on December 7, 2020.

2020: Identified as Favorite of Alt-Right Communities

In 2020, Shaan Amin wrote for The New Republic that Attack on Titan was a favorite of alt-right and white nationalist internet communities.

January 2021: Announcement of Manga Conclusion Date

In January 2021, it was announced that the Attack on Titan manga series would conclude after an eleven-year publication run on April 9, 2021.

March 29, 2021: Part 1 of Final Season Ends

On March 29, 2021, the first 16 episodes of season 4 of the Attack on Titan anime aired.

April 9, 2021: Attack on Titan Manga Concludes

On April 9, 2021, the Attack on Titan manga concluded its eleven-year publication run.

June 9, 2021: Final Tankōbon Volume Release

On June 9, 2021, Kodansha released the 34th and final tankōbon volume of Attack on Titan.

October 19, 2021: Last English Volume Published

On October 19, 2021, Kodansha USA published the last English volume of the Attack on Titan manga in North America.

2021: Ranked Sixth in Manga Sōsenkyo 2021 Poll

In 2021, Attack on Titan ranked sixth in TV Asahi's Manga Sōsenkyo 2021 poll, with 150,000 people voting.

2021: Fourth Best-Selling Manga in the First Half and Full Year

In 2021, Attack on Titan was the fourth best-selling manga in the first half of the year with over 4 million copies sold and the fourth best-selling manga in the full year with over 7.3 million copies sold.

April 4, 2022: Part 2 of Final Season Ends

On April 4, 2022, the second part of the final season of the Attack on Titan anime, consisting of 12 episodes, aired.

April 2022: Attack on Titan Anime Final Season Part 2 Finale

In April 2022, the second part of the fourth and final season of the Attack on Titan anime, consisting of 12 episodes, concluded its broadcast run.

September 2022: 110 Million Copies in Circulation

By September 2022, the Attack on Titan manga had over 110 million copies in circulation.

March 4, 2023: Attack on Titan Final Season Special Premieres

On March 4, 2023, the first of the Attack on Titan final season two television specials premiered.

March 2023: Attack on Titan Anime Final Season Special Premiere

In March 2023, the first of two television specials that concluded the fourth and final season of the Attack on Titan anime premiered on March 4, 2023.

September 2023: 120 Million Copies in Circulation

By September 2023, the Attack on Titan manga had over 120 million copies in circulation.

November 2023: 140 Million Copies in Circulation

By November 2023, the Attack on Titan manga had over 140 million copies in circulation.

November 2023: Attack on Titan Manga Surpasses 140 Million Copies in Circulation

By November 2023, the Attack on Titan manga had sold over 140 million copies, solidifying its status as one of the best-selling manga series of all time.

November 2023: Attack on Titan Anime Final Season Conclusion

In November 2023, the second of two television specials that concluded the fourth and final season of the Attack on Titan anime premiered on November 5, 2023.

December 16, 2023: Fanbase Survey Results

On December 16, 2023, a Nikkei Entertainment survey revealed that the Attack on Titan fanbase in Japan had an average age of 33 and a male-to-female ratio of 40:60.

2023: Premiere of Musical Adaptation

In 2023, the Attack on Titan musical adaptation premiered, running at the Orix Theater in Osaka from January 7–9 and at the Seinenkan Hall in Tokyo from January 14–24.

May 2, 2024: Release of 'Fly' Art Book with 'Bad Boy' Manga

On May 2, 2024, the art book 'Fly' was released, bundling a booklet Attack on Titan Volume 35, which contains the one-shot manga "Bad Boy" focusing on Levi's childhood.

2024: International Performance of Musical in New York City

In 2024, the Attack on Titan musical was performed internationally at the New York City Center from October 11–13, with the original cast and staff reprising their roles.