Attack on Titan only „made a lot of noise.” Dragon Ball editor says „the manga didn’t do very well”

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Without a doubt, Attack on Titan has exploded in popularity! Just a short while ago, it seemed impossible to avoid conversations about Hajime Isayama’s masterpiece, as it captivated people everywhere. The series struck a chord with audiences whether they were reading the manga or watching the anime, and its popularity grew as more chapters and episodes were released. Readers couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next to Eren, as the story took unexpected turns at every corner.

Although Attack on Titan has become widely known and acclaimed, Kazuhiko Torishima, an ex-editor of Dragon Ball who found Akira Toriyama, stated that the series “caused quite a stir,” but after it concluded, it was quickly forgotten compared to either Dragon Ball or Naruto.

Creating characters is quite straightforward, even a child could manage it. Yet, there are numerous mangas worldwide with intricate and not overly simple plots that might not entice you to watch them. Recently, I had a chat with someone from a German publishing house who mentioned that the person indicated Attack on Titan created quite the buzz, but in the long run, the printed manga didn’t perform particularly well. Interestingly, once the animated series ended, the manga stopped selling.

As a dedicated gamer immersed in the world of anime, I’ve got to say something about Attack on Titan (AoT). I believe the intricacy of its narrative might be hindering its ability to keep readers hooked for extended periods. To illustrate my point, let me bring up Dragon Ball and Naruto. The magic behind their enduring appeal is not just about reaching the final destination, but rather the journey itself. It’s all about the adventures these stories take us on, both for the characters and the audience. The plot twists and climaxes are important, yes, but they’re not the heart of the story. Instead, it’s the experiences we share with the characters that truly matter.

As a gamer myself, I can’t help but notice that even though the anime for Dragon Ball and Naruto has ended, these series are still going strong. What makes them different? Well, in both Dragon Ball and Naruto, we embark on an epic journey from the eyes of the main character, exploring vast universes and unraveling mysteries along the way. It’s not just about the story, but the connection we form with the characters that keeps us hooked. This universal appeal is what makes these series popular among both kids and adults alike. Just like how I might choose a Coke or Orangina because they’re tasty, when I’m thirsty, I drink water – it quenches my thirst without any frills. But sometimes, a little extra flavor can make the experience all the more enjoyable.

Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama, Shueisha, 1984 / Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto, Shueisha, 1999

According to the previous editor of Dragon Ball, the secret to achieving success lies in simplicity. While complex ideas may seem impressive initially, they eventually lose their appeal. The former editor and Toriyama admired the simplicity of Tom and Jerry, where the plot revolves around a cat chasing a mouse – that’s it! They watch it for enjoyment, but there’s no deeper meaning or lesson to take away.

In contrast to series like Dragon Ball and Naruto that prioritize entertainment, Attack on Titan offers a deeply intricate narrative, skillfully woven from beginning to end, making it a more challenging journey for viewers to embark upon compared to an easy-to-join adventure.

Regardless of Torishima’s critique, it can’t be argued that “Attack on Titan” has garnered international acclaim and is among the animes and mangas that have introduced these art forms to a wide global audience. By November 2023, the series had sold over 140 million copies of its manga, placing it among the most successful series ever published.

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2025-07-21 12:03