Hajime Isayama’s masterpiece, Attack on Titan, features some of the most well-crafted and immediately endearing characters in anime. In life-or-death situations, these characters reveal their true personalities, motivations, and core values, allowing viewers to understand them deeply.
Isayama clearly invested significant effort into creating realistic and compelling characters, but many fans will be surprised to learn who the first character he ever created was.
In an interview, Isayama disclosed that, contrary to popular belief, Eren Jaeger was not the first character he conceived for the series. Instead, Mikasa Ackerman, Eren’s best friend and eventual love interest, was the initial character he developed when crafting the acclaimed action shonen series.
Mikasa plays a crucial role in the series and in Eren’s journey, as she struggles to balance her love for him with her commitment to protecting humanity. Ultimately, she becomes the one who must end his life, making a profound sacrifice for the sake of humanity.
A Deep Dive into Attack on Titan‘s Most Intricate and Formidable Hero
Mikasa’s character is incredibly intricate and well-developed, which explains why Isayama created her before any other character in the story. From the outset of her life, Mikasa has been caught in a relentless struggle for survival.
After witnessing the murder of her parents, she was saved by Eren, who also urged her to defend herself. This led to her committing her first murder and awakening her “Ackerman powers,” marking the beginning of her unique and powerful bond with Eren.
Mikasa is one of the most formidable heroes in Attack on Titan, nearly matching Eren and Levi in strength and skill. Her top ranking in her Survey Corps cadet class highlights her extraordinary talent and effectiveness in defeating Titans. From a young age, Mikasa has had to defend herself and others against relentless attacks from both humans and Titans.
Throughout the series, she demonstrates unparalleled bravery, rushing into battle without hesitation to protect innocents or those she cares about, especially Eren.
The Unbreakable Bond and Heartbreaking Decisions in Attack on Titan
The relationship between Mikasa and Eren is one of the most compelling and significant in the series. Eren rescued Mikasa during her childhood, and she reciprocated by joining the Survey Corps and safeguarding him into adulthood. Without Mikasa, Eren would likely have perished much earlier.
Despite his frequent frustration with her protective tendencies, Eren’s deep love for her is clear, as evidenced by his final, emotional speech to Armin, where he expressed his enduring love for Mikasa and his selfish wish that she would not love another man after his death.
Mikasa’s role extends far beyond being a mere love interest; she is a vital part of Attack on Titan’s narrative. Her efforts were instrumental in the Survey Corps’ battle against the Titans and the preservation of humanity.
When Eren went on a path to eradicate humanity to achieve freedom from the Titans, Mikasa took decisive action to stop him, making the agonizing choice to thwart his plans by any means necessary. Ultimately, she had to resort to force, severing his head and sharing a final kiss with him.
The Indispensable Warrior and Heart of Attack on Titan
In Attack on Titan, Mikasa’s essential role is apparent from beginning to end. While Eren is the central character, Mikasa’s influence on him is profound. She consistently protected him and displayed unwavering love, forging a bond that transcended even death.
Beyond her relationship with Eren, Mikasa is a fierce warrior and one of humanity’s top defenders, having slain more Titans than almost anyone else. Isayama’s choice to create Mikasa first underscores that, although Attack on Titan is Eren’s story, Mikasa is an indispensable part of it.
