Now that the SnK manga is over, I thought it would be interesting to explore some things I havenβt seen being analyzed as much in the fandom. The first of these topics (and admittedly one that has not at all gone unnoticed) is how Eren somehow managed to gain such a fanatical following. It probably goes without saying that there will be manga spoilers.
Itβs no secret that over the past months and years, a substantial, almost cult-like following for Eren has formed in real life. Evidence of this can be seen throughout the internet, but people on this sub may be most familiar with the worship that frequently went on at Titanfolk. Regardless of the platform, it seemed to me that this following formed fairly slowly at first, then picked up speed after the Marley War Arc. I theorize there are a few factors as to why.
Appearance
After the scouts returned from Marley, Isayama drastically changed Erenβs appearance. Not only that, but he began showing off Erenβs abs and muscular physique to a degree that has not really been done before with other characters. While there were previous instances where Isayama has shown off charactersβ physiques (e.g. Levi, Armin, and even Eren in the Uprising Arc), they were typically in situations where it made at least some sense for them to be shirtless. In post-timeskip Erenβs case, it seemed to me Isayama drew them simply for the sake of showing them off.
(I mean, come on. This was definitely not necessary.)
While I had seen some speculation at the time that Isayama was doing this to shift the fangirls from Levi to Eren, I think the main reason is somewhat different.
In order to create a cult of personality around someone, the individual needs to be someone people deem worth admiring or worshipping. One of these things can be the individualβs appearance. The panel where Eren puts on a coat as the sun rises is basically iconic now, and I noticed that a lot more people began admiring him once that chapter came out. While Eren was overshadowed appearance wise pre-timeskip, after the timeskip he became one of the most physically imposing and, arguably, the most badass looking male character. This drastic change was a major part of Erenβs massive change in his image.
On the topic of change, I believe the difference between Erenβs character pre and post timeskip is a part of the formation of
... keep reading on reddit β‘
R1: Attack Titan Eren vs Siren head
R2: Warhammer + Attack Titan Eren vs Siren head
R3: Founding Eren vs Bloodlusted Siren head
https://preview.redd.it/6qmry8sjl6971.jpg?width=962&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bca728fb4c755c235d4eb1df53d17197090b1318
My personal most wanted MU is this one and after finishing writing this fight (With the latest versions of both characters) I wanted to also post it here.
So if you guys want to take a read you can go ahead and feedback would be appreciated
https://www.deviantart.com/silver69700/art/Eren-Yeager-VS-Ken-Kaneki-part-2-875728952
https://www.deviantart.com/silver69700/art/Eren-Yeager-VS-Ken-Kaneki-Part3-876089525
TW : drowning
That day. The day I saw those memories when I touched historia's hand, that's when I started drowing. When I finally got to see the sea I've been wanting to ever since Armin told me about it, I could feel nothing but despair. Drowning deep into the depths of a sea. A sea created by fate. A sea I have no chance of escaping. A sea where theres nothing but darkness and not even a single ray of light at the top. I drown farther with every step I take to move forward. I kill children, citizens, innocent lives. I tell her I've always hated her. I beat him. I don't know what I'm doing anymore. I say I'm moving forward and do everything that needs to be done but I'm drowning, farther and deeper into the sea. I tried to repel it for so long. I tried but I already know it's impossible don't I? After all, I can't even see the light anymore. I'm doomed here, drowning for the rest of my life. I say I'm free. I say every decision I take is of my free will but I'm being pulled down everyday. The only ray of light which is in my heart, my friends is what's making me move forward. I hope they get to live in the light. Ah, I wish, I wish, I wish I could see the light again with her... with them. I guess I've reached the bottom of the sea. It's time to say goodbye. I'm sorry, everyone. I hope you remember me, the truth about me.
