Attack on Titan has become one of the most influential anime and manga series of all time. The action-packed, convoluted, Japanese TV series is notorious for its number of sudden character deaths, disturbingly accurate depictions of fear, and its heavily debated ending. Despite fans’ disagreement on how Hajime Isayama ended the series, it is undeniable he will go down in history as one of the best storytellers of this generation.

In a world where humanity is forced to live within the confines of three stone walls that protect them from the outside world, Attack on Titan has become a global phenomenon. In addition to his incredible writing ability, Hajime Isayama is also a great artist who showed significant growth throughout the series. While each of the 34 volumes covers he designed are impressive, ten stand out for their recognizability, depiction of personality, and overall aesthetic.

10

Volume 15’s Cover Offers a Stark Contrast from the Rest

Chapters 59-62

Attack on Titan’s 15th volume is one of the most pivotal of the series. It contains four chapters, throughout which Historia and Eren are held hostage by the Interior Police. The manga cover features only the face of its protagonist: Eren Jaeger, against a blinding white backlight. While the cover is the plainest of the collection, its simplicity is what makes it so eye-catching.

In Volume 15, Hange and Squad Levi attempt to locate Eren and Historia, who are being kept in an underground dungeon by Rod Reiss. As Historia attempts to convince Eren that her father is not a threat, she lays her hands on him, triggering a traumatic memory. In a flashback, a distant memory plays, leaving an expression of sheer horror on his face: eating his own father.

9

The Scouting Regiment’s Finest Are Featured on Volume 14’s Cover

Chapters 55-58

Volume 14 features some of Erwin, Levi, and Hange’s most iconic moments, making this cover ideally suited to the manga’s chapters. The characters are positioned expertly in the artwork, giving new readers a solid idea of their personalities simply from the cover. Commander Erwin stands pensively with a much-needed drink in his hand. Squad Leader Hange’s facial expression is as mischievous and cunning as ever. Finally, Captain Levi’s stature and contrasting contemplative demeanor are evident in Volume 14’s cover art.

In Volume 14’s four chapters, Levi, Hange, and Erwin are central to the plot. Levi’s vertical maneuvering ability shines in his iconic battle with his uncle, Kenny the Ripper. On the other hand, Erwin reveals his backstory, which drives him, and plans to reveal King Fritz’s fraud. Finally, Zoe Hange is appointed Commander for the first time by Erwin, should something happen to him during the coup.

8

Volume 16’s Cover is the Creepiest by Far

Chapters 63-66

Historia takes center stage in Volume 16’s chapters as she decides the fate of Eren Jaeger. Against a black backdrop, Historia wrestles with the idea of inheriting a Titan’s powers, which would give her the ability to consume Eren, making her a god. Just behind her, the skeleton of a Titan looms above. As the next in line in the Reiss family, it is her duty to understand the people’s history within the walls.

After learning that Eren possesses the Founding Titan’s abilities, which were stolen from the Reiss family by his father, Historia is given a new purpose: to reclaim the Founding Titan, thus returning the powers to their original lineage. However, Historia chooses differently. Remembering Ymir’s advice of choosing her own path, she decides to save her friend, regardless of the consequences.

7

The Epic First Battle Between Eren and Reiner is Captured on Volume 11’s Cover

Chapters 43-46

One of Reiner’s most iconic moments happens in Volume 11. Its cover depicts Eren and Reiner’s first fight and one of their best. The white background is splattered with red as the two Titans clash in an all-out battle to the death. The two-toned contrast makes the Titans stand out perfectly, highlighting the gruesome aftermath of their duel.

Seemingly out of the blue, Reiner shares his true identity with Eren. All those years ago, it was them who created a hole in Wall Maria, leading to the death of Eren’s mother and thousands of Paradis citizens. While he is initially skeptical of this news, Eren is soon sent into a rage, utterly baffled as to why someone as stoic and righteous as Reiner would have kept this a secret.

6

Volume 1’s Cover Perfectly Encapsulates Everything Fans Love About AOT

Chapters 1-4

The imagery on Volume 1’s cover has defined the Attack on Titan franchise for years, making it one of the most iconic in the series. Eren leaps into the air, leaving behind a pillar of smoke as the Colossal Titan peers up at him menacingly. The artwork also does an excellent job at keeping the identity of the Colossal Titan a secret, as its ominous smile and fixation on Eren do not mirror Bertolt’s shy personality.

After five years of disappearance, the Colossal Titan returns to continue its assault on Wall Rose. The new Scouting Regiment, including Eren and his friends, swings into action. During the battle, he realizes that the Titan possesses intelligence, aiming not at random but strategically for the canons and district gate. Without hesitance, Eren attempts to slice the back of its neck.

5

Eren Shows Off His New Antagonistic Side in Volume 27’s Cover

Chapters 107-110

Eren’s new look as the villainous leader of the Jaegerists offers a stark contrast from his former self. In this cover art, the series protagonist is once again the center of attention, but this time, with a brand-new look. It is mentioned in Volume 27 that Eren could escape his confinement anytime. He holds his hand threateningly to his mouth, staring intimidatingly at his captors.

Arrested for insubordination during his time in Marley, Eren sits in his cell, waiting for the perfect time to continue his operation. Hange approaches his cell, overhearing him chant “fight, fight, fight” repeatedly. After questioning him about his rash behavior, Eren aggressively grabs Hange’s collar, saying no one, including Zeke, has power over him.

4

Volume 21’s Cover is Nostalgic for Early 2000’s Young-Adult Mystery Novel Fans

Chapters 83-86

One of Attack on Titan’s best features isn’t the action sequences or even the complex characters, it’s the mystery element. Featured on Volume 21’s cover, Hange, Levi, Eren, and Mikasa peer down at one of Grisha’s books, hoping it reveals what exists beyond the walls. Additionally, the lower angle, coupled with each character peering down at an object of interest, heavily resembles early 2000s young-adult mystery novels, something that fits this AOT arc quite well.

After Erwin’s death and Hange’s promotion to the role of Commander, the four protagonists finally make their way to Grisha’s basement. While Eren’s key given to him by his father does not work on the door, it opens a drawer in his father’s desk, revealing three well-preserved books. One of them has a note on the back along with a photograph revealing that, despite what history has taught them, life has never gone extinct outside the walls.

3

A Haunting New Perspective of the Rumbling is Presented in Volume 31’s Cover

Chapters 123-126

The artwork from Attack on Titan’s 31st Volume presents a shocking portrayal of the Rumbing. Against a cloudy, lightning-stricken sky, Eren, who has now become the Founding Titan, advances quickly. While it is Hange who eventually dies in a similar situation, it is quite fitting that Mikasa is featured on this cover.

Eren has finally accomplished his goal. He has unleashed the fury of the Wall Titans. However, Armin soon realizes that his former friend doesn’t only plan on repelling the current invasion; he plans on flattening the world. Mikasa is also shocked by her adopted brother’s drastic actions, racking her brain to figure out how she could have missed this or if, somewhere along the way, she could have stopped it.

2

Everything Changes in Volume 22, Making Its Dreamy Cover Art the Perfect Visual

Chapters 87-90

Volume 22’s cover art is one of the few that depicts a more peaceful scene, similar to the series’ final volume. A vibrant blue sky and sparkling sea draw viewers’ attention. In the center stand the three protagonists: Mikasa, Armin, and Eren, who points to the horizon.

As the Survey Corps makes their way towards the edge of their island, they encounter a singular Titan, unable to stand due to its disproportionate body. Realizing they must be getting closer to where the Marleyans turn Eldians into Titans, they press on. Finally, they arrive at the shoreline, but each soldier reacts differently. Armin is thrilled, as his theories about the ocean are proven true. In contrast, Eren realizes that they will not truly be free until they conquer the rest of Marley once and for all.

1

Volume 33’s Cover is a Brilliant Mirroring of Volume 1’s Art, Tying the Series Together

Chapters 131-134

While Eren once cursed the Titans for their seemingly heartless destruction, his friends and the Marleyans now view him from the same perspective. In Volume 1’s cover art, a young Eren flies above the terrifying face of the Colossal Titan, ready to defend the Walls. Now, in Volume 33, a similar situation has presented itself, as Eren’s friends defend the remaining percentage of humanity against the Founding Titan and his army.

Struggling to control the flying boat as it runs out of fuel, Onyankopon instructs the Survey Corps to jump onto the Founding Titan’s colossal body. The pilot attempts to get them as close to Eren as possible for a safe landing, but the Beast Titan reappears, hurling debris at the flying boat. The Survey Corps are forced to use their maneuvering gear to make a quick getaway onto the Founding Titan while Reiner keeps Zeke at bay. Thus, the final climatic battle of Attack on Titan commences.