Attack on Titan Creator Reflects on Creative Burnout and Future Hopes

Hajime Isayama, the visionary behind the globally acclaimed manga Attack on Titan, recently shared a rare and honest update about his life and work since the series wrapped up in 2021. Speaking to fans during a special screening of the film The Last Attack, Isayama offered a glimpse into his current mindset and creative journey.

In a heartfelt message to attendees, Isayama admitted,

"Many years have passed since the manga serialization and anime broadcast ended, but I'm no longer working. I've occasionally been asked to draw illustrations and sign autographs, and I've helped out with [Yuki Kaji's] Breeze Project, but I no longer draw on a daily basis."

He went on to clarify that his days are still full, but not with the kind of work that once defined his career.

Life After Attack on Titan

Isayama emphasized that, despite stepping away from the relentless pace of manga creation, he remains busy.

"However, I am by no means living a self-indulgent life; I am busy every day,"

he explained. Yet, even with a packed schedule, he confessed that returning to a project like Attack on Titan feels impossible.

"However, even if I wasn't so busy now, I don't think I could write anything like Attack on Titan. If I try to write something, it will end up being a [copy] of one of the elements I drew in Attack on Titan. I think this first serialization was like that, where I poured everything out until I was completely empty."

Since the manga's conclusion, Isayama's creative output has been limited. His only notable post-Attack on Titan work is a one-shot manga for Yuki Kaji, titled The Theory of Ill-Natured Men and AI, set for release in 2025. The anime adaptation, which concluded in 2023 after a lengthy final season and several feature-length specials, was later compiled into the movie The Last Attack, released in 2024.

The Franchise 's Ongoing Legacy

While Isayama has stepped back from the spotlight, the world he created continues to thrive. One producer involved with the franchise revealed plans to keep the momentum going, stating they intend to produce more films and explore various game collaborations. The anime adaptation also made history by winning the first-ever Global Impact Award at the 2025 Anime Awards, a testament to its enduring influence.

Even as Isayama moves on from his most famous work, the universe of Attack on Titan shows no signs of slowing down. Fans can look forward to new projects and collaborations that will keep the spirit of the series alive for years to come.