Attack on Titan Anthology – October Graphic Novel of the Month

Since its debut, Attack on Titan has been making waves in fandom all across the globe. The original manga paved the way for a hit anime series, a two part live action movie, video games and even a crossover with the Marvel Universe. And with the second season of the anime series due out next year, the momentum shows no signs of slowing down. But one of the most unique things to come out of this franchise makes its debut this month as the Attack on Titan Anthology hits shelves.

Anthologies featuring creators from various genres and levels of experience are fairly common in the manga market, but it is rare to see western comic creators working on a Japanese property (the backup stories in Marvel’s publication of Akira being the last one that comes to mind). This anthology however takes western collaboration to a whole other level as one of the most eclectic group of creators working in English language comics are assembled to tell every kind of Attack on Titan story you could imagine. This incredible line up includes current Batman writer Scott Snyder; Batgirl creative team Brendan Fletcher, Cameron Stewart and Babs Tarr; Eisner Award winning Daredevil artist Paolo Rivera; Birds of Prey creator Gail Simone; Wonder Woman and X-Men artist Phil Jimenez, Powers co-creator Michael Avon Oeming; Adventure Time comic creators Kate Leth and Jeremy Lambert; Eltingville Club creator Evan Dorkin; Tomb Raider (2013) and Rise of the Tomb Raider writer Rhianna Pratchett and many more.

With such a wide number of bases covered, these creators provide every possible take on Attack on Titan you could want. For those wanting a serious affair, there are plenty of stories that build on the series lore with particular mention going to Michael Avon Oeming’s action packed piece that is a great showcase for his art, and Gail Simone and Phil Jimenez’s presenting a wordless Titan battle. If you are a fan of the more off beat scenarios, then this anthology has plenty of that with some of the highlights including Evan Dorkin’s rather shocking and darkly hilarious strips which may rival Junior High and Spoof on Titan for the sheer insanity on display, and the team of Brendan Fletcher, Cameron Stewart and Babs Tarr’s rather epic take on Attack on Titan fandom and convention culture in general.

For the Attack on Titan hardcore fan, this is a great showcase of the series and also a great exposure to some of the top names working in comics today. For western comic fans that are not familiar with the series or manga in general, this is still a great anthology displaying a diverse array of talent and a great introduction/showcase of the Attack on Titan franchise as a whole.