Are you still reeling from the intense journey and inevitable conclusion of Attack on Titan (AOT) and wondering what could ever possibly fill that void? While the series may have come to an end, don’t worry – there are still plenty of thrilling manga and books to dive into! Check out these action-packed stories at the library that are filled with intense battles, shocking twists, and unforgettable characters. You may even find your new obsession…
Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama
Surprise, surprise, the first recommendation is the manga that inspired it! With 34 volumes in the original manga series, there is plenty of material for you to explore if you’re not quite ready to leave the world of AOT behind.
“For the past century, what’s left of mankind has hidden in a giant, three-walled city, trapped in fear of the bizarre, giant humanoids known as the Titans. Little is known about where they came from or why they are bent on consuming humankind, but the sudden appearance of an enormous Titan is about change everything.”
-Cover
Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura
This popular historical fiction manga is an excellent choice for those who loved AOT’s depiction of humanity’s dark side and the emotional and physical costs of war, but are looking to branch into a new genre.
“Set in medieval England during the Viking invasions, this saga follows the adventures of Thorfinn, a young Viking warrior driven by his twin desires to avenge his father’s death and reach the free and peaceful land Leif Ericson called Vinland.”
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
According to the author on her website, this chapter book was inspired by AOT, particularly with the book’s focus on the horrors of war, the mysteries, and the battle mechanics, but with a flare of The Hunger Games and The Handmaid’s Tale.
“The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant transforming robots that can battle the aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall of China. It doesn’t matter that the girls die from the mental strain. When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a concubine-pilot, it’s to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister’s death. But when she gets her vengeance, it becomes clear that she is an Iron Widow, a rare kind of female pilot who can sacrifice males to power up Chrysalises instead. To tame her frightening yet valuable mental strength, she is paired up with Li Shimin, the strongest male pilot in Huaxia, yet feared and ostracized for killing his father and brothers. But now that Zetian has had a taste of power, she will not cower so easily. She will take over instead, then leverage their combined strength to force her society to stop failing its women and girls. Or die trying.”
–Provided by Publisher
Seraph of the End by Takaya Kagami
This manga has some major core similarities to AOT, like how humanity is valiantly fighting extinction from the dominant supernatural forces that have taken over … but with vampires.
“After trumpets of the apocalypse proclaim the fall of humanity, vampires arise from the shadows to rule the earth. Yuichiro wants just one thing–to get revenge by killing each and every vampire.”
The Promised Neverland by Kaiu Shirai
This series is perfect for those who connected with the main character of AOT and loved following their “heroes journey” as they discover hidden truths about the world and overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
“The orphans at Grace Field House lead a comfortable life under the care of “Mom,” but Emma and Norman uncover a dark truth that is going to change their lives completely.”
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
Those who liked AOT’s strong female characters, complex themes of the human cost of violence, and well-built, unexpected twists will love Oh’s novel!
“In this retelling of the Korean legend The tale of Shim Cheong, sixteen-year-old Mina is swept away to the Spirit Realm, where, assisted by a motley crew of demons, gods, and lesser spirits, she sets out to awaken the sleeping Sea God and save her homeland and family from deadly storms.”
Claymore by Norihiro Yagi
While the characters, world building, and conflicts of this manga series are wholly its own, it has the same overarching premise as AOT of skilled warriors needing to rise and fight monsters that threaten humanity. This series, however, has a compelling element of an internal struggle between “good” and “evil.”
“In a world where monsters called Yoma prey on humans and live among them in disguise, humanity’s only hope is a new breed of warrior known as Claymores. Half human, half monster, these silver-eyed slayers possess supernatural strength, but are condemned to fight their savage impulses–or lose their humanity completely.”
-Cover
Demon Slayer by Koyoharu Gotouge
If you loved AOT’s main character’s struggle with the loss of family and their drive to avenge them, the group dynamics of the Survey Corps, and the themes of freedom, family, and resilience against evil, but want a more emotionally driven, less dark tone, then this manga is the right pick for you!
“In Taisho-era Japan, Tanjiro Kamado is a kindhearted boy who makes a living selling charcoal until his peaceful life is shattered when a demon slaughters his family and turns his sister into another demon, forcing Tanjiro on a dangerous journey to destroy the demon and save his sister.”
Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta
This book has similar themes and “larger than life” enemies to AOT but is perfect for those looking for something in the science fiction genre that has LGBTQ+ representation.
“War and oppression are everyday constants for the people of the Badlands, who live under the thumb of their cruel Godolia overlords. Their rule is aided by giant mechanized weapons known as Windups. Eris Shindanai is a Gearbreaker, a rebel who specializes in taking down Windups from the inside. When Eris finds herself in a Godolia prison she meets Sona Steelcrest, a cybernetically enhanced Windup pilot. Sona has a secret: She has intentionally infiltrated the Windup program to destroy Godolia from within. Facing a direct attack to end Godolia’s reign once and for all, Eris and Sona grow closer as comrades, friends, and perhaps something more.”
-Adapted from jacket
Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa
This series is a good fit for those that like that AOT is in the shonen genre, features a European inspired setting, and focuses on main characters with unique powers.
“As young boys, Edward & Alphonse Elric dabbled in alchemy to try to resurrect their dead mother. As a result, Ed lost one arm and one leg, while Al lost his entire body and had his spirit sealed into a suit of armor. Now, they are searching for the fabled Philosopher’s Stone to restore what they’ve lost.”
*Unless otherwise noted, all book descriptions were pulled from COSMOS
