Hajime Isayama's iconic Attack on Titan series paints an image of human civilization mired in violence, tragedy, and death. Recently, a talented artist released a spectacular short film that recreates the terrible universe in the movie by combining 2D and 3D animation techniques.
This short work was created by freelance digital artist Xie Boli, who posted it on their personal ArtStation page and through X (formerly Twitter). The majority of the film, which took a year and a half to make, depicts an intense action scene with various Titans from the series. The combined use of 2D and 3D animation creates a striking aesthetic, completely different from that of Wit Studio and MAPPA's popular anime adaptation. Boli, who emphasized the film is a “non-profit fan work,” said that he was “responsible for every aspect of production,” including character creation, environmental design, lighting compose, compose and create content. The version of the film presented on X also contains special behind-the-scenes footage showcasing the technical aspects of the animation process. CBR readers can watch the full film below.
Related
The Attack on Titan prequel was officially shelved by its creators
Original manga author Hajime Isayama revealed that he shelved the Attack on Titan prequel over concerns it would conflict with the series' continuity.
Attack on Titan's new fan film explores the blend of 2D and 3D animation
Boli’s Attack on Titan fan animation is the artist’s first attempt at a “large-scale” project. “Everything started from scratch, with no budget, just to express my love for this work,” he said in a short speech that opens the film. Boli's creative process involved many elements, such as reworking the original Titan designs, creating animation effects, and staging various shots. Boli also developed original storyboards, inspired by Attack on Titan as well as other cinematic works. Because he lacked experience with longer animated works, there was a certain amount of trial and error during production. “I experimented with building my own workflow and exploring how to integrate 2D and 3D animation,” said Boli.
The Attack on Titan franchise began with the main manga by Hajime Isayama, which debuted in Bessatsu Shonen Magazine in September 2009. It is set in a world plagued by monsters called Titans that force humans to take refuge. behind giant walls, the series chronicles the journey of the central protagonist, Eren Yeager. After his hometown is destroyed in a devastating Titan attack, Eren, his adoptive sister Mikasa Ackermann, and his childhood friend, Armin Arlert, join the Survey Corps – a military group specializing in destroy the Titans and restore humanity to its former glory. However, as the series progresses, startling revelations about the titans' true origins are revealed, causing Eren to seek another path. Seasons 1-4 of the anime Attack on Titan aired from April 2013 to July 2019, produced by Wit Studio. MAPPA officially took over production in 2021, renaming the series Attack on Titan: The Final Season. This anime concludes the events of Isayama's original manga, which released its final chapter in April 2021.
Related
Anime Attack on Titan's exquisite English-engraved message rings have been released to the international market
Attack on Titan and U-Treasure highlight anime's most emotionally vulnerable moments in a subtle yet premium collaboration.
Attack on Titan continues with the live-action Show praised by Hajime Isayama
While the Attack on Titan manga and anime series have completed their respective seasons, the franchise continues to exist in other forms. 2023 sees the release of AOT's first musical stage adaptation in Japan—a work that has received rave reviews from Hajime Isayama. This October, the play will begin its North American premiere at New York City's Central Theater. Meanwhile, Xie Boli's film serves as a similarly impressive tribute to the beloved dark fantasy series. “My dream has always been to create an animated film myself and now I have finally achieved it,” Boli said. “I put all my time, passion and patience into this short film…I hope everyone will like it.”
The Attack on Titan manga is available in English at Kodansha USA. Wit Studio and MAPPA's Attack on Titan anime series is available to stream on Hulu and Crunchyroll.
Attack the giant
Created by Hajime Isayama
First movie Attack the giant
Airing date of the first episode September 28, 2013
Source: ArtStation, X (formerly Twitter)