Erwin & Levi in ‘Answers’ Guidebook
[translation: @yusenki | editing: twitter@braunsofsteel ]
Erwin lost his father when he was a kid. After that, even until now, the dream that is hidden in his heart… is “to confirm with his own eyes the truth about the world”.
Since he joined the SC, Erwin kept averting his gaze from the truth until he confirmed it again during discussion with Supreme Commander Zackley. He aimed for the basement because of his own dream. (Volume 15, Chapter 62.)
Erwin’s Dearest Wish that He Can’t Abandon.
Even for Erwin, the commander of the SC, the decisive battle at Shiganshina district will be a huge turning point. His dearest wish, hidden deep within his heart,“to watch the truth of this world” can only be achieved at the basement, and he’s getting closer to it.
In order to fulfill his own dream, after re-confirming his strong motive that he made when he joined the SC along with his strong will, Erwin advanced with the soldiers. In order to change the world, he is the guy who abandoned his human nature and stood on the lives of his comrades. He can’t throw away his dream. For the future of humanity, lifting up the moral, it can be said that Erwin started to work because of his own ego.
When he arrived at the Shiganshina district, Erwin must have had strong awareness toward the basement, and then in the face of the Beast titan, who was getting in the way, there was definitely more sacrifices to be made. Is the foundation of Erwin’s decision making moral or ego? In the decisive battle at Shiganshina district, Erwin’s real value is questioned. It seems like it became a battle where human’s true nature is tested.
The Deep Trust Relationship Between Levi and Erwin is…
After knowing that Erwin is moving for his own dream, Levi’s trust toward Erwin started to change bit by bit. The decision made by Erwin as the commander—is it for the future of humanity or for the fulfillment of his own dream? In Levi’s mind now, that question must always be lingering.
Despite that, Levi told Erwin his frank opinion, but he never argued with Erwin’s decision. However, in the midst of the battle when the extreme decision is enforced, if it is not for the sake of humanity…
Levi found out about Erwin’s real intention.
- When he saw Erwin’s strange smiling face, Levi started to realize Erwin’s real intention. This is the time where the up until now trust relationship started to change. (Volume 13, Chapter 51)
Entrusted with the serum, and then toward Erwin, who smashed his way through his dream…?
- Erwin entrusted Levi with taking care of the serum and its usage decision. Erwin said that he is a wounded soldier. What kind of decision will Levi make? (Volume 17, Chapter 70)
Close Up to the Story Essence
Erwin is an extraordinary swindler?! The characters’ dual nature.
Journalist (J): From Isayama-sensei’s point of view, who is the character who grew the most after overthrowing the monarchy?
Isayama (I): I think Historia is the one who grew up the most. I used to dislike her doll-like behavior that didn’t have her own self. I was quite anxious when she started to turn into a symbolic character. However, after thinking back that in the beginning she was a character that I wanted to hold an important position, I drew her by slowly erasing my concern.
J: When did you started to think that Historia is a good character?
I: It was when I started to draw her selfish inner side. From the outside, she looks like a selfless philanthropist, but in reality…that’s about it. When she started to show the two sides of human nature, as expected, it became easier to draw her.
J: Erwin looks like he’s fighting for humanity—actually he’s chasing his own dream. You have drawn those two sides of him.
I: If Erwin’s perspective of the world or the era is different, I think he is a con man who will instigate people for his own aim, be it good or bad. Only this kind of person can do something great. It is said that in the story where the government rules forever, capable villains and incompetent good people, whichever one of them is needed, work for the government. But that might be similar. He is a character that made me think that way.
J: Levi who followed Erwin…His past is revealed…
I: I drew Levi’s childhood and family relationship because I wanted the character to have his own depth. In the SNK story, it’s a sudden change from childhood to an old man, but I think there is a story in between that. In the next development, I am thinking that it will be good if I can consistently write “why this character made this decision", like a human’s experience.
J: Speaking of which, when I attended the SNK the Real event at USJ on February 28th, 2016, you talked about Levi’s up until now unknown age.
I: Actually I misunderstood at that time, but I amended it on my blog. I drew Levi with the aim that he is in first half of his 30s.
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