#ackerbiology

[momtaku]

Hey mom was 138 the first time we actually got confirmation that Ackermans can't be titanized? back in ch69 Kenny though about using the serum he took from Rod on himself before giving it to Levi so back then it seemed like they at least though it would work. During the serum bowl thing, it seemed odd to me that Levi always seemed set on administering it to someone else (only one man) and no one though about Levi using it on himself. Then later we find out about Ackermans being the byproduct 1/3

of titan science. So, at that point I (and many others) begin to wonder if that meant they couldn’t become titans. Then in the forest while everyone else was unknowingly drinking the tainted wine, Levi was looking for tea, so it made it seem ambiguous as to whether or not he drank any. When Zeke screamed to titanize everyone he seemed assured that Levi would be eaten, not that he was turned so Zeke ether knew that Levi didn’t drink the wine or that he did but couldn’t be turned. 2/3

A lot of what we know about the Ackermans is hearsay, coming from non-primary sources of Zeke or Ksaver. The only thing we did get from primary (grate-grandpa) was that their a unique bloodline, separate from the Eldians. Levi and Mikasa being able to enter PATHS made it seem like perhaps because their at least half Eldian that it might have been possible, but I guess now we know so long as someone is at least partly Ackerman they can’t be turned? 3/3

Oooh, you’re right. I’d missed the point that Zeke was 0% surprised that Levi wasn’t titanized which means Zeke either knew Ackermans were immune or else he was aware that Levi didn’t drink the wine.  While it was never stated, I think in my head I’d assumed Levi did drink the wine at some point in the forest and that’s why he was confident that he and Mikasa would not be victims of the poison gas. Now I’m not sure.

I think what’s going to be interesting is that happens to the Ackermans if the titan curse is removed. Do they lose their strength? Or worse? Let’s say for instance if the curse is undone and the mindless and wall titan die, would the Ackermans die as well?  I don’t think that will happen but it might still mean a significant biological change in Levi and Mikasa  😅

Thanks for this! I have plenty more to worry think about now!

[momtaku]

Do you think we would get an explanation for mikasa's headaches? A lot of us already think it is due to trauma but isn't it imp to address it in the manga even if it's done in just one panel? I say this because her headaches have been connected to a problematic point, which was partially resolved but because it recieved that kind of focus, shouldn't it be addressed once and for all.

This ask reminds me of @ackersexual’s “Top Ten SnK Mysteries” from May 2015 which was a list of the things that had us lying awake at night around the time chapter 69 was published. 

10. What’s in the basement? 9. Why are there titans in the walls? 8. What’s the deal with Mikasa’s headaches? 7. Who Are the Warriors? 6. “Ymir-Sama” 5. Why did Uri tell Kenny the world is ending? 4. Who or what is the beast titan? 3. What’s up with Mikasa’s tattoo? 2. Why does Grisha wear a bolo tie? 1. The mystery girl in chapter one

It’s interesting that the remaining unresolved mysteries  all center on Mikasa. The headaches have had panels dedicated to them since chapter 2 and characters have been regularly commenting on them since so I do think they will be addressed. I think the headaches, her acker/asian biology, and “see you later, Eren” are all connected and will all be a factor in the series conclusion.

Thanks for the ask!!

[momtaku]

Thank you so much for your answer about the serum moment ! I understand that the shipping thing is a very sensitive subject and I think I expressed myself badly on my side too ; the fact is that I always asked myself the question of why Levi didn't defend himself at this moment. But maybe Isayama made this an "open" ask.. But anyway thank you for your answer you're awesome !

You’re very welcome. Judging by the number of responses, it was a good question to be asking. I was looking at the post yesterday and was genuinely surprised at the number and variety of comments it received. If you haven’t looked at it, you should.  I think that emphasizes exactly what you say, this is an open ask. Something that needs clarification.  

I agree with something @cecldcecld wrote. “Mikasa stating his weaker is definitely meant to be taken as fact not something we should question.” The question is why. Is it important? Is it a hint to something involving either of their biologies. It doesn’t feel like a throw away statement.

Thanks for following up! Have a great day!

[momtaku]

I hope he’ll explain Mikasa’s headaches. Are there any theories on it that seem plausible with the current story?

Sometimes a headache is just a headache is my most plausible theory. I think others have cited ptsd. I agree with Armin here, but I do hope when Isayama reveals the true nature of the Ackermans it is spelled out clearly.

[momtaku]

How do you feel about the idea of Ackermans having Paths as well?

Eren’s explanation of Ackermans having Paths fits what Kenny said in chapter 63. Not only did Kenny experience a power surge but “he instantly knew what to do”. It sounds exactly like  what Eren is talking about. The Paths the Ackermans have is certainly unique since Ackermans are immune to titanization and mind wipes. They cannot be controlled through the main Paths that connects all Eldians.

So I dunno if it’s the same Paths or Ackerpaths all their own but I do know one Paths is enough to make my brain hurt. I can’t imagine trying to understand multiple ones.