Themes, Focalization and the Flow of Information: The Case of Shingeki no Kyojin

Abstract

This article discusses the interaction between themes, narrative structure and focalization points employed in Shingeki no Kyojin (‘attack on Titan’, Isayama 2009–ongoing), a manga featuring the desperate battle of humankind against the mysterious Titans. Following a narratological approach, the article explores how the themes underpinning the narrative, especially the ‘control’ theme, act as information filters on both narrative structure and background knowledge of Shingeki no Kyojin. The resulting interplay of these themes with a focalization point are explored in detail, and connected to ongoing discussions on focalization in comics and other media.