Attack On Titan Anthology Features New Heartbreaking Story

If you are a fan of Attack on Titan, then you are used to heartbreak. The series thrives off gory action, but it balances its violent scenery with sob-worthy stories of death and betrayal. Hajime Isayama's wildly popular manga has gone through every heart-wrenching trope in the book, but the franchise continues to outdo itself. And, now, two new artists have added onto Attack on Titan's canon with what might be its saddest story yet.

Last month, Kodansha Comics released the long-awaited Attack on Titan Anthology to critical praise. The ambitious project connected dozens of talented Western artists and writers with Isayama, and the anthology houses their Attack on Titan comics. The stories range in genre from horror to comedy to romance, but one short comic by Asaf Hanuka and Tomer Hanuka have fans stunned. Thankfully, io9 is able to share the stomach-churning comic with fans, but some may wish they had looked away.

The story is called "Memory Maze" and focuses on an elderly couple living out in an unnamed rural area. Readers see an old woman embroidering an intricate fabrics, but the scene is not a peaceful one; A deep sadness is palpable through the pages, and it only gets worse.

Eventually, fans learn the couple lost their only son almost 20 years ago when the Titans breached one of humanity's defensive walls. The unassuming boy was drawn to the crack when red smoke was set off, and he didn't stand a chance against the behemoths. Struck with grief, his mother aged into a woman who convinced herself that her son would return.

The story then shows what happens when the wall breaks yet again, and readers watch as a familiar face returns home - but as a grotesque Titan. The father tries to end the Titan, but the mindless creature crushes him between his hands. The baby-faced Titan then goes after the mother, but she finally find the strength to bid her son farewell. She allows the Titan to swallow her so she can cut through his neck from the inside, but the victory is a bitter. She's lost her husband. She's lost her son for a second time. And, now, all she has left are memories and the delicate clothes she spun for her long-gone son

Seriously, it's beyond sad. You can check out the first part of the comic in the gallery below and head over here to scope out the rest.

If you want to check out the official description of the book, then feel free to read it below:

"The manga megahit Attack on Titan, reinterpreted by some of comics' top talent! Featuring original stories by a long roster of comic superstars such as Scott Snyder, Gail Simone, Faith Erin Hicks, Michael Avon Oeming, Paolo Rivera, Cameron Stewart, and Babs Tarr! This unprecedented, full-color collaboration between East and West will be released first in English, making it indispensable for Attack on Titan fans and curious comic fans."

[H/T] io9