Review by Frank Plowright

Eren Yeager has been the focus of most of Attack on Titan to date, crucial not only as the eyes through which the Survey Corps recruitment and training is seen, but because he’s able to turn into a Titan somehow more powerful than others while retaining his faculties. Now, though, the sins of his father Grisha again have relevance. As seen in Attack on Titan 15, the ruling elite may have been overthrown, but one has captured Eren and intends to kill him. The same circumstances also provide a critical moment for Krista Lenz, and the tension Hajime Isayama hangs over the entire volume is whether she’ll do the terrible things she’s being asked to do, or not. It’s been well set up by Isayama establishing her as timid and insecure, which perpetuates doubt throughout. Her torment provides the cover illustration.

Along the way we learn one of the ruling families has been able to wipe the population’s memories about their histories, so what they remember as true may be implanted memories. It makes locating whatever Grisha Yeager has concealed in the family basement all the more important, yet it remains in an inaccessible area over-run with Titans.

While some other events are seen, most of Attack on Titan 16 is a prolonged revelatory disagreement featuring only three people, yet compelling throughout, not least for further revelations. Isayama concludes with a cliffhanger leading into Attack on Titan 17, or both volumes are found as part of the sixth Attack on Titan Omnibus.