Review by Frank Plowright

 Spoilers in review

While this volume opens by continuing the battle for a tower from Omnibus 3, it develops into a heavy emotional tug of war with two characters at the centre of it. Among the troops we’ve seen trained, Reiner has been a continually combative and provocative presence, yet when push comes to shove he’s nowhere near as effective when it comes to turning his aggression toward the Titans. Here once again he’s almost killed before being saved in an unpredictable manner. Given everything that’s been revealed to date, more adroit readers may have realised why such contradictions surround him. That’s not revealed here for a while, though, so to avoid spoilers don’t read beyond the fourth paragraph.

This larger sized package combines Attack on Titan 10, 11 and 12, with which it shares a cover. Although it may not seem that way at first, together they bring considerable change, particularly in the final section where Hajime Isayama greatly increases the emotional content.

The battle for the tower is won, but the tower is destroyed in the victory, which is a neat and unpredictable piece of plotting, with the credit down to Ymir. She’s played a relatively minor role to date, but has been seen to be protective of Christa, and that friendship is key to the way much plays out later.

Isayama tends to move from more precise figures to looser people during the extended combat sequences, but they’re beginning to become repetitive. You can only run so many end of the world scenarios before the potency fades. He’s also not great at distinguishing between the various troops with all the action going on, but compensates through frequent use of names. He’s at his best when drawing the goofy looking Titans of various sizes, which still raise a smile.

Reiner’s problems have a viable source when it’s revealed that not only is he also a Titan, but he’s the specimen responsible for killing Eren’s mother. Isayama’s development of his personality beyond that revelation is powerful and a source of suspense and multiple questions. Is he genuinely insane? Is he genuinely regretful? Does he have a plan? How does he know of Eren’s value? Most of those questions are answered and answered well in the final few chapters, which also feature a desperate, last ditch raid, and a great heart to heart between Eren and Mikasa, who’s rather dropped into the background what with everything else going on.

When the air clears a line has been drawn and much has changed from beginning to end. While not everything has been revealed, there is some certainty in other respects, and the emotional content is a welcome change. Bring on Omnibus 5.