Even though Levi Ackerman isn’t the main character, he never fails to steal the spotlight with his fighting skills. Even after the series’ conclusion, the hype is real, as one of the fan-favorite husbandos is now getting his spin-off manga.
The new manga Attack on Titan: Bad Boy has given Levi more backstory and answered one of the biggest questions about him: How did he evoke the power of the Ackermans?
What is Ackerman Power and “Ackerbond” Mechanics?
Ackerman power functions differently in two different timelines. In one timeline—To You, In 2000 Years—Ackermans are accidental byproducts of experiments done on Ymir subjects and are essentially titans in human form.
In another timeline, the Era of the Eldian Empire, the Ackermans are a bloodline designed to protect Eldia’s king. They gain the battle experiences of all past Ackermans and heightened physical abilities.
In each narrative, Ackermans awaken their powers when exposed to highly stressful situations. During this moment, they unlock their instincts and become bound to a “host” under those specific conditions. This bond is known as the “Ackerbond,” which some people believe was Eren’s fabrication.
The two conditions for Ackerbond mechanics are as follows:
- Ackermans awaken while in a highly stressful situation. When given a command, they can be bound to a host and continue to follow their orders. Sometimes, these orders become so ingrained in them that they act as their default setting, which they follow and live by.
- They awaken when their dormant instincts mistakenly activate to “protect the king.” An instinctual impulse to protect them binds them to that host.
How Levi Awakened his Ackerman Powers?
Levi’s awakening in Attack on Titan occurs after his mother, Kuchel, dies. As an orphan in the brutal underground city, a gang of men assaulted him and intended to sell him, just as they did with his mother. However, it was not until they tampered with Kuchel’s memories that Levi discovered his true power.
Levi’s true potential as an Ackerman was unleashed when men took away his mother’s only keepsake, a teacup. Despite being a malnourished child, he fought off the men and even tore the face of one of them with just his fingers.
As we mentioned earlier, the conditions required to awaken the powers are varied. In the case of Levi, his love for his mother and his will to protect her were the only conditions that awakened him.
Overall, Levi’s awakening and emotional revelation make “Bad Boy” a must-read for all Attack on Titan fans. However, the one-shot is only being released in physical copies and solely in Japan, and global release dates have not yet been announced.
About Attack on Titan: Bad Boy
“Attack on Titan: Bad Boy” is a spin-off manga in the Attack on Titan manga series that focuses on Levi Ackerman’s backstory. This chapter delves into Levi’s childhood and provides deeper insights into his character.
It’s included at the beginning of the 35th volume and was released on May 1, 2024. If you’re looking to read it, it’s available as part of the official “Attack on Titan” art book.
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