Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by “Talha Saqib”
Episode 78 of Attack on Titan has a lot of references to the past as well as to future events. The latest episode is now streaming and fans are absolutely losing their minds over it. Usually, there are not a lot of references in Attack on Titan but this episode blew everyone’s minds as it featured not just one but three easter eggs, Goth Mikasa, Nerd Armin, and the sauna scene.
Warning: The following paragraph contains spoilers for Episode 78.
In episode 78, Eren is shot by Gabi before he can make any contact with Zeke and unleash the entire power of the Founding Titan. Before he can completely die, Zeke takes hold of his head which results in both of their consciousnesses being sent to Paths dimension. Then we see a flash of a lot of scenes that all somewhat relate to Eren. It is unclear why such references have been made.
Hajime Isayama, the creator of Attack on Titan likes putting imitative previews at the end of the manga chapters. One of the most important ones is “Attack on School“. Attack on School re-imagines the series as a high-school drama. It is just a sort of parody and is meant to get a laugh.
Goth Mikasa
When Eren is between life and death he has a flashback of memories. Those memories also contained Mikasa with a very different hairstyle and fans refer to her as “Goth Mikasa” or “Gothkasa”. Personally, I really like Mikasa’s goth look with this hairstyle as she looks super cool.
Here is how Goth Mikasa looks in the cameo:
Nerd Armin
We also see a memory of Armin wearing glasses. Fans refer to him as “Nerd Armin”. However, this does not really add to the actual plot of the anime. It was just an easter egg and a shout-out to the manga readers.
Here is how Nerd Armin looked in the cameo:
The Sauna Scene
Attack on Titan Episode 78 also gives fans a steamy reference to the infamous manga picture of the male characters, Levi and Reiner in particular sitting in a sauna. However, in anime, it only features a close-up of Reiner who is looking depressed, of course.
You can stream new episodes of Attack on Titan on Hulu every Sunday.
This is all on the Attack on Titan Episode 78 featuring Goth Mikasa, Nerd Armin, and Sauna as Easter Eggs. If you are aware of the disappointing Annie and Armin reunions, then don’t forget to check our Animation and Manga sections. We cover a lot of reviews, news, and other content so keep following Retrology.
“Attack on School” is a parody of Attack on Titan created by Hajime Isayama. It re-imagines the series as a high-school drama. This parody is meant to be humorous and is referenced in Episode 78.
Goth Mikasa is a version of Mikasa with a different hairstyle seen in Eren’s flashback. Fans refer to her as “Goth Mikasa” or “Gothkasa” due to her cool, gothic look. This appearance is an Easter egg referencing the “Attack on School” parody.
The sauna scene is a reference to a manga picture featuring male characters like Levi and Reiner in a sauna. In the anime, it shows a close-up of a depressed Reiner. This scene is another Easter egg for fans familiar with the manga.
The Easter eggs like Goth Mikasa, Nerd Armin, and the sauna scene are primarily for fan service. They reference the “Attack on School” parody and other manga elements. These do not impact the main plot but are fun nods for dedicated fans.
You can stream Attack on Titan Episode 78 on Hulu. New episodes are available every Sunday. Check your local streaming service for availability.
Attack on Titan was created by Hajime Isayama. He is known for incorporating imitative previews and parodies in his work. “Attack on School” is one such parody re-imagining the series as a high-school drama.
Nerd Armin is a version of Armin seen wearing glasses in a memory flashback. This does not add to the plot but serves as an Easter egg for manga readers. It is a nod to the “Attack on School” parody where characters are re-imagined in different roles.
Eren saw these memories when his consciousness was sent to the Paths dimension after being shot by Gabi. Zeke’s intervention caused a series of flashbacks. These memories are not fully explained but serve as references and Easter eggs.
Reiner is shown looking depressed in the sauna scene as a nod to his character’s ongoing struggles. This scene is a close-up reference to a manga picture. It serves as an Easter egg for fans familiar with the manga.
