Neon Genesis Evangelion Beginner’s Guide: Everything you Need to Know
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a show that has shown the power of animation and anime in general to tell a story. Evangelion, one of the few anime that inspired a manga adaptation of the manga version of the anime, is a trendsetter in many ways.
The series also features a reluctant hero who fails to win every battle rather than succeeding and becoming more assertive. The series explores psychology, philosophy, and sociology. It is also rich in depth. Instead of crazy action sequences and massive battles between opposing forces, it often focuses on heady issues.
These factors have made Neon Genesis Evangelion significantly impact the anime scene. But for outsiders, the hefty praises, incomprehensible descriptions, and soaring ratings make the series seem even more intimidating. This handy guide for beginners to Neon Genesis Evangelion will help you get started in this world.
Neon Genesis Evangelion Beginner’s Guide
What is Neon Genesis Evangelion All About?
The series follows Shinji, a quiet, meek young boy summoned by his scientist father, Gendo, to futuristic Tokyo-3. Shinji’s father is a member of NERV, which creates giant robots to fight the alien threat known as Angels. His father wants Shinji to be able to pilot one of these machines to save humanity. The software is only for teenagers and has a connection that Shinji believes will make him a highly skilled pilot.
Although Shinji is violent and has a mental illness, he agrees that he will operate the massive mech. Shinji is one of the last hope of avoiding the Angel threat and saving humanity.
Who created the Neon Genesis Evangelion?
Hideaki Anno started Neon Genesis Evangelion in his throes after two failed projects he’d completed.
When working with King Records and Gainax, Anno agreed to a new project. He stated, however, that his depression influenced it and that it followed the theme “f “not running aw”y.”
Anno hoped to succeed in this project, gaining attention from otaku fans while reflecting on his four-year depression and exploring the same themes within the story.
Who are the main characters of the Neon Genesis Evangelion?
Shinji Ikari is our main character and audience proxy. Through him, we learn more about the world and its workings.
He makes a friend with the mysterious ReiAyanami early on. This is another Evangelion pilot who seems to be selfless and devotedShinji’sji’s father, GendoIkari.
Misato Kathsuragi cares for Shinji. She has a relaxed and carefree demeanor and immediately disappears wshe’she’s at work, commanding the forces NERV and working alongside Gendo.
Later, Asuka Langley becomes the third Evangelion pilot. Boisterous, bossy, and sometimes rude, Asuka is a bit of a bully among the pilots. But her attitude belies a deep pain she has suffered for many years.
Other characters of note are Ritsuko, the pragmatic scientist, and Kaworu Nagisa, an odd young man who becomes friends with Shinji in the middle of the series.
What is the difference between the two series?
Original Neon Genesis Evangelion was a 26-episode series that told a complete story and not be an ongoing franchise. It aired from the mid-90s to the end of its run. Budgetary problems caused a cut in the last two episodes. Two films were made in response to the outcry from fans: Death & Rebirth, which retold the story in a short format, and End of Evangelion, which was a reimagined epilogue and ending to the series.
In 2007, the rebuild of Evangelion released its first part, 1.0 You Are (Not!) Alone. Although it appeared to be a faithful movie remake of the series, subsequent installments in 2009, 2012, and 2021 showed that the story diverged from the original series. It became its own thing very much by then.
Where to Watch Neon Genesis Evangelion
The entire series and both films from Neon Genesis Evangelion can be viewed on Netflix. Rebuild of Evangelion can only be viewed in select regions on Amazon Prime Video.
Where to Read the Neon Genesis Evangelion Manga
Evangelion is unique because the manga adaptation was published to promote the TV series rather than being an adaptation of the manga. You can read all 97 issues on the official manga webpage. However, there are occasional ads. You can also order the physical series from outlets such as Amazon and Indigo.
Neon Genesis Evangelion Games
Neon Genesis Evangelion Battle Orchestra is a great way to get inside the world of Evangelion. You can replay all the major battles from the series in this game, making it your best option for Evangelion action.
The secret of Evangelion may be a better choice if you are more interested in the story elements of this series. The story follows an intelligence agent working for NERV who tries to uncover the truth about the organization and its secret projects.
You can dive into the games, but it will be hard on your wallet since they are a rare commodity that can only be played on their original platforms.
What to do after Neon Genesis Evangelion
Devilman Crybaby is another show with apocalyptic stakes, and a herodoesn’tesn’t know what to do with his power. It explores similar themes to Neon Genesis Evangelion. The series also goes re”lly “out “here.” The ending is borderline incomprehensible, just like Evangelion.
PsychoPass is a more straightforward option if you are looking for something simpler. It takes place in a future Japan and addresses many of the same themes as Evangelion.
