Okay, let’s dive into Neon Genesis Evangelion (新世紀エヴァンゲリオン, Shin Seiki Evangerion). It’s a massively influential and complex anime series that’s still debated and analyzed decades after its original release. Here’s a comprehensive overview, covering its story, themes, impact, and where to start:
1. Core Concept & Story (Without too many spoilers, but some are unavoidable)
- Setting: The year is 2015 (when the series originally aired, this was the future!). The world is recovering from a cataclysmic event called the “Second Impact,” which caused widespread destruction and massive flooding. The true nature of the Second Impact is a central mystery.
- The Threat: Angels: Humanity is now threatened by beings called “Angels.” These aren’t the cute, winged kind. They are colossal, geometrically bizarre, and immensely powerful entities that attack humanity. Each Angel presents a unique and terrifying challenge.
- Nerv & the Evangelions: To combat the Angels, a secretive organization called Nerv (pronounced “nerve”) develops giant bio-machines called Evangelions (often shortened to “Evas”). These Evas are incredibly powerful, but require a compatible pilot to operate.
- The Pilots: Children: Here’s where it gets really interesting. The pilots aren’t seasoned soldiers. They’re 14-year-old children, specifically chosen for their psychological compatibility with the Evas. The most central pilot is Shinji Ikari, a withdrawn and emotionally damaged boy.
- Shinji’s Journey: The story primarily follows Shinji as he’s reluctantly summoned by his estranged father, Gendo Ikari, the commander of Nerv, to pilot Eva Unit-01. He’s thrust into a world of combat, responsibility, and intense psychological pressure. He’s joined by other pilots, Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Soryu, each with their own complex backgrounds and issues.
- Beyond the Battles: While the series looks like a giant robot action show, the battles against the Angels are often a backdrop for exploring the characters’ internal struggles, the secrets of Nerv, and the true nature of the Angels and the Second Impact. The latter half of the series (and especially the ending) becomes increasingly abstract and psychological.
2. Key Characters
- Shinji Ikari: The protagonist. He’s deeply insecure, avoids connection, and struggles with depression and self-worth. His piloting is often tied to his emotional state.
- Rei Ayanami: A mysterious and stoic pilot. She’s initially emotionally detached and enigmatic, but gradually develops a more complex personality. Her origins are a major plot point.
- Asuka Langley Soryu: A fiercely independent and competitive pilot. She’s proud, arrogant, and hides deep-seated vulnerabilities. Her German-American heritage is also significant.
- Gendo Ikari: Shinji’s cold and manipulative father, and the commander of Nerv. He has a hidden agenda and is willing to sacrifice anything to achieve his goals.
- Misato Katsuragi: Nerv’s tactical operations chief. She’s a complex character who acts as a guardian figure for Shinji, but also carries her own emotional baggage.
- Ritsuko Akagi: Nerv’s chief scientist. She’s brilliant and pragmatic, but also harbors a complicated relationship with Gendo.
3. Major Themes
- Existentialism & The Meaning of Life: Evangelion grapples with fundamental questions about existence, purpose, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
- Trauma & Psychological Damage: The characters are all deeply scarred by past trauma, and the series explores the effects of trauma on their mental and emotional well-being.
- Isolation & Connection (The Hedgehog’s Dilemma): A central theme is the difficulty of forming genuine connections with others. The “Hedgehog’s Dilemma” (the idea that creatures want to be close to each other for warmth, but risk getting hurt by their quills) is a recurring metaphor.
- Parental Relationships & Abandonment: The dysfunctional relationships between parents and children are a major focus, particularly Shinji’s relationship with his father.
- Identity & Self-Worth: The characters struggle to define their identities and find value in themselves.
- Religion & Mythology: Evangelion draws heavily on Judeo-Christian imagery and Kabbalistic symbolism, though its interpretation of these elements is often unconventional and ambiguous. (Don’t get too hung up on trying to decode everything religiously; it’s more about the feeling and symbolism.)
- The Human Condition: Ultimately, Evangelion is a meditation on what it means to be human, with all our flaws, vulnerabilities, and desires.
4. Why is it so influential?
- Deconstruction of the Mecha Genre: It took the tropes of the giant robot anime genre and turned them on their head. Instead of focusing on heroic pilots and triumphant victories, it explored the psychological toll of combat and the darkness within the characters.
- Psychological Depth: The series’ willingness to delve into the characters’ inner lives and explore complex psychological themes was groundbreaking for anime at the time.
- Ambiguous Ending: The original TV ending was notoriously controversial and abstract. It sparked endless debate and interpretation. (More on that later.)
- Visual Style: The animation was innovative and visually striking, with dynamic action sequences and surreal imagery.
- Lasting Impact: Evangelion has influenced countless anime, manga, video games, and other works of art. It’s considered a cornerstone of the anime medium.
5. Versions & Where to Watch
This is where it gets confusing! There are multiple ways to experience Evangelion:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996) – The Original TV Series (26 Episodes): This is where you should start. It’s the foundation of the entire franchise. Available on Netflix.
- Evangelion: Death & Rebirth (1997): A film that retells the first six episodes of the TV series with some added scenes. It’s a bridge to the Rebuild films.
- Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (1997): A film that provides an alternative ending to the TV series. It’s a highly controversial and emotionally intense experience. Essential viewing after the TV series. Available on Netflix.
- Rebuild of Evangelion (2007-2021) – A Tetralogy of Films: A complete reimagining of the story, with updated animation, new characters, and a different overall narrative.
- Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone
- Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance
- Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo
- Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (The final film, and a more conclusive ending.) Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Where to Start: Begin with the original TV series on Netflix, then watch The End of Evangelion. After that, you can decide if you want to dive into the Rebuild films. The Rebuilds are a good entry point for some, but they’re best appreciated after understanding the original series.
6. Be Prepared…
- It’s not easy viewing. Evangelion is emotionally challenging and can be disturbing at times.
- It requires patience. The series is slow-paced and deliberately ambiguous.
- It’s okay to be confused. Many aspects of the story are open to interpretation.
- Don’t be afraid to rewatch. You’ll likely pick up on new details and nuances with each viewing.
- There’s a lot of fan discussion online. Be careful about spoilers if you’re going in blind.
In conclusion: Neon Genesis Evangelion is a masterpiece of anime that continues to resonate with audiences today. It’s a complex, thought-provoking, and emotionally powerful work that will stay with you long after you’ve finished watching it. It’s not just a giant robot show; it’s a profound exploration of the human condition.
Do you have any specific questions about Evangelion that you’d like me to answer? Perhaps you’re curious about a particular character, theme, or aspect of the story? I’m happy to delve deeper into any area you’re interested in.