Have you ever watched an anime that left you feeling like you’d just experienced something intense? That’s the impact that Neon Genesis Evangelion has had on viewers since its debut in 1995. This anime is so special, and I consider it to be more than just an anime.
I’m going to explore the story, impact, and legacy of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Diving into the complex themes it tackles, from mental health to identity to trauma, and examine why they continue to resonate with audiences today. I’ll also discuss the cultural impact of the anime and how it influenced the anime industry and popular culture as a whole. And finally, I’ll take a look at the various adaptations and spin-offs that have continued to keep the legacy of Neon Genesis Evangelion alive.
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan of the anime or you’ve never even heard of it before, get ready to discover why Neon Genesis Evangelion is more than just an anime. It’s a masterpiece.
( Neon Genesis Evangelion / Twitter )
Okay, the story of Neon Genesis Evangelion at its core, it’s about giant robots fighting giant monsters. But it’s also so much more than that. The story follows a teenage boy named Shinji Ikari who is recruited by his father to pilot a giant bio-robot called an “Evangelion” to fight against otherworldly beings called “Angels.”
But here’s the thing: the anime isn’t just about robots fighting monsters. It’s about the psychological toll that fighting these monsters takes on the pilots, and how they deal with their own personal demons. Shinji, for example, is dealing with a lot of emotional trauma, and he’s not exactly thrilled about being forced to fight in a war he never asked for. The other pilots, Rei and Asuka, have their own issues as well.
What I love about the story is how it explores really deep themes. It’s not just a surface-level action anime. The characters are all struggling with their own identities and trying to come to terms with their past traumas. And the anime asks some pretty big questions about the nature of the self, the role of religion in society, and what it means to be human.
Now, I don’t want to give away too much about the story, but let’s just say that things get REALLY intense as the anime progresses. The stakes get higher, the fights get more intense, and the characters’ struggles become more and more complex. And even though the story can be pretty dark at times, there’s also a lot of hope and optimism to be found.
So if you’re looking for an anime that’s more than just mindless action, Neon Genesis Evangelion might be right up your alley. It’s a story that will make you think. A lot of thinking…
The impact of Neon Genesis Evangelion is undeniable. When it first aired in the mid-90s, it was unlike anything else I had seen before it. It pushed the boundaries of what was possible in anime, both in terms of storytelling and animation.
( Neon Genesis Evangelion / Twitter )
One of the reasons that Evangelion is so groundbreaking is because it dealt with some really heavy themes that hadn’t been explored in anime before. Depression, anxiety, and existentialism were all front and center, all for you to see.
Another thing that set Evangelion apart was its animation. The show was produced by Gainax, a studio known for its innovative approach to animation. And with Evangelion, they really pulled out all the stops. The battles between the Evas and the Angels were beautifully choreographed, and the show made use of a lot of creative camera angles and visual effects that show how beautiful, and how mentally intense this anime can get.
But perhaps the biggest impact that Evangelion had was on the anime industry as a whole. The show was so influential, and it paved the way for a lot of similar anime like Serial Experiments Lain and Revolutionary Girl Utena. I can say Evangelion’s the trailblazer of Sci-Fi anime.
And of course, the impact of Evangelion extends beyond the anime industry. The show has had a huge impact on popular culture as a whole, with references to it popping up in everything from music videos to video games.
All in all, it’s safe to say that Neon Genesis Evangelion has had a profound impact on anime and on pop culture in general. And even though the show is more than 25 years old now, its influence can still be felt today.
( Neon Genesis Evangelion / Twitter )
The legacy of Neon Genesis Evangelion is complicated. It’s shaped by the show’s enormous impact on anime and pop culture as well as the controversies surrounding its creator, Hideaki Anno. Despite these controversies, the show’s influence on anime cannot be denied, and its impact has been felt throughout the industry and beyond.
One of the significant aspects of Evangelion’s legacy is the series of movies that have been released since the original anime aired. These movies have taken the story of Evangelion in new and unexpected directions, expanding upon the themes and characters of the original show in fascinating ways.
The first of these movies, Death and Rebirth, was released in 1997 and served as a recap of the original anime with some new footage. The following year, The End of Evangelion was released, which served as an alternate ending to the series. The End of Evangelion was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics, but it remains a significant part of the Evangelion canon.
In 2007, the first of four Rebuild of Evangelion movies was released. These movies are a retelling of the original anime, with significant changes to the story and characters. The Rebuild movies have been met with both praise and criticism, with some fans feeling that they stray too far from the original story, while others appreciate the new directions that the movies take.
Regardless of how one feels about the movies, it’s clear that they’ve played a significant role in shaping the legacy of Evangelion. They’ve introduced the series to a new generation of fans, expanded upon the themes and characters of the original show, and kept the franchise relevant in the years since the original anime aired.
Overall, the legacy of Neon Genesis Evangelion is multi-layered. It’s a show that has had a big impact on anime and pop culture, and its themes and characters continue to resonate with audiences today. For someone like me who waited for more than 15 years for this franchise to finish, I felt bittersweet because finally, this is now over, Anno is now at peace with himself and can now move on in his life.
( Neon Genesis Evangelion / Twitter )
In conclusion, Neon Genesis Evangelion is more than just an anime. It’s a complex, thought-provoking work of art that left a lasting impact on anime and culture as a whole. From its exploration of themes like depression, anxiety, and existentialism to its stunning visual design and iconic characters, Evangelion is a show that’s worth watching for anyone interested in the medium.
Of course, Evangelion is not without its flaws. It’s controversial themes and complex characters can be difficult to navigate, and its creator, Hideaki Anno, has been controversial over the years. However, even with these challenges, there’s no denying the impact that the show has had on anime and beyond.
Evangelion is a show that has something important to say about the human experience. Whether you’re struggling with mental health issues, feeling disconnected from the world around you, or simply trying to find your place in the world, there’s something in Evangelion that will relate to you.
In the end, Neon Genesis Evangelion is more than just an anime. It’s a work of art that speaks to the human condition in a meaningful way. And even though its legacy may be complicated, there’s no denying the impact that it has had on anime and on the people who have watched it over the years. So if you’re looking for a show that will challenge you, make you think, and stay with you long after the credits have rolled, then Neon Genesis Evangelion is definitely worth your time.