What is the Neon Genesis Evangelion Series About?
Neon Genesis Evangelion , one of the most renowned and influential Mecha Anime series ever produced, is set in a dystopian world after the “Second Impact”. It tells the story of a group of Evangelion characters - pilots who drive giant bio-mechanical machines called "Evangels" (or “Evas”) - a form of robotic armor to confront an array of angelic enemies that want to cause destruction across the world. However, these “pilots” also grapple with internal struggles - particularly their own trauma and those emotional conflicts.
It's a classic storyline - the "Evangelion story" has captivated Anime fans across the world since its release - and even inspired a remake known as the Rebuild of Evangelion a series of Evangelion remake films produced in the early 2000s that had a series of remastered versions that served as a testament to the franchise's ongoing impact. But this show - in many ways - had a transformative impact on how Anime industry productions developed and took shape in recent years. Those fans of Mecha Anime or those interested in the Classic anime, know that it serves as a reminder to the incredible creative direction that the series took - with a heavy emphasis on darker themes and a profound level of emotional depth, making this series stand apart from others.
How Did Evangelion Become a Success?
Neon Genesis Evangelion , as a product of the Anime industry, took the world by storm in 1995 - It served as a stark contrast to a great many series that were being released at the time (usually the "robots fighting" format, as was prevalent during the 80s, an era of robot films and robot-centric stories) - however, this Neon Genesis Evangelion anime had something unique - it delivered a profound and memorable story.
Its Evangelion characters (especially the main protagonists: Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, and Asuka Langley Sohryu) and their complex storylines (centered around themes of depression, loneliness and even their internal battles) set this series apart - creating a profound sense of impact on the audience, serving as an anchor for its popularity.
What is the Legacy of Evangelion?
As one of the Classic Anime productions. Neon Genesis Evangelion serves as a touchstone for those Anime fans as its influence can be found in a plethora of different media. In many ways - it’s an influential part of the Anime industry - helping shape other Mecha Anime - showcasing themes such as those centered around loneliness, mental illness, and the overall trauma, while presenting those complex relationships and events.
The series continues to be influential, showing how much this franchise - originally released in the 90s (a major step in a new era for anime productions which helped make anime production, such as Neon Genesis Evangelion even more popular within Japan and the world), and continues to inspire generations of fans.
Who Is the Creator of Evangelion?
Hideaki Anno has a distinguished career in the Anime industry, he serves as a writer and director who is known for being one of the founding figures behind Studio Gainax - one of those companies that have become a main force behind some of the most successful Anime releases (even if Neon Genesis Evangelion , originally under a different studio - and one that had limited funding) and had become popular with millions of fans and those seeking entertainment.
The show, Neon Genesis Evangelion (which included a storyline with those Evangelion characters who were seeking to save the world - each going on a personal journey with unique conflicts) and became synonymous with those who had been introduced to this world, but it's also a reminder to just how impactful his career and creativity have been across many production avenues in Anime. Hideaki Anno also established himself as an accomplished creative figure who has also gone on to take on a range of diverse roles and even as an influence across other, less well-known productions.
What Does the Rebuild of Evangelion Involve?
Those Anime fans of Neon Genesis Evangelion are aware of its impact on the genre, as it serves as a prime example of just how those anime productions could take shape and reshape how the genre evolves. But many have found themselves confused with the "remake" - Rebuild of Evangelion. The production served as a series of films that introduced an update on the Neon Genesis Evangelion story as if it were given a modern spin, and as it continues it appears to make significant departures from its initial story. Fans will notice just how much Rebuild of Evangelion, takes on those classic scenes from the original television series.
This was a strategic decision. The director, Hideaki Anno, made the effort to deliver a unique reinterpretation - it's been described as "a different view" and not as a direct remake. It's as if the creator wanted to take an earlier, classic production and add in an updated layer of creativity and imagination. It also adds new layers to the Evangelion universe, which might bring to the surface some of the core ideas or events - some of the ones that make fans and critics appreciate just how influential and creative this anime is.
Is the Ending for Evangelion Different From The Remake?
Evangelion and its original 1995 series ended on a notorious, disturbing note. Its complex ending and, those emotional undercurrents - were seen as controversial by some viewers who had become hooked on this anime. There have also been some who praised the production’s ability to push boundaries - as well as serving as a form of reflection and introspection on those characters. This ending serves as a critical touchstone - especially those fans looking for those more ambiguous conclusions. It often serves as a testament to just how Evangelion took on a unique storyline with an incredibly complex twist. Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno wanted a bit of darkness and tragedy for those fans of the series and a sign to viewers that the world could change dramatically - especially as it explored some deep and important ideas.
However, the "remake" or Rebuild of Evangelion, has an entirely different take. It doesn't shy away from offering a different path, adding its own set of plot devices and making several unexpected departures from the original television show. Even so, both have a similar intent: To push boundaries, to provide viewers with some powerful storylines.
Is Neon Genesis Evangelion Really a Great Anime?
Those who watch anime know that the Evangelion impact - particularly with its early releases in the 1990s has had a tremendous influence. Its style has made an appearance across several popular works - from manga to music and even video games.
It has also served as a strong inspiration across those anime series (with many referring to the show as "the Godfather" or the "bible" for those in Mecha Anime) in a testament to its ability to impact its viewers, creating a tremendous fanbase - Those Anime fans that follow those iconic stories know that there’s no way to escape the Evangelion world which has become a mainstay.
What Makes Evangelion So Important?
There’s a great deal to appreciate when it comes to the anime series - those fans who watch this production know how important its Evangelion story and its iconic figures are.
However, many of the series' Evangelion characters stand as powerful influences within anime. This series continues to capture a distinct vision - that serves as an expression of how to take a "classic" approach. But it often breaks boundaries through its dark themes. Even its story gives a strong indication that this Anime is going to push those boundaries and expectations that the audience will likely encounter as this Classic anime, as a product of Hideaki Anno, continues to be admired as one of the greatest creative works in the Anime industry.
