Ikari Shinji's father is the head of a company called NERV. This company uses giant Mech's that are called Eva's, to fight against an opposing threat to earth: Angels.
Throughout the 26 episodes and two movies, Shinji teams up with other 14-year-olds his age: Rei Ayanami, the quiet blue-haired girl who pilots Eva 01; Asuka Langley Soryu, the fiery red-headed girl who pilots Eva 02; Nagisa Kaworu, the boy who loves Shinji, but turns evil and pilots Eva 03; Suzuhara Toji, the bully who hits Shinji, but in the end pilots Eva 04.
These young boys and girls all fight to save the world day after day in an epic story with twists and turns throughout the series called: Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Story & Characters

<b>Characters</b>

All the characters are unique in some way. Shinji, whom the story revolves around, is a pathetic <b>wimp</b> with almost no self-worth, Asuka carries around bravado to hide her past, Rei was <i>made</i> and doesn't value her life, Misato can't figure out if she loves or hates her father, and a lot more. Also, the pilots are young (<b>14</b> years old), so they mature quickly due to their jobs, but still retain the mentalities of 14 year olds (in one sequence, Asuka asks Shinji if she wants to kiss her).

<b>Plot</b>

This is where Evangelion really shines. The plot seems simple enough (fight angels, save the world from unknown threat), until about halfway into the series, where it reveals that the people controling things behind the scenes really are after much more. Everything is so beautifully done, from Shinji discovering his self-worth and happiness to the fact that the Evas seem robotic but are really humans in a different kind of "shell" or body. Also, a note, is that there is a ton of Biblical references (crosses, Lilith, Adam, the Tree of Life, the Black Moon (Lilith's Egg), God, the Fruit of Wisdom, and many others). Also, the entire series is littered with philosophies such as "why do I exist; where is my happiness; what is reality and dreams." Anno literally created perfection of a story. Also, this is a series (plus a movie) that a person has to watch at least 3 times in order to understand everything (if that's even possible).

Rating: 10

Art

The art is good. There are no "super-deformations" as in other series (like "Karekano"). While it pales in comparison to others that are more modern, such as "Full Metal Panic!," it is still really pleasent. With the "Platinum Edition," having the digitally remastered the pictures it looks much crisper and colorful. Additonally, most of the body proportions are realitic to an extent (read: the womens' breast size), which makes things better. And the Evas and Angels are really unique.
Most sequences featuring the Evas are done in good transition. The Angels themselves differ from each other greatly (one is microscopic that acts lika a computer, another is bird-like that attacks one's phyche, another is a "shadow" that sends its victims into a Dirac Sea, a vacuum of negative energy).

Rating: 8

Sound

<b>Speech</b>

Both the English and Japanese dubs are really good. There are very few differences between the two, and all the voice actors do their jobs very well (it almost seems that they poured their hearts and souls into this series).

<b>Music</b>

There are, I think, 6 OST's, and that's a lot of music. There are some good classical pieces in the series (one is Beethovan's "Presto" from his 9th Symphony, the one with "Ode to Joy," and Pachebal's Canon in D-Major). Some songs are tragic, others almost sadistic sounding, while some are corny. Good variaty, some that stand out really well.

Rating: 8

Presentation

<b>Originality</b>

This series is a classic by standards, with unorthadox aliens to living mecha to the most unlikely main character (Shinji, who is spineless, a wimp, and completely pathetic weakling, the complete opposite of what a main character should be), all under a gigantic plan. Everything is a near equivalent to some of the Wagnerian operas in terms of some sequences: tragic, dramatic, powerful. (Wagner was probably the best opera composer in existence). Every episode has some meaning or point that completes the big picture, either some clarity on characters or defeating an angel (or both). Everything is not completely serious, there are some funny episodes around the middle of the series. (the type of show shifts from dramatic-funny-lots more dramatic). Very tricky combination, considering the facts and almost post-apocolyptic plot. Additionally, you can't watch this once to get everything. As said before, one must watch this several times to get everything, and that proves in itself that this is a really good story.

<b>Overall</b>

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a must for any real hardcore anime otaku. With so much crammed into this anime, it is impossible to remove one episode without messing up the entire story. <i>Very highly recommended</i>.

Rating: 9

Final Verdict

9.00 (very good)

Reviewed by AtmaCashino, Sep 16, 2005

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