Review of Neon Genesis Evangelion

Let me get this out of the way: Neon Genesis Evangelion is not a bad show. However, I respect this series more for its imagination and influence rather than its execution. While the show has some good moments and has a long lasting impact, its actual quality can seem lacking compared to today's deconstructions like Digimon Tamers and Madoka Magica. The characters themselves are actually good. While I think Shinji may come off as a clone of Amuro Ray, he is an actually sympathetic character who honestly reacts realistically in a terrifying situation. Likewise, Rei comes off as a likable characters who shy demeanor actually makesher come off as sympathetic. I know Rei is supposed to be creepy, but her cutesy vibe actually makes NERV come off as even more unlikeable for treating her like a tool. Overall the characters themselves are actually good. If they weren't, why else would we have Shinji and Rei clones like Simon, Madoka, CC, and Mikasa?

However, the real problem for me is that the story exists on an entirely different dimension detached from its main characters. Even though EVA is supposed to be a character study, the story's large scale overshadows the character drama and the events seem almost unrelated to the main characters' inner angst. In other surreal dark works, the monsters and situations reflect on different aspects of the main characters. In Madoka Magica, the witches are dark corrupt mirror counterparts to the magical girls and thus have girl-related designs fitting with the whole magical girl deconstruction. Likewise, Silent Hill 2, the sexualized monsters are dark manifestations of James Sunderland's sexual libido during his search for his wife. Here, aside from a few phallic shaped angels, the Christian symbolism and angels don't really complement the characters. If the show really wanted to be about teenage coming of life story, then the villainous angels should be representations of adolescent issues like sex, academic exams, and employment.

Yet despite its problems, I'm glad EVA exists. Sure it has glaring problems and may seem amateurish compared to more modern deconstructions, it is still interesting enough to leave a real impact on pop culture. Personally, I'd say its a positive impact. It's thanks to EVA that studios are inspired to make post-modern deconstructions like Digimon Tamers, Madoka Magica, and Attack on Titan. Plus, the characters of EVA has invented new characters archetypes that I like. If EVA wasn't so interesting and unique, why would anyone try to follow in its footsteps. So while I feel EVA itself has some glaring flaws, I respect it for its uniqueness and interesting feel.