Ranked #151

Neon Genesis Evangelion (Manga)

Normally, I'm not the one to like mangas that are based off of animes, but Neon Genesis Evangelion is a very rare case. The interesting thing about the Neon Genesis Evangelion manga, is that it delivers an alternitive retelling of the anime. By that, I don't mean that the story has been atlered in any way, it's just that the character introductions and events are changed. In fact, the only part of the manga that is close to the anime, is the first chapter.

Like I mentioned above, the story has not been altered or changed in any way. It's an amazing story. In fact, it's hard to know where the story is going to go. It may seem like just some typical mecha/sci-fi manga that's sort of like Gundam, or something like that. But it is not. In fact, it's almost nothing like Gundam. The story heads in some pretty unpredictable directions, and turns into a psychological thriller that will mess with your mind. So keep in mind that when you are reading or watching Evangelion, you will be in for one heck-of-a ride.

Moving onto the artwork of the manga, I can say that I'm very impressed with the artwork. The characters also keep their original looks because this manga is done by the person who made the character designs for the anime. So the characters all keep their original looks, and in my opinon, they all look slightly better. Not to mention that the Evas are designed very well, and don't have any flaws at all.

Now to move onto the most debated part of Evangelion. The characters.
Constant debates and disagreements go on about Shinji. Although Shinji is whiney, and annoying, there is a bit of a misunderstanding about Shinji. "He's whiney, and he's ***ing annoying" is something I hear quite a bit. I don't have anything against opinions like that, it's just I think that many of Evangelion's viewers don't understand why. I mean, Shinji's only 14, and is expected to pilot an Eva and fight against angels. Of course he's whiney. I mean, you couldn't possibly expect him to be happy in the situation that he's in. In fact, Shinji's personality is so realistic that it's almost scary. And then we have Rei, and Asuka. Just like Shinji, Asuka's personality is very realistic. In fact, she acts just like a lot of 14 year old girls. Now to discuss Rei. I really love Rei. Although she is a girl of few words, she is strangely likable. I don't know why she just is. Aside from all that, I believe that the characters are the greatest aspect of Evangelion. In fact, I can't recall any other anime or manga that has great characters like these.

Now to move onto the next part of my review: The enjoyment.
Evangelion is a very entertaining manga. Although the first five volumes are spent on character introductions, it's 100% necessary so you can get to know the characters, and understand the events more clearly. It may be a little boring here and there in the first five volumes, it becomes much more entertaining by volume 6. After the character introductions, this manga takes off and starts to mess with your mind. It also becomes so addicting that it will keep you glued, and once you start, you can't stop. The battles become more interesting, and the entertainment value increases by a long shot.

Overall, it is an excellent manga that has many debatable subjects, and retells the story of the anime without changing the plot or characters. I highly recommend it. Especially if you like the anime. This manga does not dissapoint the reader.

Note: This review may be edited when this manga finishes, or is off hiatus.

Verdict:
Rating: 9.2/10
Bottom line: Amazing storyline, spectacular artwork, great characters, great storytelling.
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