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I first and foremost believe Neon Genesis Evangelion is an amazing anime in which it delivers on being 'The Most Influential Anime of its age'. However, in order to feel this way I believe audiences need to emotionally resonate with what is being conveyed on screen. Hideaki Anno is truly a mastermind by which his goal for the show was to make something he could pour himself into and infuse with his own insecurities. This is evident through most character story arcs and personalities, which I myself can somewhat sympathise with. There is also no definitive interpretation behind the message of the show which is ... a beauty on its own, it makes the show more mysterious and controversial. The many fundamental messages for this show come from themes like; individuality, consciousness, freedom, choice, and responsibility. All of this reinforced with the mindfucking Biblical allusions that we know the bare minimum about throughout the series, which isn't exactly a terrible thing for me because I think Anno wanted to explore the mentality of his characters more than the actual lore.

As for its actual plot, Evangelion is a mecha dystopian world anime where kids with mental trauma have to pilot Evas to stop angels from starting another existential crisis. Do we know why the children were chosen? Of course not silly! Anno just wants to project his mental health issues onto them. What we do know is the year is 2015 - 20 years from the series' debut. Earth has sustained irreversible damage by an event called 'The Second Impact'. We follow the main military organisation, 'Nerv' and their attempt to protect humanity from said angels from taking out the remains of the human race. For some reason only Nerv's extraterrestrial killer mechs can kill these angels with these angels being based on the first angel, 'Adam'. In order to pilot these mechs, 3 children are chosen because apparently they have a physical and mental connection with them.

Enter the Third Children, Shinji Ikari. Whew, get a load of this character. He's a depressed teenager who happens to the son of the guy who is behind the Eva Units technology, and thanks to some good ol' fatherly love, he sends for Shinji and emotionally manipulates him to become an Eva pilot (This man has some serious daddy issues). What I absolutely love about Shinji's character is his indecisive behaviour and him seeking of validation from others. He wants to be praised, he finds no faults in being alone, he self-depreciates himself, and I can relate to some of these personality traits. I can most specifically relate to the 4th episode of the series, "Hedgehog's Dilemma". It felt like 24 minutes of self-reflection on a individual, it felt more than an anime episode but an actual therapy session. What I took from that episode is that life is harsh, but comforting and you need to face your problems head on in order to advance in life. Shinji is the part of me that is apathetic and depressive, putting on earphones is also my escape from reality as he does so many times throughout the series. Thus, he is a brilliant character in my book.

Next character, Rei Ayanami, the First Children. When she was first introduced I did not like her very much. Her stoic personality and us knowing very little about her didn't let me emotionally connect with her. As the series progresses, her personality evolves and she becomes more involved with the people around her, particularly Shinji. We don't know very much about her and her role in the story. However, she becomes a very prevalent plot device in "The End Of Evangelion" which is a masterpiece of a film by the way. Rei is quite a mysterious character but what we can gather from moments in the series is that is the remains of Shinji's mother, Yui Ikari (Which is kinda weird to me because she is portrayed to have a 'crush' on Shinji even though she is his mother's derivative). What makes me like her so much and allows me to emotionally connect with her is that she is socially detached and that she doesn't talk to anybody unless reached out to. Rei is the part of me that wants to be left alone and prefers to be alone. I am fairly distant from others, but with time and self-development I can readily open up to other people. Thus, she is a memorable character in my book. (Also her smile at the end of the 6th episode was really adorable).

Now the final character worth mentioning, Asuka Langley Soryu, the Second Children. Ohhhh boy she was such a bitchy yet understanding character. She is a very proud and confident character when it comes to appearance and skill as a pilot. She is VERY stubborn and finds it difficult to open up to others, especially Stupid Shinji (I don't wanna use the term 'Tsundere' but that kinda describes her perfectly). Asuka's proudness does become quite annoying in a sense that she uses everyone she is affiliated with as a stepping stone, proving her 'self-worth' even though it kind of feels like she didn't do much in the series. Her violent and opinionated personality is a thing that I myself found infuriating throughout the show. However, just like with Rei, her development is a crucial factor to what made me emotionally resonate with her. First of all, her relationship with Shinji and Kaji Ryoji are a core aspect of the show in which it contributes to her character arc, separation anxiety and the desire to be liked by others and appear as an adult. Asuka's personality is a front that protects a very vulnerable and weak girl, a side that is heavily explored in the 22nd episode, "At Least, Be Human", which is one of the most impactful anime episodes for me since Re:Zero's 18th episode. Anyway, her massive pride is diminished when she is 'beaten' by Shinji and her synchronisation rates drop. She deems herself worthless and is burdened by her mother's suicide. A beloved scene of mine is the elevator scene between her and Rei. An agonising 51 seconds of these two not saying a single thing, I could feel the pressure of Asuka's burden and wanted to escape it immediately, whether this was intentional or a loss of budget, such a simple scene is crucial for her character, similar to Shinji's hesitation to kill Kaworu in the 24th episode of the series. Asuka is the part of that is moody towards others and finds it difficult to open up to others despite being in an environment where I can establish a relationship with many others. Thus, she is ingenious character in my book. (Despite being my least favourite, I can relate to her the most).

Moving on to Evangelion's most important infamous episodes, the 25th episode, "Do You Love Me", and the 26th episode, "Take Care Of Yourself". Supposedly EOE was meant to replace these episodes but let us talk about what was given to us instead. These eps convey important messages by which it can literally change your view of the world. It dwells into the importance of perspective and how others have a different perception of your own self. It feels like these episodes were written to carve away any and all excess from your brain so you can truly find what connects with YOU. Regardless of a loss of budget, Anno created something beautiful by exploring Shinji's mental health. He realises that he created an isolated, empty world for himself where no one can hurt him anymore as a result of Human Instrumentality (The merging of humanity to become one single consciousness). Throughout all this, the animation style shifts to pencil sketches in a white void, which is quite the poetic art style for such an episode. At one point, Shinji is shown what his life would be like in a domestic school setting showing that alternate forms of his life exists, worlds where Shinji doesn't have to be an Eva pilot. Conclusively, he decides he wants to be himself, then everyone says "Congratulations!".

Overall, Neon Genesis Evangelion is a very influential anime on the self in which it can change our perspectives and views of the world and others around us. Instead of focusing on lore, I believe character building is the most interesting aspect of the series and gives audiences an opportunity to find themselves in said character's. If you want a definitive ending and more satisfying conclusion watch The End Of Evangelion or Rebuild Of Evangelion (which is Evangelion but with a more 'shonen' vibe).

Also the opening is an absolute banger.

Shikimori's not just cute may very well be the most hated anime this season. Am I gonna throw hands over it? No, of course not since this site is very opinionated and everyone is entitled to their own tastes. So this review will come from the few majority that actually enjoy this show.

The story follows your typical average guy dating the super popular girl. Now I don't particularly mind these types of troupes being used over and over, but the way the anime executes it is very poor. I don't know what they were thinking when they decided to start episode 1 from chapter 18 ... and somehow squeeze in whatever chapters followed the episodes plotline. This isn't exactly a bad thing but it leaves a very bad impression for new viewers. The first couple of chapters in the manga fleshes out Izumi and Shikimori's relationship, essentially exposing to the reader that he's the unlucky boyfriend and she's the cool girlfriend. It shows the reader that this is going to be a slice of life/slow life story. The anime just seems to assume you know what you're getting into, just another mediocre romance anime with a bland and generic narrative. The art also makes it look more generic then it already is. (Keigo Maki is an amazing artist you should check out the manga)

Speaking of which, another qualm people seem to have with this anime is the minimal character development and Shikimori is just another waifu bait. In all honesty this is quite justified. The only character that has seem to developed so far is Kamiya. She shown to have a cool and reserved personality. She doesn't initiate in conversation and is kind yet distant towards everyone. It is shown later that she has feelings for Izumi because he was the only one to know her inner self as opposed to her outward appearance, but this is quickly resolved in a heartfelt manner. These types of characters are so complex and that's what I love to see in these types of narratives.

Shikimori's not just cute (anime) is no where near amazing but if you were to not analyse every aspect of it, you might find yourself entertained with this simple and enjoyable anime. Let's see if anyone's opinion changes in the last 3 to 4 episodes.

Also the OP and ED are absolute vibes.

Bravo Cloverworks. Not only did you create more questions than answers to this finale, but you completely destroyed what Wonder Egg Priority was building up to. However, they do have my appreciation for creating a DECENT episode.

As someone who enjoyed the main anime and thought it was semi-perfect, the WEP special blew away all expectations I had in this "Special". First of all, the first 24 minutes is a recap. Why? Why did we need yet another recap. I understand the animation staff's problems but it was dirty of them to bait us with a 47 minute ep. I was excited thinking "Oh, maybe we'll ... get a huge sakuga fest with Ai fighting against Frill and her creations". Warrior of Eros? Thanatos? Temptation of death? Ai, you're a fucking liar.

Now on to the ORIGINAL content. We find out that none of the statues remember our main girls, do we find out why? Pfft no of course not. Consequently, any memories they had with the main girls are completely erased. As for Neiru's story, I actually found it to be quite interesting. The whole thing with the little sister and Frill wanting to be friends with her was something they could've built up on. So what happened to Neiru? She went missing. When Neiru tries to contact Ai she just yeets her phone out the window.

So what about the other two? Momoe is non existent after the karaoke scene and Rika is mentally depressed. Seeing how these 4 are best friends you'd think Ai would do something to help them, but Ai just dips out after Rika contemplates suicide. Wow, what a great friend you are Ai.

As time passes on Ai transfers schools, growing distant to her so called "Friends" only to trigger her PTSD when she hears two girls talking about the weather and looks at a capsule machine. She goes back to the Accas telling them she wants to see Neiru again and ending it with a "Ai Ohto...is back! :)". Good for her.

In all honestly, this didn't even feel like a finale but an opening to a potential Season 2 or another OVA. If that time comes I want to know, Is Momoe even relevant anymore? Did Rika go to therapy Where in the world is Neiru? Why do non of the statues remember our main girls? What does Frill hope to accomplish? All of these questions could be answered in a future arc, so I'm going to pray we get PROPER closure next time.

Thank you Cloverworks. For creating one of my favourite animes in modern times, but also screw you for messing with my brain.

Hello Kanojo readers. This will be my first ever review on MAL because I've got a bone to pick with Kanojo, Okarishimasu.

Story (3/10)
The story at this point is just one massive train wreck. I praised the first season of the anime due to its extremely well-thought-out plot, but dear lord this isn't the case in the manga. The story progression is equivalent to the growth rate of a plant. Whenever you feel the manga is going somewhere, there is ALWAYS some stupid asf coincidence blocking the way. So basically when the story takes one step forward, we move back five steps altogether, and I'm actually ... hoping the anime cuts content..

Art (8/10)
The art is one of the manga's redeeming qualities, it is beautifully well drawn and the volume covers are great too!

Character (7/10)
In terms of character development, Kanojo Okarishimasu does justice. Kazuya starts out as a horny pathetic simp (which he still is) but as you continue to read you begin to think "Huh, this guy ain't so bad after all". Although he is portrayed as a bad person, Kazuya is genuinely a good guy with unfortunate circumstances. (Fuck Ruka though, I fucking hate Ruka)

Enjoyment (5/10)
With the direction this story is headed it'll be very hard to find little enjoyment in it. The movie arc was surprisingly good and overall an amazing read, but after that it goes completely off the rails. In all honesty, I believe my true enjoyment comes from the Sumi-based chapters. They're always so wholesome and pure.

Overall (6/10)
Kanojo, Okarishimasu is an acquired taste for a Rom Com audience. Although it appears as typical harem trash it does a wonderful job at attracting all this attention. If you liked the anime then I would highly recommend the manga!