Reader’s Question:
I’m thinking about watching Evangelion, but I’m not sure in what order to watch it. What would be the best viewing order?“`html
How to Watch Neon Genesis Evangelion: A Personal Journey
So, you’re diving into the world of Evangelion, huh? Let me tell you, that’s a ride and a
half! I remember the first time I stumbled upon this iconic anime— it was like opening Pandora’s box, but instead of chaos, it was filled with complex characters, philosophical questions, and a whole lot of mecha action. In this blog, I’m going to lay out the best viewing order for Evangelion, reflecting on my own experience and what I think makes each part special.
Starting with the TV Series
First things first, you absolutely have to start with the original TV series: Neon Genesis Evangelion. This gem consists of 26 episodes and is the foundational piece of the entire franchise. I remember binging this series late into the night, my snacks long gone, completely absorbed in the psychological drama unfolding on screen.
Watching Shinji, Rei, and Asuka grapple with their inner demons while piloting gigantic robots was such a unique experience. It was like a slap in the face, reminding me that anime could be more than just flashy battles and magical girls. The characters are deeply flawed, their struggles resonate with anyone who’s ever felt lost or out of place in the world. Plus, let’s be honest—those mechas? Cool as heck!
Time for the Films
Once you’ve finished the series, it’s time to dive into the films. There are two main ones you’ll want to check out: Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death and Rebirth and The End of Evangelion. Now, here’s where things get a bit tricky. The films serve as a sort of conclusion to the series, especially The End of Evangelion, which reimagines the last two episodes of the TV series with a more coherent narrative. It’s like the creators were saying, “Wait, we can do better!”
I vividly remember the emotional turmoil I felt while watching The End of Evangelion. It was as if I had been on this journey with Shinji and was finally given the chance to face everything, alongside him. The film is dense, packed with symbolism, and trust me, you’ll have questions…lots of them. But that’s part of the charm, right? You get to ponder over it and discuss it with fellow fans!
Optional: The Recap Film
Now, there’s also Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death, which is a recap film that summarizes episodes 1-24. Honestly, I found it interesting but not entirely necessary unless you really want a refresher. It’s like the “previously on” segment of a TV show, and while it has some new footage, you won’t be missing much if you skip it. Just remember, you’re in for a wild ride regardless.
Reading the Manga
If you’re still thirsty for more after the films, I highly recommend picking up the manga. Written by the talented Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, the Neon Genesis Evangelion manga offers a different perspective and explores characters’ motivations in ways that the anime sometimes glosses over. It’s beautifully illustrated, too—every page is a work of art!
As I flipped through the pages, I often found myself getting lost in the nuances of character relationships that weren’t always as pronounced in the anime. Plus, the manga has its own unique ending that provides a refreshing contrast to the anime’s conclusion. It’s like a bonus episode that challenges everything you thought you knew!
Into the Rebuild Films
Now, let’s talk about the Rebuild of Evangelion films, which consist of four parts: Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo, and finally, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time. These films are a retelling and reimagining of the original story and are perfect for those who want a modern take on the classic. I remember my first viewing of 1.0—the animation was stunning, and I found myself grinning at how it blended nostalgia with fresh ideas!
However, be prepared: as you progress through the Rebuild series, the story starts to diverge significantly from the original. It’s like getting a new pair of glasses—you’re seeing the same world but with a clearer view and some unexpected twists. And by the time you reach 3.0, you might just find yourself scratching your head, thinking, “Wait, what just happened?” That’s part of the ride, though! Just buckle up and enjoy the emotional chaos.
Final Thoughts
So, to wrap it all up, here’s the best viewing order I recommend:
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion (TV Series – 26 episodes)
2. Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death and Rebirth (optional)
3. The End of Evangelion
4. Neon Genesis Evangelion (Manga by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto)
5. Rebuild of Evangelion Series:
– Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone
– Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance
– Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo
– Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time
Oh, and don’t forget to take breaks, discuss with friends, and maybe even read some fan theories online. Evangelion isn’t just a show; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has sparked countless conversations and debates. So, get comfy, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the ride! You’re in for a treat!
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