Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy

Creator/Studio

Company: ADV

DVD Info: 26 episodes, 5 volumes--original edition (platinum edition: 7 volumes, director's cut: 2)

Summary: In the distant future, a covert scientific organization called NERV discovers God has sent his angels against humanity. Our only hope lies in NERV's EVA's--super-evolved robotic armor piloted by 14-year-old children, one of whom is Shinji Ikari, son of NERV's founder Goudi Ikari.

The Good: Very nice visuals. Shinji is a character that's easy to sympathize with because his father doesn't seem to care about him much (especially since he puts him in harm's way all the time). If you can put aside the fact that angels are the villains, you actually get a good story.

The Bad: The fan service is a little out of place. Offensive Material: This story puts Christianity in a bad light, but Gainax can be forgiven because Hideka Anno once said he wasn't trying to offend anyone and would've removed the anti-Christian symbolism if he knew this series would catch on as much as it has. There's some light sexual humor and mildly graphic violence (spoiler--particularly toward the end--end spoiler).

Overall: Neon Genesis Evangelion definitely isn't for everyone. Do not watch this one unless you are strong in your Christian faith. This is not to say I didn't enjoy it. I just don't really feel I can recommend it.

My Review: 3.0 Category: D (Danger. Adults Only)

There are also two movie sequels which were animated by Xebec studios: Evangelion: Death and Rebirth and End of Evangelion, both of which are available from Manga Video. Other Gainax titles include: FLCL, Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi, Wings of Honnemaise, Gunbuster, Nadia of the Blue Water, and His and Her Circumstances.