Neon Genesis Evangelion Review By Rashad Moore

	Audience:	16+
	Genre:	Sci-Fi, Drama
	Contains:	Animated Violence, Mature Situations
	Rating:	B+

Probably Gainax's most controversal (and overhyped) anime, Evangelion is an anime that is very deep in it's religious symbolism. This anime involves the main character, 14-year old Shinji Ikari, who was abandoned by his father when he was young. He is called over to NERV at Tokyo- 3 in order to defend Earth from giant alien-mechanical machines called Angels(Where they come from is never revealed.) by piloting the mysterious bio-mechanical machines called EVA's. (There are many conspiracies in the show involving the true nature of the EVA, Angels, and a major disaster called the Second Impact.) Along the way Shinji meets fellow EVA pilots Asuka Langley Sohru and the enigmatic and mysterious Rei Ayanami.

First of all, the overall quality of the series is excellent, the character and mechanical designs are great and the events and situations the characters get into are very true to life. The EVA battles are very well animated and detailed and are a major highlight of the show. Also the show is very psychological, most of the time is spent dealing with the character's problems. (Especially Shinji.) Plus the religious symbolism is obvious (Evangelion, Angels, etc) and others are sprinkled through certain scenes. (In one episode an EVA is flown to Japan and shown hanging on a cross.)

So why did I give this anime a B? For one thing the animation is great, but the show's budget really starts to show in the later episodes. (The characters mouth movements are hidden through some scenes) And also the show's ending is really cheap and confusing at the same time. Also the first half of the show starts of really slow. While some of the first episodes are really humorous ("Asuka Strikes, Magma Diver, and Dance like you want to win!") the humor is soon set aside. I wouldn't recommend Evangelion to the younger set,(There is some graphic violence and the EVA's and Angels spurt blood in some scenes which may disturb them.) Let em watch Pokemon instead. (A great anime for kid's of all ages.)

Also the two movies,(Which I haven't seen yet but I will soon.) "The Death and Rebirth of Evangelion" and "The End of Evangelion" are meant to follow the events of the TV series to the "true" ending to the series. From what I have heard the movie ending is very bleak and most likely to raise more questions.

Otherwise the series is a landmark anime that no one deserves to miss. I highly recommend it.

Original story and concept by Gainax. Review by Rashad Moore.