Volume 1 only covers Episode 1 and half of Episode 2. Basically, the 1st thing you'll notice is the mecha battle scenes and the way Yoshiyuki Sadamoto has drawn it. Since he's more into character designs, you'll definitely notice the huge difference from that of his work and that of Ikuto Yamashita (the animé's mecha designer). Upon looking at them, you'll automatically think that it's his 1st time in this form of artwork. The blocking and sequencing can be a bit confusing, and for those you haven't seen the series at all, you'll be at lost with the whole scene.

One thing I like about this volume is you get to see a TOTALLY different Shinji. He's definitely not the "quiet and bland" character that we have grown to love (and hate). Here, you'll see how he "sarcastically" (yes, Shinji's more talkative here than ever!) reacts to Misato's actions. I was totally caught by surprise! Even Misato's a bit funnier than usual. She really tries to fight back at all of Shinji's rantings. As far as the rest of the characters are concerned, they're pretty much the same except Gendo's a lot more mysteriously sinister in this series (check out Volume 5, and you'll know what I mean!?!).

One of the many changes Sadamoto did for the manga is the addition of some scenes from the animé. One of them is the scene wherein Shinji cries upon Misato's appraisal for "a job well done." Here's a side of Shinji that was never explored in the TV series that Sadamoto gladly gives us a glimpse at.

Although I won't say that this is my fave volume, I think this one opened readers to a new, fresher look at the series. And believe me, the best is yet to come!!!

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