The 3rd installment of the EVA manga series dealt with Episodes 5-6 or what i call it the "Rei episodes". Since i'm such a huge fan of her (hey, i have an image gallery dedicated solely to her), i have to admit that this one is my favorite! Reasons? Besides the one i said earlier, I think this is the 1st time you'll see Rei in a totally different light. For one thing, she's not as "quiet" as she is in this one. She actually has conversations with Shinji and you guys better check out the one wherein he visited Rei's apartment and saw her in her "birthday suit". if you ask me... that's already a revelation that this book is clearly the best!

A little bit of Shinji's past were also focused on this book (particularly Stage 4 but for those who collect the comics, it's on Stage 16). Another change that Sadamoto did was that instead of Shinji living with his teacher, he in the manga, he spent most of his life with his uncle and aunt (i don't really know whether they're Gendo or Yui's relatives). Although the scene wasn't this long, it truly showed how lonely he really is. But in my opinion, their conversation prior to the battle, and the whole battle itself against Ramiel was definitely my favorite scene. I'm not ashamed to admit that the moment i saw Rei and Shinji together, I knew they were my most fave animé "couple" ever! I mean, the whole "rescue" scene was even extended by Sadamoto himself. I giggled immensely when Rei "smiled" at him as he tries to help her out of her plug. There whole conservation as Shinji carried her in his shoulders towards Misato and the crew was totally to die for! They looked so perfect for each other!

As far as Sadamoto's artwork and battle sequences, there's definitely a lot of improvement. And let me note that Episode 7, Human Creation, was totally "deleted" from the manga. I was kinda saddened because in one way, that episode focused on Misato's personality towards Shinji and the rest of the cast. Unfortunately, the episode was not even mentioned at all in the next coming volumes. I guess he decided to focus on other "matters" that are important from the story. I think maybe it's also his way of differentiating his way of "telling the story" from that of the series. Kinda like adding a "new flavor to the pot". But nonetheless, this volume is the tops for me!

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