Reviews Manga / Neon Genesis Evangelion

More Tightly Knit Than The Films and TV Series

As much as I loved the original anime, I can't lie that it wasn't as emotionally impactful, nor was I as motivated to rewatch it as the manga.

So, if you didn't like the anime, you'll love the manga; if you liked Rebuild, then you'll also like this. Although I liked Shinji in the anime, I do feel this version of him is the most likable for everyone. His sarcasm displayed early in the show becomes his defining trait here, mainly because the manga tells us his thoughts. As opposed to the anime with those cryptic train sequences. While one can argue this makes it less unique, since it's a manga, I feel it was a pragmatic move and adds to the reader's enjoyment.

Also, the supporting cast gets much more focus. Toji gets his own Day in the Limelight, and specific plot changes lead to some emotional moments. Kaji gets his own backstory fully fleshed out. Kaworu's earlier appearance means he gets more screentime. However, I dislike the change to his personality as it made his signature moment less emotional. Though it's not like the anime's version was a big tearjerker either.

The most significant change and best, in my opinion, is making Rei the Deuteragonist and Love Interest for Shinji while placing Asuka in a supporting role. Despite that change, Asuka still has her backstory and is more likable than in the anime. While for some, this may sting, and initially, it disappointed me too. However, this allowed it to focus on many characters and their relationships all at once in an organized manner. Because Rei interacts and has a connection with more characters than Asuka and is more relevant to the overall plot, the developments feel more coherent and efficient. Meaning that the cast isn't as top-heavy as it was in the anime. It also helps that her relationship with Shinji isn't merely Domestic Abuse for 12 episodes, but rather a more heartwarming connection between them with lots of depth explored as they develop alongside one another. It also leads to massive tearjerkers down the line compared to the anime in which those same scenes ended up having no impact. Despite being much happier, even the ending made me break down, but I didn't shed a tear during EoE. Which is the result of the change in tone.

Oddly enough, though, the tone isn't really lighter than the anime, but it's also not darker. Whereas the anime was highly prone to making the viewer apathetic, the manga manages to keep a similar tone but make you more invested. While there may not be as much symbolism or action, it works to do without those aspects.

The ending may lack the "epicness" of EoE's final scene and is still confusing (to a much lesser extent). However, it does manage to make me want to reread the whole manga because it didn't disappoint. Overall, it's a satisfying ending with some minor flaws.

Overall, the manga deserves more attention and even an anime adaptation, but that will unfortunately never happen.