What comparisons to NGE? I've never heard them. Even if so, I don't think it was a reconstruction, but less relentlessly pessimistic and with a more optimistic protagonist (a whole lot of the things described as examples of NGE's deconstruction happened).
Still, you make a good assessment of the roadblocks and good points of the series. I'd add that it's one of the shows that improves with a second viewing (just turn on the subtitles and the sound off when the kids complain).
Also, that wasn't an OVA, that was a feature film.
I rarely visit the forums to avoid the cynicism ooze.
What comparisons to NGE? I've never heard them. Even if so, I don't think it was a reconstruction, but less relentlessly pessimistic and with a more optimistic protagonist (a whole lot of the things described as examples of NGE's deconstruction happened).
Still, you make a good assessment of the roadblocks and good points of the series. I'd add that it's one of the shows that improves with a second viewing (just turn on the subtitles and the sound off when the kids complain).
Also, that wasn't an OVA, that was a feature film.
I rarely visit the forums to avoid the cynicism ooze.
Pointed out the comparisons in the second paragraph. You ought to see the thread for it in the forums, quite a bit of comparisons going on. I call it a reconstuction since the characters face a lot of the same problems, but find the strength to overcome them.
Lastly, my biggest issue is that my favorite characters (Dom and Anenome) didn't get near as much screentime as I'd have hoped, and the latter suffered from the Worf Effect.
I agree about the screentime issue (they deserved so much more), but wasn't there an in-show reason behind Anemone's Worf Effect (something about Dewey and the drugs he gives her?) I'm forgetting. But it is kind of annoying that the only fight she ever really won was against Holland that one time.
She did seem to go through withdrawl a few times, but I don't recall if any of them happened while they were fighting.
Still, I think it might have had an overall effect on her fighting skills; by the end she was clearly sick of fighting anyway so her Worfing didn't bother me so much because it felt like a natural progression for her.
Wouldn't have bothered me either, but she didn't get to fight much to begin with. At least it made more sense than Eureka starting to get worse at it for no apparent plot-relevant reason.
Considering what happens to Renton throughout the series, some of that Wangest is justified, and Eureka's talents falling is justified somewhat. As for the kids... they're kids, and Eureka spoils them so they really don't know better.
Justification doesn't really make an element you dislike go away, dude. And the kids should have known better by the final episodes, but no, they get even worse. Maurice pointing a gun in Renton's face was probably the best moment in the series to have a good old facepalm.
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Eureka Seven is a textbook case of Better Than It Sounds. Yes, the comparisons to Neon Genesis Evangelion are present and numerous, but I don't care. As far as I'm concerned, this was just BONES reconstructing it before Gainax themselves did.
So you've got your downtrodden boy who can't seem to catch a break, your emotionless girl that doesn't quite understand humanity, your Jerkass father figure who hasn't quite grown up himself, and giant robots that really aren't. Original? No. Engaging? You bet.
Eureka Seven takes itself slowly. I've oft heard it said that you don't start to understand until episode 20, but I got the gist of it sooner. The direction it ends up doesn't become apparent until around episode 30 however. In the meantime, there's always some character development, World Building, and overall atmosphere for you to enjoy along with the action, and the execution of all of them is superb. The ending left me with a few questions, but it's probably the most emotionally satisfying end I've ever seen to an anime.
That said, here's what might put you off: First and foremost, Renton's attitude goes into Wangst territory now and then. Then, there's those annoying kids and their Aesop Amnesia. More importantly, Eureka's proficiency with the Nirvash and Action Girl status seem to diminish throughout the series. Not a fan. Lastly, my biggest issue is that my favorite characters (Dom and Anenome) didn't get near as much screentime as I'd have hoped, and the latter suffered from the Worf Effect.
Other than that, the animation quality is sublime. There's more Scenery Porn here than in any other animated production I can think of, and the fight scenes are freakin' awesome. Voice acting is nothing special. Soundtrack, on the other hand, is absolutely perfect. Best I've ever heard.
On the other adaptations: The manga version is fairly similar, but much shorter and a good deal sadder. Still a good read, but don't go into it with the expectations of the anime. The OVA is similar in tone with the manga, but in different ways. It reuses a lot of footage from the anime, though all character personalities are inverted other than Dewey's. There are also a few pointless name changes. It's okay.
Bottom line: Watch it. You won't regret it.