A scene from the new Evangelion movie (the hero Ikari Shinji). (C)khara

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A scene from the new Evangelion movie (an Evangelion). (C)khara

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A scene from the new Evangelion movie (Ayanami Rei). (C)khara

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The popularity of the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion is on the rise again. First aired in Japan as a 26-episode TV series between October 1995 and March 1996, Evangelion is one of the best-known works of anime, with millions of fans all over the world. Many have called it the apex of Japanese animation in the 1990s, following in the tradition of epic successes such as Space Battleship Yamato in the 1970s and Mobile Suit Gundam in the 1980s. Fifteen years after its debut, Evangelion continues to evolve and capture new fans. In 2010 a new chapter was added to the story of this legendary anime.

A Modern Classic with Psychological DepthThe Evangelion storyline revolves around Ikari Shinji, Ayanami Rei, and other 14-year-olds who pilot giant humanoid machines called Evangelions, doing combat with beings known as Angels, intent on destroying humanity. The realism of the battle scenes is unparalleled in Japanese animation, and countless fans have been dazzled by the agility of the Evangelions. Topped off with elements of cutesy school comedy, the series continues to capture the hearts of anime fans. The intricate depictions of futuristic cities elevate Evangelion beyond mere entertainment into the realm of modern art.

One thing that has made Evangelion such a phenomenon is the remarkable depth of the characters’ personalities. The series depicts the psychologies and states of mind of its main characters with a skill that goes far beyond anything found in most other anime, and deals in subtle ways with the isolation and loneliness of sensitive adolescence. The main protagonist Ikari Shinji, for example, is a withdrawn and introspective character who has a rocky relationship with his father and is constantly questioning the meaning of his existence. Shinji’s struggles to find significance in his life in a stifling social setting have resonated with many fans. The inner feelings and motivations of all the major characters are drawn in impressive detail, and the characterization of the series is more like a psychological novel than a regular anime. All of this helps to give the Evangelion universe its remarkable texture and depth.

The series also deals with philosophical and religious themes not often treated in anime. Evangelion has had a considerable impact on Japanese society, often featuring in opinion columns in Japanese newspapers, giving the series a significance far beyond the usual anime context. In much of the world, the very idea of an animated cartoon that can be appreciated by adults is quite unusual, and a lot of people encountering Evangelion for the first time are amazed by how sophisticated Japanese anime can be. Once you get hooked, it’s hard to break the spell, and increasing numbers of hardcore fans are spreading the Evangelion gospel around the world.

Innovation and CreativityRecently a new generation has begun to discover the wonders of the Evangelion universe, and the series continues to be remarkably creative and innovative, fifteen years after its first episode was shown. The most recent resurgence in popularity was ignited by a four-part movie series that "rebuilds" the original TV saga. The first of the four movies, Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, hit the screen in September 2007.

The Evangelion pavilion at the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park. (C)khara

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The Evangelion pavilion at the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park. (C)khara

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A second installment featuring new characters and a substantially altered plot line was released in June 2009. Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance doubled the box-office receipts of the first film, a remarkable achievement given that it was shown in just 120 theaters.

On July 23, 2010, a replica of Cage Seven, the fictional hangar where Shinji first encounters Evangelion Unit 01, opened to the public at the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture. Fans can look forward to more developments in the Evangelion universe in the years ahead. (September 2010)