Thoughts on the Show, Neon Genesis Evangelion

The source of the show’s appeal is not what people might think. Generally pretty to look at, colorful in every scene, and with incredibly detailed animation at times, Neon Genesis Evangelion has much to offer to the viewer's sight. In plain sight are these visuals. To the more observant eye is revealed a layer of the show more associated with an English course on theme and philosophy. The savior of mankind is said to be science and technology, but only as forms of support to preexisting humankind. That being said, the action of transferring a human’s personality to a machine shows a deeper relationship between people and science. It is the blending of the two, a combination of human empathy and apathetic technology all in the fight for human ideals highlighted throughout the show: Asuka’s pride, Misato’s vengeance, Shinji’s determination, Ayanami’s desperation. The enemy is called Angel, and each of their powers are destructive. Not one has shown positive, productive abilities. Their target seems to consistently be Tokyo-3 and the location of Nerv HQ- the center of operation for the Evas (human/science mechanisms used as the ultimate defense and offense against these Angels).


After completing the series, I am left somewhat shocked- dumbfounded- at the turns it took. Truly, it’s themes are not something easily discussed. Self-worth. Loneliness. Identity. The missing pieces in all our hearts, revealed to us through the character's own shortcomings. Or, to put it more truthfully, the dark shadows of their perceptions, turned on themselves and the world each wants to create. The Human Instrumentality Project, the last major point that the show ends with, seems to do its job of wrapping it all up. A way for Shinji Ikari, the complex protagonist, to rediscover hope, accepting his reality, and thus the path to liking himself.