Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion

A groundbreaking mecha anime series created by Hideaki Anno. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity faces extinction from mysterious beings called Angels, the story follows Shinji Ikari as he pilots the biomechanical Eva Unit-01 to protect mankind.

Category
Anime/Manga
Release Year
1995
Origin
Japan
Tags
mecha
psychological
apocalyptic
drama
animation
japanese
series

Detailed Overview Information

Basic Information

Full Name
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Aliases
Evangelion, EVA, NGE
Type
Anime Series
Release Year
1995
Status
Completed (Original Series)
Origin
Japan
Region
Japan

Creation Information

Creator
Hideaki Anno
Publisher
Gainax, Studio Khara
Original Work
Original anime series by Hideaki Anno
Genre
Mecha, Psychological Drama, Apocalyptic

Content Information

Synopsis
In the year 2015, the world stands on the brink of destruction. Humanity's last hope lies in the hands of NERV, a special agency under the United Nations, and their Evangelions, giant machines capable of defeating the Angels. Shinji Ikari, a fourteen-year-old boy, is recruited by his father Gendo to pilot Eva Unit-01 and protect mankind.
Main Characters
Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, Asuka Langley Soryu, Gendo Ikari, Misato Katsuragi, Ritsuko Akagi
Setting
Post-apocalyptic Tokyo-3, Japan in the year 2015
Themes
Identity crisis, depression, human connection, existentialism, the nature of existence
Target Audience
Mature teens and adults interested in psychological and philosophical themes

Media Forms

Toy Lines
Extensive Eva figure lines, model kits, collectibles
Animated Series
Original 26-episode series, movies, and Rebuild film series
Live Action Films
No official live-action adaptations
Comics
Manga adaptation by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto
Video Games
Various games across multiple platforms
Merchandise
Massive range including figures, clothing, accessories, and collectibles

Commercial Information

Box Office
Rebuild movies have grossed over $200 million worldwide
Sales
Manga and related media sales exceed 25 million copies
Revenue
$15B+ (including merchandise, films, and licensing)
Awards
Multiple anime industry awards and recognition
Market Value
One of the most valuable anime franchises globally
Licensing
Licensed worldwide with extensive international distribution

Fan Culture

Fanbase
Devoted global fanbase with deep analytical communities
Communities
EvaGeeks, Reddit r/evangelion, Various international fan forums, Academic analysis groups
Events
Eva exhibitions, Anime conventions, Film screenings, Fan gatherings
Quotes
Congratulations
Memes
Congratulations scene, Shinji's internal monologues, Rei smile
Cosplay
Popular cosplay subject, especially plugsuits and school uniforms

Historical Development

Conception
1993 - Hideaki Anno begins development at Gainax
Development
1994-1995 - Production of the original series
Announcement
1995 - Series announcement and promotion
Release
1995 - First episode airs on TV Tokyo
Milestones
2021 - Completion of Rebuild film series
Recognition
Became one of the most influential anime series ever created
Legacy
Continues to influence anime, psychology discussions, and popular culture