When it comes to all things anime, I consider myself a sci-fi and mecha fan. Naturally that meant I had to check out the famous/infamous Evangelion so that I could call myself a proper mecha fan. I've now finished watching the series and I have a new favorite! Despite its age (1995, age doesn't bother me all that much but I felt it was worth mentioning), the show is fantastic. The fight sequences are well animated and the characters are all "delightfully imperfect". Now, despite this being a mecha/sci-fi show it also focuses on psychology. I enjoyed the character analysis bits and the angst (I think we've all been there at one point or another so it's easy to relate with), but the mech fights were great! The fights often connect with the psyche of the pilot (you'll know what I mean if you watch it O_o) and although not seemingly brutal, they aren't what they seem. My only gripe with the series by itself is the ending. Episode 24 (of 26) sets up the plot for an intense and heated ending, but instead we get two episodes of inner monologue and Shinji explores his character depth. However, coupled with the movie End of Evangelion, which was made to elaborate on the actual events of the ending instead of all the psyche examination, does a fantastic job wrapping the series up. I'll warn you that the series is quite melancholy, and the movie is a bit disturbing (DO NOT watch it if you're feeling depressed, trust me you will thank me later!). I credit the movie, although the ending isn't obvious, the whole story touches upon deep themes and at the very least, there is a seven minute portion of the movie that you could consider the climax, in which my jaw remained unhinged from my mouth for the entire scene. If you're looking for a mecha/sci-fi show to watch, I suggest you give Evangelion AND End of Evangelion a whirl. End of Evangelion can be watched in place of the final two episodes of the anime series and it will provide a much more conclusive ending if you watch it that way. If you're interested in watching either, a thinpack box set was released by ADV that enhanced the visuals (it cleans them up and fixes the color some, I'm told it's worth it, plus it's cheaper). End of Evangelion is very tough to get your hands on cheaply, used it's around 30 bucks, so I suggest watching it online.
Now that I have seen it, I understand why so many people love this series. I'll definitely be watching the four movie remake that they're in the process of making right now when it's all out. Bottom line: You should try it
!Here are some pictures from the anime series:
and here are some from The End of Evangelion:
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