Synopsis
In 2015, humanity, turned upside down by a gigantic explosion in Antarctica resulting in a set of cataclysms devastating most of the planet in the year 2000, is forced to move forward to overcome this ordeal. According to the authorities, this catastrophe is the result of the fall of an asteroid and will be called the Second Impact.
However, strange creatures called Angels with unclear origins and intentions appear with the aim of destroying the new reinforced capital of Japan, called Tokyo-3. A secret organization, the NERVEis not caught off guard and seemed to be ready for battle having developed an ultimate weapon, the evangelion. This last is a gigantic anthropoid war machinebut whose drivers are still missing.
This is how we get to know Shinji Ikari, a fourteen year old boy and who, at the invitation of his father, whom he had not seen for ten years, sees himself involved in a conflict beyond suspicion.
Originally released in the 90s (1995 to be exact), Neon Genesis Evangelion is a pivot of Japanese animation, because, yes, the anime is indeed the beginnings since the manga will be released a few years later in France, published by Glénat. The latter is drawn by the chara designer of the anime and is very close to the original anime.
Today, the edition we present is made up of seven volumes, much larger than the original ones, but keeping the same story, simply split into larger versions. Note for the biggest fans: the first draw of each volume will be accompanied by a ex-libris collector.
Editorial review
Note that, as this is the original story, our opinion is not guided on the possible modifications or improvements of the manga itself, but on its background and its discovery in case you are a novice . Besides, the entry into the manga is quite tedious, as if the book or even the story repulsed you. To the picture many more or less controversial successful seriesit will be necessary to take the time to accept the author’s point of view and integrate gently into the story before understanding the background and the evolution.
In addition, the manga seems to develop from several angles that remain difficult to perceive if, like us, you are not familiar with the exploration and criticism of this type of work. Strangely, if the writing and the story unfold slowly, the phases follow each other without looking alike, as with the desire to break routines before reinstalling them. Thus, certain passages seem endless, based on self-reflection and/or staging, before leaving without warning on spontaneous, rapid, sometimes even thoughtless action.
To our great astonishment, the alternation between calm and fast phases, however we can call them that, has an atypical pattern and keeps you from getting into some kind of reading routine. Your eyes no longer know if they should be interested in the story, the discussions, the scenery…
To look into the background of the manga and the story itself, we follow the adventure of three teenagers which the author might tend to identify the reader or himself. The events are disturbingly realistic and almost allow introspection for those whose adolescence is a long way off. Torn between his feelings, his feelings, his ideas, the misunderstanding of the situation or even the shock with a most eclectic trio. The relationship with the evangelionthe staff of the NERVE or even between them tends to think that the author wishes to express a lived experience.
Finally, the drawings are equal to the frame and navigate between calm and precipice, with the aim of finding a balance and taking the reader out of his inertia. Some pages are also sometimes busyas if the events also impacted the draftsman to introduce a visual rendering in adequacy with the feeling evoked.
The Manga
- Scriptwriter : Anno Hideaki
- Author : Sadamoto Yoshiyuki
- Publisher: (ja) Kadokawa Shoten / (fr) Glénat
- Kind : Shounen
For those who wish to get into the manga, it will be necessary to turn to the Glénat editions. Currently, only five out of nine volumes are available and at an individual price of €14.95. In addition, the first printing of each volume is accompanied by a bookplate.
For the most skeptical, who are not yet convinced or totally thrilled by the synopsis of evangelionGlénat editions invite you to discover certain chapters, free of charge and without the need to create an account, on their brand new Glénat Manga Max site.
Finally, we recall that the initial manga, released in its original version in 1995 then French in 1998, is a suite of 14 volumes that you can also find at Glénat editions at an individual price of €6.99.
The Anime
As said in the preamble, the manga Neon Genesis Evangelion is taken from the animation released in 1995. If the latter does not ring a bell, it is possible that its opening has already reached your ears. Otherwise, we allow ourselves to make you discover it, do not hesitate to contact us. say in comment what you think of it.
Series Neon Genesis Evangelion is composed of 26 episodes about twenty minutes each.
In itself, you will need 520 minutes, which is approximately 10 p.m. If you want to embark on the adventure, it is possible to find the entire anime on the Netflix platform. Note that the anime has aged all the same and that it appears in 3/4 format (square images) which may put some people off. However, if you enjoyed the manga, it would be a shame to miss the origin.