Neon Genesis Evangelion Collected Books (Action Edition)

    (Viz, 2004, 2007-2008, 2011)
™ and © 2001 Gainax
Reads right to left; b&w

This series has a reputation for having an overly complex mythology, but it’s simple to understand. In 2015, mankind faces extermination at the hands of a race of elegant-looking, elongated humanoids named after Christian angels. Humanity’s defense is a couple of 14-year-olds who pilot enormous mobile battle suits called Evangelions, which look more like avant-garde architecture than giant robots.

But that’s all just so much exquisitely designed window dressing for a psychological drama about the damage adults inflict on children. Take the dysfunctional “hero” Shinja, a suitable candidate for both hugs and drugs who’s been rendered nearly incapable of action. He’s ignored by his bearded genius father who looks like a beatnik Dr. Quest that created the Evangelions who, in turn, dotes on Shinja’s fellow pilot Rei.

While Shinja is hopelessly conflicted, Rei behaves in ways suggesting she’s an undiagnosed autistic. If her nude scene is any indication, she’s the designated sex kitten, which should indicate just how unconventional a giant robot saga this is.

— S.A. Bennett
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