Customer Reviews

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Angelic Days, Vol. 3

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a fan of the original anime, I really enjoy this new take on the story. But a big part of it is how very different it is from the original. Having viewed the deep, depressing series, as well as the movie conclusion, End of Evangelion, it is fun to see the familiar characters thrown into hilarious situations, which usually involve Asuka and Rei fighting over Shinji. The characters are for the most part unchanged, except for Rei, whose giddy personality is the polar opposite of her sad, disinterested appearance in the original.
I'm sure any manga fan will enjoy this, but being familiar with Hideaki Anno's original masterpiece can only help.

After having defeated the mysterious angels that suddenly appeared in new Tokyo 3, Shingi, Asuka and Rei resume their everyday lives as best they can. Of course, being young, this proves easier said than done.
Auska falls ill and Shinji, reliable as always, volunteers to take care of her for the day, but in doing so is forced to cancel an important prior engagement.
Rei still has blossoming feelings for Shinji and attempts to act on them, the better to gauge Shinji's own views of her.
Kensuke (one of Shinji's best friends) attempts to confess his affection to another person, repeatedly, but with questionable results.
But all these issues are swept away when the mysterious "giant of light", Adam, appears once more, heralding further angel incursion.
(Ten points if your inner monologue sounded like Mitsato Katsuragi describing an upcoming episode when you read this :P )

In essence, the story continues along the lines of less focus on then angel/evangelion battles and more towards the trials and tribulations of growing up/maturing.
Those that have seen the series (anime) might remember an episode towards the end which shows the main three characters (Shingi, Asuka & Rei) getting ready for and running to school (Shinji colliding with Rei, accused of seeing her panties, etc.), which is the arc this particular series follows.
It's a good little romp and does show a different side to the eva universe (it also makes a bit more sense than the anime did).
If you're into chaotic love triangles, giant robots and a touch of fan service, definitely have a look.
The final volume is simply a fun glimpse at the characters when they're older and matured ;)

I was pretty excited about this manga when I first picked it up, and three volumes later I still am! The original series (as well as it's feature-length ending), while certainly good and revolutionary were both extremely depressing. This makes for an interesting and much happier twist on the classic tale of self-identity and huge robots. I especially love the changes made to Asuka and Rei. Of course Rei's change is the most noticeable, the complete polar opposite of her anime and manga incarnation. My only original gripe was the relationship between Shinji and Asuka. I'll admit, I've been a "Shinji/Rei" fanboy ever since the original series. However after reading this you'll be rooting for Asuka - believe me.

Yeah, this evangelion was a blast to start off, can't wait to finish it. Come on, didn't you wanna know what would it have been like if Asuka didn't come from such a bad background, or if Shinji still had his mom, Yui around? Or if Gendo was more....humane? Or Rei being such a cheery and bright girl, unlike the cold clones that were so loyal to Gendo in the original canon. Or if Asuka and Rei acted like sisterly yet strong rivals for the love of the naive Shinji?
Yeah, you know Shinji becomes the usual guy in such a stereotypical timid/nice guy. The only real thing keeping this story alive is the newly "renovated" relationships. Asuka and Rei interactions really drive this home, Rei is just so cute trying get with Shinji, and Asuka at the same time jealously keeping her off him because she wants Shinji to herself. Everybody has been reintroduced....except for Pen-pen, poor pen-pen.
Well I gave it 5 stars because it's EVANGELION after all. And I've always wanted to see everyone in a happier-normal setting.