Neon Genesis Evangelion Joins Criterion Channel, Celebrating Its Mecha Anime Roots

In a significant milestone for anime fans, Hideaki Anno's iconic series Neon Genesis Evangelion is now available on the Criterion Channel, presented in both its original Japanese and English dub. This inclusion places the influential series alongside celebrated films such as Blue Velvet and The Night of the Hunter, marking its importance in the realm of animation and film.

The Legacy of Mecha Anime

While Evangelion is often lauded for its complex themes and characters, it is essential to acknowledge its roots in the mecha anime genre, particularly the groundbreaking work of Mobile Suit Gundam. Launched in 1979, Gundam revolutionized the genre by shifting away from the fantastical “super robot” narratives of the past to a more grounded “real robot” approach. This evolution allowed for deeper storytelling, exploring the psychological effects of war on its young protagonists.

Comparative Protagonists: Amuro and Shinji

Both series feature teenage boys thrust into the chaos of battle, with Amuro Ray from Gundam and Shinji Ikari from Evangelion serving as the reluctant heroes. Amuro, initially a latchkey kid, learns to pilot the Gundam amidst the turmoil of space warfare. Conversely, Shinji is manipulated by his father, Gendo, into becoming a pilot for the Evangelion, leading to a much darker exploration of his emotional state. While Amuro finds a semblance of support from friends, Shinji's journey is marred by isolation and despair.

Influence and Homage in Modern Anime

In 2025, the legacy of both series was honored with the collaborative project Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, which featured staff from both Gundam and Evangelion. This new series not only pays tribute to the original Gundam timeline but also showcases the evolution of storytelling within the mecha genre, further intertwining the destinies of these two pivotal works. The artistic nods, including the design elements that evoke Evangelion, illustrate the ongoing dialogue between these two influential series.

Source: gizmodo.com