Neon Genesis Evangelion Manga In Order
Okay, so you wanna dive into the world of Neon Genesis Evangelion? Awesome choice! But wait, are we talking anime? Manga? They're kinda different, ya know. We're tackling the manga here, specifically. And getting it in order? Essential! Don't wanna accidentally read the end first. That's just... wrong.
The Main Course: Neon Genesis Evangelion (The OG Manga)
This is where it all starts. The main event. This is the manga adaptation of the anime we all (mostly) know and love. Written and illustrated by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, the character designer for the original series! Neat, right?
Think of it like this: it's the core story of Shinji, Rei, and Asuka piloting giant robots to fight terrifying Angels. But! The manga has its own spin. Things play out differently. Character motivations are sometimes clearer, sometimes muddier. It's like the anime's parallel universe twin. A very slightly… alternate twin.
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There are 14 volumes in total. Yup, gotta collect 'em all! Finding them all can be a quest of its own, a real treasure hunt. Good luck, brave adventurer!
Fun fact: Sadamoto actually started working on the manga before the anime even aired. Mind. Blown.
Spin-Off Fun: Neon Genesis Evangelion: Angelic Days
Ready for something… lighter? Angelic Days is a total contrast to the main series. Imagine Evangelion... but as a high school rom-com. Yeah, you read that right. Shinji's living a relatively normal life. No Angels. No existential dread (mostly). Just school, friends, and maybe...love?
It's fluff. Delicious, sugary fluff. Think of it as a palate cleanser after all the heavy themes of the main manga. It's like swapping out a triple-shot espresso for a strawberry milkshake.
This one's only 6 volumes. A shorter, sweeter commitment!
Fun fact: This series explores the "what if" scenario of a world without Angels. Makes you think, huh?
More Alternate Realities: Neon Genesis Evangelion: Campus Apocalypse
Okay, back to slightly darker territory. Campus Apocalypse is another spin-off, but this time, it's got a bit more bite. Shinji, Rei, and Asuka are students at a private academy. Sounds normal-ish, right? Nope. There are battles. There are secrets. And, of course, there's the looming threat of something terrible happening.
Think of it as a blend of the main series' intensity and the high school setting of Angelic Days. It's like someone mixed those two milkshakes together. Maybe it tastes good? Maybe it's weird? You gotta try it to find out!
This one clocks in at 4 volumes. A quick, action-packed read!
Fun fact: This manga is less about giant robots and more about the characters facing challenges within a more confined, almost claustrophobic, setting.
The Oddballs: Other Eva Manga Stuff
Beyond these, there are some other Evangelion-related manga bits and pieces floating around. Anthologies, gag comics, and other random stuff. They're not essential to understanding the main story, but they can be fun little diversions. Think of them like the bonus features on a DVD. Sometimes you find gold, sometimes... not so much.
Generally, the order of reading isn't super crucial for these. Just dive in wherever your curiosity takes you. But focus on the original Neon Genesis Evangelion manga first. It's the foundation.
So, To Recap (The TL;DR Version)
- Neon Genesis Evangelion (14 volumes): The main story. Start here!
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Angelic Days (6 volumes): Fluffy high school rom-com AU.
- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Campus Apocalypse (4 volumes): Darker, action-y school setting.
- Other Manga: Explore at your own risk (and enjoyment)!
That's it! Now go forth and read! Just be prepared for lots of existential angst, philosophical ponderings, and maybe a few tears. It's Evangelion, after all!
Remember, manga collecting can be addictive. Don't blame me when your bookshelf collapses under the weight of your newfound Eva obsession. You've been warned!