Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most influential and iconic anime and manga franchises in the world. Created by Hideaki Anno, it originally began as an anime series in 1995, but it wasn’t long before it expanded into various other forms of media, including manga, movies, and novels. The story focuses on a young boy named Shinji Ikari, who is recruited to pilot a giant bio-mechanical robot known as an “Eva” to protect humanity from mysterious beings called “Angels.” The series delves into complex themes such as existentialism, depression, and the human psyche.
Though Neon Genesis Evangelion is known primarily for its anime adaptation, the manga also became a major success and helped expand the story in unique ways. One of the most interesting aspects of the manga is the different versions and adaptations it has gone through over the years. The manga has been reimagined, re-released, and extended in various forms, leading fans to ask: just how many Neon Genesis Evangelion manga are there?
In this article, we’ll explore the various manga versions, spin-offs, and adaptations, shedding light on the number of Evangelion manga that exist today.
The Main Neon Genesis Evangelion Manga
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1994-2013)
The original Neon Genesis Evangelion manga is the foundation for most of the other manga adaptations. Written and illustrated by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, who was also involved in the anime production, this manga was first published in 1994 in Shonen Ace, a Japanese monthly magazine. The story follows the plot of the anime closely, but with notable differences in the pacing and character development.
The manga took a much longer time to finish compared to the anime, with the first volume released in 1995 and the final volume published in 2013. In total, there are 14 volumes of the main Neon Genesis Evangelion manga. Over the years, the manga became a staple of Evangelion fandom, praised for its beautiful art, emotional depth, and alternate interpretations of the characters and story.
Key Points about the Manga:
- The story is primarily based on the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime, but it includes variations, such as some scenes and character development that are different.
- While the anime aired in 1995, the manga took almost 19 years to complete.
- The manga is published in both Japanese and English and has had multiple reprints over the years.
This original manga series is considered the most well-known and is the one that most fans are familiar with when they think about Neon Genesis Evangelion in its comic form.
2. The Shinji Ikari Raising Project (2000-2004)
The Shinji Ikari Raising Project is a spin-off manga that takes a much lighter and more comedic approach to the Evangelion universe. Unlike the dark and serious tone of the original series, this manga explores a more whimsical version of Shinji’s life, where he lives with the other Eva pilots in a school-like setting. The manga’s premise revolves around Shinji’s relationships with characters like Rei, Asuka, and Misato in a more domestic and less apocalyptic environment.
Written by Osamu Takahashi, The Shinji Ikari Raising Project began in 2000 and ran until 2004, with 14 volumes released. This series became popular with fans who enjoyed the contrast it presented to the more serious Evangelion stories.
Key Points about the Manga:
- It’s a parody and “alternate universe” series that imagines a different, more playful version of the Evangelion characters.
- The manga focuses on comedy and slice-of-life scenarios instead of the existential themes of the main series.
- Though lighter, it still features characters from the original series, and fans often find it an enjoyable escape from the heaviness of the original story.
3. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Iron Maiden 2nd (2004-2006)
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Iron Maiden 2nd is a one-volume, alternative storyline manga that was written by Yūji Yūji. It takes place in a parallel universe to the main series and introduces a new storyline involving new characters, with a focus on an advanced version of the Eva mechas.
This manga is significantly shorter than the main series, as it only spans one volume, but it offers a unique look at the Evangelion universe through a different lens.
Key Points about the Manga:
- This series is a spin-off and does not follow the main plot of the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime or manga.
- It introduces new characters and a different set of circumstances within the Evangelion universe.
- It’s often considered a more obscure part of the Evangelion manga collection, but it still holds interest for fans of alternative takes on the franchise.
4. Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth (1997)
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth is not exactly a traditional manga series, but rather a collection of works that were connected to the anime and the Death & Rebirth movie, which served as a reedit and a precursor to The End of Evangelion.
In 1997, a special manga adaptation of Death & Rebirth was created, which included an artistic retelling of the story from the anime as well as some additional content. This particular manga is often seen as a companion piece to the movie rather than a standalone series, but it does hold significance for those following the evolution of the Evangelion franchise.
Key Points about the Manga:
- It is a short manga that works as a companion to the Death & Rebirth film.
- It offers alternate perspectives and additional context for the events in the anime.
- The manga is more of a “retelling” than a completely original work.
Neon Genesis Evangelion Spin-Off Manga
Beyond the main series and its direct spin-offs, Evangelion has seen various short stories, one-shots, and alternate universe series. Some of these take a different approach to the Evangelion world, while others explore side stories that add depth to the franchise.
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Manga (Angelic Days)
Angelic Days is another alternate universe spin-off manga that takes the Evangelion characters and reimagines them in a high school setting. This series runs along similar lines to The Shinji Ikari Raising Project, but with a different premise and style.
The manga is notable for focusing on romance and emotional relationships more than the apocalyptic battles featured in the main series. It’s a unique interpretation of the Evangelion characters, and while it doesn’t delve deeply into the complex themes of the original story, it offers an enjoyable alternative for fans looking for something lighter.
Key Points about the Manga:
- It is set in an alternate reality where characters live normal lives.
- It explores romantic relationships between the characters, offering a contrast to the typical Evangelion themes of dystopia and survival.
- The manga was well-received by fans who enjoy “what if” scenarios and alternate takes on their favorite characters.
2. Neon Genesis Evangelion: 3-in-1 Edition (2011)
In 2011, the Neon Genesis Evangelion manga was re-released in a special 3-in-1 edition, combining the 14 original volumes into seven larger volumes. This version was published by VIZ Media and offered a more accessible format for new readers, as well as a chance for long-time fans to revisit the story in a collected edition.
This re-release did not add new content or new manga chapters but instead offered a more convenient way for readers to experience the complete story. It’s often recommended for those who want to read the entire manga in one go or for collectors of special editions.
Key Points about the Edition:
- It’s a re-release of the original manga, collected into fewer volumes.
- The 3-in-1 edition makes it easier for readers to access the entire series.
- It’s great for those who want the full Neon Genesis Evangelion experience without having to buy each individual volume.
Conclusion
There are many manga related to Neon Genesis Evangelion, ranging from the main series to spin-offs, one-shots, and alternate universe tales. Here’s a breakdown of the key Evangelion manga:
Main series: Neon Genesis Evangelion (14 volumes)
Spin-offs: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project (14 volumes), The Iron Maiden 2nd (1 volume), Angelic Days (6 volumes), and others.
Special Editions: The 3-in-1 edition of the original manga.
While there are many adaptations and versions, the original manga remains the most iconic, and the spin-offs offer a wide range of alternate takes on the characters and world of Evangelion. Whether you are a longtime fan or just getting into the franchise, there is a lot of Evangelion manga to explore.
Related topics:
- How Does Neon Genesis Evangelion End?
- Why Is Neon Genesis Evangelion So Popular?
- Is Neon Genesis Evangelion Depressing?
