Suppose I will be the first to review. I won't describe the general plot of Evangelion since that can be easily located elsewhere. It is one of the greater stories and has some of the greatest characters to be expressed by the anime aesthetic.
For fan background - I got into the original animation in the late 90's, bought all of the subtitled VHS tapes and had to bootleg the End of Evangelion from China. I still have that disc and sometimes prefer its harsh video and overdriven audio. I discovered the manga in 2000 at the beginning of volume five's release and began getting all of the single stage issues every month (Viz didn't publish the volumes as full books until '04).
About the story of the manga in general - official production with the story and art by the character designer of the original animation. The story follows the original plot fairly well, EXCEPT there are key plot differences, additional scenes, and omission of certain scenes (such as the whole Jet Alone episode, thankfully). Character development is highly favored in this version, and for this reason I favor it out of all original Eva productions at this point, even including the two Rebuilds that have been produced so far. Asuka's character (my favorite) in particular is treated with more respect and attention. The publication of the magna actually began BEFORE the original TV series, but has been incredibly sporadic in pace due to the author's other commitments. Notwithstanding, the manga still adheres to the basic arc of the TV series, with the last volumes corresponding to the final episodes and the End of Evangelion. I can't comment on the other unofficial manga such as Angelic Days and Raising Shinji as I haven't read them and don't care to.
This volume in particular - I have been waiting a year and a half for it, not being sure if it would be the last. I read the entire series today to refresh the plot. This volume turns out to be the penultimate; the author's post-script indicates a 14th volume. It adheres loosely to the End of Evangelion. Some scenes are shot-for-shot, while other scenes diverge VERY CONSIDERABLY. Any fan who is familiar with the original story will be at the very least intrigued by Sadamoto's alternate expression. The characters as usual develop more than the original. In my opinion Volume 12 did not stray far from the original plot, however this volume takes some serious creative liberties, to the effect that I have no idea how Sadamoto will conclude his story (though I don't suspect it will be a complete departure). I VERY MUCH enjoyed this volume as a seasoned Eva fan. I do NOT want to spoil anything, but I have to say that there is a key scene in the End of Evangelion that I have been heartbroken about for the past 13 years, and reading the manga version of this scene was like finding a pet that ran away from home long ago.
If you have been following the story, you have likely been anticipating this volume for a while and I don't need to sell it to you, but you should know Volume 14 is confirmed by Sadamoto and that his story remains adherent yet key elements are altered. If you have only read some of the story or none at all, you should know Viz is selling the volumes in a digital format for 4.99 a piece via their website as well as through iOS/Android AND Kindle/Fire, though I prefer hard copy and most are available on Amazon for 9.99. I highly recommend this Volume and the Manga in general. Overall I am very happy with the variations on the story and deeper characters; the art is still fresh and inspired, Sadamoto is my favorite designer and he turns out to be a great writer to boot.
And now the agonizing wait begins again...but it's great that after all these years, we still have more original written and animated Eva to look forward to. I say cheers to that.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2012
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2012
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2012
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2013
Top reviews from other countries
Fernando Cabrera Santos
Increíble preludio al fin.
Reviewed in Mexico on August 2, 2015The Sherwood Shinobi
At long last . . . .
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 18, 2012
