Evangelion: How Eva-01 Shook The World

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Evangelion: How Eva-01 Shook The World

Highlights

  • Eva-01, piloted by Shinji Ikari, surprises viewers with her true form as flesh and bone, not just a robot.
  • Eva-01 shows autonomy and reasoning, entering Berserk mode twice to save Shinji’s life, controlled by Yui Ikari’s soul.
  • In a shocking turn, Eva-01 defeats the powerful Angel Zeruel by behaving like a primal predator, devouring him.

As a lifelong anime enthusiast who’s witnessed the evolution of the genre, I can confidently say that “A Man’s Battle” episode from Neon Genesis Evangelion remains one of the most groundbreaking and impactful moments in anime history. It wasn’t just about giant robots battling angels; it was about humanity, trauma, and the blurred lines between man and machine.

On February 7th, 1996, a particularly significant episode of Neon Genesis Evangelion titled “A Man’s Struggle” or “Introjection” was first broadcasted. This episode contained some of the most intense scenes the series had ever presented, following the near-fatal encounter of Shinji’s friend Toji Suzuhara with Eva Unit 01 controlled by a Dummy Plug. Overwhelmed by guilt and fear, Shinji swore never to pilot an Eva again, choosing to leave NERV. The city of Tokyo-3 was then threatened by a new Angel, Zeruel, the Arm of God. Zeruel proved to be the most powerful Angel that NERV and the Eva pilots had ever encountered. Both Asuka in her Eva-02 and Rei in Eva-00 were unable to defeat him.

Shinji took control of Eva-01 again, an action that would ultimately reshape the entire anime world. A bloodcurdling roar echoed through the darkness, revealing to viewers the terrifying true shape of Eva-01.

The following contains spoilers for Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)

Eva Unit 01 and Berserk Mode

She’s No Mere Robot

Evangelion: How Eva-01 Shook The World

In the anime “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” Eva Unit 01 is the primary mecha that comes to mind. When fans consider this series or Mecha Animation, Eva-01 is often the first image that pops up. This robot is controlled by Shinji Ikari, a kid who had no prior training and didn’t know about NERV, the organization responsible for it, nor the Angels, their enemies. The fact that Shinji was selected to pilot such a powerful humanoid weapon has always been a subject of discussion among fans. One might wonder, why choose an ordinary child as the pilot of humanity’s most potent mecha?

In Shinji’s initial clash with an Angel named Sachiel, he was quickly overpowered. Yet, unexpectedly, the mecha called Eva-01 sprang into action, soaring skyward. With a victorious nod from Fuyutsuki and a triumphant grin from Gendo Ikari, Eva-01 vanquished the Angel, compelling it to explode. It was Eva-01 alone who claimed victory over Sachiel, acting independently. When Shinji glanced at his reflection next to him, upon Eva-01 discarding her helmet, he was shocked to discover that beneath her armor lay flesh and bones.

From the very beginning, it’s evident that Eva-01 isn’t your typical robot. Additionally, she appears to possess some degree of intelligence. In episode 16, this becomes apparent once more. When Shinji is engulfed by Leliel, Eva-01 goes Berserk again, tearing its way out of the Angel. Just before this, as Shinji fades into unconsciousness, he encounters a spectral figure – his deceased mother. Instinctively, Shinji recognizes who she is.

Twice now, during critical moments when Shinji finds himself in grave peril, Eva-01 transforms into Berserk form to rescue him. Remarkably, each time it knows exactly how to annihilate the Angel threat. It appears that Eva-01 believes itself to be independent. Importantly, this massive mecha houses the spirit of Shinji’s deceased mother, Yui Ikari – the inventor of the Eva Units. When activated in Berserk mode, Yui retains complete command over Eva-01.

The Beast, The Moment Evangelion Changed

She’s Finally Awake

Effortlessly overpowering Asuka and Rei, Zeruel swiftly penetrates NERV. Just moments before obliterating the command center along with Misato and the rest, Shinji bursts in, confronting Zeruel with Eva-01. Despite driving the Angel out onto the Geofront surface once more, Shinji’s power source depletes. In response, Zeruel, recognizing Eva, assaults Unit 01’s S2 Core. As Shinji pleads for movement, he detects a heartbeat within Eva-01, and the mech miraculously reactivates again.

In Unit 01’s case, she dismantles Zeruel’s protective barrier with her own and amputates one of its limbs to replace the one she lost. Exhibiting behavior reminiscent of a fierce predator, she climbs towards the defenseless Angel on all fours and proceeds to consume it. When Unit 01 vanquished Angels in the past, it was always intense, but this time was different. It appeared as a ruthless hunter, savagely devouring Zeruel in front of the NERV team. The sight was terrifying, like a majestic lion on the hunt. Her eyes glowed ominously, much like a wild animal caught by night vision cameras. This wasn’t just a machine; it was a force of nature.

Shiro Sagisu’s chilling music composition “The Beast II” intensifies the eerie ambiance of the scene, transforming what was initially intended as a mecha anime into something akin to psychological horror. This unique blend of genres, with its dark and Lovecraftian undertones, had never been attempted in anime before. Even after more than two decades, this episode remains as shocking and disturbing as it was when first released. Now, thanks to the widespread availability of Evangelion, contemporary anime enthusiasts can appreciate this timeless masterpiece, and “A Man’s Battle” continues to be as harrowing as it was in 1996.

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2024-08-10 22:34