Neon Genesis Evangelion (2002)

[新世紀エヴァンゲリオン]

Volume 8

Author/Artist: Yoshiyuki Sadamoto
Original Story: Gainax
Publisher: Kadokawa Comics Ace

Synopsis:
Dr. Akagi works to recover Shinji, who has been absorbed by Unit 01, while Misato continues her work to unravel NERV's secrets.

Story/Characters:
This volume corresponds to Episodes 20 and 21 of the series. While Shinji is merged with Unit 01 and having his little Oedipal nightmare, we get a look into his damaged psychology. More interesting is Fuyutsuki's flashbacks to the time before and immediately after the Second Impact. One interesting new scene has Ritsuko going off on Rei, which further draws the parallel between her and her mother.

Art:
There is nothing lacking in the quality of the art, of course, but given the nature of the story at this point, there's some rather creepy imagery, which may or may not be a turn-off for you.

Conclusion:
Shinji's internal journey may not be for everyone, but the look into the past is pretty good. There's not really any action to speak of, but there are good character moments to be had. It should be enough to keep invested readers going.

Rating:
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