Neon Genesis Evangelion (2000)

[新世紀エヴァンゲリオン]

Volume 6

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

Synopsis:
The NERV-02 site in America vanishes in a freak accident. Evangelion Unit 03 is then transferred to Japan, prompting the selection of the Fourth Child.

Story/Characters:
The previous volume featured a lot more slicing and dicing of the original series, but here were have a comparatively more direct adaptation of Episodes 17 and 18. We get more interaction between Shinji and Touji, which I think is effective, and the ending is a little different (or a lot different depending on how much weight you place on the particular point). The Bardiel fight marks a turning point in the series. It's brutal and the fallout is dire.

Art:
The art is good as you'd expect, but it isn't until the Bardiel fight that all the violence and horror really gets shown off. It's some powerful stuff.

Conclusion:
The Bardiel fight is one of the deepest gut punches in the series and I honestly think the setup for it is better here than in the original. Now if you're the type prone to darkness-induced audience apathy, you may not enjoy what follows, but the power in this volume can't be denied.

Rating:
Own It