Okay, let's talk Evangelion. Specifically, that shiny Neon Genesis Evangelion Manga Box Set everyone seems to worship.
Don’t get me wrong, it looks pretty cool. All those volumes lined up, promising deep psychological dives and giant robot battles.
Is it Worth the Hype? (An Unpopular Opinion)
Here's where I risk internet wrath. I think it’s...slightly overrated?
I know, I know. Hear me out before you unleash the AT Field of disapproval.
The story is great, obviously. Giant robots fighting angels? Teenage angst amplified to apocalyptic levels? Classic.
But the manga, while faithful, maybe loses some of that *oomph* that the anime has. The *animation*! The *music*! It's all missing.
The anime feels like a fever dream. The manga? Feels a bit...clinical sometimes.
The Price Tag Problem
Let’s not forget the price. That box set costs more than my monthly grocery bill! (Okay, maybe not, but close).
You could buy a small army of other manga for that price. Or, you know, pay rent.
Are those extra pages and fancy box *really* worth it?
And what if you already own some of the individual volumes? Do you double-dip just for the completeness?
The Reading Experience
Manga is awesome. But binging the entire Neon Genesis Evangelion Manga Box Set can be… draining.
It's a lot of existential dread to process at once. Like eating a whole cake of pure anxiety.
I prefer to savor my anxieties, thank you very much.
And sometimes, the art style feels...inconsistent? Maybe it's just me.
I feel like some panels aren't able to express the same...intensity...as the animated version.
The Alternative View
Look, I’m not saying it’s *bad*. The Neon Genesis Evangelion manga is still Evangelion. And Evangelion is almost always good.
It delves deeper into the characters' thoughts, which is cool. You get even MORE angst.
The extra content and bonus materials are a nice touch for die-hard fans. If you have the money, go for it!
But if you're new to Evangelion, maybe start with the anime. Then, if you're hooked, consider the manga.
Just don’t feel pressured to buy the whole box set immediately. Take your time. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
And remember, it's okay to have a different opinion. Even about something as beloved as Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Maybe I'm just a heretic. That’s fine too. I’ll go back to watching Shinji question his existence now.
Don't hate me! :)