First, a quote from the creator of Evangelion-

"Evangelion is like a puzzle, you know. Any person can see it and give his/her own answer. In other words, we're offering viewers to think by themselves, so that each person can imagine his/her own world. We will never offer the answers, even in the theatrical version. As for many Evangelion viewers, they may expect us to provide the 'all-about Eva' manuals, but there is no such thing. Don't expect to get answers by someone. Don't expect to be catered to all the time. We all have to find our own answers."

- Anno Hideaki - PA #43, translated by Miyako Graham from 11/96 Newtype

This quote is basically my get-out-of-jail-free card. There is not enough evidence in Evangelion to provide definitive answers to half the questions it raises- you can only hypothesize, and state what you yourself believe. I'd be very, very surprised if after thinking on the topic the same length of time Ihave anyone else had the some opinions and answers to the issues Eva raises. So, you will not agree with everything in this guide if you have opinions on Evangelion that required thought on the matter.

This guide is NOT a complete comprehensive walkthrough of Neon Genesis Evangelion. That would be impossible, due to the huge number of different interpretations there are. It is, instead, my own personal views and understandings of Eva, on a selection of 5 topics- Shinji, Rei, Asuka, the Eva’s and the Angels. I would rate it as an intermediate level guide- it does not explore the full depths of anything in Eva, but it offers some insight that may not seem obvious to some viewers, along with a couple of random facts that tie in with Evangelion (for example, some relevant Greek). It is best if all the chapters are read in order, but it can also be used for reference- Some of my personal notes may not make as much sense if it is used that way, though. Also note that some topics are offered in seemingly random fashion, for example, my interpretation of the meaning of the anti-at field is offered in chapter 2, which is mostly about Shinji Ikari.

In addition, do not read this guide unless you have seen all of Evangelion, including “Death&Rebirth” and “End of Evangelion”, or simply don’t mind the story line being ruined for you. This guide contains huge numbers of spoilers.

A lot of people probably don’t agree with some of what is in this guide. If you email your comments to me, I will do my best to get back to you. However, only email if you have a valid point, argument or constructive criticism. Simple insults/flaming will be read, laughed at, and deleted, because it’s stupid and a waste of both our time. However, if you have a valid point that I had not considered and I believe is accurate and relevant, then I will make an attempt to update the guide, and give credit where due. Simple, no?

Also note that not everything relevant to each chapter is in it- I dislike repeating myself, and if I put everything relevant to say, chapter 1- Shinji Ikari, in chapter 2, there would be nothing left to put in chapter 2-5, due to how interlinked everything in Evangelion is. So, don’t complain that I missed something important out until you have read the whole guide. I’ve missed out a hell of a lot of stuff, but I’ve tried to include everything important. (That I can express clearly with words, at any rate.) Anyway, that being said, on with the guide.

Vandires Guide To Evangelion- Title Page

Chapter 1- An Overview

Chapter 2- Shinji Ikari

Chapter 3- Rei Ayanami

Chapter 4- Asuka Sohryu

Chapter 5- The Angels

Chapter 6- The Evangelions

In response to a request from a reader, you now also have the option of seeing the guide in its original context, on the first site I ever put it on. So, if you'd prefer to read the original version, please click here: http://www.animegenesis.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/eva%20guide%20overview.htm

Please note that this site is dead. I no longer have access to modify or update it, so please bear that in mind.