Neon Genesis Evangelion: ANIMA, (Light Novel), Vol. 1

By: Ikuto Yamashita

Narrated by: Tiffany Grant

Length: 6 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

BASED ON THE LEGENDARY ANIME, AN ALL-NEW EVANGELION SAGA TOLD IN AN ALTERNATE TIMELINE!

What if reluctant hero Ikari Shinji had saved the world? Now, at seventeen years old, he is the defacto leader of the EVA team. Under the leadership of Commander Katsuragi Misato, the Evangelion suits have been updated with advanced designs and powers, in preparation for the possible return of the monstrous Angels. Four copies of Ayanami Rei have been tasked with operating a global anti-Angel search-and-destroy program. But when one of these clones goes rogue, it’s up to Shinji to stop her.

©2017 khara (P)2017 khara

Tiffany Grant extends her Evangelion wins

Tiffany Grant did an amazing job per usual. I’m so happy at the end of this and ready for the next in the series.

Tiffany Grant as narrator makes this feel even more like a direct continuation of the original evangelion series.

Tiffany Grant as narrator makes this feel even more like a direct continuation of the original evangelion series. It ends on a cliffhanger, and thankfully that means there should be more to come. I hope this project receives enough support for the entire thing to be completed. 

Fun but misses the magic of NGE

First of all, the narrator did an amazing job, so my complaint isn't with her.

Anima's plot is an interesting follow-up to NGE and its action sequences are well done. However, because it's a light novel, its pace is breakneck and flows from fight scene to science magic explanation to fight scene and back again. The characters, who are hit or miss with their faithfulness to the originals, are scarcely explored at all, and there's exactly one scene of casual downtime between them. Finally, Anima didn't have the psychological thriller aspect that made NGE a classic. There's a vague attempt at it with the Rei clones, but it feels forced and inorganic.

Excellent Alt Universe Sequel

Wonderful story with interesting subplots. Good character development beyond where they were in NGE. Definitely worth the listen.

Worth a listen

as a long time fan of this series, I really enjoyed this new story 👍

beautiful work of art

the story is amazing I been a big fan of the sires as it was the first manga/anime I read/seen. can't wait for the next issue

More pieces for the puzzle, nostalgia road trip

The immersion and nostalgia is unbeatable. Being able to go on one more trip with the cast has got off to a great start. I love the different tones each character receives when it's their turn to speak. Tiffany does a great job at taking us back to where things left off. I'm looking forward to starting volume 2.

The voice over

amazing alternate universe so glad anima got an audio book and Tiffany Grant did an amazing job with the reading can't wait for the next one!

Excellent narration 

Can’t wait wait for the next one. I definitely like this timeline over the original

This should have been the new movies

Great story and follow up to the original series. Characters feel like older more mature versions of their former selves. If you like the Rebuild movies, Anima actually covers and explains some of the unexplained portions of those movies as well. Anima sits nicely between both works though I would have rather seen this animated on the big screen.

Ms. Grant does an outstanding job and really adds authenticity to the production. I worried at first that the whole book would just sound like Asuka giving her side of the story but should have had more faith in one of the greatest VAs working. She gives life to every character that reflects how they were in NGE that feels authentic. Her take on Misato really shines. And of course when Asuka speaks, it really highlights her talent as you immediately think, “Ah now that’s Asuka”. There’s a reason her version of the character is so beloved.

Hopefully all the Anima books make it to audio format because this is an excellent production.