Evangelion’s 30th Anniversary Celebrated with New Animated Short

As the iconic anime franchise "Neon Genesis Evangelion" approaches its milestone 30th anniversary, a significant celebration is underway, highlighted by the announcement of a brand-new animated short. This special production, titled "Evangelion: 30," is generating considerable excitement among fans who are eager to see their beloved characters once again. The project is led by Naoyuki Asano as director, with the series creator Hideaki Anno himself overseeing the planning, scripting, and supervision. The reveal of key art showcasing characters from the "Rebuild of Evangelion" series in surprisingly cheerful and casual settings has fueled speculation about the direction this new narrative might take, particularly given the original series' reputation for its profound and often somber themes.

The announcement of "Evangelion: 30" is part of a broader series of events and collaborations designed to honor the enduring legacy of "Neon Genesis Evangelion." These celebratory initiatives include special exhibitions, partnerships with brands like G-Shock and McDonald's, and a major festival scheduled to take place at Yokohama Arena in February. The title of the short film, "Evangelion: 30," subtly echoes the naming convention of the "Rebuild of Evangelion" movies, further suggesting its connection to this alternate universe narrative. The inclusion of the character Mari, exclusive to the "Rebuild" saga, strongly indicates that this anniversary piece will delve deeper into that particular timeline, distinct from the original anime series.

While specific plot details remain scarce, the visual tone of the key art—depicting Shinji, Rei, Asuka, Mari, and Kaworu with smiles and in relaxed outfits—has ignited a wave of fan discussion. Many are hopeful that this new short will offer a departure from the emotionally intense and introspective nature of the original series, potentially exploring a more lighthearted or even utopian scenario for the characters. This desire stems from the often bleak and psychologically complex journeys endured by the cast in previous iterations of "Evangelion."

One prominent theory circulating among the fan base is that "Evangelion: 30" might explore an alternate reality glimpsed at the conclusion of the series, where Shinji and his companions live out a more conventional high school life, complete with typical teenage dramas. This "slice-of-life" scenario, a stark contrast to the existential struggles of piloting Evangelions, could provide the "happily ever after" that many viewers have wished for. The presence of Mari in such a timeline would further integrate elements unique to the "Rebuild" continuity, offering a fresh perspective on the characters' potential fates.

As the February release approaches, anticipation for "Evangelion: 30" continues to build. Whether this new animated short will indeed deliver a more joyous and carefree experience for its characters, or if the seemingly cheerful facade presented in the key art masks a deeper, more thought-provoking narrative, remains to be seen. Regardless, the project stands as a significant tribute to 30 years of "Neon Genesis Evangelion," promising fans a unique and potentially surprising addition to its rich and complex lore.