Why the Rebuild of Evangelion Isn't as Good as the Original

The debate over the quality of Rebuild of Evangelion compared to the original series has been a topic of intense discussion among long-time Evangelion fans. Many argue that the Rebuild series fails to capture the unique psychological depth and emotional complexity of the original, resulting in a watered-down and largely unsatisfactory experience.

The Crux of the Problem: Missing Psychological Depth

One of the primary criticisms levied against the Rebuild series is its lack of the distinctive psychological and emotional depth present in the original. Fans argue that the spiritual and psychological themes that defined the original series—such as the internal battles of the protagonists and the profound self-examination—are not as well-developed in the remake. For many, this means watching a re-make of "Joker" turned into a regular Batman vs. Joker movie, where the complexity of the original narrative is lost in favor of a more straightforward and surface-level story.

A Visual Blandness and Overhaul

Another notable aspect of the Rebuild series is its animation quality, which is often praised but often criticized for being overly focused on design rather than substance. The animation itself, while stylistically unique, does not fully compensate for the absence of the intricate character development and psychological nuances seen in the original series. For example, the new character Mari feels unnecessary and lacks the detailed backstory that would have made her feel integrated into the story.

The series attempts to condense a vast amount of information, including the subtleties of character interactions and internal struggles, into a shorter format. This leads to a sense that the atmosphere and emotional resonance of the original series are undermined. Instead of the profound silence and introspection that defined the original, the Rebuild series often comes across as hollow and superficial. The emphasis on visual design over narrative depth can be off-putting for long-time fans who grew to appreciate the intricate storytelling and character arcs of the original.

Comparative Analysis: Better Content Exists

Some argue that even derivative works like the Raxpheon anime, which is heavily influenced by Evangelion, are superior to the Rebuild series in terms of storytelling and production value. The Raxpheon series maintains its unique identity while still paying homage to the themes and character development that made the original so beloved. It's a testament to how the original series impacted the genre and how subsequent works, even those in the same universe, can still stand out on their own.

Even within the context of the Rebuild series itself, the evaluations are mixed. Reportedly, the first two movies are considered better than the last two, with mixed reviews of the performances, character design, and overall narrative. Many fans give the films a B- grade, acknowledging that while they are not bad, they fall short of the original's emotional impact and complexity.

Conclusion: The Necessity of Originality

The Rebuild series, despite its impressive visual style, struggles to match the original in terms of depth and substance. The attempt to condense a series known for its intricate storytelling into a shorter format often results in a superficial and surface-level experience. For many long-time fans, the original Evanescence remains unparalleled in its ability to explore the psychological and emotional turmoil of its characters, making it a benchmark against which the Rebuild series must measure itself. The original Evangelion remains unparalleled in its psychological depth, making it a series that fans will continue to revisit and cherish.