Logo by Maher Al-Samkari, the rest by Subi

2 - Questions about the Eva:R story. These are questions related to the Eva:R story itself. They CONTAIN SPOILERS, not just for Eva:R and Eva:R', but for Neon Genesis Evangelion as a whole as well. You have been warned. 2:0 - What's extra to Neon Genesis Evangelion in Eva:R? Quite a lot. ;) 2:0:0 - Who are all the new characters? Eva:R introduces several new characters to help the plot along, develop the original characters, and to provide a new slant on the situation. For more complete descriptions please check the site. 2:0:0:0 - Who is Aoi Tamashii? Image by Maher Al-Samkari A favourite among readers, Aoi Tamashii embodies many of the things that are distinctly lacking in the personalities of the other characters, namely a positive outlook on life, as well as an adventurous sense of self-purpose. Outgoing and friendly, Aoi seems to gravitate toward those that need the closeness of others, especially in the cases of Lyn Anouilh and Rei Ayanami. Having been in Tokyo-3 since the very beginning of the Angel conflict, Tamashii seems to have no real opinion of the invaders, their actions, or their motives. It seems, however, that she has much to say about other people, and sometimes she is TOO friendly, to the point of being flirtatious. Like Lyn and Seyoko, Aoi's name reveals quite a bit about her personality... as well as certain other aspects of her being. 2:0:0:1 - Who is Lyn Anouilh? Image by Maher Al-Samkari The first new character created for Eva:R, Lyn Anouilh is meant to act as a new source of interaction among the Eva pilots. While the boy is of English descent, the name "Anouilh" is actually French. Like many of the Eva characters, Lyn's name gives some insight into his personality, its strengths and weaknesses. Forced to confront many of the situations Shinji had been placed in, albeit from a completely different point of view, Anouilh's perspective is, at first, that of a stranger in a strange land. 2:0:0:1:0 - Why has Lyn got a French name if he's English? This is due to a mixed English-French heritage, being the son of a British mother and a French Father. It can therefore be argued that he felt like a stranger even in his homeland. 2:0:0:1:1 - If Lyn is English why doesn't he go on about tea/cricket/public school all the time? Hey, come on. He does say "bloody" a few times, and mentions a dislike of the French (sorry Olivier! - Subi). Maher just didn't want to turn Lyn into a stereotypical upper-class twit. (It is at this point that Maher wishes to mention his family is part French, so no complaining ^_^) 2:0:0:1:2 - Is Lyn just an English version of Shinji? Absolutely not. While Lyn may share certain "experiences" Shinji has had in the past, and while he is somewhat meek in nature, this is not a rehash of a pre-established character. Lyn's meekness, unlike Shinji's, is not the product of a broken home. Rather, Lyn's shyness stems from the fact that he is, for all intents and purposes, a stranger in a strange land, far away from home and from those he holds dear to him, save for Seyoko Okazaki. Also, Lyn approaches events in Eva:R in a manner distinctly different from Ikari - having at least SOME experience with military hierarchy and routine. 2:0:0:2 - Who is Seyoko Okazaki? Image by Maher Al-Samkari Brought in as a liaison for the 6th child (Lyn), Seyoko is a member of the ambiguous and ever present UNSynaps, a multi-national organization created within the UN for the sole purpose of connecting its various branches around the world. A 23-year-old "career girl," it seems that she is, at first, only concerned with finishing her assignment to NERV and getting on with her life. Though smart and dedicated, Seyoko suffers from the serious personality flaw of running away in the face of failure, something that has been confronted many times before in Neon Genesis Evangelion. And no, she's not another Misato. It is also important to note that she speaks English with a distinctly British accent. This seems to indicate that she is, in some way, connected to Anouilh's family - at least, as something more than just the boy's escort. Time will only tell, however, what kind of connection that is... 2:0:0:3 - Who is Goro Tezuka? Image by Maher Al-Samkari A tall, somewhat lanky fellow, Goro is one of the many children whose family fled after the decimation of Tokyo-3, only to return after the destruction of the 17th angel weeks later. Though a bit clumsy, he is a good-natured child with, seemingly, an incessantly worrisome nature. Much like the others, his name lends a clue to his origins. 2:0:0:4 - Who is Tenkei? Image by Maher Al-Samkari The "child in the tube," Tenkei, it seems is Ritsuko Akagi's last chance for retribution. An incredibly emotional, active creature, Tenkei is the final product of the Human Complementation Project - that is, he is a complement, in the physiological sense. When interfaced with an Eva pilot, the Ev-N (Evangelion Neural) A-114 Complement increases the Pilot/Eva synchronization ratio well above the 100% mark, with no apparent danger to the pilot's mental or physical well-being. It seems, however, that he has "imprinted" on the first child, Rei Ayanami, for he refuses to come into such contact with anyone else! The child speaks in a broken, unidentifiable tongue (see [2:4]), strung together by an ambiguous intellect. It is quite obvious, however, that there is far, far more to him that meets the eye. 2:0:0:5 - Who is Yuri Furikawa? Image by Maher Al-Samkari Both a contemporary and long time friend of Maya Ibuki, Yuri Furikawa is first introduced a bit late in the series. A control operator (Eva Tactical Ops, to be exact) fresh out of training, this girl has been best known, among those she works with, for looking for humour in even the gloomiest of situations. Her inexperience as a control operator means that, invariably, she cannot help but think of the Evas as merely machines... and the pilots as merely tools. This goes without saying, however, as this is how most of the staff at NERV view the children, regardless. Despite her naïveté, however, Yuri will quickly prove herself to be both a competent tech, and a loyal friend. 2:0:1 - What are the details of the new Eva units? New pilots need new Evas. 2:0:1:0 - What are the details of Eva 06? Image by Maher Al-Samkari The product of Genetic Engineering and DNA recombination on the grandest of scales, Evangelion unit 06 was, in terms of technical operation and efficiency, the most problem laden Eva. An attempt to create a new Eva "genome" based on the best aspects of two genotypes, Unit 06 suffered from numerous system failures and organics malfunctions. Though it has been deemed stable there are, however, still numerous problems. The most significant of these being the fact that it is found that unit 06 has a weakened immune system, making it susceptible to an engineered virus... The most striking difference between Unit 06 and the other NERV Evas, however, is the presence of a wing-based flight system. Its avian components are, in fact, 6 "energy" wings that are projected from emitters on its back. From the intense energy drain that occurs when the system is in effect, it would seem that they are electromagnetic in nature, meaning that the FS can only be engaged for a very limited time when the Eva is cut off from an external power supply. 2:0:1:1 - What are the details of Eva 06'? Image by Maher Al-Samkari By nearly every definition imaginable, Unit 06' (Unit 06 prime) is a freak of nature. After the decapitation of the original Unit 06 (see Eva:R episode 43) by the 20th angel, regeneration protocols were put into effect at the behest of NERV's supreme commander, but against the wishes of the former chairperson of E-Project. What later ensued was, to say the least, unexpected, as the genetic influence from Unit 02 suddenly took effect, manifesting itself in the Eva's appearance during regeneration (this is demonstrated by the hexaoptic ocular design, whereas, initially, Unit 06 was monoptic, meaning it took more after Unit 00). This Eva's final glory would be most short lived, however, as events conspired against to result in its complete and utter destruction at the hands of Rogziel, the 21st Angel. 2:0:1:2 - What are the details of Eva 04' (Mobile Armoured Reconnaissance and Infantry - MARI)? Image by Maher Al-Samkari Design by Christopher Stoffel A weapon in the truest sense, Unit 04' (Unit 04 Prime) is indeed the original Eva unit 04, taken from the ashes of what was once NERV's second branch. After the installation's sudden reappearance, A salvage operation on a grand scale by the United States Government was put into effect. Unit 04 would be discovered in the same test area it had been in when its S2 unit malfunctioned, which caused the said disappearance. Upon the Eva's removal, covert forces would spirit it off to a location known only to the higher echelons of the government (possibilities range from Area 51 and White Sands, to Skunkworks and Wright-Patterson Airforce Base). In any case, in the months that ensued, the Eva would undergo numerous design modifications: Of these, the most prominent would be the addition of a mechanical flight system, as well as a very powerful ordinance delivery system and a name change (the MARI designation). 2:0:2 - What are the details of the new angels? Eva wouldn't be Eva without angels, so we made some new ones. 2:0:2:0 - What are the details of the 18th Angel? Image by Maher Al-Samkari Name: Barakiel (Lightning of God). First appearance: Episode 38. Main weapon: Gravitational singularity generated by a super condensed core of matter/energy. Size: 30 meters (90 feet) horizontal diameter, 20 meters (60 feet) vertical. Angel Status: Unconfirmed. Destroyed by: the combined efforts of Evas 01, 02, and 06. Creator's notes: Barakiel had the distinction of being the first "Angel" to attack in Eva: R. Therefore, we realized that it would have to be more destructive, and subsequently more deadly, than any of those that came before it. However, what also had to be taken into account was the fact that Barakiel's Angel status was never truly confirmed, opening up a whole new can of mysteries. 2:0:2:1 - What are the details of the 19th Angel? Image by Maher Al-Samkari Name: Neriah (Lamp Of God). First appearance: Episode 41. Main weapon: Focused, high frequency energy discharge pillar. Size: Highly variant (negligible mass was present). Angel Status: Unconfirmed. Destroyed by: Eva unit 01, Rei Ayanami piloting. Creator's notes: Neriah's appearance in episode 41 signified the second angel attack in Eva:R. What made this angel truly dangerous, however, was the fact that neither Units 00, 02, nor 06 could in any way successfully penetrate its AT field. It seemed, in fact, that the creature had been engineered to take the possibility of an Eva confrontation into account. In the end, it would be a side effect of the presence of the S2 organ in Unit 01 that would allow the Eva to attack and destroy the creature. But not before it could eject its core into the very heart of NERV, which Unit 01 had to intercept and destroy - revealing yet another startling discovery about the latest Angel attacks... 2:0:2:2 - What are the details of the 20th Angel? Image by Maher Al-Samkari Name: Oriel (Light Of God). First appearance: Episode 43. Main weapon: Massive EM energy surge, plus a large, bladed tail hook. Size: 100 meters (300 feet) in length. Angel Status: Unconfirmed. Destroyed by: Eva unit 01, Rei Ayanami piloting. Creator's notes: Oriel's main weapon was based on the principle of contemporary nuclear technology - that is, an air burst electromagnetic pulse which would disrupt all but the tiniest power source, rendering computers, vehicles, and even life support machinery temporarily useless. Indeed, it is ironic that, with a single flash of light, all of NERV and Tokyo-3 would be thrown into complete and utter darkness. Responsible for destroying Unit 06, and nearly killing its pilot, this "Angel" would be the last of the unconfirmed celestial invaders - for those to come after would be far, far more deadly... 2:0:2:3 - What are the details of the 21st Angel? Image by Maher Al-Samkari Design by Toshihisa Charles Nakamura Name: Rogziel (Wrath Of God). First appearance: Episode 48. Main weapon: Enhanced double AT field, plus spiked protrusions. Size: 45 meters in height, 40 meters total girth. Angel Status: Confirmed. Destroyed by: Eva Unit 00, Rei Ayanami piloting (in unison with Ev-N Complement). Creator's notes: Rogziel's appearance marked the first CONFIRMED Angel to attack in Eva:R. Its method of assault being both diabolical and EXTREMELY emotionally unnerving for all those that would suffer at its hands. The creature utilized a type of AT field not yet seen before - it could increase the number of the fields in use at one time (ergo, create multiple phase distortions localized in an indeterminate area) which made it virtually impossible for ANY of the Evas to effectively attack the creature In the end, it would be NERV's utilization of the Ev-N A-114 neural complement that would prove to be the beast's downfall. Special note: the particularly vicious design can be attributed to Charles Caranam. 2:0:2:4 - What are the details of the 22nd Angel in Eva:R? Image by Maher Al-Samkari Name: Malachi (Angel Of God). First appearance: N/A. Main weapon: N/A. Size: 5 feet, 6 inches in height. Angel Status: Confirmed. Destroyed by: N/A. Creator's notes: It is often said that we are the sources of our own worst fears - that which we harbour deep within our souls, protected from scrutiny by our peers and loved ones. The 22nd Angel's "weapon" brings those fears to the surface. Not to terrify, however, but to bring about loathing and hatred of the self, an undermining of even the strongest will or resolve. Malachi is the most reluctant of the Angels to undertake that which has been predestined. The true 19th Angel - it is, indeed, the very last - encompassing traits both celestial and mortal within a combined earthly frame. 2:0:2:5 - What are the details of the 22nd Angel in Eva:R'? Image by Maher Al-Samkari Name: Iadiel: (Hand Of God). First appearance: Episode 51'. Main weapon: Highly focused seismic concussion wave, plus powerful ventral appendages. Size: 60 meters in height, 25 meters total berth (100 meter wingspan). Angel Status: Unconfirmed. Destroyed by: Eva Unit 02, the sixth child piloting. Creator's notes: The first angel to attack in Eva:R', Iadiel's threat came from afar. Having the ability to unleash a focused wave of destruction at any target within an undetermined radius, the only thing that prevented this angel from completing its "mission" was the fact that it was still in a gestative state. Iadiel, therefore, showed low mobility and a heightened facility for regeneration. It is also possible that, since Iadiel's "nest" was located in the most intensely radioactive area of old Tokyo, that the angel drew from the underlying gamma radiation inherent in the land itself, perhaps with the six large iridescent wings on its back. As the energy required to generate the seismic waves observed by the NERV team is well beyond the theoretical scope of the S2 organ, such a theory, at least, seems plausible. 2:1 - What is UNSynaps? Image by Maher Al-Samkari On the surface a multi-national organisation designed to facilitate contact between the United Nations and its various branches around the world. In reality it has a deeper agenda involving Seele. On a side note, the name "synaps" is NOT a misspelling or metaphor for "synapse" (as in "NERV", which is German for "Nerve"). Rather, the term is an acronym, one that is a holdover from the days when the organization was not with the UN: SYNthetics APplicationS (SYN-APS)! This, of course, lends a clue to what exactly the organization is DOING for Seele... 2:1:0 - How do you pronounce "UNSynaps"? "U - N - Sine - apps". 2:2 - What do the new characters names mean? Well, they're definitely NOT named after battleships (see [6:4] ;). Japanese names are often used as everyday words as well, as are words in many other languages (for instance, Subi's real first name means "teacher", and he's English). The Japanese translations are all taken from EDICT, a Japanese translator program. A decent implementation of which can be found at http://linear.mv.com/cgi-bin/j-e/-AUnG4/fg=bl/inline/nocolor/dict. Please note that, apart from Aoi, none of these names have been overly discussed in the mailing list yet, so feel free to add any additional points. Also, it is important to understand that EVERY characters name was chosen with the utmost care, to insure the proper meaning and, in some cases, allusions. Also, many of the character's names have been chosen with SEVERAL meanings in mind (Tenkei, for example). 2:2:0 - What does Aoi Tamashii's name mean? Here's what EDICT came up with for "Tamashii"... Hmm... not in the name dictionary... Aha! Three entries in the standard dictionary: 1) piercing, shrill - Sounds more like Asuka ;) 2) jealous, envious - Possible, although no-one else seems to be competing with her for Lyn. 3) soul, spirit - Seems more likely, and it's the only one that's represented by a single Kanji. Plus, "Aoi" means "blue". Or green, apparently, but it's used for "blue" in the Neon Genesis Evangelion opening theme. So the complete name seems to mean "blue spirit", which fits. Also, Jenni Reuter (who's email address is coincidently aoi_tamashii@xxxxxxxx.xxx ;), has this to add: "...there's also the song in Evangelion, 'Tamashii No Rufuran' which proves the fact even more that Tamashii means 'soul or spirit.' As said before, mix in Aoi (blue), and Tamashii (spirit) and you've got 'Blue Spirit', which completely describes her." Finally, in Eva:R', Aoi Tamashii's plug suit is green, lending further hint to the actual meanings of her name. 2:2:1 - What does Lyn Anouilh's name mean? Unlike the others, Lyn's name is not Japanese, therefore EDICT is no help here! "Anouilh" IS, however, a valid surname. There is a well-known French playwright called Jean Anouilh (1910-1987) whose works include Antigone (1944), L'Alouette (1953) and Becket ou l'honneur de Dieu (1959). Antigone is a set text on the A-Level French syllabus in the UK. A good hint to the name's actual origins is located in episode 52 (the final episode) in which the author actually CITES Jean Anouilh's Becket several times. Also, it is revealed earlier on that Lyn's father's name is "Jean". Hence, it is safe to assume the Jean Anouilh reference above is the true source of his name. And, incidentally, here's what those wacky Kabalarians (http://www.kabalarians.com) had to say about "Lyn" as a male name, although it should be noted that many names often have the same meaning in their dictionary: "The name of Lyn has given you good business ability and a high regard for proper standards of conduct. You have an appreciation for good music, literature, art, drama, and philosophy, and you could be creative in those fields. An outdoor life also appeals to you and you could find much enjoyment in the beauties of nature. In the business world, your reserve and outward placidity command respect for your authority. However, in your personal life, this reserve and reticence are often mistaken for coldness and lack of feeling, with the result that others find it difficult to understand you. While your name gives you a clever, deep mind, you feel and sense much that you do not fully understand. As it is not easy for you to share your deeper thoughts and ideals with others, you are inclined to choose the association of those few friends with whom you feel the most at ease and with whom you can enjoy companionship in a contemplative mood without feeling pressure for verbal communication. Physical weaknesses arise from tension affecting the heart and respiratory organs." There are some valid points in there, most notably "high regard for proper standards of conduct" and especially "this reserve and reticence are often mistaken for coldness and lack of feeling". The trouble is, this type of thing has the same problem as horoscopes, you can read what you want into much of it. ;) 2:2:2 - What does Seyoko Okazaki's name mean? "Seyoko", which may also be spelled "Sayoko", is a legitimate, not uncommon female name. The name "Okazaki" refers to a nobel winning scientist by the same name, who discovered the manner by which non-leading-strand DNA replication takes place, involving pieces of DNA filaments called "Okazaki fragments". It literally means "Cliff" or "Mountainside", and also refers to a placename. Taking into consideration that she works (initially) for UNSynaps, a company heavily involved with "Gene manipulation and design for consumer need", and is a career girl, this name, too, makes sense. 2:2:3 - What does Goro Tezuka's name mean? The word "Goro" refers to the following: Loud noise, euphony, clatter and clamor - ironic considering he's a very quiet and taciturn person! As to be expected, an irony, inherent in a name. "Tezuka," meanwhile, is actually homage to the Great One of Anime, the late Osamu Tezuka, noted for the creation of Astro Boy (Tetsuan Atom), Black Jack, Ambassador Magma, Jungle Emperor (Kimba the White Lion), Space Firebird, and more. 2:2:4 - What does Tenkei's name mean? Whoa, a veritable treasure-trove of meaning, as you'd expect... 1) type, pattern, archetypal - He is, in Ikari's eyes PERHAPS, the pattern for all the Tenkei clones to come... 2) divine punishment 3) (divine) revelation, divine oracle 4) Heaven's blessing, gift of nature, natural resources - Tenkei is created by man, so he's hardly "Heaven's blessing", but it can be argued that he IS a gift of nature, if you define nature to include man. He's also certainly a "resource" as far as Gendo is concerned. 5) Heaven-sent warning - This is debatable, as some would view him as not "Heaven-sent", but man-sent. On the other hand, the details of Tenkei's origin aren't QUITE clear. If he WAS created from Kaoru, an Angel, then yes, he could be defined as "Heaven-sent". As for warning, one of the initial plot outlines of Neon Genesis Evangelion DID mention God's anger at the human race for cloning - ironic that you should clone the warning against cloning! More likely, however, "Heaven-sent" refers to fate or prophecy, which fits his nature perfectly. 6) incidental details of a picture - Is Tenkei incidental? He's a "complement", meaning something in addition to, rather than, say, a nice comment about something. A picture is complemented by its incidental details, but they are not vital to the whole. Taking all of this into account, considering the episode in which he is introduced (47) has the alternate title "Revelations", it would seem that Tenkei is primarily represented by the third meaning: Divine oracle, divine revelation. Lastly, there is another Neon Genesis Evangelion fanfic called Shin Tenkei Evangelion (New Divine Revelation Evangelion) by Steven Thesken. He seems to like that translation too... ;) 2:2:5 - What does Yuri Furikawa's name mean? Lily - as any Dirty Pair fan knows. ;) An overt reference to Lillum? "Furikawa", meanwhile, means "river" or "ancient stream". Hence, the name can be construed as "River Lily". Recall the importance of water in Neon Genesis Evangelion... 2:3 - What do the episode titles mean? Many things... 2:3:0 - What does "Al-Aaraaf" mean? "Al-Aaraaf," the name for the second portion of the final episode of Eva:R, is an Arabic word referring to the "Junction between Heaven and Hell". In Christian theology, this is referred to as "Purgatory". 2:3:1 - What does "Mein Liebling?" (episode 36) mean? It's German (and Asuka talking). The literal meaning is "my favourite", but is is more often used to refer to a loved one. 2:3:2 - What does "Deus Ex Machina" (episode 41) mean? From Ebj (e.barone@flashnet.it): "From ancient greek theatrical rules, a divine character solves a situation in a representation by descending from the skies. This was done by having an actor (they were all masked) come down to the stage on a swing lowered by a crane, which is the machine (machina) of the name: "(a) god (descending) from the machine". It's used to indicate a person that comes up with a solution others couldn't find or enact, and other variations of the same concept, either centered on the relevance of the solution or the person itself." It should also be pointed out that accusing an author of having a deus ex machina ending to a story is NOT usually complimentary! 2:3:3 - What does "Anamnesis" (episode 51/3) mean? From Ebj (e.barone@flashnet.it): "In Plato's phylosophy, knowledge of the ideas from reminiscence of those present in the soul, before sense perception. In medicine, IIRC, it's what doctors ask about a patient's past to give a better diagnosis of his current state." 2:3:4 - Where is the quote "I am become Death, destroyer of worlds" (episode 52') from? From Ebj (e.barone@flashnet.it): "Shiva God of Destruction from Bagavadth-Sitah (sp?), an ancient Indian (from India) epic poem." And yes, this is the quote ascribed to Robert Oppenheimer on observing the test detonation of the first atomic bomb. However, there is reason to believe that his actual words were "I am become Death, SHATTERER of worlds". 2:4 - What language is Tenkei speaking? An ancient dialect... Sumerian? Aramaic? (this is NOT a vague speculation, that's all Maher answered when I asked him! - Subi ;) 2:5 - Do Asuka and Shinji get together? Image by Maher Al-Samkari There are some more "moments", for want of a better word, and Asuka admits she loves Shinji (see Eva:R episode 49), but the situation remains much as it does in the original series. More of a "relationship" happens with Aoi and Lyn. 2:6 - How does Eva:R link in with the official ending? While the physical events portrayed in End Of Evangelion do not occur, it can be argued that TV Episodes 25 and 26 could occur in Shinji's head at any time really. Eva:R is designed to continue off of the TV series, beginning with Episode 27, so the prior 2 episodes ARE part of its continuity (remember, Eva:R is meant to be a logical, uninterrupted progression from episode 1 of Neon Genesis Evangelion!) See also [6:5] and [6:8]. 2:7 - So where's THAT scene with Shinji & Asuka from End Of Evangelion? Not in. We chose to take it out. We've heard the arguments for and against and we feel it was unnecessary, a matter of shock value if anything else. While it certainly is debatable, it is not a topic open for discussion. ^_^ 2:8 - What about all the mythology references and philosophy? We're not going to answer that here, because these are valid topics for discussion and have no fixed answer. Obviously Maher knows what he's thinking about when he writes Eva:R, but the rest of us have to talk about it... ;) Many people will say that, as the author himself is available for comment, there's no need to speculate about anything. But if Maher answered every single one of our questions, that would destroy the point of the story. How many literature students ask the author of the text they're studying what they're on about? Only the low-scoring ones (and believe me, I speak from experience! - Subi). However, bear in mind that much (but not most) of the mythology and philosophy in Eva:R is carried over from Neon Genesis Evangelion itself. Details can be found in the Neon Genesis Evangelion FAQ and the Red Cross Booklet, both of which could once be found at http://members.xoom.com/EbonScythe/. If anyone has an updated link for either of these two resources, please let us know!