Let's Try This Again,Shall We?
Click to viewAs much as there is the worry about how different this interpretation is going to be,I can't tell you just how much this project has me captivated.Among the massive amounts of discussions I've had about NGE, one of the biggest ones has always been what if the show had p;layed things straight as a post mod epic along the lines of the original Gunbuster,instead of the groundbreakingly weird animal it really became that first time around. I feel the this is a really good opportunity for Tsurumaki/Anno and pals to give us the sweeping popcorn version of the Ikari saga,and I'm not the least bit apologetic about being curious.(maybe even excited) Especially since the possibility has been feeling fresh in my mind since way back when the Steel Girlfriend games came out from Sega/Gainax all those years ago.
The Steel Girlfriend games portrayed a world that was in between the early stages of the series,and when the story began to spiral into history as it were. When the cast had been well established,and the war with the Emissaries was at its peak.(before the Unit 3 incident,in other words)There was an almost quasi-serious tone that permeated that point in the story,and yet this game gave a compelling "What if" tale that could easily have fit into the series' timeline.(It would also have given Shinji
& Asuka some much needed extra friction/cooperation that only makes the End that much more potently powerful)
Also taking into account Sadamoto's wonderful manga version,which can also be considered more commercial and straightforward,NGE is a series that can indeed be retold,and remain powerful as long as those involved truly believe it has more to say. And for a lover of the mythos like myself,I'm welcome to what Anno/Tsurumaki have to say.My only hope is that it remains sincere to itself,and to us,which I feel was NGE's greatest strength all along.
I apologize for going all fanboy here like this, but it serves reiterating here that in many ways,this series has been instrumental in motivating me to alter course in not only my life decisions,but also in personal philosophies. It probably has done more for me than many teachers if I may be so blunt.In those days when the series was new,with new episodes just landing in small doses at a time,I was another wayward otakutype,unsure about what I was doing or what I wanted to do. And when the end came,it's sudden leveling with its audience,complexities,and incredible character arcs had me in an emotional rollercoaster that most books or films had never locked me into before or since. It asks questions not only of it's tortured leads, but also of us,and our current attitudes about life,love,and fear of being isolated with our shadow selves.The epic and the personal, together in one amazing,passionate ode to anime's power to do more than merely entertain. NGE also serves as a confirmation of my personal love for catharsis in artistic expression,and in life.
As for the suddenly rampant commercialization machine, I'll continue to be amazed,and perhaps even shocked.I'm not against this altogether,but rather dismayed that this would have to be. As long as the bean counters are happy,I suppose that's fine, but original series never cashed in until long after it wrapped.(remember UCC Coffee?) At any rate,I'll keep my eyes of the project as long as I can stand it.I'm willing to put faith into this,and see the big LOTR treatment of my fave anime cast as EVA walks again.
btw-
Finally here..
IN other news,so much going on.Hard to decide what to share now,and what not to. It seems like the pieces are indeed in motion,and all I can do is make small moves until the full situation reveals itself.Working for the Broc has been steady,and will only get busier as ComiCon approaches.And after this,a new schedule will be in order when school starts again.Anticipation and mild nervousness is all about, but I'm hopeful that whatever comes out of this all will not only spell big changes,but also an inviting segueway into an interesting new chapter in life.
Until next.