Neon Genesis Evangelion: ANIMA (Light Novel) Vol. 3 Paperback – August 25, 2020

Firstly, I love that these books basically ignore End of Evangelion as that story is too much of a downer for me. Instead these books take a more optimistic view of not only humanity but Shinji, Asuka and Rei and their ability to keep fighting and not give up.I won’t spoil things but this book adds some characters and ideas from the Rebuild films which is a nice touch. I also really like the scientific explanations behind the technologies being used, there seems to be a lot of effort given to make sure things have a strong scientific background (it doesn’t overload you with detail but it’s clear things have been given careful thought and consideration). The new technologies and weapons being used by the Evas all sound really cool and the accompanying artwork is awesome.All in all this is another excellent instalment in the series and I can’t wait for part 4 (I already have it preordered).

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Anima Vol. 3 by Ikuto Yamashita is Young Adult tie-in novel based on the anime franchise “Neon Genesis Evangelion.”For those unfamiliar Neon Genesis Evangelion: Anima Series is a sequel to Neon Genesis Evangelion anime set in an alternate timeline. Where the third impact doesn’t happen, and it doesn’t all return to nothing or coming tumbling down. Fast forward to three years later, and we get Evangelion going full mecha anime as this light novel series is all about the Evas. The three years of peace, Nerv has since upped its arsenal of Eva units and weaponry, and from that’s one thing the novel goes crazy with is the designs of the Evas. From each of the volumes galleries, you see the evolution of the mechas and how they’re just bigger, better, and more destructive. Throughout the book, it just dumps all the great lore and science behind the new Evas. Which was all more interesting than I thought it was going to be, although the new science behind the Evas was a bit too expository, which leads me to the main plot this volume.Evangelion: Anima Vol.3, picks up right where the previous novel left off. As apocalyptic disasters continue to ravage Earth. Due to Armaros a mysterious Eva unit trying to complete the Human Instrumentality Project. Shinji and Super Eva Unit 01 still wounded and damaged after their battle with Armaros find themselves along with Clone Rei Quatre mysteriously transported to a different version of Earth called the Apples Core where they battle Seele controlled Kaji and his mutated Eva 0.0 unit for control of duplicate Spear of Longinus. Meanwhile, back on Earth the world’s Military powers form an alliance spear headed by NERV Japan who come up with a plan to lure Armaros back to Earth in hopes of defeating it in a final confrontation.Firstly, I love that these Anima books basically ignore End of Evangelion film as that story is too much of a downer for me. Instead these books take a more optimistic view of not only humanity but Shinji, Asuka and Rei and their ability to keep fighting and not give up.I won’t spoil things but this book adds some characters and ideas from the Rebuild films which is a nice touch. I also really like the scientific explanations behind the technologies being used, there seems to be a lot of effort given to make sure things have a strong scientific background (it doesn’t overload you with detail but it’s clear things have been given careful thought and consideration). The new technologies and weapons being used by the Evas all sound really cool and the accompanying artwork is awesome.My only gripes with this volume was their was no recap to the previous Anima volumes, so new readers or returning ones might be pretty confused as to whats going on if they haven’t read the previous books or haven’t read them in awhile. My other gripe with the book (mild spoilers) is Mari from the Rebuild movies makes an appearance as the American Eva pilot, but her character has been completely changed into some kinda strange hybrid cat girl which I kinda thought was strange, but besides those problems I still found volume 3 of the Evangelion Anima trilogy a solid entry.All in all, Neon Genesis Evangelion Anima Vol. 3 is a full-on mecha sequel to Evangelion. Tons of mechas lots of battles and the fate of the world on the line. A fantastic spin-off series. That showcases the full might of the Nerv and the Evas. A must for any fan of the mecha genre and for Evangelion fans who wanted more Eva action this volume delivers. Time to get in the robot.

Fits into the greater story.