The New Evangelion Anime Has One Impossible Standard to Meet
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Yoko Taro's upcoming Neon Genesis Evangelion anime faces many questions about its narrative direction, but its biggest challenge will be following up on A Cruel Angel's Thesis, one of the most iconic theme songs in anime history.
The announcement of a fresh Neon Genesis Evangelion series with Nier creator Yoko Taro stepping in to write has the entire community talking, but the franchise faces a hurdle that goes far beyond timelines or canon. While fans are busy debating how this new entry will fit alongside Hideaki Anno's original series and the Rebuild movies, the real challenge lies in the audio department. Specifically, any new entry has to contend with A Cruel Angel's Thesis, the culturally monumental opening theme that helped push anime into the global mainstream over the last three decades.
Composed by Hidetoshi Sato, written by Neko Oikawa, and performed by Yoko Takahashi, the original track became a triple-platinum J-pop phenomenon with zero initial context about the show itself. Oikawa penned the lyrics after only a brief look at early production materials, accidentally capturing the heavy, dramatic emotional core of the franchise while creating an undeniable injection of vital energy that became an instant anthem for generations of fans. Now, Nier composer Keiichi Okabe steps up to the plate with the teaser trailer already showcasing his signature eerie and somber style, which worked wonders for the Nier games and its anime adaptation.
While Nier boasts incredible music, matching a track that ranks among the highest-earning songs in Japanese music history is a completely different tier of pressure. Hideaki Anno has always viewed Evangelion as a living myth that can be passed down to other creators for fresh interpretations, meaning fans should keep an open mind about where Taro takes the narrative. Narrative continuity and timeline placement are minor concerns compared to the massive cultural shadow cast by that original opening, and Okabe has his work cut out for him when it comes to capturing that same lightning in a bottle. Read the original breakdown over at Polygon.
Tags: Anime, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Yoko Taro, Polygon, Streaming
Original article: Polygon