Neon Genesis Evangelion, arguably the most popular and influential anime and manga of the past 20 years, has yet again re-emerged in another re-imagined manga series titled Neon Genesis Evangelion: Shinji Ikari Raising Project. This series, the third mainstream NGE based manga release, diverges from the original series and is very loosely based on the 2004 computer game of the same name.

The underlying tones of depression, family dysfunction and religious symbolism of the originals is toned down and it has more upbeat emphasis on the daily relationships of the main characters (primarily Shinji, Asuka and Rei) coupled with a more positive outlook of the Ikari family (Shinji’s mother is still alive!). It shares some of the story arcs and the relationships featured in the second manga spin-off, Angelic Days, itself a spin-off from the alternate reality glimpsed in the anime’s last episodes.

Are you lost yet? I wont even try to explain the number of re-imaginings of the anime TV series and its sequel films…

But like it’s predecessors it’s still full of giant robots fighting the enigmatic ‘Angels.’

The library maintains both the manga and anime collection of the original series and is currently stocking up on both the Angelic Days and the Shinji Ikari Raising Project manga series. Keep your eye on the catalogue as the new titles are added.