Neon Genesis Evangelion Creator Is Fed Up with Anime's Complacency

As a long-time fan of anime and someone who grew up watching the genre evolve, I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness when hearing Hideaki Anno’s sentiments about the current state of the industry. Anno, the brilliant mind behind Neon Genesis Evangelion, recently expressed his frustration with the industry’s complacency and its preference for safe productions over creativity (Asahi Shimbun).

In the realm of anime, trends continually shift. Currently, Isekai is popular, but fantasy shows are gaining traction once more. The industry has explored various avenues, from adaptations to original creations, and each genre offers unique perspectives. However, the creator of “Neon Genesis Evangelion” expresses growing dissatisfaction with the industry’s lack of innovation lately.

Hideaki Anno made some revealing remarks during an interview with Asahi Shimbun at a recent art exhibition. When asked about the current state of anime, the director expressed his concern that prioritizing safe productions over creativity has become the norm in the industry.

As a gamer, I can relate to this: nowadays, young folks seem more drawn to the comfort of familiar experiences than taking on the challenge of something entirely new. It’s not that we’re opposed to innovation; it’s just that the peace of mind derived from the known can be quite alluring at times. Rather than feeling anxious or stressed by encountering something completely unfamiliar, many prefer the safety net of the tried and true.

After drifting away from the mainstream trends in my creative pursuits, I’ve come to embrace the freedom of working on the fringes. It’s a path less traveled, but one that resonates deeply with me. The current landscape of art and media is dominated by works based on Shonen Jump titles, and while those have their merits, they no longer hold the same allure for me. My life experiences have led me to seek out unique perspectives and unexplored territories in storytelling. So, I’m happy to be carving my own path, even if it means venturing off the beaten track.

As someone who has been following the manga and anime industry for over two decades, I can attest to the enduring influence of “Shonen Jump.” Its titles have been a staple in this realm, consistently delivering popular content that keeps audiences engaged. In today’s industry landscape, adapted works hold more appeal than original creations due to their built-in fan bases.

If you’ve never watched Neon Genesis Evangelion before, now’s your chance to discover Anno’s creations firsthand. This iconic anime is currently available for streaming on Netflix. For a better understanding of this sci-fi series, here’s its official synopsis:

Back in 2015, I found myself thrust into a world where Tokyo-3 was under siege. These attackers weren’t your average enemies; they were Angels, extraordinary beings with unique abilities. My only hope against these formidable foes was the Multipurpose Humanoid Decisive Weapon Evangelion. And guess who got chosen to pilot this beast? Yours truly, Shinji Ikari. The fate of humanity rested on my shoulders as the battle for survival commenced.

2024-07-17 21:10

Neon Genesis Evangelion Creator Is Fed Up with Anime’s Complacency

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