Evangelion – Characters, Versions & Collectibles
Thirty years on, a new series has been officially confirmed. Here is what Evangelion is, why it changed anime, and who it is for.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
Who it is for – read this first
Evangelion is an animated series with giant robots. It looks like a children's action anime.
It is not. It is a psychologically heavy story about depression, loneliness and trauma, with harsh imagery. It is aimed at older teenagers and adults.
The products – figures, t-shirts – are of course innocent. The content, however, is not for young children.
Why it changed everything
The series aired in October 1995, created by Hideaki Anno. Twenty-six episodes.
Before it, giant-robot anime were stories of action and heroism. A child gets into the robot, beats the monster, saves the world.
Evangelion turned the camera inward. Its fourteen-year-old lead does not want to be a hero. He is afraid, he breaks down, and the series stays there rather than moving on to the next fight.
Nothing had done that before – which is why Evangelion is considered among the most influential anime ever made.
Two versions – and two designs
If you browse Evangelion figures, you will notice differences in the designs. There are two separate tellings of the same story:
The original 1995 series and the film that completed it. Rougher, darker, with the classic design.
Four films, from 2007 to 2021. It retells the story with modern technique and a different ending.
For a gift: collectors know exactly which version they want. If you are unsure, ask whether they watched the series or the films.
The new series – after thirty years
2026 is the anniversary year: three decades since the first broadcast.
In February 2026 a large anniversary festival was held in Yokohama, screening a new short film supervised by Anno himself.
And on the final day came the announcement everyone was waiting for: a new Evangelion series is in production.
The anniversary short was released free on the studio's official channel in March 2026.
Details of the new series – date, story, characters – have not yet been announced.
What to choose
Two things are worth knowing before you buy:
The purple and green robot is among the most recognisable designs in anime – it works on its own, with no explanation.
Rei (blue hair) and Asuka (red plugsuit) sell more than the lead character.
- Figures: from simple to high-detail collector pieces.
- Model kits: buildable robots for experienced hobbyists.
- Funko POP: the core characters and the Evas.
- Apparel: t-shirts with the NERV logo and the Evas.
- Manga & films: official editions.
See also Gundam – giant robots in a different register – and Attack on Titan, for similarly dark storytelling.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a new series coming?
- Yes. It was officially confirmed in February 2026, at the thirtieth-anniversary festival. No date or details have been announced yet.
- Is it suitable for children?
- Not for young children. Despite the giant robots, Evangelion is a psychologically heavy story with harsh imagery. It is aimed at older teenagers and adults.
- What is the difference between the two versions?
- Neon Genesis Evangelion is the original 1995 series. Rebuild of Evangelion is four films (2007–2021) retelling the story with modern technique and a different ending. The designs differ.
- Which character sells the most?
- Rei Ayanami and Asuka – more than the lead character. Among the robots, Eva Unit-01 dominates.
- Where can I find Evangelion products in Thessaloniki?
- At the Techbox store (Al. Papanastasiou 100) and online at techbox.com.gr. You can order online and collect from the store with no shipping cost.
