|
"the
technical stuff"
I don't
understand the series myself, but hopefully, this information (compiled from
many sources) will help you see the trees through the forest.
MISATO: This is an 7mm hand gun. It can fire nine shots in succession and
the safety catch NEVER sticks... Is that technical enough for ya?!
Q.)
What is the series 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' about?
A.) I just told you! I don't understand the series myself, but I do know
that it's about preventing the destruction of mankind with units called
Evangelions; and that 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' does not follow the typical
route of a mecha anime. It holds a lot of controversy and is immensely
interesting because of the psychological elements explored, yes?
Q.)
What is NERV?
A.) NERV's purpose is to fight the Angels and prevent the occurrence of
the Second Impact at all costs. NERV is believed to have six bases in total
around the world. (In the series, two are mentioned in Japan, one in Germany and
one in North America - I think.) Gendo Ikari is the main head of authority of
NERV and was also a member of NERV's earlier form, GEHIRN (German for 'brain').
The UN and other government organisations regard NERV with suspicion and many
are investigating its true motives and purposes. The name 'NERV' itself means
'nerve' in German.
Q.)
What are the Angels?
A.) They are mysterious alien beings who insist on invading and trying to
destroy all of mankind. They are as great a mystery to you as they are to the
characters. There are 17 Angels in total and every single one aimed to join with
'Adam', which would result in the Second Impact. They present themselves in
several kinds of forms and are defeated in different kinds of ways. Their
waveform patterns are almost identical to that of the human genome (99.89%), and
their presence is detected by a 'blue' pattern.
Q.)
What are Evangelions?
A,) EVAs are known also as 'EVA' or 'EVA units'. They were created using
the first Angel and are intricate organisms with humanoid structure, yet
mechanical and armor counterparts. There are five units in the Evangelion
series, four of which were manufactured in Japan and America; Unit02 being the
first "production model" from Germany. They are controlled by a pilot
who can 'synch' with the EVA (identical brainwaves, etc.). Pilots have to use
entry plugs and wear "plug suits" and cranial transmitters in order to
control the EVA.
Q.)
What is an EVA pilot?
A.) EVA pilots are carefully selected children who control a designated
Evangelion. They must first be able to 'synch' with the unit before proceeding
with any further training. The higher the synchronization, the more effective
the pilot and his EVA become. (Even though an EVA is controlled mentally, there
is also physical involvement on the pilot's part in the cockpit.) The synch
ratio between the pilot and the EVA can be altered, which prevents the pilot
from sustaining the damage the EVA receives during battle.
Q.)
What is an entry plug?
A.) It is cylinder that is inserted at a downwards angle in the upper
back of the Evangelion. It fills with a liquid substance called LCL, which acts
as a transmission medium between the pilot and the EVA.
Q.)
What is LCL?
A.) LCL stands for Link Connect Liquid and supplies the pilot with oxygen
as well as a transmission medium. Its origins may be related to 20th Century
research made by the US Navy into 'breathable' liquids to replace the use of
oxygenated gas for deep sea divers.
Q.)
What is the Second Impact?
A.) The Second Impact gained its name from a theory about how the Moon
and the Earth were once one body in the past before being separated by the force
of a previous meteorite or other. Preventing the union of the First Angel with
other Angels will prevent the Second Impact from happening. If this attempt
fails, all hell breaks loose (ie. planet is obliterated by the sheer force and
power of the combined Angels).
Q.) So,
uh, what is the First Impact?
A.) The First Impact occurred on September 13, 2000 when a meteorite
collided with the Earth and melted the polar ice caps. An estimated two billion
perished as a result.
Q.)
What is the Geofront?
A.) Well, you might recognise the term from 'Ghost In The Shell' and the
first 'Patlabor' anime movie. It is used to describe underground construction
developments. (NERV's Geofront is underneath Tokyo-2.) When Tokyo-3 is being
attacked, its buildings are seen descending into the dome of the Geofront. There
are about 21 layers of steel (?) protecting the Geofront from enemy
infiltration, which is extremely important for the survival of NERV, who rests
at the base of the Geofront.
Q.)
What is Tokyo-3, and what is Tokyo-2 while you're at it?
A.) Tokyo-3 is the new location of Tokyo-2, which was destroyed on
September 20, 2000 when it was the victim of a nuclear weapon launched by an
unknown source. Tokyo-3 is called Tokyo-3 because it is the third reincarnation
of the original city.
Q.)
What is an AT Field?
A.) Named AT because of the "absolute terror" it causes. It is
a hexagonal shape and is practically invincible, however, AT fields can be
cancelled by the close presence of another. The Angels and EVAs generate AT
fields to protect themselves from offensive maneuvers. In Episode 24, the
strongest AT field ever recorded by NERV was produced by the 17th Angel, Tabris.
BACK
TO TOP
| 
