Stuff I Read - Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Detective Diary Vol 1 Review
So I saw this in the bookstore and immediately wanted it. It's just so...ridiculous. In execution, it's another alternate Evangelion story, sort of like the Shinji Ikari Rising series that is also done through Dark Horse. But where that series is more of a light comedy/high school drama, this one completely shifts the Evangelion idea into something wholly new and weird. It's great. Basically, Shinji is pressured into joining the Kaji Detective Agency, where PenPen is the chief investigator but Shinji's actually working with Kaworu, a character that normally isn't as focused on in favor of Asuka and Rei. But really, Kaworu was as close to Shinji as either of them, with arguably more of a romantic focus.
This volume, however, isn't quite M/M. It might skirt around it with Shinji and Kaworu, but for the moment they're just friends. Of course, Shinji is still the mess readers will remember from Evangelion, only in a muhc more outlandish setting, with gems that hold the Evas, which are magical servants that only certain people can control. It's rather weird and a little hard to follow, really, but it's hardly the main draw. The draw is seeing Shinji forced with all this weird stuff, so desperate to be both normal and extraordinary. He craves the recognition but also wants no part of it. Only because this is a comedy it's all ramped up to eleven in terms of drama (the staring contest was great).
The art is pretty spot on to the original, though some of the boys look a bit more effeminate, but most of the visuals are taken directly from Evangelion. The story is rather bizarre, with Kaji in charge of the agency that wants Shinji to harness the powers of his Eva while Asuka and Rei represent a rival agency, though who they are is a bit more mysterious. I'd guess they're on the NERV side of things, but can't tell. In any event, the volume is filled with hilarious situations and lots of heart and humor. Shinji proves why a great many people love to read about him even at his most mopey and emo.
And in the end this is a cute, sweet little story. It being Evangelion makes a sort of comment on the original as well as through that original text. It's an official spin-off, so though it stands on its own it also borrows from what the original did. There's just a lot to enjoy, and while there might not be that much to read deeply into, there is a lot to see and catch. Really, it was a good first volume in a series, and however long the series goes, it looks to be an interesting experience. All that said, I'm giving it an 8/10.
This spin-off is pretty funny & cute, if you're a fan of Evangelion of course. The books shouldn't be taken too seriously, it's an AU doujinshi. It's a much more lighthearted take on Evangelion and if you love the characters already you'll have a good time with these books. The plot isn't too strong but that isn't what you should be reading these books for, if you want some fun Evangelion content with some laughs then they're for you.
If you're a fan of the Evangelion franchise - or maybe more specifically, a fan of the characters of Evangelion - check this out. It's yet another "alternate universe" story that casts the characters in different roles and places them - in this instance - a much more serene setting.
Basically, Shinji is cast as a normal middle/high school student who ends up being forced to work - all Ouran High School Host Club-style - at a sketchy detective agency because he broke a vase and now must pay the owners back the million or so yen that it cost.
The agency is run by none other than Misato and Kaji, who pair Shinji up with the mysterious (and flirtatious) Kaworu and send the boys out on investigations together. The cases are kind of mundane to start with, but it's revealed that Misato and the gang know more about Shinji than they've initially let on...And so the AU begins.
Pros:
Kaworu is a major character - he even ends up living with Shinji (Kawoshin fans, rejoice!).
The art is pleasant. Not overly detailed, but cute and mostly competent (with some anatomy issues here and there).
The story is light, silly and harmless, so it's a nice departure from what EVA fans are used to. I mean, it is kinda nice to read about these kids in a less dramatic setting.
And the EVA units are portrayed in an interesting way...And that's all I'll say. I won't spoil it.
Cons:
The translation seems to be trying a bit too hard. Shinji says "dude" a lot and Toji's dialogue is an absolute nightmare to read - I know he's supposed to have an "Osaka accent," but the translator makes him sound like Meowth from Pokemon. Gag.
Also, Shinji's a total horndog in this AU. It's kind of jarring.
And while the story is light and fluffy, it's maybe too light and fluffy. Things just kinda happen that make it really hard for one to suspend their disbelief. For example, when Shinji is up and moved from his apartment to live with Kaworu, he accepts it so readily it seems like a stretch even for him. I mean, I know the anime has established little Shinji-kun as a pushover, but come on!
Verdict:
Light and harmless fun for Evangelion fans. Cute, but not a must-read. I think my three stars is actually a bit generous, but something about this kinda grabbed me.
So, this manga is a spin-off of eva? I think spin-off it's more an alternate universe of the eva universe. It's pretty campy and fun. I'm not taking it too seriously and will probably continue to volume 2 to see how it shakes out.
Ok, I'll probably read anything with the NGE logo slapped on it, but I enjoyed this. It's great to have the kids in a more relaxed environment and it's entertaining, light and funny.
Fun romp in Eva-land that made me want to reread the manga and watch the newest 3.33 movie that I hadn't realized was released. But it didn't really add much to the series.
It's pretty much redeemed by being hilarious. Basic and easy to follow, though I was hoping for a more substantial plot. I might pick up the next volume, just to see what happens.