The Ultimate Guide: Unraveling the Enigmatic EVA Units of Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a mecha anime series in which the EVAs, or Evangelions, hold an integral role in the plot. These EVAs are distinct in their own right, with individual issues and abilities that make them exclusive to a specific pilot. Here, we will explore the various EVA units featured in the series, delving into their capabilities and the knowledge surrounding their creation.

Unlike conventional robots, the EVAs are biomechanical cyborgs, resembling colossal armored humans that can be controlled. This is evident through instances where the armor is damaged, unveiling human hands complete with fingernails. A unique aspect of the EVAs is the presence of a human soul within each of them. Moreover, the design of the EVAs is inspired by Adam, the First Angel, establishing a profound connection between these extraordinary entities and the very Angels they are destined to combat.

The EVA's armor serves not only as a defensive measure but also as a means of restraint, ensuring that these remarkable entities remain under control while concealing their true nature from the general public. Unlike typical mecha, Evangelion's EVAs have limited independent operation and predominantly engage in combat while tethered to an external power source through an umbilical cable attached to their backs.

Unit 00

Unit 00, also referred to as the Prototype unit, is initially an orange EVA controlled by Rei Ayanami. Being the prototype, it was undeniably the first combat-ready Evangelion ever built, resulting in distinct capabilities compared to its counterparts. Unfortunately, it lacks the ability to use certain equipment like the Magma Diver suit depicted in the eponymous episode, making it less versatile overall. Unit 00's primary armament is a sniper rifle, specifically designed for EVAs, enabling precise strikes over extensive distances.

When confronted by the Fifth Angel, Ramiel, Unit 00 sustains significant damage and undergoes extensive upgrades and repairs. Upon its return, Unit 00 is adorned in a new blue armor and equipped with a variety of enhancements, including rockets. The true identity of the soul residing within Unit 00 is never explicitly revealed, but many enthusiasts speculate that it could possibly be an earlier clone of Rei Ayanami.

Unit 01

Unit 01, occasionally referred to as the Test-type Unit, is the EVA piloted by Shinji Ikari, the main character of Evangelion. Unlike Unit 00, Unit 01 was constructed using Lilith – the Second Angel – as its core, rather than the first Angel, Adam. As a result, Unit 01 is categorized as a "test" type. Among the EVA units, Unit 01 is known to possess considerable power while also being the most challenging to control. There are instances where EVA Unit 01 becomes uncontrollable, breaking free from its restraints and mercilessly attacking its adversaries with its teeth and claws.

On one notable occasion, Unit 01 goes even further by devouring the Fourteenth Angel, Zeruel, resulting in a significant boost in power. Unit 01 is also renowned for its extensive arsenal, with standout examples including the Progressive Knife, a blade that cuts through objects using high-energy vibrations, and the Pallet Rifle, a large-scale firearm adapted for use by an EVA. It is believed that the soul residing within Unit 01 belongs to Shinji's mother, Yui Ikari, which explains why Rei, being a clone derived from Yui, is able to partially pilot Unit 01.

Unit 02

Unit 02, the Production Model EVA, is piloted by Asuka Langley Soryu and stands out with its striking red and orange appearance. Similar to Unit 00 (and all EVAs except for Unit 01), Unit 02 derives from Adam. It was specifically engineered to address issues encountered with its predecessors, making it a more dependable EVA overall, although its pilot's reliability pales in comparison. Unit 02 is capable of utilizing a diverse range of equipment, such as the Magma Diver suit, and boasts upgraded versions of weapons previously used by Units 00 and 01, including the renowned Progressive Knife.

Unit 02's usage gradually decreases as the series progresses due to Asuka experiencing a decline in her ability to synchronize with it. Consequently, it plays a minimal role in later confrontations. However, in The End of Evangelion, the film sequel to the original series, Unit 02 valiantly engages in battle and appears to defeat numerous "Mass Production EVAs" before they reanimate. Ultimately, Unit 02 is tragically torn apart and destroyed. Notably, the soul harbored within Unit 02 belongs to Asuka's mother, who tragically took her own life during Asuka's childhood. It is possible that Asuka's troubled relationship with her mother contributed to her struggle in synchronizing with the unit, although this remains unconfirmed.

Units 03 & 04

Unit 03, featured in only two episodes, is assigned to Shinji's friend, Toji Suzuhara, as the pilot. Both Unit 03 and Unit 04 are identical units originating from the United States. Regrettably, Unit 04 gets destroyed during an unsuccessful experiment, subsequently necessitating the transportation of Unit 03 to Japan. However, unbeknownst to the crew, the Thirteenth Angel known as Bardiel infects Unit 03 during the shipping process and remains dormant within it.

Mass Production EVAs

When Toji is inside the activated Evangelion, the Angel takes control, causing the EVA to be lost. Unit 01 goes berserk and mercilessly tears apart the hybrid of Angel-Unit 03, eliminating the enemy but leaving the pilot trapped inside with severe injuries. With a lost leg, Toji narrowly survives but never operates another EVA for the remainder of the series. The identity of Unit 03's soul is never revealed, leaving its connection to Toji uncertain and unclear.

The Mass Production EVAs differ greatly from the other Units, both in their appearance and capabilities. They have a distinct non-humanoid design, with elongated snout-like faces and no discernible necks. Additionally, each Mass Production EVA is equipped with wings that enable them to fly, eliminating the need for an umbilical cable or a pilot. These EVAs are also armed with a replicated version of the Lance of Longinus, granting them the destructive power to penetrate AT Fields. SEELE deploys these Evangelion units with the intention of obliterating the NERV headquarters, resulting in a confrontation where Asuka, piloting Unit 02, attempts to fend them off but ultimately meets defeat. The nature of the souls housed within these units remains unknown.

The Evangelion units are unlike any other mecha anime, making them truly remarkable. They combine realistic elements, like their dependency on external power, with fantastical features, such as their colossal humanoid bodies. This unique combination is what sets Neon Genesis Evangelion apart, connecting its protagonists to their mecha in a literal manner that was unprecedented at the time.