Asuka Strikes!

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"Asuka Strikes!"
Yoji Enokido
Original air dateNovember 22, 1995 (1995-11-22)
Running time22 minutes
Episode chronology
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"Asuka Strikes!"

Gaghiel
, the sixth Angel, Asuka cooperates with Shinji aboard the Eva-02 to defeat the enemy.

Anno conceived "Asuka Strikes!" to lighten the tone of the series after the previous episodes, which were characterized by an introspective, psychological mood. Shinji Higuchi, who worked with Anno on Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water and is known for his work's humor, drew the storyboards, giving the story a comedic tone. For the installment, the show's production staff drew several real-life vehicles while incorporating cultural references to the plays of William Shakespeare and Gainax's earlier works.

The episode's first broadcast scored a 7.6% audience share on Japanese television, and was well-received by audiences and critics. Reviewers appreciated the episode's humor and action, and its introduction of Asuka's character, ranking it as one of the best episodes in the series.

Plot

Adam
to Gendo, Nerv's commander, and Asuka transfers to Shinji's class.

Production

Yoji Enokido wrote the episode.[5][6] Kazuya Tsurumaki directed the installment,[7] Shinji Higuchi drew the storyboards; Masahiko Otsuka worked as the assistant director,[8] while Takeshi Honda served as chief animator. The animation crew also included Hidenori Matsubara, Yoh Yoshinari and Shoichi Masuo,[9] while Mahiro Maeda and Mitsumu Wogi served as character designers.[10][11]

Shinji Higuchi drew the storyboard for "Asuka Strikes!"

The series' first six episodes left the staff drained and feeling weighed down by the show's heavy mood; Hideaki Anno, director of the series, consequently decided to lighten the show's tone from the seventh and eighth episodes.[12] Anno then inserted Asuka to lighten the installments, introducing her in "Asuka Strikes!" as a sunny, extroverted girl, but without thinking to re-evaluate her character much as in the final episodes of the series and without foreshadowing. The director "didn't completely grasp the character" at first, but she came to life with her recurring lines, "Are you stupid?" and "What a chance!", which were used for the first time in "Asuka Strikes!".[13] Anno also said that he had forgotten about Rei Ayanami while writing the installment, since he did not feel particularly close to the character, so he did not include her in any sequence.[14] Particularly important was the contribution of Higuchi, who had already worked on Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water and was known for the humorous character of his works. Higuchi infused the episode with an adolescent and comic tone,[15][16] similar to his previous works. The similarities led the crew to refer to "Asuka Strikes!" and the ninth episode of Evangelion as the "island arc" after the Nadia episodes of the same name.[17] The staff also used humorous graphic symbols typical of comedy anime and manga in the episode.[18][19]

In the original intentions of the authors, the Angel who should have fought at sea against Unit 02 was

Sachiel, an idea that was set aside and reused for Gaghiel, while Sachiel was then made to appear in the first episode.[20] The official filmbooks of the series noted that Gaghiel's battle with the battleships is realistically impossible; according to the filmbooks, however, Gainax could have ignored the realism of the clash in an attempt to seek the viewers' catharsis.[21] According to the original script, three battleships should have been used for the fight, but only two were used in the final version.[22] "Asuka Strikes!" also depicts existing military vehicles, such as the Sukhoi Su-33, the Yakovlev Yak-38,[23] the Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler, the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye, and the Mil Mi-2,[24][25] along with a Mil MI-55D, a helicopter that does not exist in the real world designed for the episode.[26][27]

Production staff inserted some

Fly Me To The Moon" in bossa nova style[32] for the closing theme of the installment.[33][34]

References and themes

The names of the ships in the United Nations fleet refer to the works of William Shakespeare.

The

Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Ramage,[44] USS Ticonderoga (CG-47), Tachikaze, Hatakaze, Asagiri-class destroyers and Chikugo-class destroyer escorts.[45] Moreover, the ships' code names for internal use in the fleet — including Othello,[46] Cymbeline,[47] Titus Andronicus[48] and The Tempest[49] — are derived from titles of plays by William Shakespeare.[50][51]

monster of the week pattern.[64]

Reception

"Asuka Strikes!" was first broadcast on November 22, 1995, and drew a 7.6% audience share on Japanese television.[65][66] In 1996, it ranked nineteenth in Animage's Anime Grand Prix list of "Best Anime Episodes".[67] Official merchandise based on the episode has also been released.[68][69][70][71]

The episode was received positively by critics and reviewers, who lauded its direction, plot, humor, action, and Asuka's introduction. Digitally Obsessed's reviewer Joel Cunningham praised "Asuka Strikes!", describing it as "the funniest episode in the series"; Cunningham particularly enjoyed the "hilarious" relationship between Shinji and Asuka, saying; "A great introduction of a great character, and some very amusing dialogue, make this one of the standouts of the show thus far".[72] Film School Rejects's Max Covill ranked it among the best episodes of the series, saying; "an Asuka-centered episode is usually a great sign of quality, and this is a lot of fun";[73] he also praised the first scene, which portrays Asuka in shadow, for bringing a sense of mystery to the new character.[74] Animation Planet magazine's John Beam positively reviewed "Asuka Strikes!"; he also lauded the show for its "outstanding characterizations, animations, and dramatic presentation".[75]

Asuka provides a natural foil for the dourness of Rei and timid uncertainty of Shinji. .... Evangelion doesn't have too many light-hearted episodes. .... "Asuka Strikes!" is an exception to the rule, and it's one of the better balanced and paced episodes of the first arc. Asuka and Kaji provided much needed energy and humour, while providing some much needed backstory.

–Alex Walker (Kotaku)[76]

Animé Café's Japanese reviewer Akio Nagatomi negatively received the episode. He criticized the introduction of Asuka and Kaji, which he said are stereotypical and cliché characters, and the introduction of Eva-02 "with a

Looper's Thompson Smith described Gaghiel as one of the less-interesting Angels in Neon Genesis Evangelion; according to Smith, the Angel provides a problem for Asuka to solve in her first appearance, but "lacks any sort of significance beyond all that".[78] Comic Book Resources' Theo Kogod criticized Asuka's behavior in her first appearance; he negatively transposed the scene in which her skirt accidentally rises due to the sea breeze and slaps Toji, Kensuke and Shinji, and, since none of the boys could control the weather, Kogod considered it "an overreaction—the first of many".[79]

The sequence in which the episode's title appears with the sound effect of Asuka's slaps received appreciation.

Newtype magazine praised the episode's drawings and Asuka's facial expressions.[86] Alex Walker of Kotaku ranked "Asuka Strikes!" among the best Neon Genesis Evangelion episodes.[76] Multiversity Comics' Matthew Garcia said the episode's treatment of Asuka in view of her team is interesting.[87] For Anthony Gramuglia of Comic Book Resources, she is a refreshing character compared to Shinji's insecurities in the previous seven episodes, and this invigorates the series with a "great deal of joy". According to Gramuglia; "She changes the show, offering a diversity of perspective that livens things up".[88] Crunchyroll's reviewer Noelle Ogawa similarly wrote; "From her confident introduction aboard a battleship to her forceful and agressive [sic] battle style in her bright red Eva, she is a joy every time she's on screen".[89] Jemima Sebastian from IGN compared a scene from Godzilla vs. Kong (2021), in which King Kong on a ship suffers an underwater attack from Godzilla, to the fight between Gaghiel and Eva-02, describing it as a possible homage to Evangelion.[90]

References
  1. ^ Japanese: アスカ、来日, Hepburn: Asuka, rainichi, lit. 'Asuka Arrives in Japan'

Citations

  1. ^ Evangelion Chronicle (in Japanese). Vol. 18. Sony Magazines. p. 25.
  2. ISBN 4-04-852700-2
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  3. ^ Neon Genesis Evangelion Theatralical VHS Box Booklet (in Japanese). King Amusement Creative. 1997.
  4. ^ Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book (in Japanese). Vol. 3. Kadokawa Shoten. p. 32.
  5. ^ Porori 2009, p. 80.
  6. ^ Evangelion Chronicle (in Japanese). Vol. 43. Sony Magazines. p. 23.
  7. ISBN 4-04-852700-2
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  8. ^ Poggio 2008, p. 23.
  9. ISBN 4903713008. Archived from the original
    (PDF) on 26 October 2023.
  10. ^ "Staff". Neon Genesis Evangelion Blue Ray Ultimate Edition Encyclopedia. 2021.
  11. ^ Gainax, ed. (2003). Data of Evangelion (in Japanese). Gainax. p. 21.
  12. ISBN 4-906011-25-X
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  13. ^ a b あんた、バカぁと、言われてみたい。（庵野秀明、宮村優子）. Animage (in Japanese). Tokuma Shoten. July 1996.
  14. ^ Takekuma 1997, pp. 93–96.
  15. ^ Poggio 2008, p. 32.
  16. ^ Oguro, Yūichirō. "第41回 エヴァ雑記「第八話 アスカ、来日」". Style.fm (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 10, 2018. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
  17. ^ Platinum Booklet. Vol. 2. ADV.
  18. ^ Cannarsi 1998, p. 31.
  19. ^ Evangelion Chronicle (in Japanese). Vol. 43. Sony Magazines. p. 28.
  20. ^ Evangelion Chronicle (in Japanese). Vol. 23. Sony Magazines. pp. 7–8.
  21. ^ Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book (in Japanese). Vol. 3. Kadokawa Shoten. p. 35.
  22. ^ Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book (in Japanese). Vol. 3. Kadokawa Shoten. p. 42.
  23. ^ Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book (in Japanese). Vol. 3. Kadokawa Shoten. p. 40.
  24. ^ Porori 2009, p. 83.
  25. ^ Cannarsi 1998, pp. 56–57.
  26. ^ Cannarsi 1998, pp. 26–27.
  27. ^ Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book (in Japanese). Vol. 3. Kadokawa Shoten. p. 24.
  28. ^ Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book (in Japanese). Vol. 3. Kadokawa Shoten. p. 36.
  29. ^ Gainax, ed. (2003). Data of Evangelion (in Japanese). Gainax. p. 62.
  30. ^ Cannarsi 1998, p. 41.
  31. ^ Eva Tomo no Kai エヴァ友の会 [Eva Fan Club] (in Japanese). Vol. 4. Gainax. 1996.
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  34. ^ Neon Genesis Evangelion Laserdisc Encyclopedia (in Japanese). Vol. 4. 1996.
  35. ^ "The Anime Café - Café Trivia". The Anime Café. Archived from the original on 29 April 2006. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
  36. ^ Cannarsi 1998, pp. 13–14.
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  38. ^ Cannarsi 1998, pp. 48–49.
  39. ^ Cannarsi 1998, pp. 50–51.
  40. ^ Evangelion Chronicle (in Japanese). Vol. 8. Sony Magazines. p. 25.
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  49. ^ Evangelion Chronicle (in Japanese). Vol. 19. Sony Magazines. p. 19.
  50. ^ Cannarsi 1998, p. 28.
  51. ^ "Episode:8 Asuka Strikes!". Neon Genesis Evangelion Blue Ray Ultimate Edition Encyclopedia. 2021.
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  67. ^ "第18回アニメグランプリ［1996年5月号］". Tokuma Shoten. Archived from the original on October 19, 2010.
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  69. ^ "新世紀エヴァンゲリオン 全話Tシャツ 「第八話 アスカ、来日」". Store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp (in Japanese). Evangelion Store Yahoo! Japan. Archived from the original on 8 November 2021. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  70. ^ "新世紀エヴァンゲリオン ジグソーパズル アスカ、来日". Store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp (in Japanese). Evangelion Store Yahoo! Japan. Archived from the original on 6 November 2021. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  71. ^ Porori 2010, p. 125.
  72. ^ Cunningham, Joel (8 March 2002). "Neon Genesis Evangelion Collection 0:2 (1995)". Digitallyobsessed.com. Digitally Obsessed!. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  73. ^ Covill, Max (17 June 2019). "Every Episode of 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' Ranked". Filmschoolrejects.com. Film School Rejects. Archived from the original on 8 January 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  74. ^ Covill, Max (19 June 2019). "The Perfect Shots of 'Neon Genesis Evangelion'". Filmschoolrejects.com. Film School Rejects. Archived from the original on 16 May 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
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  77. ^ Nagatomi, Akio. "Shinseiki Evangelion Review Pages – Episode 8: Asuka Strikes!". Abcb.com. The Animé Café. Archived from the original on 2 August 2018. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  78. ^ Smith, Thompson (13 August 2021). "The Most Powerful Angels From Neon Genesis Evangelion Ranked". Looper. Archived from the original on 8 November 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
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  81. ^ Fujie & Foster 2004, p. 162.
  82. ^ See also Evangelion Chronicle (in Japanese). Vol. 43. Sony Magazines. p. 24.
  83. ^ Beach, Adam (7 May 2021). "Neon Genesis Evangelion: The 10 Best Fight Scenes In The Anime, Ranked". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on 19 May 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  84. ^ Cameron, Jack (7 July 2019). "Every Battle in Neon Genesis Evangelion Ranked". Screenrant.com. Screen Rant. Archived from the original on 17 November 2020. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  85. ^ Dockery, Daniel (June 23, 2019). "The 10 most awesome (non-depressing) moments In Neon Genesis Evangelion". Syfy.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
  86. ^ Newtype Complete Shinseiki Evangerion Newtype Complete 新世紀エヴァンゲリオン [Newtype Complete Neon Genesis Evangelion] (in Japanese). Kadokawa Shoten. 2005. p. 26.
  87. ^ "Five Thoughts on Neon Genesis Evangelion's "The Works of Man" and "Asuka Arrives in Japan"". Multiversity Comics. 4 July 2021. Archived from the original on 4 July 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
  88. ^ "Evangelion's Asuka Is One of the Most Fascinating Characters in Anime". June 29, 2019. Archived from the original on July 18, 2019. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  89. ^ Ogawa, Noelle (December 4, 2019). "Why Asuka is One of the Best Anime Characters of All Time". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on June 2, 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  90. ^ Sebastian, Jemima (24 March 2021). "Godzilla vs Kong tiene un par de referencias a Evangelion" (in Spanish). IGN. Archived from the original on 7 November 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2021.

Bibliography

External links
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