Evangelions

Evangelions, often abbreviated as EVAs, are giant humanoid combat units central to the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise. Created by the paramilitary organization NERV, they are deployed to defend humanity against mysterious beings known as Angels. Unlike conventional mecha, EVAs are bio-mechanical entities that fuse living tissue with advanced machinery and rely on a neural interface to synchronize with their pilot.

Operation hinges on the pilot’s mental state. A pilot sits in a cockpit-like entry plug inserted into the EVA’s back, and the pilot’s nervous system must synchronize with the unit to control its movements. This synchronization also enables the EVA to manifest an AT Field, a personal defensive barrier that can affect both the unit and its enemies. High synchronization can grant extraordinary combat performance but often exacts a heavy psychological cost on the pilot.

Across the series, several Evangelions are introduced, designated EVA-00 through EVA-04, with additional mass-produced units appearing later. The most prominent pilots are Shinji Ikari (Unit-01), Rei Ayanami (Unit-00), and Asuka Langley Soryu (Unit-02). The EVAs are housed in NERV facilities and operated through their entry plugs, blending advanced technology with deeply personal, psychological storytelling.

The concept explores themes of identity, agency, and the human cost of survival. Evangelions have had a lasting influence on mecha fiction, blending science fiction with philosophical and religious imagery, and remain a defining element of the franchise across films, manga, and related media.