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Why Shinji Can’t Just ‘Get in the Robot’: Depression in Neon Genesis Evangelion

Why Shinji Can’t Just ‘Get in the Robot’: Depression in Neon Genesis Evangelion

Mary Lee Sauder
Blog Post

Even if you’ve never seen the 1995 psychological anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, you probably know this phrase: ‘Get in the damn robot, Shinji!’ (different expletives may apply) The show’s main character, Shinji Ikari, is known for being whiny and ineffectual. He constantly shies away from piloting the EVA Unit 01 robot to save the world from monstrous angels, which is a feat that only he can perform. And while this seems like obnoxious character writing on the surface, Shinji’s thoughts and actions actually reflect real-world symptoms of depression.

Are We Finally Getting Realistic Gay Characters in Anime?

Are We Finally Getting Realistic Gay Characters in Anime?

Mary Lee Sauder
Blog Post

Every now and then, though, a show that takes the time to portray a gay relationship in a realistic way breaks into the popular consciousness. It’s been happening more and more lately and I’d like to share three of them with you today. While none of them are flawless, they showcase some fantastic character writing and dedication to the craft of storytelling (even when the writers had every excuse to just phone it in).

Waiting For Madoka: Absurdism in Madoka Magica

Waiting For Madoka: Absurdism in Madoka Magica

Mary Lee Sauder
Blog Post

Even though precisely nobody asked for this article, I just couldn’t get the topic out of my head. I may be the only person in the world who enjoys the anime Puella Magi Madoka Magica and the Samuel Beckett play Waiting For Godot equally, but hopefully I might be able to persuade some of you to join me soon.

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