Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project Review: An Alternate Universe Where Shinji's Life Is Completely Different
by Osamu Takahashi
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Quick Take
- An alternate universe NGE where the apocalyptic premise is replaced by teenage romantic comedy — the exact tonal opposite of the original
- Works as a "what if Shinji's life was normal" thought experiment for EVA fans who want to see these characters in lighter situations
- 17 volumes complete; fan service for NGE readers rather than a standalone work
Who Is This Manga For?
- Neon Genesis Evangelion fans who want to see the cast in a lighter register
- Anyone curious about what alternate universe EVA looks like as a romantic comedy
- Readers who want completed long-run manga with familiar characters
- Fans who enjoyed the original series and want more of Rei, Asuka, and Shinji without the trauma
Content Warnings & Age Rating
Age Rating: T (Teen) Content Warnings: Romantic comedy situations; light fanservice; alternate universe reworking of NGE characters
T rating — appropriate for most readers; lighter content than the original series.
Yu's Rating
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Story Depth | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Art Style | ★★★☆☆ |
| Character Development | ★★★☆☆ |
| Accessibility for Non-Japanese Readers | ★★★☆☆ |
| Reread Value | ★★☆☆☆ |
Story Overview
In this alternate universe, Shinji Ikari's parents are both alive and working together at NERV as scientists. Shinji attends the same school as Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Soryu. The three of them navigate high school, their complicated relationships with each other, and the presence of Shinji's brilliant but eccentric parents.
The Angels are present in the background but not the existential threat of the original series. The focus is on the romantic comedy dynamic between Shinji, Rei, and Asuka — which side of the triangle resolves, how Shinji manages the competing demands of two girls who are both better at nearly everything than he is, and how the alternate NERV context shapes their lives.
Characters
Shinji Ikari — Without the original series' trauma and self-destruction, Shinji is a more functional teenager; the absence of his defining damage makes him less distinctive but more sympathetic in a conventional way.
Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Soryu — Both translated into the romantic comedy register; Rei's mystery becomes shyness, Asuka's intensity becomes tsundere competitiveness.
Art Style
Takahashi's art is clean and appropriate for the romantic comedy register — character designs are recognizable from the original series while being adapted for lighter content.
Cultural Context
Shinji Ikari Raising Project is an officially licensed EVA spinoff, one of several alternate universe manga that Gainax/Khara authorized. The "raising project" framing — what if Shinji had a normal life? — is the specific conceit that differentiates it from other EVA spinoffs.
What I Love About It
The "normal parents" premise. The original Gendo Ikari is one of manga and anime's most devastatingly bad fathers. Seeing Shinji in a universe where his parents are present, functional, and actually care about him is the series' most interesting departure — it reframes what Shinji could have been.
What English-Speaking Fans Say
Western readers describe Shinji Ikari Raising Project as exactly what it is — alternate universe fan content for EVA readers, not a work that stands alone. Specifically noted for the tonal whiplash from the source material being part of its appeal, for the character work being lighter than expected, and for the 17-volume run being longer than the premise sustains. Best enjoyed by NGE fans curious about the alternate universe premise.
Memorable Scene ⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Any moment where the alternate universe intersects with the original series' mythology — where something recognizable from NGE appears in its lighter form — is the series' most distinctive use of its premise.
Similar Manga
- Neon Genesis Evangelion — The original series; essential context
- Campus Apocalypse — Another NGE alternate universe manga
- Rebuild of Evangelion — The film remake with different alt-universe elements
- Cardcaptor Sakura — Alt-universe romantic comedy in similar register
Reading Order / Where to Start
Read Neon Genesis Evangelion or watch the original anime series first — the alternate universe premise requires the original context to function.
Official English Translation Status
Dark Horse Comics published the complete English series. All 17 volumes available.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unique "normal life" take on EVA characters
- Complete at 17 volumes
- Lighter register is a genuine contrast to source material
- Familiar characters in new dynamics
Cons
- Requires NGE familiarity to function
- Premise runs thin over 17 volumes
- Not a standalone work
- Lighter than the original in ways that may disappoint
Format Comparison
| Format | Notes |
|---|---|
| Individual Volumes | Dark Horse Comics; complete series |
| Digital | Available |
Where to Buy
Get NGE: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project Vol. 1 on Amazon →
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*Affiliate link — I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Written by
Yu
Manga Enthusiast from Japan
I grew up in Japan and manga literally saved me during a tough time in elementary school. My English isn't perfect, but my love for manga is real — and I want to share it with you.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.