Neon Genesis Evangelion -dub- -
Introduction
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a Japanese anime series created by Hideaki Anno that has gained a cult following worldwide. The series premiered in 1995 and has since become a staple of anime fandom. In 2019, a new dubbed version of the series, titled Neon Genesis Evangelion -Dub-, was released, providing English-speaking fans with a new way to experience this iconic series. This paper will explore the history of Neon Genesis Evangelion, the creation of the -Dub- version, and its significance for fans.
History of Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a science fiction anime series that follows the story of Shinji Ikari, a teenager who pilots a giant humanoid robot called the Evangelion to fight against giant monsters known as Angels. The series explores themes of psychological trauma, existentialism, and the human condition, often delving into complex and mature topics. The show was widely acclaimed for its unique storytelling, characters, and animation, and it quickly gained a dedicated fan base.
The Creation of Neon Genesis Evangelion -Dub-
The -Dub- version of Neon Genesis Evangelion was produced by Crunchyroll, in partnership with Studio Khara, the studio behind the original series. The dub was created to provide a more modern and accessible version of the series for English-speaking fans, with a focus on staying true to the original Japanese version. The dub features a new voice cast, including Bryce Papenbrook as Shinji Ikari, and was recorded at Studio Kaizen in Los Angeles.
Significance of Neon Genesis Evangelion -Dub- Neon Genesis Evangelion -Dub-
The release of Neon Genesis Evangelion -Dub- is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a new way for English-speaking fans to experience the series, which was previously only available with subtitles or a older dub. The -Dub- version also allows new fans to discover the series, who may have been deterred by the complexity of the original Japanese version.
Furthermore, the -Dub- version is notable for its efforts to stay true to the original series. The voice cast and production team worked closely with Studio Khara to ensure that the dub was faithful to the original vision of Hideaki Anno. This attention to detail and commitment to authenticity has helped to win over fans of the series, who appreciate the care and dedication that has gone into creating the -Dub- version.
Conclusion
Neon Genesis Evangelion -Dub- is a significant release for fans of the series, providing a new way to experience this iconic anime. The creation of the -Dub- version is a testament to the enduring popularity of Neon Genesis Evangelion, and its influence on anime fandom. As a cultural phenomenon, Neon Genesis Evangelion continues to inspire new generations of fans, and the -Dub- version ensures that its themes and messages will continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
References
- Anno, H. (1995). Neon Genesis Evangelion. Tokyo: Studio Gainax.
- Neon Genesis Evangelion -Dub- (2019). Retrieved from https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime/neon-genesis-evangelion-dub
- Papenbrook, B. (2019). Neon Genesis Evangelion -Dub- Interview. Retrieved from https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2019/08/neon-genesis-evangelion-dub-bryce-papenbrook.shtml
I hope you find this paper helpful! Let me know if you'd like me to add anything. Introduction Neon Genesis Evangelion is a Japanese anime
Here are some potential additional sections:
- Analysis of the Dubbing Process: A deeper dive into the dubbing process and the challenges of translating a complex series like Neon Genesis Evangelion.
- The Impact of Neon Genesis Evangelion on Anime Fandom: A discussion of the series' influence on anime fandom and its enduring popularity.
- Comparing the -Dub- Version to Other Dubs: A comparison of the -Dub- version to other dubs of the series, and an evaluation of their relative merits.
The "Dub" feature for Neon Genesis Evangelion is arguably one of the most complex and historically significant topics in anime localization. Unlike most shows where the dub is simply a translated version of the original, the Evangelion dub has undergone multiple iterations, casting changes, and script controversies.
If you are looking to utilize the "Dub" feature, here is a breakdown of what you need to know to choose the right version for you, along with the unique benefits and drawbacks of watching Evangelion in English.
Was the Redub Necessary?
From a technical audio standpoint, the VSI dub is superior. The recording quality is pristine, the lip-sync is flawlessly matched, and the side characters (Gendo, Fuyutsuki, Ritsuko) sound far more professional. But critics argue it lacks "personality." It reads like a sterile, corporate version of a chaotic masterpiece.
The "Literal" Translation
The Netflix Neon Genesis Evangelion -Dub- took a "purist" approach. Khara oversaw the translation meticulously, resulting in a script that is technically more accurate but often awkward in English.
- The "Children" Plural: Kept, but more precise.
- The Removal of "Fly Me to the Moon": Replaced with an instrumental piece due to licensing costs—a massive blow to the show's atmosphere.
- The "Homosexual" Controversy: The most infamous change. In episode 24, Kaworu’s line to Shinji—originally translated loosely as "I love you" (implying romantic love)—was changed to "I like you." Later, a line about "love" became "It’s the one thing I was never able to tell you." Fans erupted, accusing Netflix of censoring the queer subtext. (Netflix eventually re-dubbed specific lines in 2020 to restore the romantic implication).
The Human Instrumentality of Voice Acting: A Deep Dive into the "Neon Genesis Evangelion" Dub
For over two decades, Neon Genesis Evangelion has stood as a monolithic titan in the anime industry. It is a show that deconstructs the mecha genre, delves into Jungian psychology, and ends with a cinematic finale that still sparks heated debate. However, for English-speaking audiences, the experience of watching Shinji Ikari pilot the EVANGELION has always been filtered through one crucial variable: the dub. Anno, H
Searching for the "Neon Genesis Evangelion -Dub-" is not a simple query. It is a journey through three distinct eras of voice acting, fraught with controversy, artistic reinterpretation, and the eternal war between 1990s localization and 2010s literalism. Whether you are a nostalgic fan of the VHS era or a new viewer on Netflix, understanding the history of the Evangelion dub is essential to understanding how the West fell in love (and sometimes conflict) with this dark classic.
The Original SINS and Virtues: The ADV Dub (1996–1998)
When ADV Films (A.D. Vision) licensed Evangelion in the mid-90s, anime dubbing was a Wild West. Budgets were low, translation scripts were handled by a handful of people, and directors often prioritized matching lip-flaps over thematic accuracy.
The Cast:
- Spike Spencer as Shinji Ikari: Spencer played Shinji not just as traumatized, but as sarcastic and whiny in a distinctly relatable, teenage way. His famous "I mustn't run away" became a meme, but his raw screaming in later episodes (particularly against the 12th Angel) remains legendary.
- Tiffany Grant as Asuka Langley Soryu: Grant is arguably the most beloved element of the ADV dub. A native German speaker, she brought a fiery, brash, almost Shakespearean arrogance to Asuka. Her descent into madness in The End of Evangelion is considered a high watermark for English anime acting.
- Allison Keith as Misato Katsuragi: Keith provided the perfect balance of hungover slob and hardened military commander, giving Misato a warmth that the Japanese version sometimes lacked.
The Controversy: The ADV dub took liberties. Character names were Westernized (Soryu became "Langley"). Some dialogue was rewritten to sound "cooler" or more vulgar. Crucially, the relationship between Shinji and Kaworu Nagisa was heavily sanitized. In the 90s, the word "love" was often replaced with "like," and the overt homoerotic tension was softened to "deep friendship" by some translators—though the voice actors themselves (specifically Spike Spencer and Aaron Krohn) played it with clear romantic intent.
Why people still love it: Nostalgia and energy. The ADV dub sounds like a group of passionate college students in a basement who understood the vibe of Evangelion if not the literal translation. It is rough, it is inconsistent, but it has soul.
The "Netflix Redub" (2019) – Clean, Accurate, and Controversial
When Netflix acquired Evangelion in 2019, they commissioned an entirely new dub with a new cast (Bang Zoom! Entertainment, directed by Carrie Keranen). This sparked one of the biggest anime dub debates of the decade.
- The New Cast: Casey Mongillo’s Shinji is more naturalistic and emotionally vulnerable, less "annoying teen" and more "traumatized child." Stephanie McKeon’s Asuka ditches the German accent for a sharper, more biting American teen voice. Ryan Bartley’s Rei is still soft but subtly more present. Ray Chase’s Gendo is cold and disturbingly calm. The overall production quality—sound mixing, consistency, lip-sync—is technically superior.
- The Changes That Made Fans Furious:
- No "Fly Me to the Moon": The iconic ending theme was replaced with a generic instrumental. This hurt the most.
- Script "Literalness": Netflix favored a script closer to the Japanese original, but it sanded off unique character voices. The most famous example: In the ADV dub, Kaworu tells Shinji, "It means I love you." In the Netflix dub, he says, "I like you." The Japanese word suki can mean both, but the original context (and decades of fan interpretation) made "love" the accepted reading. To many, this change neutered a pivotal gay relationship.
- Removed Queer Coding: Beyond that line, other moments of implied intimacy between Shinji and Kaworu were made more ambiguous.
The Netflix dub is more accurate on paper, but many felt it was too sterile—sacrificing emotional impact for word-for-word correctness.