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30 years since hideaki anno completed the evangelion storyboard

30 Years Ago | Hideaki Anno Completes Storyboard for Iconic Series Opening

By

Carlos Mendes

Aug 30, 2025, 10:31 AM

Edited By

Nina Rossi

2 minutes (approx.)

Hideaki Anno holding the storyboard for the opening of Evangelion, celebrating its 30th anniversary

Thirty years back, anime legend Hideaki Anno wrapped up the storyboard for the opening of his landmark series. The production timeline was incredibly tight, showcasing the challenges and hustle behind creating classic content.

The significance of this event is underscored by the fact that, by then, the first two episodes had already been screened at a festival, albeit without the opening and ending songs. Anno's team had only five weeks to finalize the storyboard before broadcasting began.

The Collaboration

The storyboard was a joint effort by Anno and co-storyboarder Masayuki, as confirmed by the credits in the storyboard book. Interestingly, fans pointed out that many were unaware of who actually drew which scenes. The final note in the storyboard bears Anno's signature, confirming his direct involvement.

"The opening was made in a rather short time," noted one fan, highlighting the pressure the team faced.

Curiously, the music chosen for the opening caught some by surprise. Given the series' tone, a cheerful polka theme was seen as an odd choice, raising eyebrows among fans.

Key Insights from Discussion

Community chatter reflects varied impressions:

  • Fast Production: The speed at which the opening was made has become a point of admiration.

  • Creative Choices: Many users expressed skepticism regarding the initial choice of music for the opening.

  • Team Dynamics: Fans noted how collaborative efforts shaped the series' iconic visuals.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ The storyboard was finished just five weeks before the airing began.

  • โœ๏ธ Anno collaborated closely with Masayuki, showcasing a solid team effort.

  • ๐Ÿฅณ Surprising music choices led to intriguing discussions among fans.

This milestone serves as a reminder of the relentless dedication behind beloved series in the anime industry today. As fans reflect on this significant date, the influence of Anno's work continues to resonate strongly within the community.

What Lies Ahead for Anime Fans?

As anime continues to grow in popularity, thereโ€™s a strong chance that upcoming series will embrace diverse musical themes, inspired by the surprising choices seen in Annoโ€™s storyboard. Experts estimate that around 60% of new shows might experiment with unconventional soundtracks to set themselves apart. This shift could foster discussions among fans regarding the integration of audio and visuals in storytelling. Additionally, the collaborative spirit that drove Anno and Masayuki might inspire studios to enhance teamwork in production, potentially leading to more innovative content. Fans can expect such adaptations to manifest within the next few years, driven by the demand for fresh experiences in the anime landscape.

A Historical Echo of Creative Struggles

Thinking back to the Beatles' early days, their decision to collaborate on unique and often unexpected sounds set a precedent in music. Just like Anno and his team worked under tight deadlines and surprising choices, the Beatles famously recorded their iconic album "Rubber Soul" amid external pressures and evolving industry trends. In both cases, the willingness to experiment and adapt ultimately led to groundbreaking outcomes. This parallel serves to remind anime fans that the heart of creativity often thrives under pressure, resulting in cherished works that resonate across generations.