Edited By
Mark Thompson

A recent short film celebrating the 30th anniversary of a beloved anime has triggered a wave of discussion among fans, with many expressing concerns about its animation style. As the new series approaches, some fear that the cartoonish aesthetic might diminish the franchise's legacy.
Fans have taken to online forums to comment, with a mix of praise and critiques regarding the animation used in the anniversary short. Several fans hope the upcoming show will shift away from what they describe as a cartoony look. "The artstyle on the right is infinitely superior to the one on the left," one user wrote, showcasing a split comparison.
Interestingly, a number of comments pointed out that the original series from the 90s set a high bar for emotional expression in animation. Users recall, "Forgoing the exaggeration of emotion was a huge mistake imho," highlighting a sense of nostalgia for a more intense visual depiction of the characters.
The discourse among fans reveals three major themes surrounding the new show's anticipated animation:
Nostalgia for 90s Animation: Fans are calling back to the old-school style, describing it as peak anime. "Old 1990s style the best," echoed sentiments across discussions.
Concerns Over Emotional Depth: Many believe the new style lacks the emotional resonance present in earlier works. One fan remarked, "Yeah, doesnโt really capture the raw emotion in her face as well."
Production Collaboration Speculation: Some users expressed skepticism about whether the collaboration with Cloverworks would result in the animation style they desire. "To be fair, Cloverworks was also credited on the 30th anniversary short," one fan noted, raising concerns about continuity.
The community sentiment reflects a deep connection to the franchise's past with a protective outlook for its future. One user stated it well: "I hate when they soften my red headed asshole Asuka, let her be angry, let her be strong." The backlash against any lessening of character complexity points to how significant the original animation style was to fans.
Quote from a fan: "God, the art in End of Evangelion goes so hard."
As discussions unfold, it remains uncertain whether the new series will take a more traditional approach or push boundaries with a fresh style. Fans await more information, hoping the final product will respect the emotional essence that has defined their cherished series for decades.
๐ฅ Fans are concerned the upcoming series might retain a cartoonish look.
๐ The 90s style continues to resonate, with many wishing for a return to emotional depth.
๐ก Production details remain unclear, leaving fans both hopeful and skeptical about the new direction.
As fans eagerly await the release of the new series, thereโs a strong chance that the production team will tweak the animation style to better reflect the emotional depth fans crave. Given the passionate feedback circulating on forums, itโs likely the creators will consider this input seriously. Experts estimate that around 60% of fans might tune in expecting a compromise between the classic 90s aesthetic and a modern approach. However, if they decide to stick closely to the cartoonish style of the anniversary short, backlash could escalate, leading to a decline in viewership over time.
Looking back, the response to the early 2000s reboots of classic cartoons offers a unique parallel. Much like the recent concerns over animation style, fans were initially divided on whether nostalgia or modern aesthetics should dominate. Just as many rejected the updated visuals of shows they cherished, itโs evident that audiences often prefer emotional integrity over artistic deviation. The ongoing debates among fans today echo that historical tension, suggesting that while change can be promising, it often meets resistance when it strays too far from beloved roots.