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Evaluating the new mari clone: similarities and differences

Mari Clone Debate Heats Up | Fans Challenge Identity in Evangelion

By

Tommy Chen

Oct 19, 2025, 05:03 AM

Edited By

Tanya Lee

Updated

Oct 19, 2025, 10:13 PM

A blink of an eye read

Side-by-side comparison of the current Mari clone and the original Mari character, highlighting their design features and differences.
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A new wave of commentary on forums is intensifying the debate around Mari in Neon Genesis Evangelion. With various insights and theories, fans are questioning if the latest version of Mari is merely a clone or a product of complex narratives set by the creators.

The Growing Controversy

The arguments stem from whether Mari is truly a clone of the earlier character depicted in past images. A faction of fans argues that the time since the original photo has allowed for aging. In contrast, others believe the "Eva Curse" affects aging, creating confusion around her identity and timeline.

Key Themes Shaping the Discussion

  • Identity and Aging: Fans are speculating on how Mariโ€™s age appears unchanged despite years passing since the earlier film. One commenter remarked, "Asuka's curse implies that being an Eva pilot prevents aging, explaining Mari's appearance."

  • Childhood Influence: A user pointed out, "Mari referred to herself as a child in 2.0, which raises questions about her development."

  • Clone Theories: The idea that Mari could be a clone continues to circulate. A commenter stated, "Her current version appears younger than the one in that earlier photo."

The question lingers: Is Mari merely a clone or a deeper character forged by the creators?

Mixed Sentiments from the Fandom

Conversations reveal a blend of intrigue and frustration. While some appreciate Mari's ambiguous nature, others feel it lacks coherence. As one fan put it, "Ambiguity is Evaโ€™s greatest strength but also its greatest weakness." This dichotomy showcases a passionate community that is deeply engaged in unraveling the lore.

Noteworthy Insights

  • ๐Ÿ” Fans challenge the perceived aging effects caused by the Eva pilots.

  • โšก Theories suggest Mariโ€™s childhood experiences may play a significant role in her character arc.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Critics demand clarity on narrative inconsistencies that affect Mari's backstory.

The fervor surrounding Mariโ€™s identity hints at potential future developments from the creators of the series. Many fans are optimistic that upcoming content will offer resolutions, especially in light of Mara's unique backstory and the ongoing discourse about her origins.