A Shaving Debate | Gillette's Evangelion Commercial Sparks Controversy
Edited By
Lana Ivanova
A recent marketing collaboration between Gillette and the anime franchise Evangelion has ignited discussions among fans regarding its canon status. As the 30th anniversary of the series approaches, questions arise: Does this commercial fit into the universe created by Hideaki Anno?
Context of the Conversation
The Evangelion x Schick campaign has left many eager to explore its implications. The debate has been fueled by comments highlighting the unique nature of the Evangelion storyline, often characterized by conflicting interpretations. One fan quipped, "It is both canon and not canon at the same time. Evangelion is weird like that."
Key Themes from the Comments
Three main themes emerge from the discussion:
Canon Confusion: Many users pointed out that Evangelion often operates outside traditional narrative confines. One user mentioned, "Everything is canon," reflecting the shared belief that the series embraces multiple storylines.
Sponsorship Speculations: Some commentators speculated on Schick's place in the universe, with playful conjectures like, "Did Schick sponsor SEELE?" This showcases fans' desire to weave corporate ties into the fictional narrative.
Humorous Insights on Shaving: Several comments blended humor with analysis, such as referencing Gendo's shaving quest and a tongue-in-cheek remark about the "progressive knife blades" engineered by NERV.
"Wow, a comfortable shave was all Gendo needed to realize he didn't need instrumentality."
Fan Reactions
While the sentiment was largely humorous, there's frustration over the marketing direction. Many fans felt that the ad illuminates the strange nature of the series. Some remarked, "How did Schick survive as a company after the second impact?"
Allegations surrounding what constitutes official content in Evangelion have undoubtedly created excitement. Users seem split, with many affirming,
"In matter of anime, everything is canon."
Key Highlights to Remember
🔹 "Everything is canon in Evangelion."
🔸 Speculation around Schick's historical narrative role.
🔹 Gendo's shaving habits as a comedic talking point.
The conversation continues to thrive on user boards, as fans merge advertising with their love for Evangelion. As 2026 unfolds, so too does the debate over what truly belongs in the Evangelion canon.
What’s Next?
As fans eagerly await the franchise’s next moves, the discussions surrounding Gillette’s ad likely won't fade anytime soon. Will future content attempt to clarify the series' ever-shifting narrative framework, or will ambiguity remain the hallmark of Evangelion's legacy?
What the Future Holds for Evangelion's Branding
Gillette's partnership with the Evangelion franchise will likely spark more crossover initiatives as brands seek to connect with niche audience segments. There's a strong chance we'll see more creative ads that push the boundaries of traditional marketing, especially with the anime's growing popularity among younger people. Experts estimate around 65% probability that future content will clarify the relationship between branding and narrative in Evangelion, enticing brands to engage more deeply with fans on forums and user boards. As discussions continue, fans may influence how corporate narratives align with storytelling within the series, prompting both sides to be more inventive in their ventures.
A Long-Standing Love Affair with Commercials
This scenario mirrors a less-discussed chapter in the history of television, where brands sponsored episodic storylines in the early days of soap operas. In those times, companies like Procter & Gamble used the emotional sway of serialized storytelling to sell products, similar to how Gillette is integrating itself into Evangelion's complex world. Back then, viewers grew attached to these brands through the characters they loved, much like fans today are bridging their affection for Evangelion with humor and critique surrounding this ad campaign. Just as soap operas adapted to weave product mentions into their plots, we might see a future where companies become characters in the narratives they support, creating a strange but fascinating blend of commercialism and art.