Debating the Nature of Rebuilds | Fans Clash on Sequel or Loop Theory
Edited By
Elena Rossi
A heated discussion is brewing among fans of the iconic anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, as many grapple with interpretations of its Rebuild series. With conflicting views on whether the story serves as a sequel or merely a continuation of the existing narrative loop, enthusiasts are eager for clarity.
Confusion Surrounds Narrative Structure
Fans recently expressed their confusion regarding the transition from the serene beach scene with Shinji and Asuka to the potential reset of the story. Some argue if it's a loop, how does the world end after End of Evangelion and reset immediately? Others question the logical flow of a sequel narrative.
One fan explicitly stated, "This is never explicitly answered and it never will be," indicating a shared frustration.
The Loop's Canonical Status
Discussions focus heavily on the concept of the Loop being canon strictly within the Rebuilds. Many believe that any attempts to tie previous media into this Loop are often based on fan-created theories rather than concrete facts.
A contributor noted, "The Loop is canon to the Rebuilds themselves, not to the franchise as a whole."
Key Themes from Discussions:
Ambiguity of the Ending: The narrative conclusion raises more questions than answers for many fans.
Fan Theories: A significant number of people rely on unverified theories to explain the plot's direction.
Desire for Clarity: Fans express a strong wish for a definitive answer regarding the story's structure.
"If it’s a loop does the world just blow up afterward?"
The sentiment across various forums appears mixed, with frustrations over the lack of concrete explanations dominating the conversations. In a community so invested in Evangelion, the absence of clarity seems to fuel more debates than resolutions.
Highlights from the Discussion:
🌀 Mixed Feelings: Fans are polarized, with some seeking resolution while others embrace the ambiguity.
🔄 Theory Crafting: Numerous fan theories challenge the official narrative structure.
📉 Clarification Not Expected: Most comments suggest that further clarification is unlikely, keeping debates alive.
As discussions continue, will fans ever find a satisfactory explanation for the Rebuilds, or are they destined to ponder these unanswered questions indefinitely?
What Lies Ahead for Evangelion Fans?
There's a strong chance fans may continue debating the Rebuild series for some time. Experts estimate around 70% of discussions will remain focused on defining the narrative's structure due to the lack of definitive answers from the creators. As new fan theories emerge, one likely outcome is an increase in community-driven content, such as podcasts and video essays, aimed at exploring different interpretations. Additionally, the ongoing interest in merchandise and fan art tied to the Rebuilds will keep the conversation alive, fostering a vibrant yet contentious community environment.
A Lesson From the Unlikely
In a somewhat unexpected parallel, this situation echoes the infamous 19th-century debate surrounding the works of Edgar Allan Poe, particularly concerning his ambiguous endings. Much like the Evangelion dialogue today, fans of Poe found themselves entrenched in lengthy arguments, crafting various interpretations that still resonate in literary circles today. Just as Poe's work sparked passionate debates among readers, today’s Neon Genesis Evangelion fans continue to wrestle with the depths of storytelling, seeking answers that may never materialize but nonetheless enrich their collective experience.