In 2026, Neon Genesis Evangelion is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and as part of the festivities, a new Unit-01 figure is now available to preorder, but this isn’t exactly what longtime fans will expect. Combining Shinji’s legendary mecha with Godzilla, this new release is reminiscent of another recent figure release, with a bit of added horror. Neon Genesis Evangelion and Godzilla have both participated in plenty of memorable collaborations over the past three decades, but this one is likely to have an impact.
Following its television debut in 1995, Neon Genesis Evangelion quickly cemented itself as one of the greatest animated series of all time, with its focus on the complexity of human emotions, mental health, and the impact of trauma helping to differentiate itself from other mecha series. The legendary 26-episode series is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, prompting a number of crossovers and special releases to honor one of the most important anime releases of all time. A new Evangelion anime project was confirmed in February, which will be written by Yoko Taro (Nier) and directed by Hideki Anno’s protégé, Kazuya Tsurumaki, who served as assistant director on the original series, along with Toko Yatabe (Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, Darling in the Franxx). While no release window has been confirmed, it’s fair to say that hype is already at a critical level.
In early June, Bandai revealed a metallic version of its ‘Deforeal Evangelion Unit-01 ‘G’ Awakening Form,’ a chibi version of Unit-01 and Godzilla blended together. Those who aren’t necessarily fans of the super-deformed look are now in luck, as S.H. MonsterArts has unveiled ‘Evangelion Test Type-01 “G” Awakening Form,’ a more robust version of the terrifying crossover between Shinji’s Eva and the King of the Monsters, standing at 150mm (approximately 5.9 inches) in height. Those ordering the unique figure will receive the main body, heat ray effect parts, a dedicated base, and spare horn parts. Preorders are now open, with the figure, priced at ¥17,600 (around $110), slated to release in December 2026.
The Godzilla franchise likely needs no introduction, with the first titular film released in 1954. 33 Japanese films have been released in the decades since, along with five American films, a collection of video games, comics, TV shows, and enough merchandise to please even the most devout fans. The most recent Godzilla film, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, was released in 2024, with a sequel, Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, coming to theaters in March 2027.
Evangelion‘s 30th anniversary has prompted several high-profile crossovers throughout the anime and video game world. In April, Final Fantasy 14 players were stunned to learn that the popular MMO would be getting a Neon Genesis Evangelion-themed raid in its next expansion. Perhaps even more surreal is the recently revealed Sonic the Hedgehog collab, with Evangelion slated to come to Sonic Racing CrossWorlds as a way to commemorate both its anniversary and 35 years of Sonic. A release date for the crossover has not yet been revealed.
Rearrange the covers into the correct Japanese release order.
While Neon Genesis Evangelion is largely remembered for its intense story and unforgettable mecha battles, it’s also known for its theme song. In late June, the Japanese variety show Professional Ranking announced the top 10 anime songs of all time, with the Evangelion theme, “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” coming in first place. Sung by Yoko Takahashi, the track recently celebrated its 1,000th week on the Oricon Weekly Karaoke Ranking Chart.
Neon Genesis Evangelion can be streamed on Netflix.
- Release Date
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1995 – 1996
- Network
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TV Tokyo
- Directors
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Keiichi Sugiyama, Masahiko Otsuka, Tensai Okamura, Shoichi Masuo, Minoru Ohara, Seiji Mizushima, Tetsuya Watanabe, Ken Ando
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Megumi Ogata
Shinji Ikari (voice)
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Kotono Mitsuishi
Misato Katsuragi (voice)
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Megumi Hayashibara
Rei Ayanami (voice)
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Yuko Miyamura
Asuka Langley Soryu (voice)
