Osamu Takahashi - Neon Gensis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project Manga

Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project is a Japanese romantic comedy spin-off manga series written and illustrated by Osamu Takahashi. Based on the famous Gainax video game of the same name, this series reimagines the iconic characters of the franchise in a lighthearted, slice-of-life alternate universe. The story focuses heavily on a playful school environment where Shinji Ikari is caught in a comical tug-of-war for affection between his hotheaded childhood friend, Asuka Langley Soryu, and the brilliant transfer student, Rei Ayanami. Away from the apocalyptic despair of the original saga, Shinji navigates teenage romance, awkward social blunders, and everyday high school drama.

The series is widely celebrated for its extensive subversion of the dark psychological themes that characterized the main franchise, opting instead for a bright, harem-style comedic tone. While keeping NERV present as a scientific research facility run by Shinji's surprisingly attentive parents, Gendo and Yui Ikari, the massive biomechanical Evangelions take a backseat to romance and school festivals. Takahashi's fluid artwork and detailed character expressions highlight the expressive humor and dramatic rivalries of the young cast.

As the longest-running manga spin-off in the entire franchise, it offers a heartwarming, stress-free companion timeline for fans who wished to see the cast enjoy the peaceful, ordinary lives they were denied in the original series.

Other Notable Works

Osamu Takahashi: Isuca (Story & Art) Studio Khara / Gainax: Neon Genesis Evangelion: Iron Maiden 2nd / Angelic Days (Thematic sister series), Rebuild of Evangelion

Series Details

Japanese Name: 新世紀エヴァンゲリオン 碇シンジ育成計画 (Shin Seiki Evangerion: Ikari Shinji Ikusei Keikaku)
English Title: Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project
Story: Osamu Takahashi / Khara
Art: Osamu Takahashi
Original Publisher: Kadokawa Shoten (Shōnen Ace)
English Publisher: Dark Horse Comics (Dark Horse Manga)
Release Years: 2005–2016 (Japan) / 2009–2018 (English)
Volumes: 18 (Standard Tankōbon)
Age Rating: 16+ (Dark Horse Release)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Romantic Comedy, Slice of Life, Harem

Comics & manga are assumed VG+ or better unless otherwise noted. No broken spines, no writing, no stickers, and may have light shelf wear. Mid-2000s or earlier manga may have slight yellowing due to the age of the paper. All manga and comics are assumed to be pre-owned.