Written by: Carl Horn
Source: Originally published in the Viz edition of Neon Genesis Evangelion Vol. 12
Dated: March 2011
Editor's note: This volume of the manga sees the return to action of Asuka; the second and most recent of the new Evangelion anime films, You Can (Not) Advance (which will be released in North American movie theaters and on DVD this year by FUNimation) brings Asuka back as well.
Volume 4 of the manga featured an essay by Asuka's Japanese voice actress, Yuko Miyamura, written in 1997, when the Evangelion phenomenon was still young. But Asuka remains an iconic character even in the incredible future year of 2011 (only four years away from the setting of Eva itself!) and, with her recent revival in both the anime and manga, I thought now might be an appropriate time to follow up—this time, with Asuka's English-language voice actor Tiffany Grant, as well.
It's not a common thing for the Japanese and English actors of an anime character to meet and to become good friends as well—but that's what happened in the case of Yuko and Tiffany, as you will see. My very sincere thanks go to Tiffany Grant, Yuko Miyamura, and to Christine Busby, who translated Ms. Miyamura's remarks.
Some time in early 1998, Matt Greenfield encouraged me to write an essay defending Asuka from her critics. I did, and you can read it on my website. At that point, as I recall, about half of the Eva TV series had been released on home video (two episodes per VHS about every other month for around $30).
Please keep in mind that I had only recently finished recording the TV series. There was as yet no English release of Death & Rebirth, End of Evangelion, Director's Cut or Platinum Edition, and there most definitely were no proposed live-action or "Rebuild" films.
Back in 1998, I had not yet read any of Sadamoto's manga. Having now read all of it, I was very excited to be able to participate in this project. One especially impactful moment I experienced reading Sadamoto's books was Yuko Miyamura's own essay in volume 4, which touched me deeply. When we first met, I had her autograph it for me!
For this volume, Carl (your editor) thought it might be interesting if I shared with you how my thoughts about Asuka have evolved over these many years
First, my perspective on Asuka was changed dramatically by working on EoE and even more so by the Director's Cut footage. I said, "If these scenes had been in the TV show to begin with, people would have had a lot more sympathy for Asuka."
But the main thing that has happened since 1998 is that Neon Genesis Evangelion has become an international phenomenon. When I started recording this loud, assertive character that often swore in German, I knew I was having a great time with the role and that it was enjoyable for me as an actor. There was no way any of us could've known then what lay in store. Eva became a cult phenomenon.
The enormous popularity of Eva is, I fully understand, the primary reason I get invited to conventions around the world. In this way alone, my association with Oscar has forever changed my life.
But I also feel something deeper than the obvious frequent flyer miles is at work here. My several years I actually denied that I was anything like Asuka—a period I refer to as my I Am Not Spock phase. I wrote "In Defense of Asuka" during that time.
Once I fully embraced my "inner Asuka," I realized the many ways that I related to this complex, flawed character. In the past twelve years, I feel I have become even closer to Asuka emotionally.
I think Shinji behaves in the way that most of us actually would react, but I believe we all wish we were a little more like Asuka—speak your mind, consequences be damned! I find that I don't just offend Asuka now, I actually admire her. I don't know how I'll feel in another twelve years, but if you don't like Asuka just a little bit, I have only one thing to say: What are you—stupid?
To be honest, a long time ago I used to hate Asuka and Evangelion.
If I were to comment using Asuka's words I would say—"I hate, I hate, I hate EVERYBODY!"
As to why I felt this way, well, I think the best way to describe it is to say that it was close to the feeling of being bullied. If a person has been bullied, would they want to remember it? I don't think they would.
Acting the part of Asuka was lots of fun at first. However, as Asuka started to mentally break down, acting her became quite tough.
The part that I dislike the most was during the scene when Asuka finally understood the meaning of the A.T. Field. Just when she was able to mentally become strong and confident again, she was attacked by the mass-produced units and brutalized. That time in the film is really cool and there are lots of characters I like in it. For Asuka on the other hand, it's the worst situation ever.
Furthermore, after that scene, she is strangled by Shinji with such apathy and that's where the series ends. The mass-produced units, the Angels, their destiny; it just ends with all of them being defeated.
I closed the Asuka inside of me deep within my heart. While she was inside there, I didn't really like to bring her out. Remembering my complex feelings for Asuka and Evangelion was quite hard for me, and I didn't like it.
This all changed when I first met and talked to Asuka's English voice actor, Tiffany.
Tiffany, as another person who acted as Asuka, was the only one who could understand the pain that I felt acting as Asuka. We both understood all the difficult emotions about Asuka and her complex personality, and we talked about many things. After this the feelings within me toward Asuka became more caring and understanding.
Even though at first I felt anger and dislike for Asuka, I now hold her close to my heart and I think of her like a daughter. Up until then Asuka had to deal with all the pain, sadness and sorrow by herself. Now it's different—I'm with her
Today I'm a mother myself and I'm raising my own daughter. The feelings I have for my child are similar to what I feel for Asuka. Even though it's different from my own real-life situation, Asuka is an important existence to me and I feel that I am able to accept her into my life.
What destiny lies ahead for Asukar? Furthermore, what choice will she make?
Whatever happens I will accept everything about Asuka. I will cheer her on because I feel I am close to her. No matter what, I will defend Asuka.
It has been about ten years since the time when the other units took Asuka and Shinji tried to strangle her. Now, a new Evangelion has begun!
In the new movies, the once-complex Asuka is now happier. I'm excited to see how Asuka stands and faces her destiny in the new movies compared to Asuka's fate from ten years ago of being defeated.
If I were to say a comment in the new movie in Asuka's words it would be "You hurt my pride.... I'LL GIVE IT BACK TO YOU TEN TIMES WORSE." I like this confident side of Asuka.
Whatever becomes of Asuka in the world of Eva, I will always love Asuka the most!
Once again, the editor would like to thank Tiffany, Yuko and Christine. Although it's great to see the friendship between these two voice actors just on a human level, I think it also sets a good example for our two (sometimes struggling) industries themselves—I wonder whether the Japanese and the Western sides wouldn't both benefit through more personal contacts and understanding. By the way, you can read Tiffany's essay "In Defense of Asuka" on her website, www.modusproductions.com/eva-r/tiff/main.htm.
Something Tiffany said took me back to 1998 myself, when I was editing the early parts of this manga. But at the time I was also an editor writing about anime at Viz's Animerica magazine, and the $30 Tiffany mentions for two episodes was pretty standard for the whole U.S. anime industry, not just the Evangelion release. So that meant you'd have to pay $390 for the whole series (in late-'90s dollars; with inflation that'd be more like $500 today). And that was for VHS format, with all its built-in limitations compared to DVD—no special features, no chapter skipping, no separate audio or subtitle tracks (if you wanted dubbed or subtitled, you had to buy a whole different set of tapes) and of course, lesser video and audio quality. It's something to think about next time a U.S. anime DVD release seems expensive... ^_^
—Carl Gustav Horn