Written Statements

Manga Volume 8 Commentary

Written by: Yoshiyuki Sadamoto
Translated by: William Flanagan & David Ury
Source: Originally published in the Japanese edition of Neon Genesis Evangelion Vol. 8

They say that a story's hero will serve as a mirror by which you may always see the artist. And I'm not saying it isn't true.

It's just, you know, sometimes it's more like a funhouse mirror. Here's what I remember of my mother when I was young.

I wanted this plastic toy--it cost 100 yen. I stole some change from her purse.

She found out. She dragged me to this half-built house in our neighborhood, and, like the outlaws of yesteryear, lashed her son to one of the foundation posts for all to see. Yes, how well I recall that long day spent sobbing--and how the construction workers laughed... and laughed...

A mother's love is truly unconditional. Hey... thanks, Mom! Look at how I grew to be an upright human being!