Table of Contents
1️⃣ Introduction: Ideon and Evangelion – Masters of Despair
When discussing the most tragic and despair-filled anime, two titles dominate the conversation—Space Runaway Ideon (1980) and Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995). These two masterpieces, created by legendary directors Yoshiyuki Tomino and Hideaki Anno, shaped the mecha genre and introduced new ways of depicting existential despair in anime.
Though both stories revolve around the inevitable destruction of humanity, their approaches differ drastically. Ideon presents an unstoppable cosmic force, while Evangelion focuses on internal psychological collapse.
Which anime embodies despair more profoundly? This article delves into Ideon and Evangelion to analyze their creative origins, themes, and lasting impact.
2️⃣ Origins of Despair: The Creative Struggles Behind Both Anime
Space Runaway Ideon: Tomino’s Post-Gundam Bitterness
After the initial failure of Mobile Suit Gundam (1979), Tomino directed Ideon as an even darker take on war, fate, and existential destruction. Unlike Gundam, which balanced politics with character-driven drama, Ideon rejected optimism entirely.
The Ide energy is neither good nor evil—it simply judges humanity and deems it unworthy of survival. No negotiation, no escape. This reflects Tomino’s frustration with the anime industry and the world itself at the time.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Anno’s Depression and Self-Reflection
Anno created Evangelion during a deep struggle with depression, which influenced the series’ psychological themes. Unlike Ideon, where humanity fights an external force, Evangelion focuses on internal suffering—the fear of intimacy, self-destruction, and mental breakdown.
Shinji Ikari, the protagonist of Evangelion, represents Anno himself, struggling with the expectation to “pilot” (perform in society) despite his trauma. Similarly, Ideon explores existential despair but expresses it through large-scale destruction rather than personal conflict.
Thus, while both Ideon and Evangelion stem from personal frustration, Ideon externalizes despair through universal destruction, whereas Evangelion internalizes it through personal collapse.
3️⃣ Cosmic vs. Psychological Destruction: The Core Themes of Ideon and Evangelion
| Aspect | Space Runaway Ideon | Neon Genesis Evangelion |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Despair | Cosmic force (Ide energy) | Human psychology (trauma, relationships) |
| Threat Level | Universal extinction | Personal identity crisis |
| Key Message | Humanity is doomed regardless of its actions | Humans suffer due to their own weaknesses |
| Resolution | No survival – complete destruction | Possible personal growth, but uncertain |
Both series depict inescapable destruction, but their meaning differs:
- Ideon asks: “Is humanity worth saving?” (No.)
- Evangelion asks: “Can humans overcome their own flaws?” (Maybe.)
4️⃣ How Each Series Depicts Humanity’s Fate
Space Runaway Ideon: Unavoidable Apocalypse
- Humanity fights to control the Ide but never truly understands it.
- The final battle results in the complete annihilation of all life, as Ide deems humanity unworthy.
- The only “hope” is reincarnation in another universe, but this is uncertain.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Existential Breakdown
- Evangelion units are extensions of the pilots’ traumas rather than simple machines.
- Seele and NERV attempt to force Human Instrumentality, erasing all individuality.
- The ending (in both TV and movies) suggests personal decisions define existence—Shinji chooses whether to embrace or reject human connection.
5️⃣ The Endings: True Annihilation vs. Existential Rebirth
Ideon: The Most Brutal Ending in Mecha Anime
In The Ideon: Be Invoked (1982), everyone dies violently—no survivors, no redemption. The Ide collects their souls and departs, possibly allowing them to be reborn in another universe.
🚨 Final Message: Humanity was too flawed to survive, and the universe simply moved on.
Evangelion: Different Endings, Different Meanings
- TV Ending (1996) – Shinji accepts individuality, rejecting Instrumentality.
- The End of Evangelion (1997) – Humanity is almost wiped out, but Shinji chooses to live.
- Rebuild Movies (2021) – Shinji finally finds closure and moves forward.
🚨 Final Message: Despair is real, but change is possible—depending on personal choice.
6️⃣ Impact on the Mecha Genre and Anime Industry
Space Runaway Ideon’s Influence
Despite commercial failure, Ideon directly inspired Neon Genesis Evangelion, as well as:
- Gunbuster (1988) – Anno’s first major mecha anime, showing despair in war.
- Eureka Seven (2005) – Cosmic forces determining human survival.
- Gurren Lagann (2007) – A hopeful alternative to Ideon‘s nihilism.
Neon Genesis Evangelion’s Influence
Evangelion reshaped anime by:
- Introducing psychological mecha anime (RahXephon, Darling in the Franxx).
- Challenging traditional storytelling, making anime more introspective.
- Proving anime could be personal expression, not just entertainment.
7️⃣ Conclusion: Which Series Represents Despair More Profoundly?
✅ If cosmic nihilism and complete annihilation define despair → Ideon is the ultimate mecha tragedy.
✅ If personal suffering, introspection, and ambiguous hope define despair → Evangelion is the more relatable experience.
🎭 Ideon and Evangelion approach despair differently, but both remain monuments to human struggle and existential dread.
Which series do you think portrays despair more powerfully? 🤔