Neon Genesis Evangelion (commonly referred to as NGE, Eva, or Evangelion) is a commercially and critically successful, influential, and popular Japanese anime that began in October 1995. The series launched the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise. The anime was created by Gainax, written and directed by Hideaki Anno and co-produced by TV Tokyo and Nihon Ad Systems (NAS). It’s an apocalyptic mecha action series that centers on the efforts of a paramilitary organization, NERV, in its fight against monstrous beings called “Angels,” primarily using giant mecha called “Evangelions.” These are piloted by select teenagers, one of whom is the primary protagonist.