NOTE: This review is a continuation of my reviews of this series. If you have not seen any of the volumes or my previous reviews, you risk spoilers by continuing.
 
The Intro
 
In Volume 7 of this series so many of my little anime prayers are answered when we are given three episodes that do almost nothing but give us tons and tons of history! It is in this volume that we learn about the history of NERV, the history of Asuka, some of the history of Rei and so much more! In three little episodes, so many of the questions that I’ve been asking myself while being incredibly confused are finally answered! While it would’ve been nice if all my questions had been answered, I’m willing to take what I can get at this point!
 
The Story
 
Three episodes are given to us in this volume. The first one is definitely a shocker for me and the saddest episode of the series by a long shot. It is in this episode that we learn about the history of NERV. Through means of flashbacks from various people and the interrogation of one of NERV’s top officials we learn why it was formed, how it was formed and what it’s first real purpose was. We also learn about Shinji’s parents, Ritsuko’s mother and Misato’s past with Kaji. While this isn’t the sad part, the sad part does come at the end of the episode in the form of one of the best recurring characters of the series dying.
 
In the second episode, we get to deal with the past of Asuka and find out why she always feels the need to be such a loud, competitive pain in the butt! This episode reveals so much about Askua and if you’re an Askua fan boy (like I am hehe) then you can officially classify this episode as a tear jerker as well. Askua goes through tons of development and mental anguish in this episode. Not only from her past but also from things that come up in her present life which are very close to pushing her over the edge mentally.
 
In the final episode of the volume we are thrown for a major loop as a couple of things are revealed to us that you wouldn’t see coming if you were a psychic! In this episode, the 16th Angel attacks and starts trying to fuse with Rei and her Eva. In a last ditch, desperate attempt to win the battle Rei sets off her Evas self destruct function which destroys the Angel but also herself but alas, not everything at NERV makes sense as it turns out that Rei has survived the explosion virtually unharmed. It is in this episode that we learn the truth behind Rei and who she is and believe me, you’ll want to keep something soft on the floor in front of you to catch your jaw when it drops!
 
The Good and the Bad
 
This episode answered tons and tons of questions that I’ve been asking myself since the beginning and so that alone earns it a recommendation from me!
 
Music
 
None of the music stood out too much except for one scene in the second episode where “Hallelujah” is played. I won’t tell you why it is played but I think that it’s an incredibly intresting choice that actually works. It may be a bit disturbing at first or surprising but it really does work there.
 
Extras
 
Just more character bios that shouldn’t be read before watching the episodes.
 
Overall
 
I’m willing to give this volume my recommendation because answers are given where questions have been ignored for so long. It is a very solid volume that answers questions and really manages to get me to pay attention where I’ve been barely able to stay awake thus far.