Chapter 238. Who Doesn't Want to Chase Their Dreams?
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As an animator who studied under Miyazaki Hayao, Anno Hideaki naturally inherited many of Miyazaki's views when creating his own work.
For instance, like Miyazaki, Anno prefers to captivate audiences through intricate visual effects and impactful scenes, rather than relying heavily on story alone. It's even said that he almost exhausted the budget of "Evangelion" while creating the intense battle scene between Unit-01 and the Angel in episode two.
Anno believes that the primary consideration for a work should be whether or not audiences enjoy it. In other words, can it meet the demands of the market? Only after addressing this crucial question—essentially a matter of survival—can artists pursue their own creative aspirations.
Under such an influence, Anno came to see "Evangelion" as mere work, while "Shin Ultraman" and "Shin Kamen Rider" became his true passions. Only by profiting from "Evangelion" could he fund these personal dreams.
Unlike Otsuki Toshimichi, who enjoys nurturing new talents in the industry through teaching roles at universities, Anno's professional perspective have shifted. Watching "Stardust Crusaders", he observed the climactic battle between Jotaro and DIO. Despite the "deus ex machina" plot device, the showdown only became more intense, suspenseful, and thrilling.
This fascination led Anno to focus entirely on "Stardust Crusaders". Especially intriguing was Jotaro's initial actions against DIO's time-stopping ability. Instead of using time stop himself, Jotaro ingeniously attached a magnet to DIO's bracelet during their close-range battle, exploiting speed and precision rather than supernatural powers.
As DIO discovered this ruse and realized the finger movement wasn't due to shared abilities but magnetic attraction, his overconfidence and lowered guard left him vulnerable, leading Jotaro to nearly land a fatal punch.
The concept of deus ex machina not detracting from the quality of "Stardust Crusaders" became less important. Instead, Anno found himself captivated by Jotaro and DIO's strategic duel, eager to see how Jotaro would survive and triumph over an opponent with a longer time-stopping ability.
With this mindset, Anno couldn't help but wonder: how could he apply this kind of "deus ex machina" approach to the "Evangelion" remake? Though he publicly stated his dislike for "Evangelion" and his tendency to "milk" fans, he couldn't deny its popularity, which remained resilient no matter his antics.
But what if this time, he didn't merely add a quirky collaboration or product tie-in, but instead boldly overhauled EVA's storyline? Would fans who've tolerated his antics for so long continue to endure? Even Anno, who rarely considers fan opinions, found himself questioning this.
Of course, he could avoid changing the plot entirely, but, as mentioned earlier, Anno's heart is set on dreams once "Evangelion" makes enough money. If he simply rehashes the original storyline, wouldn't it suggest he's creatively spent? So, a plot change is necessary—but how?
While Anno pondered this dilemma, unexpectedly, Green Dolphin Studio offered a solution—make it interesting! As long as the story is compelling, deus ex machina, angering original fans, or even adding a new female character for profit won't matter.
With this realization, Anno's interest shifted beyond just the battle between Jotaro and DIO. He now eagerly anticipated how "Stardust Crusaders" would develop next, drawn fully into the narrative.
…
"Hey, woman. Pick up my leg over there."
"Bring it here! And treat it with the respect of a flight attendant serving first-class passengers with fine wine and caviar!"
Inside the store where he'd been hurled, DIO commanded a nearby waitress as if he owned the place. By the time Jotaro pursued him, DIO's severed leg had already been reattached, and his chest wound healed with the "voluntary" donation of the waitress's blood. He looked as if he'd never been injured.
Don't rush—this second round has only just begun!
And perhaps, now that his hunger had been sated, DIO found himself with time to reflect. He could ponder why he nearly lost his life and, more intriguingly, identify the fatal flaw Jotaro had revealed about himself.