Eva Pseudo-Evolution

Eva Pseudo-Evolution 1st Phase: Arousal

Eva Pseudo-Evolution (エヴァ疑似シン化, Eva giji shinka) refers to the change into a god-like being that Evangelion Unit-01 undergoes during Near Third Impact in Evangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance.

1st Phase

The Initial Arousal Phase (第１覚醒形態, dai 1 kakusei keitai) involves the Eva's innate powers being unleashed. The eyes, mouth, and any luminescent armor sections glow red; the A.T. Field's defensive capacities increase and it also becomes a potent offensive weapon; the ability to project energy using the eyes develops; and a halo manifests. The pilot's plug depth approaches the "Great Beyond Depth", exceeding a value of 180, and he starts to transform into an energy being at risk of being unable to return to normal,

When Shinji Ikari resolves to save Rei Ayanami, whose soul is trapped inside the core of the 10th Angel, the Eva undergoes further changes in order to, ostensibly, satisfy this wish. The halo develops into a black hole-like vortex and energy wings start to manifest from the Eva's core. The pilot gains the ability to bridge from the entry plug to the Angel's core through the Eva's palms. According to Ritsuko Akagi, the Eva is "regaining its original form", "transforming itself into a divine entity close to God", and becoming an "energy condensate".

Eventually, the Eva's major blood vessels become visible through the armor, and the heart begins to emit a radiant light.

Eva Pseudo-Evolution 1st Phase
Official color model	Increased defensive capabilities.	Restoration of arm from A.T. Field.	Offensive A.T. Field usage.
Halo.	Great Beyond Depth.	Effect on pilot.	Firing eyebeam at Angel.

2nd Phase

2nd Phase (The Radiant Giant) -- 第２形態（通称　光の巨人）, dai 2 keitai (tsuujou hikari no kyojin) -- occurs after the being formed by the fusion of the 10th Angel's remains and Eva-00's core (containing Rei) merges into Eva-01. Immediately, a cross-shaped incision forms over the Geofront, with the vortex expanding overhead and pulling the ground toward it. Eva-01 is now a glowing giant with three red eyes, a dark "Angel" face, two cores, and giant Adams-like wings extending up toward the vortex: "energy condensed in the form of light, becoming a form of life no longer human". Dark chakras go down the body, and light pours from between the two cores.

Eva Pseudo-Evolution 2nd Phase
Preparing to fuse with Rei/Angel.	Radiant giant.	Close-up of face.	Pan shot.

Analysis

The pseudo-evolved Eva-01 bears a strong resemblance to the Adams, which are similarly winged, red-eyed "radiant giants" -- one of whom possesses a third eye, as well. Ritsuko says that Eva-01 is "regaining its original form", which falls in line with "pseudo-evolution"; that is, Eva-01 is not moving forward, but going backwards. Third Impact is also said to be a continuation of the Second, and Misato directly compares Eva-01's wings to the ones she saw fifteen years before. One potential implication is that Eva-01 is one of the Adams.

It is unclear precisely why Eva-01 becomes an agent of the world's destruction in response to Shinji's wish, although earlier in the film Rei said that "Eva is a mirror that reflects your heart." Further elaboration may also be found in Gendo's statement as he and Fuyutsuki look upon the devastated South Pole, "there are also those who desired this disastrous outcome. A world untainted by original sin that no man may enter." (Emphasis added.) Incidentally, the music piece that plays during Eva-01's awakening is entitled "Sin From Genesis".

References

• Official terms from Evangelion 2.0 Complete Records Collection. English translation provided in the book for 2nd phase only.