Series & First Appearance
Mari Illustrious Makinami is a character from the Rebuild of Evangelion film series, specifically debuting in "Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance." The series is part of the renowned Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise, originally created by Hideaki Anno and produced by khara.
Profile at a Glance
Mari is depicted as a 14-year-old Evangelion pilot who operates the unique Provisional Evangelion Unit-05. Unlike previous Evas, Unit-05 is equipped with four mechanical legs that end in wheels and lacks traditional hands, instead wielding a jousting lance and a claw. Her affiliations include NERV, the organization responsible for defending humanity against Angels.
Personality & Motivations
Mari exhibits a carefree and enthusiastic demeanor, showing a marked enjoyment in her role as an Eva pilot. She often sings over the comms during battles, indicating a blend of confidence and a cavalier attitude towards the dire circumstances she faces. Her motivations appear to stem from a genuine love for piloting rather than any specific burdens or traumas that affect other characters. She is also notably more informed about NERV’s operations than her peers, which highlights her intelligence and ability to navigate NERV’s political landscape.
Abilities / Powers
Mari possesses several standout skills in combat, largely attributed to her unique piloting style and knowledge of the Evangelion systems. Her driving abilities are enhanced by her specially designed plugsuit, which allows for better maneuverability through connected tubes. She’s adept in accessing various operational backdoors of her Eva and exhibits a combat style that is both aggressive and playful. However, her emotional investment in piloting also brings moments of recklessness, suggesting that her skills can lead to unpredictable outcomes in high-stress situations.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Throughout the Rebuild films, Mari serves as both a supporting character and a catalyst for key narrative developments. In "Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance," she first battles the Angel Shamshel, showcasing her unconventional piloting skills. Her interactions with Shinji Ikari and the other pilots introduce a fresh dynamic to the team, pushing them to confront their past traumas and insecurities. In "Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo," Mari’s assertiveness and knowledge of the Evas become pivotal as the story’s stakes rise, demonstrating her growth as a pilot and a character.
Notable Relationships
Mari’s relationships are primarily defined through her interactions with other pilots, including Shinji Ikari and Asuka Langley Shikinami. While she often acts in a teasing manner towards them, her unexpected camaraderie offers a blend of humor and support in an otherwise tense atmosphere. Her relationship with NERV, particularly with the organization’s higher-ups, reveals her cunning and insightful nature, indicating that she understands the ramifications of being an Eva pilot far beyond mere combat.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of the most memorable scenes featuring Mari occurs during her debut battle against Shamshel, where she demonstrates unorthodox tactics while confidently singing a catchy tune over the comms. This moment underscores her character’s delight in piloting and marks her as a standout figure in a series often overshadowed by its darker themes. One of her notable quotes, “I’m ready when you are!” encapsulates her carefree attitude and eagerness to engage in combat, leaving a lasting impact on fans who appreciate her spirited personality.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Mari was designed by character designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, who aimed to introduce a more whimsical element to the series through her character. Although she has garnered a considerable fanbase, Mari’s role in the original manga is non-canonical; she makes a brief appearance in a bonus chapter after the main storyline that explores her as a 16-year-old university student and Yui Ikari’s admirer. Despite this, Sadamoto himself remarked that this storyline is primarily fan service rather than part of the official narrative. In popularity polls, Mari often ranks highly among Evangelion characters, reflecting her resonance with audiences and her unique presence in the Rebuild series.
Overall, Mari Illustrious Makinami stands as a multifaceted character in the Evangelion universe, bridging humor, skill, and depth in a story often filled with complex emotions and tensions. Her contributions to both the narrative and the pilot team dynamics create an engaging rapport that enriches the franchise as a whole.
