Closer to the topic: I really don't think the ending of RahXephon ripped NGE off at all, though there are many who draw the obvious parellels ("remaking" reality--flawed parallel obviously, but often cited regardless, psycho-trip, a whole lotta cast-killin', etc.). Also,
It's pretty far from a clone even on the narrative's structure, content, and execution levels, but I think it's impossible to say that it was subtle in how blatantly NGE influenced its aesthetics and dynamics. Really, NGE's conflict revolved around the characters' personal struggles with themselves & each other while simultaneously alienating the "ENEMY" to be portrayed more as a force of nature rather than a sympathetic 'side'. RahXephon plays a lot more with this (rather generic and overdone IMO) "Us Vs. Them" conflict between the Humans and the Mu. There are still conflicts between the characters, but there's far more effort put into developing the Mu/Human dichotomy. In this respect it isn't necessarily inferior to NGE at all--it's actually quite different. Just not quite as well executed, which is understandable due to NGE's complete bait & switch tactics concerning plot & content. RahXephon was already working with themes that had been done many times before even within anime, NGE not as much.cogitoergosum wrote:With that being said I believe it is unfair to view RahXephon as an Evangelion clone.