Is Asuka the character of the comic-relief?

[C.A.P.]

It's an interesting idea to ponder; essel (the guy who told me this) says that because Asuka does all of these silly gestures sometimes in the show, that makes her a comic relief (or something of the sort, I'm sure he'll expand what he meant soon enough). Personally, I think that's generalizing some of her character throughout the first half, and it definitely contradicts who she became in the second half (although he's right that she does do comic moments throughout the show; he posted me a scene in episode 16 about that, some of the more silly things in episode 8 and 9, the majority of episode 10), but hey, maybe this can be a good excuse to see Asuka's character in a whole new light.

So what do you guys think?

[thewayneiac]

Uh... no. A comic relief character would be more along the lines of Kensuke or Pen Pen.

[Xard]

Pen Pen is comic relief character

Kensuke and Touji come next

[EvangelionFan]

I feel that the episodes of the action arc are the only times we could percieve Asuka's behaviour as being comical - and I should note that most of the instances in question involve Shinji reacting to her behaviour in an embarrassed, annoyed or confused manner, and it's those reactions that produce a bit of a chuckle or a smile from me.

[esselfortium]

I kind of wish you hadn't posted a thread about this, or at least that you had asked before posting to tell everyone I was going to write up a post to explain my position. I don't really feel like digging around for 'evidence' to support my opinion here; take it or leave it.

Anyway,

It's an interesting idea to ponder; essel (the guy who told me this)
[...]
it definitely contradicts who she became in the second half

This isn't really what I argued at all. I was referring to the first half of the series, specifically.

Anyway, I didn't say she was exclusively a comic relief character, but that she functions as one for much of the first half of the series. This wasn't intended to negate anything about her character, it was just a general statement.

And Kensuke and Toji aren't funny.

[Sailor Star Dust]

For whatever it's worth, I recall reading articles on NGE that both Misato and Asuka function as comic relief characters (of sorts) for the first half of the series, considering the second half gives them much darker facets to their personalities.

If I find the source(s) of that, I'll be sure to post them.

[supershinjiasukashipper]

I think Asuka and Shinji interacting was the comic relief. She bullies him and he make weak attempts at retaliation. Its comic relief and at times fanservice.

[Allemann]

The fan reaction to Eva is the comic relief.

[supershinjiasukashipper]

The fan reaction to Eva is the comic relief.

And sometimes the confirmation of rule 34.

[Eva Yojimbo]

Most of the central cast can be comic relief (except Rei) when the situation calls for it. Asuka and Misato get more comedic moments than the others because of their personalities. But Pen-Pen is truly the only pure comic relief in the series. Even Toji and Kensuke have their serious moments.

[Holy Diver]

I doubt it. She can be a comedic character, but her role in the story goes far beyond just being a reliable source of laughter. Remember, she was responsible for many of the more emotionally wrenching moments of the series as well.

[Sanger Zonvolt]

The fan reaction to Eva is the comic relief.

I couldn't agree more.

[Kendrix]

I don't see her being used for significantly more comic relief than the other characters in the action arc - she just has more screentime, but her fun stuff/serious stuff ratio should be below that of Kaji and the stooges.

[FreakyFilmFan4ever]

Pen Pen is comic relief character

Kensuke and Touji come next

That's odd. I don't remember them doing anything... funny. Except maybe when Toji punched out Shinji. That was pretty funny if you ask me, and a good introduction as to how humorous that character was gonna be throughout the rest of the series. Yay for funny Toji.

In all seriousness, I don't think you can place the role of "comic relief" on any one character. Misato was funny when drunk, Toji and Kensuke when they saw Misato, Asuka when she's "baka"ing Shinji or reacting to Hikari's crush on Toji, and it was just funny when Pen-Pen walked in on Asuka and Shinji kissing, even though he didn't actually do anything. He just kinda yawned and went back into his little cupboard.

I guess Asuka does have the most funny moments out of anyone in the series, and they most certainly are all stuffed in the first half of the series. But I also liked how it contrasted between Rei's personality and even Asuka's own personality throughout the second half of the series.

[Trajan]

No, if anything she's the Chew Toy of the series.

[beaverteeth92]

I'd say Misato is responsible for the majority of the comic relief. She does, after all, have the most extroverted and overtly-sexual personality.

[Combs]

The non-fan reaction to Eva is the comic relief.

fixed that for ya.

[Lament]

I'd say Misato is responsible for the majority of the comic relief. She does, after all, have the most extroverted and overtly-sexual personality.

Um, no? She's funny when drunk but overall her character is serious. She has her short-comings but she has a very serious part (especially with Shinji) later on the series. I don't even see her as overtly sexual but whatev.

Various characters have funny moments but only comic relief character is Pen Pen.

[DevRei17]

Asuka definitely lightens the mood but only in the first half.

[Allemann]

Shinji does it for me. Everything he did makes me laugh.