Evangelion Brings Back Unit-02’s 1995 Anime Design With Classic Model Kit Re-Release
Kotobukiya is bringing back one of Evangelion’s most iconic machines, confirming a new production run of its detailed Unit-02 model kit based on the original television anime.
The returning “Evangelion Type-02 TV Ver.” model kit recreates Asuka Langley Soryu’s red Evangelion from Neon Genesis Evangelion, complete with an extensive selection of weapons, interchangeable components, and accessories inspired by its appearances in the series.
Originally broadcast in 1995, Neon Genesis Evangelion followed Shinji Ikari and the other teenage pilots recruited by NERV to defend humanity against mysterious enemies known as Angels using giant biomechanical machines called Evangelions.
Unit-02 was introduced as the world’s first Production Model Evangelion, piloted by Asuka Langley Soryu, and became one of the anime’s most important machines thanks to its distinctive red armor and heavily armed combat capabilities.
Unlike the redesigned versions introduced throughout the later Rebuild of Evangelion movies, Kotobukiya’s returning kit, which was first released in 2014 before a further production run in 2024, is based directly on Unit-02’s appearance in the original television series.
The model stands approximately 19 cm tall when assembled, recreating the Eva’s familiar red, orange, and black coloring through a combination of molded plastic and selected pre-painted components.
One of its most interesting accessories is a large white cloak that allows builders to recreate Unit-02’s memorable introduction, with replacement components allowing the material to be secured around its shoulders and body.
Interchangeable head parts also make it possible to expose the Eva’s four eyes, recreating another important aspect of the machine’s design that is normally hidden beneath its protective head armor.
Kotobukiya has included several moving mechanisms that go further than conventional articulation, including an Entry Plug that extends from the back of the Eva as its rear armor opens.
The shoulder-mounted Progressive Knife compartments can also be displayed in their deployed configuration using replacement parts, while the neck incorporates linked movement that adjusts the throat section when the head is tilted upwards.
A similar mechanism moves the back armor when the shoulders are pushed forward, allowing more natural poses without the surrounding panels restricting the arms.
The kit also includes several of Unit-02’s signature weapons and equipment, including a Rocket Launcher, Sonic Glaive, Pallet Rifle, Progressive Knife, and detachable Umbilical Cable.
Multiple interchangeable hands are supplied for holding the weapons and recreating different gestures, alongside decals for the markings on the arms and shoulder armor.
An alternative rear section with a 3 mm connection point also allows the assembled model to be displayed using Kotobukiya’s separately sold M.S.G Flying Base stands, supporting airborne and more dynamic combat poses.
Kotobukiya has already confirmed the return of another version of Asuka’s Evangelion, with its New Unit-02 Alpha model kit also receiving a new production run in 2027.
Image by James RichardsonThat release recreates the heavily modified machine from Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, combining surviving sections of Unit-02 with an enormous mechanical lower body and additional equipment, making it a dramatically different interpretation of Asuka’s Eva.
The manufacturer is also bringing back its awakened Evangelion Unit-13 model kit, based on the machine’s transformation in Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo, complete with additional arms, a large halo and two spears.
The “Evangelion Type-02 TV Ver.,” priced at ¥8,580 (approximately $54 / £40), is currently available to pre-order at Kotobukiya’s official online store and reputable hobby goods retailers such as HobbyLink Japan, ahead of its release in July 2027.
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