ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版
The character has had a mixed response from anime and manga publications. Although his complexity was praised and generally considered realistic, he was criticized for his insecurity and weakness. Shinji's characterization in the spin-offs and the "Rebuild of Evangelion" films, however, received more positive comments for his more courageous and self-confident personality, especially in the second instalment of the saga, "". Shinji has placed highly in popularity polls and has been the subject of scholarly study. Merchandise based on the character, including action figures and perfumes, has been marketed.