McDonald's and Neon Genesis Evangelion Collaboration: Giant Robots Transform into the Menu!
One of the most iconic productions in the anime world, Neon Genesis Evangelion, has signed a historic collaboration with fast-food giant McDonald's as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. This campaign, launched in Japan, does not just offer special menus; it also brings back the "Changeables" concept that fans will remember from the 80s and 90s, offering massive toys that transform McDonald's products into Evangelion units.
At the center of the collection, the "McDonald's x Evangelion Value Set Figures" series represents the robots of the three main characters. The EVA-01 piloted by Shinji Ikari can transform into a Big Mac, Asuka Langley Soryu's EVA-02 unit into a pack of French fries, and Rei Ayanami's EVA-00 unit into a McShake cup. Priced at 3,900 yen (approximately 25 dollars), this set was initially distributed only via a lottery through the McDonald's Japan app, but due to high demand, it was also made available for direct sale at some branches.
The collaboration is not limited to toys; a special commercial prepared in partnership with Studio Khara brought together the series' original voice actors. The thematic burgers added to the menu are a true feast for fans. The A.T. Field-themed garlic mayo steak burger, the Asuka-inspired Mexican cheese chicken burger, and the double-cheese teriyaki burger bearing Shinji's colors are served in special NERV-themed packaging.
Created by Hideaki Anno and first aired in 1995, Neon Genesis Evangelion is known as a production that changed anime history with its philosophical depth and revolutionary mecha designs. Although the series has had many interesting collaborations in the past, from razor blades to luxury fashion brands, this latest McDonald's campaign once again proves the brand's unshakable place in popular culture. The transformation mechanisms of the toys, especially details like the head design of the EVA-01 emerging from under the hamburger bun, were found to be both fun and creative by collectors, receiving full marks.
For now, it is not yet clear whether this special collection will come to markets outside of Japan. However, the fact that the sets are already finding buyers for over 200 dollars on platforms like eBay shows how hungry the global Evangelion fan base is for these products. If you are a collector or a die-hard anime fan, it is worth keeping a close eye on this fun series, which has been dubbed "McCapitalistic Chaos."
