Tired of quiet, emotionally-troubled, manic-depressive protectors of the human race with short hair? Well you're in luck because tonight, Asuka Strikes!

Three-quarters German, one-quarter Japanese, and raised in the USA, Sohryu Asuka Langley, the second children, is the pilot of Eva Unit-02. Perfectly content with her role in protecting all of mankind, don't think for a moment that Asuka is a deathwish case like Shinji or Rei. They probably had to pry her out of the entry plug the first time she gave it a test run. Asuka is just the thing Nerv needs to offset its more reserved pilots. She's the hyper-achieving type that knows she's the best and just can't wait to show the world that she can save it.

Of course, outgoing types like her can't stand being stuck with quiet people like Rei and Shinji. Fortunately for them, she's quite free with letting everyone know what's on her mind. But don't be fooled by her pushy nature. She has a sensitive side also. Somewhere...

Thus, Asuka lightens the mood in Evangelion and makes defending humanity a little less painful and a little more fun, if only for a short while. Meanwhile, Shinji gets to adjust to life with a member of the opposite sex quite unlike any he has met before. And Rei... well nothing much bothers Rei. That's why she's cool.