# Magmadiver

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{{good article}}
{{Infobox television episode
| series       = [Neon Genesis Evangelion](/source/Neon_Genesis_Evangelion)
| image        = Magmadiver.jpg
| image_size   = 
| caption      = [Asuka Langley Soryu](/source/Asuka_Langley_Soryu) showing her swimsuit, designed by [Yoshiyuki Sadamoto](/source/Yoshiyuki_Sadamoto), to [Shinji Ikari](/source/Shinji_Ikari) discussing on thermal expansion. The presence of fan service has been criticized by some viewers and reviewers.
| season       = 
| episode      = 10
| production   = 
| writer       = [Hideaki Anno](/source/Hideaki_Anno), Akio Satsukawa
| director     = Tsuyoshi Kaga, Kiroyuki Ishido
| airdate      = {{Start date|1995|12|06}}
| guests       = 
| length       = 22 minutes
| prev         = [Both of You, Dance Like You Want to Win!](/source/Both_of_You%2C_Dance_Like_You_Want_to_Win!)
| next         = [The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still](/source/The_Day_Tokyo-3_Stood_Still)
| episode_list = List of Neon Genesis Evangelion episodes
}}
{{nihongo foot|"'''Magmadiver'''"|マグマダイバー|Magumadaibā|group=lower-alpha|lead=yes}} is the tenth episode of the Japanese [anime](/source/anime) television series ''[Neon Genesis Evangelion](/source/Neon_Genesis_Evangelion)'', which was created by [Gainax](/source/Gainax). The episode, written by [Hideaki Anno](/source/Hideaki_Anno) and Akio Satsukawa and directed by Tsuyoshi Kaga and Kiroyuki Ishido, was first broadcast on [TV Tokyo](/source/TV_Tokyo) on December 6, 1995. The series is set fifteen years after a worldwide cataclysm and is mostly set in the futuristic, fortified city Tokyo-3. The series' protagonist is [Shinji Ikari](/source/Shinji_Ikari), a teenage boy who is recruited by his father [Gendo](/source/Gendo_Ikari) to the special military organization Nerv to pilot a gigantic, bio-mechanical [mecha](/source/mecha) named [Evangelion](/source/Evangelion_(mecha)) into combat with beings called [Angels](/source/Angel_(Neon_Genesis_Evangelion)). During the episode, [Asuka Langley Soryu](/source/Asuka_Langley_Soryu), a girl who is designated as the pilot of [Evangelion Unit-02](/source/Evangelion_(mecha)), tries to capture the eighth Angel, [Sandalphon](/source/List_of_Angels_in_Neon_Genesis_Evangelion), found in the magma chamber of a Volcano in a dormant state.

The episode continues the so-called 'action arc' of the series, making room for humor and teenage tones. The basic plot of "Magmadiver" took inspiration from a documentary called ''Life: A Long Journey of 4 Billion Years'' by [NHK](/source/NHK), and critics and official material on the series found references to trilobites, ''[The Andromeda Strain](/source/The_Andromeda_Strain_(film))'' and previous works by the Gainax studio.

"Magmadiver" drew a 9.5% audience share on Japanese television, the highest for an episode of ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' to date. It received an ambivalent or negative reception from critics, as it was considered [filler](/source/Filler_(media)) and full of excessive [fan service](/source/fan_service); the addition of erotic elements primarily used to please the audience. Other reviewers received the installment more positively, praising the humor, the battle against Sandalphon and Shinji's actions.

==Plot==
[Shinji Ikari](/source/Shinji_Ikari), pilot of the [mecha](/source/mecha) [Eva-01](/source/Evangelion_(mecha)), and [Asuka Langley Soryu](/source/Asuka_Langley_Soryu), his fellow pilot deputed to command the [Evangelion Unit-02](/source/Evangelion_(mecha)), continue their cohabitation at the home of [Misato Katsuragi](/source/Misato_Katsuragi) of the special agency Nerv, deputed to the annihilation of the [Angels](/source/List_of_Angels_in_Neon_Genesis_Evangelion). While their companions go on a trip to [Okinawa](/source/Okinawa_Island), the two pilots remain in the city of Tokyo-3 in case of an enemy attack.

Meanwhile, [Sandalphon](/source/List_of_Angels_in_Neon_Genesis_Evangelion), an Angel in a dormant state, enclosed in a chrysalis-like cocoon, is detected by the seismographic center of [Mount Asama](/source/Mount_Asama) and Misato. Nerv therefore decides to undertake an action to capture the dormant Angel. To do so, Asuka and the Eva-02 are equipped with a special pressure and lava-resistant suit, the Type D equipment. Asuka then dives into the volcanic magma chamber and captures the Angel. After capturing it, however, the Angel wakes up and attacks the Eva. Asuka, exploiting the principles of [thermal expansion](/source/thermal_expansion), defeats the enemy, and Shinji with his Eva-01 rescues her before she can become trapped in the magma.

==Production==
In 1993, [Gainax](/source/Gainax) wrote a presentation document for ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' entitled {{nihongo|''New Century Evangelion (tentative name) Proposal''|新世紀エヴァンゲリオン (仮) 企画書|Shinseiki Evangelion (kari) kikakusho|}} to find potential sponsor for the series, containing the initial synopsis for the planned episodes.<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=1 |page=26|publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref><ref name=Proposition>{{harvp|Nebbia|2023|loc=Cap. 2: La Proposition}}</ref> The ''Proposal'' document was then published in 1994<ref>{{harvp|Nebbia|2023|loc=Chap. 1: Lancement du Project Eva}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |date=2021 |title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Blue Ray Ultimate Edition Encyclopedia |chapter=History 1993-1999}}</ref> and it already included the "Magmadiver" plot.{{sfn|Marine|2021|p=68}} The original plan was for an episode centered on a magma fight to be the eleventh episode<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=19 |page=23|publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref> and an episode on a Nerv blackout to be the tenth one. During production, however, the episodes were reversed; what was supposed to be the eleventh episode became the tenth, while the draft on the tenth episode's blackout was used for "[The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still](/source/The_Day_Tokyo-3_Stood_Still)".<ref>{{Cite book|author=Gainax|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Newtype 100% Collection|date=1998|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|language=ja|isbn=4-04-852700-2|page=88}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Theatralical VHS Box Booklet|language=ja|publisher=King Amusement Creative|date=1997}}</ref> In the "Proposal" document, moreover, the seventeenth episode was also supposed to feature a romance comedy about Asuka's first date; some of the elements of the initial scenario then flowed into the tenth episode, especially in the scene where Asuka goes shopping with Kaji.<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=19 |page=26|publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref> "Magmadiver" was written by Akio Satsukawa in collaboration with [Hideaki Anno](/source/Hideaki_Anno),<ref name=Diffusion/><ref>{{harvp|Nebbia|2023|loc=Chap. 1: Production et catastrophes}}</ref> the director of the series,{{sfn|Porori|2009|p=88}} while the storyboards were edited by Anno himself and Tsuyoshi Kaga.<ref name=Booklet/><ref name=LD>{{cite book|language=ja|date=1995|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Genesis 0:5 Laserdisc Encyclopedia|chapter=Explanation|publisher=Starchild Stereo}}</ref> Anno also worked on Sandalphon's design.<ref name=Anges>{{harvp|Nebbia|2023|loc=Chap. 2: Les Anges}}</ref> Kaga and Hiroyuki Ishido worked together as the directors,<ref>{{Cite book|author=Gainax|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Newtype 100% Collection|date=1998|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|language=ja|isbn=4-04-852700-2|page=178}}</ref> while Shigeta Satoshi served as the chief animator.{{sfn|Poggio|2008|p=33}} [Takeshi Honda](/source/Takeshi_Honda_(animator)) designed Asuka's dress,<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book|volume=4|language=ja|publisher=[Kadokawa Shoten](/source/Kadokawa_Shoten)|page=6}}</ref> while Seiji Kio and Mitsumu Wogi worked as the assistant character designers.<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=44 |page=1|publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Data of Evangelion|publisher=Gainax|page=22|language=ja|year=2003|editor=Gainax}}</ref>

Writer Alexandre Marine noted how "Magmadiver" is one of the few episodes which is faithful to the original plan.{{sfn|Marine|2021|p=105}} The basic plot of "Magmadiver", centered on the character of Asuka, the focus of the series' "action arc",{{sfn|Marine|2021|p=99}} was written with a simple structure, featuring the classic beginning-development-end unfolding.<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book|volume=4|language=ja|publisher=[Kadokawa Shoten](/source/Kadokawa_Shoten)|page=23}}</ref> The defeat of the Angel is made possible by a creative application of a basic lesson of [thermodynamics](/source/thermodynamics){{sfn|Redmond|2004|p=139}} mentioned in the previous scenes, reprising the classic [robot anime](/source/mecha_genre) plot scheme of the 1970s, in which an element presented at the beginning of an episode becomes useful as a resolution to the concluding fight. For the plot staff also took inspiration from an [NHK](/source/NHK) special called ''Life: A Long Journey of 4 Billion Years'', which aired in Japan in 1994. ''Life'' features, among others, the prehistoric animal ''[Anomalocaris](/source/Anomalocaris)'',<ref name=Booklet>{{cite book |title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: Platinum Edition Booklet |volume=2 |publisher=ADV}}</ref>{{sfn|Marine|2021|p=106}} which inspired Sandalphon's appearance.{{sfn|Newtype Complete|p=47}}<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Newtype|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|date=March 1996|page=182|language=ja|title=「新世紀エヴァンゲリオン」設定資料集}}</ref>

For the fight against Sandalphon, set in [Mount Asama](/source/Mount_Asama),{{sfn|Glossary|1998|p=5}} special water glass was used to create a distortion effect.<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book|volume=4|language=ja|publisher=[Kadokawa Shoten](/source/Kadokawa_Shoten)|page=17}}</ref> A distorted cry of an infant was also used for the Angel's vocalizations at the start of the battle.<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book|volume=4|language=ja|publisher=[Kadokawa Shoten](/source/Kadokawa_Shoten)|page=19}}</ref> [Tomokazu Seki](/source/Tomokazu_Seki), [Junko Iwao](/source/Junko_Iwao), [Megumi Hayashibara](/source/Megumi_Hayashibara), [Tetsuya Iwanaga](/source/Tetsuya_Iwanaga_(voice_actor)),<ref>{{cite book |title=Eva Tomo no Kai|volume=5 |publisher=Gainax |language=ja|date=1996}}</ref> voice actors of several main characters in the series, played unidentified characters for "Magmadiver".<ref>{{cite book |date=2021|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Blue Ray Ultimate Edition Encyclopedia|chapter=Staff}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Data of Evangelion|publisher=Gainax|page=63|language=ja|year=2003|editor=Gainax}}</ref> Moreover, songs from ''Lila  ~ from Ys'', an album by Misato's voice actress [Kotono Mitsuishi](/source/Kotono_Mitsuishi), were used during the episode.{{sfn|Cannarsi|1998|p=44}} [Yoko Takahashi](/source/Yoko_Takahashi) also sang the final theme song of the installment,<ref>{{cite book |title=Eva Tomo no Kai|volume=6 |publisher=Gainax |language=ja|date=1996}}</ref>{{sfn|Cannarsi|1998|p=34}} a cover of the song "[Fly Me to the Moon](/source/Fly_Me_to_the_Moon)", later replaced with a version named "Asuka Main" in subsequent home video editions.<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=26 |page=26|publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: Platinum Edition Booklet |volume=4|chapter=Fly Me to the Moon |publisher=ADV}}</ref>

==Cultural references and themes==
{{multiple image
| footer = Critics and official materials on the series have identified references to [trilobite](/source/trilobite)s, the works of [Kenji Yanobe](/source/Kenji_Yanobe) and the [biblical Magi](/source/biblical_Magi) in 'Magmadiver'.
| align = left
| image1 = Trilobite sections-en.svg
| width1 = 195
| alt1   = 
| image2 = Yanobe Sun Child Haifa 090912 03.jpg
| width2 = 154
| alt2   = 
| image3 = Jurij Šubic - Poklon sv. treh kraljev.jpg
| width3 = 118
| alt3   = Oil painting depicting a woman with a child, surrounded by three richly decorated men on the left and another man in a manger on the top
}}

The episode contains several references to works of fiction or real existing elements, such as the [biblical Magi](/source/biblical_Magi),<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book|volume=4|language=ja|publisher=[Kadokawa Shoten](/source/Kadokawa_Shoten)|page=10}}</ref>{{sfn|Glossary|1998|pp=133, 158}} the film ''[Blue Christmas](/source/Blue_Christmas_(film))''<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book|volume=4|language=ja|publisher=[Kadokawa Shoten](/source/Kadokawa_Shoten)|page=11}}</ref>{{sfn|Glossary|1998|p=143}} and names used in diving competitions.<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book|volume=4|language=ja|publisher=[Kadokawa Shoten](/source/Kadokawa_Shoten)|page=16}}</ref>{{sfn|Cannarsi|1998|p=30}}{{sfn|Glossary|1998|p=132}} The Boa beer that Misato drinks in the first scene refers to the Boa juice that appears in the anime movie ''[Flying Phantom Ship](/source/Flying_Phantom_Ship)'' (1969),<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book|volume=4|language=ja|publisher=[Kadokawa Shoten](/source/Kadokawa_Shoten)|page=7}}</ref>{{sfn|Glossary|1998|p=148}} while the name of the Kermadec-3 probe, used for the Angel Sandalphon investigation, comes from the volcanic [Kermadec Islands](/source/Kermadec_Islands) in [New Zealand](/source/New_Zealand).<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=8|page=23|publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref> The name Kermadec is also mentioned in the television series ''[Japan Sinks](/source/Japan_Sinks)''{{sfn|Glossary|1998|p=52}} and in an episode of Gainax's ''[Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water](/source/Nadia%3A_The_Secret_of_Blue_Water)''.{{sfn|Cannarsi|1998|pp=44-45}}

When Asuka complains about the Japanese school system, Misato responds by telling her, "When in the village, follow the village". The phrase is a proverb from an ancient Japanese text called {{nihongo|''Dojikyo''|童子教}}.{{sfn|Glossary|1998|p=54}} The scenes in which Misato requests the A-17 order and Shinji spots UN planes in the sky are an homage to ''[The Andromeda Strain](/source/The_Andromeda_Strain_(film))'' (1971).{{sfn|Cannarsi|1998|p=45}} Moreover, the Type D equipment has been compared with the works of [Kenji Yanobe](/source/Kenji_Yanobe), a Japanese artist popular within the otaku subculture.{{sfn|Morikawa|1997|pp=30-31}}

"Magmadiver" also introduces elements regarding the mysteries and the scenario of the series, such as the origin of the Angels.{{sfn|Cannarsi|1998|p=28}} According to a guide on the original series contained in the game ''Neon Genesis Evangelion RPG'', the Sandalphon episode suggests dormant, larval Angels are hidden around the world.{{sfn|Nakazawa|1996|p=36}} An official encyclopedia on the series links this with the biblical [Book of Enoch](/source/Book_of_Enoch), in which the word "Heaven", the abode of angels, actually refers to an Earthly location;<ref>{{cite book|language=ja|date=1995|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Genesis 0:7 Laserdisc Encyclopedia|chapter=Encyclopedia|publisher=Starchild Stereo}}</ref> because Sandalphon is discovered in the [magma chamber](/source/magma_chamber) of a volcano, ''Evangelion'' Angels exist "in the same world as ours".<ref>{{cite book |date=2021|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Collector's Edition Encyclopedia|chapter=使徒 Angels}}</ref> Sandalphon itself is inspired by prehistoric or living creatures, such as the [common dab](/source/common_dab)<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book|volume=4|language=ja|publisher=[Kadokawa Shoten](/source/Kadokawa_Shoten)|page=78}}</ref> and [trilobite](/source/trilobite)s.<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book|volume=4|language=ja|publisher=[Kadokawa Shoten](/source/Kadokawa_Shoten)|page=20}}</ref> According to writer Virginie Nebbia, for Sandalphon's battle staff took inspiration from the novel'' [Sundiver](/source/Sundiver)'' by [David Brin](/source/David_Brin).<ref name=Diffusion>{{harvp|Nebbia|2023|loc=Chap 1: Diffusion à la télevision}}</ref>{{sfn|Glossary|1998|p=154}} In an interview Hideaki Anno confirmed that he took inspiration from Brin's book for the episode title, but that he never read it.<ref>{{cite web|language=ja|access-date=15 June 2020|url=http://homepage3.nifty.com/mana/siryou4-1.htm|title=SFマガジン 1996年8月号 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211222043/http://homepage3.nifty.com/mana/siryou4-1.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 February 2015}}</ref> Nebbia also compared the scene in which Asuka's plugsuit inflates with [Akio Jissoji](/source/Akio_Jissoji)'s work on ''[Ultraman](/source/Ultraman)'', in which the enemy Skydon inflates in a comical way,<ref>{{harvp|Nebbia|2023|loc=Chap. 3: L'Ultraman de Jissôji}}</ref> and the soundtrack "Magmadiver" with the [James Bond](/source/James_Bond) movies music.<ref>{{harvp|Nebbia|2023|loc=Chap. 3: Both of You, Dance Like You Want to Win!}}</ref>

"Magmadiver", like the previous two episodes, has a light, humorous tone and a strong action component, with a predominant focus on the psychology of Asuka's character. [Comic Book Resources](/source/Comic_Book_Resources)' Devin Meenan described the installment as "the closest ''Evangelion'' gets to filler", and the battle against Sandalphon as "one of the more conventional of the series".<ref>{{cite web|author=Devin Meenan|url=https://www.cbr.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-lightest-darkest-episodes/|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: The 5 Darkest Episodes (& 5 Lightest)|date=8 January 2022 |publisher=Comic Book Resources|access-date=13 January 2022|archive-date=13 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113110201/https://www.cbr.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-lightest-darkest-episodes/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[Dengeki Online](/source/Dengeki_Online)'' noted how the episodes from "[Asuka Strikes!](/source/Asuka_Strikes!)" to "Magmadiver" have a "classic ''[shōnen](/source/sh%C5%8Dnen)'' mecha charm".<ref>{{cite web|language=ja|access-date=13 October 2024|url=https://dengekionline.com/articles/160753/|title=「私の唇奪おうとしたくせに！」アスカとシンジのユニゾン回“瞬間、心、重ねて”【エヴァンゲリオン再放送】|date=28 November 2022|publisher=Dengeki Online}}</ref> Japanese academic Yuya Sato similarly noted how "Magmadiver" notably features elements typical of ''shōnen'' [manga](/source/manga), although ''Evangelion'', especially in its second part, has many elements for girls' comics, named ''[shōjo manga](/source/sh%C5%8Djo_manga)''. They would therefore, according to Sato, constitute a lure to attract men to ''shōjo''.{{sfn|Morikawa|1997|p=82}} According to [DVD Talk](/source/DVD_Talk), the arc adds a lot more "heart and soul" to the story, with a combination of action, comedy and even dramatic moments.<ref name=DVDTalk>{{cite web|publisher=DVD Talk|website=dvdtalk.com|access-date=17 November 2024|url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review/12584|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: Volume 2 (Platinum Collection)|date=21 September 2004|author=Randy Miller III|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122110217/https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review/12584|archive-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> In the last scene, moreover, Asuka and Misato talk during sunset and Asuka reveals that she has a past that she doesn't want to show to other people.{{sfn|Newtype Complete|p=35}}<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Newtype|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|date=February 1996|page=17|language=ja|title=謎の深淵}}</ref> According to writer Dennis Redmond, "the motif of the fading sun is not an accident"; this moment of "relative equilibrium", where the various registers of comedy and tragedy, childhood and adulthood, seem to coexist "in relative harmony", is slowly disintegrated in future episodes.{{sfn|Redmond|2004|p=140}}

==Reception==
"Magmadiver" was first broadcast on December 6, 1995, and drew a 9.5% audience share on Japanese television, the highest for an episode of ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' to date.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Newtype|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|date=March 1996|page=74|language=ja|title=Anime Land}}</ref> Merchandise on the episode has also been released,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.evastore.jp/11350.html|title=COSPAより「ネルフ 手帳型スマホケース」138サイズと158サイズやエヴァンゲリオン D型装備 プルオーバーパーカーが再販売!!|date=20 March 2019 |publisher=Evangelion Store|language=ja|access-date=23 July 2022|archive-date=27 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627123748/http://blog.evastore.jp/11350.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.evastore.jp/shop/g/gA7001101/|title=新世紀エヴァンゲリオン 全話Tシャツ 「第拾話 マグマダイバー」|publisher=Evangelion Store|language=ja|access-date=23 July 2022|archive-date=28 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328211505/https://www.evastore.jp/shop/g/gA7001101/|url-status=live}}</ref> including a line of official T-shirts.<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=10 |page=28|publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja }}</ref>{{sfn|Porori|2010|p=125}} Moreover, according to the website [Usgamer](/source/Gamer_Network), a reference to the Type D equipment can be found in the Gold Saucer of the video game ''[Final Fantasy VII](/source/Final_Fantasy_VII)''.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=20 May 2020|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/7-games-to-play-after-watching-neon-genesis-evangelion-on-netflix|title=7 Games to Play After Watching Neon Genesis Evangelion on Netflix|website=[Usgamer](/source/Gamer_Network)|date=21 June 2019|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101020815/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/7-games-to-play-after-watching-neon-genesis-evangelion-on-netflix|url-status=live}}</ref>

The episode had an ambivalent reception from anime critics.  Max Covil of [Film School Rejects](/source/Film_School_Rejects) criticised the episode for the presence of fan service, arguing that it did not live up to the previous two.<ref>{{cite web|first=Max|last=Covill|publisher=Film School Rejects|website=Filmschollrejects.com|url=https://filmschoolrejects.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-ranked/2/|title=Every Episode of 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' Ranked|date=17 June 2019|access-date=21 March 2021|archive-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108222245/https://filmschoolrejects.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-ranked/2/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Anime Café's Akio Nagatomi described "Magmadiver" as "the Japanese equivalent of a Saturday-morning special - not bad, but not spectacular".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abcb.com/eva/eva_t010.htm|title=Shinseiki Evangelion Review - Episode 10: Magmadiver|publisher=The Anime Café|access-date=23 July 2022|archive-date=23 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723102625/https://www.abcb.com/eva/eva_t010.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The writers of [Screen Rant](/source/Screen_Rant) ranked the confrontation against Sandalphon among the lowest on the list of best battles in the series.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=16 May 2021|publisher=Screen Rant|website=Screenrant.com|url=https://screenrant.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-battles-ranked/|title=Every Battle in Neon Genesis Evangelion Ranked|date=7 July 2019|first=Jack|last=Cameron|archive-date=17 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117215451/https://screenrant.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-battles-ranked/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=7 November 2021|url=https://screenrant.com/evangelion-best-fight-scenes/|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: The 10 Best Fight Scenes In The Anime, Ranked|date=7 May 2021|publisher=Screen Rant|first=Adam|last=Beach|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519181913/https://screenrant.com/evangelion-best-fight-scenes/|url-status=live}}</ref> [Yahoo](/source/Yahoo) wrote, "Pretty funny by the low standards of horndog anime, but with one of the weakest Angel battles in the series, the episode offers little reason to revisit".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/every-neon-genesis-evangelion-episode-180010253.html|title=Every 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' Episode, Ranked from Best to Worst|date=7 February 2025|publisher=Yahoo! Entertainment|access-date=28 February 2025}}</ref>Jacob Parker-Dalton of Otaquest noted how the episode is hated in the fanbase, but defended it and praised the tension of the battle in the magma chamber,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.otaquest.com/three-excellent-episodic-evangelion-episodes/|title=Mind, Magma, Darkness: Three Excellent Episodic Evangelion Episodes|date=1 February 2021|publisher=Otaquest|author=Jacob Parker-Dalton|access-date=8 June 2022|archive-date=8 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608000307/https://www.otaquest.com/three-excellent-episodic-evangelion-episodes/|url-status=live}}</ref> while the [Supanova Expo](/source/Supanova_Expo) website mentioned Shinji's rescue of Asuka as one of the character's best moments.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.supanova.com.au/the-best-moments-of-shinji-ikari-in-neon-genesis-evangelion/ |title=The Best Moments Of Shinji Ikari In 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' |first=Kristy |last=Anderson |date=June 4, 2020 |website=Supanova.com.au |access-date=July 23, 2020 |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108222026/https://www.supanova.com.au/the-best-moments-of-shinji-ikari-in-neon-genesis-evangelion/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== References ==
{{Notelist}}

=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book| date = 1997 | first=Kaichiro|last= Morikawa|title=The Evangelion Style|publisher=Daisan Shokan|language=ja|isbn=4-8074-9718-9}}
* {{cite book |title=新世紀エヴァンゲリオンRPG NERV白書 |publisher=Kadokawa Shoten |language=ja|date=1996 |first=Mitsuhiro|last=Nakazawa |isbn=4-04-714513-0}}
* {{cite book| title = エヴァンゲリオン用語事典 第2版| date = 1998| publisher = 八幡書店| language = ja| isbn= 978-4-89350-327-5| ref = {{harvid|Glossary|1998}}}}
* {{cite book |first=Gualtiero|last= Cannarsi|title=Evangelion Encyclopedia|volume=5 |date=1998 |publisher=[Dynamic Italia](/source/Dynamic_Italia) |language=it}}
* {{cite book | first=Dennis|last=Redmond|title=The World is Watching: Video as Multinational Aesthetics, 1968–1995|date=2004|publisher=Southern Illinois University Press|isbn=0-8093-2535-7}}
* {{cite book|title=Newtype Complete 新世紀エヴァンゲリオン|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|year=2005|language=ja|ref={{harvid|Newtype Complete}} }}
* {{Cite book|first=Alessandra|last=Poggio|language=it|year=2008|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Encyclopedia|publisher=[Dynit](/source/Dynit)}}
* {{cite book |year= 2009 |first= Syunsou |last= Porori|title=The Essential Evangelion Chronicle: Side A|language=fr |publisher=[Glénat Editions](/source/Gl%C3%A9nat_Editions) |isbn=978-2-7234-7120-6}}
* {{cite book |first= Syunsou |last= Porori|title=The Essential Evangelion Chronicle: Side B|language=fr |publisher=Glénat |date=2010|isbn=978-2-7234-7121-3}}
* {{cite book|language=fr|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: Le renouveau de l'animation japonaise|last=Marine|first= Alexandre|date=2021|publisher=Pix'n love Editions|isbn=978-2-37188-093-1}}
* {{cite book |last1=Nebbia |first1=Virginie |title=La Saga Evangelion: L'oeuvre d'une vie |language=fr |publisher=Third Editions |date=2023 |isbn=978-2-3778-4430-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TT7aEAAAQBAJ |access-date=2023-10-25 |archive-date=2023-10-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025081027/https://books.google.it/books?id=TT7aEAAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&hl=it#v=onepage&q&f=false#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb episode|0781957}}

{{Neon Genesis Evangelion}}

Category:1995 Japanese television episodes
Category:Neon Genesis Evangelion episodes
Category:Science fiction television episodes
Category:Anime and manga controversies

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Magmadiver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magmadiver) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magmadiver?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.