An original Japanese B2 prize poster from 1996–1997, issued as an officially licensed SEGA promotional / prize item for its arcade vending machine poster series Poster Heroes (originally known as Poster Dream).
This is not a standard retail poster, but a rare arcade-prize issue from the height of the original Neon Genesis Evangelion phenomenon. More importantly, it is the highly desirable translucent tracing-paper / semi-transparent secret variant, a format now regarded by collectors as one of the most distinctive and elusive Evangelion paper items of the late 1990s.
The image
The poster features a striking portrait of Rei Ayanami, one of the defining characters of anime history. She is shown in a quiet, introspective pose, looking upward while adjusting her plugsuit, an image that perfectly captures the character’s fragile, enigmatic presence.
The composition is exceptionally restrained and elegant. Rei is rendered almost entirely in soft monochrome grey and white tones, with only her vivid crimson-red eyes breaking the palette. That selective use of colour creates the central emotional and visual focus of the piece, giving the poster an unusually refined and haunting quality.
The artwork was illustrated by Takeshi Honda, one of the most respected animators associated with the Evangelion era, and the image is especially notable for having originated as a cover illustration for Monthly Animage. Its later adaptation into this licensed SEGA prize format gives it a strong crossover appeal between anime, illustration, and game-center culture.
Design details
The design is minimal, spacious, and highly sophisticated.
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Top left: the classic SEGA logo
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Center left: “REI AYANAMI” printed in an elegant pink serif font
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Bottom left: official credits reading NEON GENESIS EVANGELION, with illustration credit to Takeshi Honda, production credit to Monthly Animage, and copyright to ©GAINAX / Project Eva.・テレビ東京・NAS
The sparse layout, pale ground, and restrained typography give the poster an almost gallery-like quality, quite unlike the more crowded commercial anime posters of the period.
The secret translucent variant
A major point of significance is the material itself.
This example is the coveted translucent / tracing-paper variant, sometimes regarded by collectors as the “secret” version from the SEGA poster machine line. The semi-transparent stock gives the poster a frosted, luminous presence and suits Rei Ayanami’s ethereal image remarkably well. When handled or displayed carefully, the material produces a softer, more atmospheric effect than ordinary paper stock.
Because these prize posters were distributed through amusement and vending systems rather than conventional retail channels, and because the translucent examples were inherently more delicate, surviving examples in strong condition are notably difficult to find.
Condition
Excellent condition.
The poster presents beautifully, with strong visual impact and a clean overall appearance. It remains a particularly appealing survivor given the inherent fragility of the translucent tracing-paper stock, which is much more delicate than standard poster paper. Any light signs of age or handling are consistent with the material and vintage, but overall it is a very well-preserved example.
Please review the photographs carefully, as they show the exact poster offered.
Summary
A rare original 1996–1997 SEGA Evangelion prize poster, and an especially desirable example due to its translucent secret-variant construction, iconic Rei Ayanami imagery, and Takeshi Honda artwork.
A superb collector’s piece from the formative years of Neon Genesis Evangelion and a highly atmospheric surviving artifact of 1990s anime culture.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
