“Neon Genesis Evangelion” (新世紀エヴァンゲリオン), Original Japanese SEGA Character Poster c. 1996–1997 — Maya Ibuki — Illustrated by Shunji Suzuki, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) K181
This is an original Japanese B2 SEGA character poster dating to approximately 1996–1997, featuring Maya Ibuki / 伊吹マヤ, with artwork by Shunji Suzuki / 鈴木俊二.
The illustration credit is explicitly printed at the lower-left corner:
「原画 鈴木俊二」
“Original illustration: Shunji Suzuki.”
Set against a striking blue patterned floor, this full-length portrait gives one of Evangelion’s supporting characters the entire composition. Its combination of expressive character artwork, dramatic perspective and restrained typography makes it a distinctive example of SEGA’s original Evangelion character posters.
Film / series background
Created by Hideaki Anno, Neon Genesis Evangelion combines the conflict between the Evangelions and Angels with an intricate examination of the people working within NERV.
Maya Ibuki is a member of NERV’s technical staff, working closely with Ritsuko Akagi and monitoring the Evangelions from the organisation’s command centre. Her conscientious manner and sensitivity provide a human perspective on the increasingly disturbing events surrounding the pilots and their machines.
This design brings Maya out of the command-centre ensemble and presents her as the sole subject, making it particularly appealing to collectors interested in the series’ wider cast.
Poster design
Maya stands with her hands clasped behind her back, turning her head towards the viewer with a gentle smile. The elevated viewpoint gives the portrait a sense of depth, while her slightly angled posture introduces movement into the otherwise quiet composition.
She wears her familiar pale NERV uniform, with red shoulder panels, dark trim and a yellow sleeve insignia. White trousers and brown boots complete the figure, whose warm tones stand out against the cool background.
The floor is formed from large blue octagonal tiles separated by small dark squares. Their repeating pattern recedes into the distance, creating a strong perspective that draws attention towards Maya’s face.
A broad area of pale light enters from the upper left, introducing a warm glow across the blue surface. The contrast between this illuminated area and the deeper blues at right gives the setting an atmospheric quality.
Across the top, oversized pale serif lettering reads:
“NEON GENESIS EVANGELION”
Maya’s head overlaps the lower edge of the title, connecting the portrait with the typography.
The SEGA logo occupies the lower-right corner, accompanied by the GAINAX / Project Eva, TV Tokyo and NAS copyright line. Suzuki’s illustration credit balances these details at lower left.
Collecting significance
This poster combines a dedicated Maya Ibuki portrait, Shunji Suzuki’s credited artwork and SEGA’s association with Evangelion merchandise during the franchise’s early years.
Its focus on a supporting character gives it particular interest within an Evangelion collection, while the rich blue palette and geometric background provide strong decorative appeal.
It is an attractive example for collectors of Maya Ibuki, Neon Genesis Evangelion, SEGA memorabilia and Japanese anime illustration.
Condition
Excellent condition.
Reference: K181.
Please review all photographs, including the close-ups and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.
This is an original Japanese B2 SEGA character poster, dating to approximately 1996–1997, measuring approximately 51 × 73 cm.
It is now approximately 29–30 years old.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
