Ask John: How Do You Pronounce Evangelion?

Question:
I was wondering about the correct pronounciation of “Evangelion.” I had previously thought that it was “ee-van-gel-on” but I then realized that there was an “I” before the last “on” and also that the first “E” was most likely not elongated.

Also I had a question on the subject of Spike Spiegel. Jet seems to have a pet name for him, which sounds something along the lines of “Spaiku” (rhyming with Haiku). I was wondering about the significance of this name, and whether or not it is in fact a nickname, and also the proper English spelling of the name.

Answer:
The title “Evangelion” is spelled in katakana, “E-vu-an-ge-li-o-n.” In phonetic Japanese it’s pronounced:

“E” pronounced “eh” as in “elephant”
“van” as in “vanguard”
“ge” as in “get”
“li” as in “leader”
“on” as in “onion”

Jet Black does not have a nickname for Spike. “Spaiku” is simply “Spike” said with a natural Japanese accent.