Shinji was literally just Denji done right
>Traumatized teenager who tries to change for the better but regresses in a self destructive cycle
>Except one is surrounded by a cast of rich engaging characters, is in a story with a compelling plot and setting, and progresses in a logical way with a proper closure to his arc
>While the other is surrounded by a bunch of boring talking heads who have potential but inevitably get sidelined for his self pity sessions and continues going through the same arc again and again and again