Akira

In 1982, manga artist/writer, Katsuhiro Otomo published a manga series called, “Akira.” Has zero connection to legendary director, Akira Kurosawa. Set in post-apocalyptic 2019 in Neo-Tokyo 31 Years after a nuclear explosion destroys the original Tokyo. A young biker thug named, Tetsuo and his best friend, Kaneda are chased by a rival biker gang. During a chase, the former had a near fatal bike accident. A top-secret government takes him. The next day, Tetsuo wakes up from a hospital. He obtains powers like telekinesis and random hallucinations. As a result, he loses his sanity going hellbent on humanity. It’s up to Kaneda to put an end to his chaos. The manga ran six volumes from 1982-1990. Katsuhiro himself adapted the series into an anime film. There’s been numerous attempts to adapt Akira into a live-action film. I doubt it’ll become a reality.

Released in 1988 (same year Die Hard came out) in Japan, Akira earned positive reviews and made enough yen at the box office. In the ’90s, an English Dub version introduced Americans to the film. It became a hit on home video earning a cult following. Gene Siskel & Roger Ebert called it their home video “pick of the week.” Like “Blade Runner,” Akira became a game changer influencing the cyberpunk genre in notable works.

• Ghost in the Shell
• Battle Angel Alita
• Final Fantasy VII
• The Matrix
• Cowboy Bebop
• Cyberpunk 2077

The Criterion Collection included the film on LaserDisc. I would love to see them re-release it on DVD/Blu-Ray. Recently, Katsuhiro Otomo announced he’s working on a manga series. As of late 2023, details are under wraps. In response to the news and honoring the 35th anniversary of Akira, I wanna share my thoughts on this game changer.

This review contains no crucial SPOILERS whatsoever. I’m giving you a chance to see it.

Powerful & Fatigue Aspects

Powerful: Johnny Yong Bosch (Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach) did an excellent job for his voiceover performance as Kaneda in the 2001 English Dub. You can also watch the Japanese Dub for an authentic experience. I’m happy Funimation restored it on 4K. They did it before Criterion.

For a film from 1988, the Animation surprisingly holds up. Seeing Neo-Tokyo makes me wanna buy Cyberpunk 2077’s DLC “Phantom Liberty.”

Action Sequences never hesitate to show blood and gore. Definitely not for kids. The first few minutes are ultraviolent.

Pacing didn’t feel like a drab. My eyes were glued to the screen.

The famous bike slide is referenced multiple times.

• Batman: The Animated Series – Robin’s Reckoning
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003) – Meet Casey Jones
• X-Men Origins: Wolverine
• Adventure Time – Go with Me
• Ready Player One
• Nope

Another famous scene with a character swelling with too much power is referenced in that one “South Park” episode known as “Trapper Keeper.” Plus, the final battle in Ang Lee’s “Hulk.”

Character Development involving Tetsuo. As the story progresses, he uses his powers for destruction while trying to figure out the meaning of Akira.

The movie takes place in 2019. Blade Runner also takes place in the exact same year.

A Plot Twist changes everything.

A Nightmare Sequence looks trippy. As if Atlus took notes for the video game, “Catherine.”

I have to give Akira credit for introducing Americans to anime. Without Akira, Toonami would’ve never aired “Dragon Ball Z,” “Gundam Wing,” “Sailor Moon” among many others. I’m proud to be an anime fan since Cartoon Network’s golden age. I still watch Toonami on Adult Swim.

If you’ve already seen the movie, the title makes absolute sense.

We learn about the government’s top secret shady project.

The Climatic Battle’s so intense.

Primary Themes are Human Experimentation, Nuclear War, Rebellion, Corruption & Power. Each one’s handled carefully.

I refuse to give away the Ending. You’ll have to see for yourself.

Fatigue: I couldn’t find nothing wrong.

The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!

Akira remains as a game changer in anime and the cyberpunk genre. Some of the positive stuff listed, indicates why this movie is a masterpiece. If you haven’t seen Akira, watch it right now. Which anime film or series should I watch next? Please leave a comment and I’ll reply back.