Title : AKIRA
Written by : Katsuhiro Otomo
Published by : Kodansha
Magazine : Young Magazine
Original run : 1982 – 1990
Volumes : 6
A milestone in science fiction manga
Synopsis
In 1982, a new type of bomb explodes and destroys Tokyo. This triggered the outbreak of World War III. And in 2019, the world was on the way to rebuilding. In “Neo-Tokyo,” the new capital built on Tokyo Bay, the city was prospering, but at the same time it was in a state of turmoil, with anti-government protesters and police clashing. The old city (the former Tokyo) was also about to be redeveloped in anticipation of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. One day, a motorcycle gang team led by Kaneda was riding a motorcycle on a no-entry highway leading to the old city. Tetsuo is riding in the lead when suddenly a white-haired boy who looks like an old man appears in front of him. Tetsuo is unable to avoid him and causes an accident, injuring himself. The white-haired boy and Tetsuo are taken away by a military helicopter that immediately appears. While Kaneda searches for Tetsuo, he meets a young girl, Kei. She is a member of an anti-government guerrilla group, who is pursuing the truth about a top-secret research project by the military. At the same time, Tetsuo is being given a powerful drug at a military research facility, and his psychic abilities are being awakened.
Review
“AKIRA” is a science fiction manga characterized by a detailed drawing style and cyberpunk-like worldview that is hard to believe that it was created in 1982. Otomo’s realistic skyscrapers, figures, and elaborate mechanical vehicles such as motorcycles breathed new life into manga, where deformation had been the norm until then. The impact of his work at the time of its release was great, and it influenced subsequent manga and anime works. The story is sometimes said to be complicated and difficult to follow despite its grandeur, but even this is part of the charm of “Akira”. In 1988, an animated version was produced by Otomo himself, which is also highly recommended.
