Akira

Akira

Akira is a groundbreaking cyberpunk manga and anime that revolutionized the medium with its stunning visuals and complex narrative.

Category
Anime/Manga
Release Year
1982
Origin
Japan
Tags
anime
manga
cyberpunk
sci-fi

Detailed Overview Information

Basic Information

Full Name
Akira
Aliases
Akira
Type
Media
Release Year
1988
Status
Released
Origin
Japan
Region
Japan

Creation Information

Creator
Katsuhiro Otomo
Publisher
Kodansha
Original Work
Akira manga series
Genre
Cyberpunk, Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller

Content Information

Synopsis
Set in post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo, Akira follows Kaneda and his psychically powerful friend Tetsuo as they become involved in a government conspiracy involving psychic children and the mysterious Akira.
Main Characters
Shotaro Kaneda, Tetsuo Shima, Kei, Colonel Shikishima, Akira
Setting
Neo-Tokyo, 2019 (manga) / 2030s (film), post-apocalyptic Japan
Themes
Power and corruption, Friendship and betrayal, Government conspiracy, Psychic abilities, Urban decay
Target Audience
Mature audiences

Characters

Akira
EsperNoneMale10

Akira is the legendary esper whose immense psychic powers caused the destruction of Tokyo in 1988. Though physically a c...

Abilities: Reality Manipulation, Psychic Energy Control, Dimensional Transcendence...
Quotes:
""I am... Akira.""
""I am the beginning and the end.""
""Power flows through all things.""
esperpsychiclegendary
View Details
Kaneda Shoutarou
ProtagonistCapsule GangMale16

The charismatic leader of the Capsule motorcycle gang. A fearless and loyal friend who becomes determined to save Tetsuo...

Abilities: Expert motorcycle rider, Combat skills, Leadership...
Quotes:
""That's Mr. Kaneda to you, punk!""
""Tetsuo!""
""I'm not about to let you get away!""
protagonistgang leaderbiker
View Details
Kei
supportingResistanceFemale17

A member of the resistance movement fighting against the government. She becomes involved with Kaneda and plays a crucia...

Abilities: Combat Training, Stealth Operations, Psychic Sensitivity...
Quotes:
""We have to stop this madness before it destroys everything.""
""The government can't be trusted with this power.""
""We're fighting for everyone's future.""
resistancefighterfemale
View Details
Shikishima
ColonelGovernmentUnknown

Colonel Shikishima is a high-ranking military officer in the government forces. A pragmatic and experienced leader who u...

Abilities: Military Leadership, Strategic Planning, Combat Tactics...
Quotes:
""We must stop this before it's too late. The city cannot survive another Akira.""
""The Akira project must never be allowed to happen again.""
""I've seen what that power can do to this city.""
militarygovernmentofficer
View Details
Shima Tetsuo
villainMale15

Kaneda's childhood friend who develops devastating psychic powers after a motorcycle accident. His transformation from i...

Abilities: Telekinesis, Psychic Energy Blasts, Matter Manipulation...
Quotes:
""I am Tetsuo! I don't need Kaneda or anyone else!""
""You always treated me like a kid, Kaneda!""
""This power... it's incredible!""
antagonistesperpsychic
View Details

Media Forms

Toy Lines
Kaneda's motorcycle models, character figures, and collectibles
Animated Series
1988 animated film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo
Live Action Films
Live-action adaptation in development
Comics
Original manga series (1982-1990) by Katsuhiro Otomo
Video Games
Various arcade and console adaptations
Merchandise
Extensive merchandise including clothing, posters, and collectibles

Commercial Information

Box Office
$80 million worldwide (1988 film)
Merchandise Revenue
Significant merchandise revenue globally
Licensing Deals
International distribution and licensing
Audience Reception
Cult classic with enduring popularity

Fan Culture

Community Size
Millions of fans worldwide
Fan Art
Extensive fan art community inspired by the iconic visuals
Conventions
Regular appearances at anime and film festivals
Cosplay
Popular Kaneda and Tetsuo cosplay at conventions
Fan Fiction
Active community creating stories in the Akira universe

Historical Development

Key Milestones
year:1982
event:Manga serialization begins
description:Akira manga starts serialization in Young Magazine
year:1988
event:Animated film release
description:Groundbreaking animated film premieres in Japan
year:1990
event:Manga completion
description:Original manga series concludes after 8 years
Evolution Over Time
Akira evolved from manga to become a landmark animated film that influenced cyberpunk and anime globally
Significant Events
Manga serialization (1982), Animated film release (1988), International recognition, Cultural impact on cyberpunk genre
Share this page