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Akira Club
Text in Japanese, Graphics, Color and B/W Drawings, Akira Illustrations from 1982-1993 includes 4 color embossed postcards!
Paperback
First published June 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 9, 2022
I have always have had a love for Akira ever since I first saw it drunk at a friends house at uni - up until that point I never knew such a think existed. I was a changed man after that event.
So to know that it is celebrating 35 years is a startling fact but the impact it has had is still rippling through all popular media to this day from computer games to how products are being advertised in the real world.
So to finally get to read this book of the collected art and musings from the creative force itself was both fascinating and enlightening. I can see now where so many images and ideas have come from (and still are it would seem) as well as getting a glimpse in to the mind behind it all (still love the comment about crab season starting up again).
So for any die hard fan to anyone just fascinated with the imagery this is an amazing to read - if you get the chance to
So to know that it is celebrating 35 years is a startling fact but the impact it has had is still rippling through all popular media to this day from computer games to how products are being advertised in the real world.
So to finally get to read this book of the collected art and musings from the creative force itself was both fascinating and enlightening. I can see now where so many images and ideas have come from (and still are it would seem) as well as getting a glimpse in to the mind behind it all (still love the comment about crab season starting up again).
So for any die hard fan to anyone just fascinated with the imagery this is an amazing to read - if you get the chance to
December 28, 2011
This is the ultimate Akira art collection. It covers promotional work, frames, advertisements, displays, etc. collected from various international releases. In many cases, this book is the only way for readers to access these pieces. As a whole, the book is overwhelming. There is simply so much on display here that the casual fan will probably become intimidated. Yet for the Katsuhiro Otomo fanboy, this book is an absolute treasure. Although "Akira Club" is obviously designed for lovers of Akira, it will be of interest to any manga fan looking to learn more about the history of the art form. Highly recommended.
February 8, 2019
Considering I casually bid on an ebay auction I didn't expect to win, this book was a wonderful surprise.
Compared to many animanga illustration collections which collect mostly fully rendered promotional illustrations, Akira Club features a little more of the developer commentary that I personally love. I feel that these days the history of Akira is as much part of the charm as the series itself, especially for young fans like myself who werent actually around to experience the 90s anime boom. So I really appreciated the excited feeling this collection creates of "something unfolding".
Akira club balances showing the development process behind individual illustrations from an artistic perspective, the process of collection and adaptation for international audiences, such as flopping and title typography, as well as extensive promotional materials. There isn't really any visual narrative and character development material, but the small amount of written commentary from Otomo provides enough interesting tidbits on this front to mostly satisfy.
Despite consisting overwhelmingly of fully finished art, the series does give a terrific overview of Akira's development as a serial, and some intriguing commentary, as well as, of course, pages of gorgeous series art.
Compared to many animanga illustration collections which collect mostly fully rendered promotional illustrations, Akira Club features a little more of the developer commentary that I personally love. I feel that these days the history of Akira is as much part of the charm as the series itself, especially for young fans like myself who werent actually around to experience the 90s anime boom. So I really appreciated the excited feeling this collection creates of "something unfolding".
Akira club balances showing the development process behind individual illustrations from an artistic perspective, the process of collection and adaptation for international audiences, such as flopping and title typography, as well as extensive promotional materials. There isn't really any visual narrative and character development material, but the small amount of written commentary from Otomo provides enough interesting tidbits on this front to mostly satisfy.
Despite consisting overwhelmingly of fully finished art, the series does give a terrific overview of Akira's development as a serial, and some intriguing commentary, as well as, of course, pages of gorgeous series art.
November 19, 2021
The book collects all the title pages from the original manga, published in Young magazine, which are not included in the collected editions. It also contains some illustrations, photos of merchandise and ads, and some unpublished art/concepts.
The art, of course, are fantastic. Unfortunately, whatever text there is, is only partially translated (the subheading to the unpublished works is "Why did they get killed?", but you won't get an answer, unless you learn Japanese). I would have also liked to see more concept art, WIPs and sketches.
The art, of course, are fantastic. Unfortunately, whatever text there is, is only partially translated (the subheading to the unpublished works is "Why did they get killed?", but you won't get an answer, unless you learn Japanese). I would have also liked to see more concept art, WIPs and sketches.
July 23, 2020
Essential for anyone who likes comics or manga.
October 25, 2018
Wow, I might've already been reading four other books when I started this one, but I absolutely could not set it down. Otomo is amazingly talented, as anyone with even passing interest in comics or animation has known for decades, but this under-the-hood look at his personality, style, and methods blew me away. I will probably go through this several times per year; it's as energizing creatively as any book I know.
August 15, 2017
I particularly enjoyed the full page title sequences, not published in the graphic novel volumes. I am strongly tempted to stick them up all over my room. Also liked how there were photographs of posters and Akira paraphernalia, and fans dressed up. It really gave me some context about how hyped Akira was at the time, myself being born in the late 90s.
May 10, 2023
5+ stars || yes i WILL rate art books with little to no words in them on goodreads to reach my yearly reading goal
I believe all art is subjective and up for debate but not this...this is objectively perfect work actually
I believe all art is subjective and up for debate but not this...this is objectively perfect work actually
February 24, 2020
That's Good!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2021
This book is so fun. Otomo Katsuhiro’s insights into the gritty details of Akira are vast and amusing. I loved this read and highly recommend it to the devout Akira fan.
April 1, 2022
Interesting, but very niche. Likely only for fans of Akira that want more art and some background on the author’s thoughts and experiences in putting Akira together.
August 22, 2022
It’s the art of Akira and is therefore good. But the text by the Young Magazine covers is so random that it’s hilarious.
January 2, 2023
Siendo AKIRA la joya que es (en manga y animé) era de esperar que un libro como este, lleno de material extra, fuera una maravilla. ¡Ya me urge tenerlo en la colección!
January 19, 2023
Beautiful collection of art, no story worth going on about, but I reckon it's worth admiring.
November 10, 2023
Incredible collection of incredible artwork.
December 18, 2023
Should this have been laced through the trades instead of being a whole separate book? Yes. Is it way more informative and comprehensive than the competition? Yes.
March 2, 2024
Really interesting! Putting this right on my wishlist.
August 22, 2024
I would want every page of this book as a poster on my wall
August 8, 2025
Great art book by Otomo covering everything from the manga to the anime film, giving great details on the making of both. A must for "Akira" fans.
August 13, 2018
This is an extensive look into the creator's mind ... Otomo and the products that came from the amazing world of Akira are revealed in this really nice hardcover.
April 28, 2008
An Akira art nerd collection of promotional art and cover pages from the Japanese versions of the serialized Akira series, redrawn pages from the Dark Horse re-release. Truly a Akira Otomo art junkies dream.
September 18, 2010
great artbook tell the whole process on how they put together the anime from the manga great artwork by Akira otomo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
March 10, 2011La "lectura" de este tomo quedará para cuando me termine la serie. Por ahora: lendo lendo.
February 11, 2016
A must buy if you love the world of Akira!
May 31, 2018
Artbook de Akira que fue incluido en el cofre especial del 20 aniversario.
January 2, 2015
Picked up a copy in a used book store near Fukouka (not sure on exactly where)- "Good for your Health Bad for Education"
April 5, 2016
Exclusivo para la "ñoñez" de los fans de Akira. Un sinfín de chucherías sobre los mangas y la peli que entretienen a quienes amamos la obra de Otomo.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews