Rae’s Reviews > Akira > Status Update

But anyways I think this was an insane series, I now plan to read? the art book and watch the movie now. I wonder if the series was a political telling of its time as it was written within the peak of the nuclear threats of the 80s but who knows “Man is incapable of seeing past the end of his nose…it is only when he considers his own morality that he clings to what ever God of Buddha offers him hope” (V4 188)

And with volume 6 being over I’ve completed Akira! I have to admit I thought the ending was quite confusing so had to read a synopsis but the panels were just so stunning I didn’t really care- I love how the characters are each well rounded so it’s not just a thing of this character is purely evil because I don’t think any of them were solely evil (continued ->)

Volume 5! Moving into the final fight. Not my favourite volume but it had some absolutely stunning panels and I love how Kei is playing such a huge part in the story as I do really enjoy her character. The moments between her and Kaneda were also really sweet and once again the multiple perspectives are so cool to see (eg the scientists), looking forward to the final push

Volume 4! Reading this made me realise how many stories I’ve read that have cult like groups form almost instantaneously and wow the stuff in this is dark. I’m even more confused about Kei and Ryu’s sibling status than before and the way Kei is singled out in most fights purely for being a woman. Was not expecting the second ambush that fast but it really added to the action- once again a criminal cliffhanger

Volume 3! That was such a good volume, the panels at the end were stunning, truly epitomising the horrific destruction that Akira’s awakening caused. The one between Tetsuo and Akira as well was such a good panel- really left on a cliffhanger there but once again top notch fighting scenes and I love all the different sides to the story- each character feels like they have their own motivations which is amazing

Volume 2 complete! This one was shorter than the previous one, once again the action scenes are stunning- and I noticed areas where stranger things obviously got inspiration from other than the psychokinesis. It ended on a bit of a cliffhanger with Akira being acquired, I’m curious to see what Akira is like considering how scared everyone is of him.

Finished volume 1 and man oh man is the art not only stunning but the fight scenes had me on the edge of my seat throughout- I’m still slowly piecing the story together and gathering a sense of the world they live in but it’s really good so far. Friends to enemies/rivals is always a storyline that hurts my heart (…transformers one) but if done right can be so impactful. Im excited for volume 2