Now here is a classic anime, Akira. This one is a little older than I like to review, but I figured it was a good time to throw it out there. If you haven’t heard, they are coming out with a new live action Akira, hopefully they will improve a few things.
This is post World War III, 30 years later to be exact, in Tokyo. Tokyo was destroyed in the war and Neo-Tokyo was built on the remnants of the old city. Don’t start thinking this is a paradise, no way, the city is riddled with gangs, crime and shady political characters in office [what’s new about that?].
Kaneda, known for his fast bike that everyone wants, is the leader of one of the gangs. Kaneda’s gang is constantly at war with the gang of Clowns. During one fight, in particular the police and even the military interrupt the fight. Most of the bikers fled the scene, but Kaneda and his crew were captured as they watched the military abduct a small boy and Tetsuo, a member of their gang. The small boy, Takashi, is no ordinary boy though; he is one of the three already-made super humans, known as the Espers.
Since the military captured Tetsuo, they begin to use him as a test subject as well. He undergoes the procedures to become an Esper as well. Once he discovers his newly given power, he becomes drunk with power, lashing out at everyone who gets in his way. All the while that he went on his rampage, people were telling him to be careful, that he would surpass the safety zone for the super human status.
Obviously, Tetsuo didn’t listen, because he ended up letting the power take over him and Akira took him away.
The really only fascinating part about this is the graphics. Of course I watched the dubbed version, so I can’t really judge that too harshly, but even the story line was a little weak to me. I know people would love to disagree with that statement, but I am entitled to my own opinion. But back to the graphics, for 1988 I am shocked that it was that good. The bike color trails were pretty neat as well. Now, the faces looked a little funky, but overall good quality art.
To be honest, the only reason why I even sat through this was to see Akira. I mean I could have fast-forwarded, but that would have been far too easy. The general public rates this anime rather high, but for me, it was just O.K. and at the same time a little disappointing, Akira is definitely no Nosferatu!