Akira Manga - The best graphic novel ever written
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Akira manga - is it the best graphic novel ever written?
Akira, the revolutionary manga, was originally published as a serial in Young Magazine from 1982 to 1990. It delves much deeper than the film, occuring over a longer timespan and involving an expanded cast of characters and vast array of subplots. Whilst the film concentrates more heavily on Tetsuo's struggle with his psychokinetic abilities, the manga focuses on many more areas including the inner struggle of alienation from societal pressure and political oppression. There is also present an overarching theme of the loss of self-identity, which is punctuated by the ruinous landscapes of Old Tokyo. Although the same story, the manga and the anime are completely different beasts and it's well worth experiencing both. Keep reading for more information about this amazing story!The 6 volume Manga was penned by Katsuhiro Otomo (who wrote and directed the anime). It was the first Japanese comic aimed at teenagers and young adults. It was a runaway success that spawned a whole legion of manga fans and expanded the popularity of the format around the world. Keep reading for more info, reviews, awesome merchandise etc...and find out why Akira manga is the best graphic novel ever written.
All images are from Akira © by Katsuhiro Otomo
Contents at a Glance
Akira manga - Overview
Introduction to Akira manga
Katsuhiro Otomo illustrates with a dynamic style that moves the story at the speed of the motorbikes they ride. The translation of Akira manga into English (although sanitized) is superb, making Akira easy to pick up and hard to put down. In fact the story is told completely through the characters, there's no narration whatsoever, which also lends incredible speed and engagement to Akira manga as your mind fills in the narrative as you read. The effectiveness of the story telling however is most evident in Otomo's ability to build up entire worlds and bring them crumbling to the ground around the interactions of Tetsuo and Kaneda. Neo Tokyo will never be the same.
Akira manga volumes 1-3
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Look inside
Here's 3 panels which illustrate how good this manga looks
Akira manga volumes 4-6
Pick them up today!
Why should I read the manga?
I've already seen the film!
If you've only seen Akira the anime, then you are literally missing half of the story. In order to tell the story and not make it too long to watch (it still clocks in at just over 2 hours), the plot for the movie was completely restructured and focuses almost exclusively on the 2nd half of the manga. If you've seen the anime, then you've got to read the manga. You owe it to yourself to get the full experience. Akira manga grabs you by the throat and drags you through a potent psychological and supernatural thrill ride. The jagged landscape is littered with delinquency, philosophy, adolescence, politics, corruption and self-awareness. Neo Tokyo is about to explode.
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Akira Anime vs. Akira Manga
Which do you like better?
Sound off on which is superior, Akira the Anime, or Akira the Manga. Tell me why you think one or the other.
Which is better, Akira Anime or Akira Manga?
Akira Anime
Anime-e says:
I akira anime is way better!
ForestBear says:
Have seen the anime but I'm yet to discover the manga!
chuckhodi says:
I didn't even know there was an Akira Manga! Though it was only Anime! I gotta check this out, thanks for introducing. Nice lens!
Rewards4life says:
To my shame I have not read the Manga but I have owned Akira Anime for many years and watch it on a frequent basis. It's an awesome film with so much depth, a masterpiece. I have the double box set of the original and the digitally enhanced version, both are good.
Akira Manga
Lek says:
I read manga (in black-and-white) years before the anime was produced and felt like cheated when i'd got a chance to watch the movie. Then I bought the English version manga and, man, in colors it was like the best mange ever!
RPMcMurphyJr says:
The anime is amazing but the sheer scope of the storytelling in the manga makes it my favorite. Truly a great work of fiction.
NikolaMouse says:
First manga i ever read, and still the best one :)
says:
Don't know the difference between Anime and Manga. Somehow Manga sounds better ;)
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kathysart
Jan 17, 2012 @ 10:25 am | delete
- Gosh I know nothing about it but could not resist your statement, "The best graphic novel ever written", I had to take a peek of course! Looks good! I admire comic drawings and manga so the images are darn interesting to me. Angel blessed lens.
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GetSillyProductions Jan 29, 2012 @ 11:16 am | delete
- Thanks for the angel blessings. If you like manga, then you'll love Akira :)
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fugeecat
Oct 12, 2011 @ 8:28 pm | delete
- These are great and the artwork is beautiful.
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GetSillyProductions Nov 26, 2011 @ 5:52 pm | delete
- I agree, I love this manga :)
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punkgrinder
Aug 23, 2011 @ 1:55 pm | delete
- The first time i ever came across Akira was on a school tour in France in the 90s, i thought i looked like nothing i had ever seen, i didn't buy it because i didn't speak French. I have since seen and loved the Anime but haven't come across the graphic novels since. Brilliant lens, i have to get the Manga now. Thumbs up!
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is an epic story that's beautifully illustrated, easy to read, impossible to put down and captures your imagination completely. more »
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Explore related pages
Akira Club (Hardcover ed.)
The official companion, a personal review
Akira Club
Amazon Price: $11.98 (as of 05/28/2012)
As a fan, I personally love the official companions to my favorite books, shows, movies, etc... So how excited was I when I found this?! The official companion to the best manga ever; 256 pages of behind the scenes info, sketches, alternative artwork, production drawings, promotional merchandise and commentary by the creator, Katsuhiro Otomo. This book is vital for any true fan of Akira.
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