Reviews

Akira, Vol. 1 by Katsuhiro Otomo

Only show reviews with written explanations

bimbum's review

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The first volume in the Akira collection is a phenomenal start to a heart pounding series. The story is tense, and the mystery of Akira even more so. Not to mention the rowdy characters surrounded in a dark, dangerous post WW3 world that add to the overall chaotic, thrilling ride. It immediately lets you know why Akira is held as one of the greatest animated stories of all time and a genre defying piece for not only animation, but entertainment as a whole.

samypants35's review

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dark mysterious fast-paced

5.0

itsdoroo's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

songwind's review

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4.0

(I read Akira in one huge go over a weekend, so I will be cutting and pasting this review for all 6 volumes)

Akira is an epic work of science fiction sequential art. The storyline is complex and consistent. There is social commentary, ethical musing, and morality woven through an action packed storyline of science gone wrong. The "romance" portion of the story is believable as well. The two characters are drawn to one another over time, and the world doesn't stop for them to wallow in their newfound twitterpatedness.

The art is beautiful, especially the detailed cityscapes and technical drawings. The main characters were easy to recognize, regardless of their circumstances or outfits, which is not true of many manga.

My complaints about the work are small. The placement of speech bubbles, particularly when characters are shouting, was not always clear. The foreign characters were really just Japanese with funny hats on. The difference between Akira and Tetsuo at the height of their powers is never really explained.

I first became aware of the manga because I was a fan of the anime. The manga is far more complex and satisfying.

ntsukia's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

4.0

J’étais sceptique lors de ma première semi-lecture. Après avoir repris la lecture du manga j’avoue que l’univers m’a happé et j’ai hâte d’en savoir plus. N’ayant pas encore vu le film d’animation je me le garde pour plus tard quand j’aurais fini de lire.