The best manga ever written
|
Akira, possibly the most famous graphic novel ever, begins here with this three hundred and fifty nine page first volume. This is the manga that the classic film was based upon and if you are worried that you've seen it all before then don't be. After just one volume my minds already been made up that this is far, far better than the film. It's all here, every character from the film (and some more) but the level of depth and development of the characters differs dramatically from the film. Almost from the word go things happen in a different order, and throughout this first volume you will continue to be pleasantly surprised at the turns the story takes. Even more so of course if you've never seen the film.
So, what exactly is the story of Akira? Well, all I know is what happens in the film, and already I'm pretty sure the manga is gonna end differently. For this reason then, I am not going to go into it. I'm not reviewing the film after all. The only thing you need to know is that it's a futuristic science fiction epic that deals with everything from war to the next steps in evolution. Well, it's Japanese, so what exactly did you expect?
There's something slightly unsettling about seeing Kaneda and Tetsuo as motionless as statues I'll admit, but it soon passes. Before long it's like they're moving anyway; the level of detail is that good. Everyone looks fantastic; as do the backgrounds and all the vehicles. When you are reading it the fact that it's more than twenty five years old doesn't even approach consciousness. Akira feels like it could have been written yesterday. Also; if you are new to manga otherwise you'd already know; the art work is very realistic. There aren't any alien headed girls here or massively disfigured bodies. It's all done very true to life and grounded totally in reality.
As well as having a fantastic story and art, the actual dialogue and telling of the story is incredible too. Well, it's not a shonen manga so you do expect the dialogue to be a little more realistic, don't you? As a manga that falls into the seinen demographic (that means it's for adults) the added realism means that this probably isn't for people who are used to the typical shonen jump. This is a lot heavier going and complex. Also, as a result, it is far better. Everything from the violence, to the language the characters use is very realistic; very gritty; and superbly rendered. In fact, if all you've been reading so far is shonen, then this is a great way to get into more series graphic novels.
So, basically, this manga is incredible. I've only read the first volume (there are six) but already I'm wondering if this is the best manga I've ever read. Actually, no, this is definitely the best manga I've ever read. What I was actually wondering is; if this is one of the best things I've ever read, full stop.
|
|
|
Deserves It's Recognition
|
WOW! Katsuhiro Otomo, what a fantastic manga writer/artist. Not only AKIRA (1982-1990) is one of the greatest mangas of all time, it's one of the greatest books ever written. His 2,000+ page masterpiece has such an epic story, well-developed characters, great pacing and set pieces that I don't think will ever, EVER be achieved with neither live-action nor CGI.
Another brilliant thing about Akira is the illusrations. Every single page in the manga is so strongly detailed. Even a supporting character wears an authentic hat.
Set in the year 2030, the lives of street punks Kaneda and Tetsuo are change forever following a run in with a eerie, haggard figure near the enormous carter which mysterious destroyed the original Tokyo, thirty-eight years ago. As you continue to read the manga, AKIRA continues to get better and better.
A must buy!
|
|
|
A Great First Volume
|
|
Many people's first exposure to 'Akira' was the 1988 film; epic, visceral, and immensely accomplished, it is widely acknowledged as a classic of modern cinema. But Katsuhiro Otomo's masterpiece originated as a multi-volume comic, hundreds and hundreds of pages long. 'Akira' the comic is superior to 'Akira' the film in many ways; the massive scope of the illustrated work allows it to imagine its future world (Neo-Tokyo) with a breadth and depth impossible in a constrained cinematic timeframe. And it is not only the visual, architectural splendour of the world that blossoms in this longer format; the social and cultural aspects of the world - the quirks that make every world tick - are also brought brilliantly to life turn. All together, the world of 'Akira' is one of the most vivid worlds to ever be recorded on paper. This first volume establishes the background, setting up the landscapes (visual, thematic, and narrative) and introducing the characters who will become so compelling central to Otomo's story. The plot itself is too wonderful to spoil, too complex to effectively summarise. It is a book everyone should read and you would be foolish not to buy it now, along with volume two (and perhaps three).
|
|
|
A Necessary Read!!
|
|
Even if you don't like manga style comics, you should definitely try this series. Easily as atmospheric as many sci-fi films, it is a truly gripping tale, with a very dark feel. It reminded me of sci-fi classics such as Blade Runner. Great!
|
|
|
Akira: Vol.1
|
Otomo really excels in this superb first edition of his manga epic Akira. If you've never even considered reading manga or if you do all the time then the Akira series is an outstanding way to start or to fuel your addiction. Despite its age the story still seems way beyond anything that can be imagined even today and the Akira film (which inspired the matrix) totally re-invented the art of action film making and would make any hollywood director green with envy with its animated perfection. The rest of the series is equally superb and I feel that I must warn you that if you do buy Akira: Vol.1 you'll buy the rest and become instantly hooked on this epic saga.
You will not regret this purchase, it is far more than a simple comic strip it is a perfect mixture of action, suspense, character development and a fiendishly interesting story line, all presented in brilliantly flowing cells which are expertly drawn: once you start you can't stop.
|
|
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada