Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
The 1988 cyberpunk anime movieAkirais a name that needs no introduction. It has received many accolades over the past few decades and is a central movie for anime watchers. Kaneda’s red biker outfit, coupled with his red motorcycle, is a pop culture icon.
Akira’s influence over the cyberpunk/dystopian sci-fi genre is undeniable and it stands as one of the greatest anime films of all time. However, the movie has its own shortcomings, which need to be exposed even if it attracts the ire of its large fanbase.
Akiratried to achieve too much, too soon
TheAkiramanga by Katsuhiro Otomo was serialized from 1982 to 1990 and received a total of 120 chapters, compiled into 6 volumes. However, when the anime film aired in 1988, the manga was not even completed yet. The storyline that you see in the film is actually 6 volumes worth of pages crammed into 124 minutes of runtime.
Naturally, many plot points have been derailed from their original course. Otomo began working on the anime film while drawing the manga, which led to a lengthy break before the release of chapter 88. Thus, trying to condense around 2000 pages into a single movie had its consequences. On top of it, it was an incomplete series at the time of adaptation.
2nd Greatest Bruce Willis Movie of All Time After Die Hard Was Inspired by Akira
If compared to the completed manga, one will encounter too many stark differences. While it isn’t necessary for the film to be exactly like the manga, there are several character developments, scenes, or elements that have been cut out from the film.The primary problemsare the development of Kaneda, Kei’s powers, the evil organization, and the portrayal of Tetsuo.
Akiraskimped out on Kaneda and focused on Tetsuo
Kaneda, the protagonist ofAkira, is a goofy character in both the manga and the anime, but the film seems to drag it a bit too much. In the film, his development into a mature person is too late, and despite being the MC, he goes through the least development. In fact, the audience has to sit through Kaneda being immature until his fight with Tetsuo at the Olympic Stadium.
“I really don’t want to do that”: Akira Creator Has Only 1 Condition for the Live-Action Movie After Ruling Himself Out from Directing
The movie also features a nameless, evil government organization that experiments on kids. While the organization is a huge part of the manga, it did not receive as many mentions in the film. The real villain was suddenly sidelined, and Tetsuo vs. Kaneda became the biggest storyline.
Akirawas successful in fleshing out Tetsuo and showed his progression from being a wimp to a psychopath. However, the development of his powers takes up too much of the production. In fact, not even Kaneda gets this much attention, and it’s why the real villain, The Program, does not get much of a mention.
The final issue is, of course, the movie’s namesake, Akira. He is the titular character and serves as a key driving force in the lives of the main characters, yet his bare minimum presence in the movie goes unquestioned. In the manga, Akira himself appears to become a major antagonist, but not so much in the film. Once again, focusing too much on Tetsuo prevented the film from exploring other characters.
you’re able to streamAkiraon Netflix and Crunchyroll.
Aaheli Pradhan
Anime Content Writer
Articles Published :1556
Aaheli is an Anime Content Writer at FandomWire with 1300+ published articles. With five years of experience under her belt, she is a living, breathing encyclopedia for anime and manga. From Shonen and Shojo to the most niche anime, nothing escapes her radar. Her poisons of choice are Assassination Classroom, Gintama, Ouran High School Host Club and every Ghibli movie ever. She believes in living a slow life, surrounded by incomplete art projects and her beloved cats.
More from Aaheli Pradhan
‘Gintama’ Creator Admits New Movie Is “A tool for dirty adults to make a quick buck”
Fighting Girls Review and Ending Explained: Koume and Tiara’s Rivalry Hid a Deeper Loneliness
Fighting Girls: What Is ‘Takopi’s Original Sin’ Creator’s New One-Shot About?
Recommended
Anya Taylor-Joy and Meryl Streep Circling Same Role In Cameron Crowe’s Next Big Bet: Reports
What Did Justin Baldoni Say to Isabela Ferrer? Alarming Revelation in Blake Lively’s Lawsuit
‘Gintama’ Creator Admits New Movie Is “A tool for dirty adults to make a quick buck”
Nice’s Return Just Gave ‘To Be Hero X’ Its Highest-Rated Episode of the Season
Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 8: Release Date, Spoilers and What to Expect
All LinkedIn Games Solutions for Today (July 15, 2025)
