Akira Volumes 1-6, by
Katsuhiro Otomo
Akira is one of the most important works of graphic fiction
ever created. Written and illustrated by visionary Japanese comic artist
Katsuhiro Otomo nearly thirty years ago, the series is now available again
after nearly a decade of being out of print in English. The story of Akira revolves around a biker gang of derelict reform
school students after one of their friends comes into contact with a secret
military weapon, and follows them as they do battle to win their friend back
and stop the apocalyptic force that is known as Akira. Many people are familiar
with the animated version of this series that single-handedly revolutionized
the world of animation, but to limit one’s experience of Akira to the movie would be a grave mistake. Comparatively,
the two-hour film provides only a fleeting glimpse into the breathtakingly
intricate, and philosophically novel, storyline woven by Otomo throughout the
six-volume series.
- Frans Boukas
