Overview of Akira#
Set in the year 2038, Akira takes place in the sprawling metropolis of Neo-Tokyo. The story unfolds in a volatile environment where a police state, scheming politicians, religious sects, and revolutionaries collide. At the center of this explosive mixture is a secret scientific project involving Akira, a boy with destructive psychic abilities who has been kept in cryo-stasis for over 30 years.
The plot is set in motion when Tetsuo, an impetuous young biker with newfound psychic powers, releases Akira, forcing every rival group in the city to make their move to control the ultimate power. If you are looking to dive into this world, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
When asking if Akira is “finished,” it is important to understand the relationship between its different versions. The anime is a feature film released in 1988, which serves as an adaptation of the original source material.
Because it is a film adaptation of a manga that ran from 1982 to 1990, the anime provides a condensed version of the narrative. While the film is a complete cinematic experience, those seeking the most comprehensive version of the story—including the full breadth of the plot and character development—should look to the original manga. To experience the full narrative arc, we highly recommend you buy the Akira manga.
Who Should Watch Akira?#
Akira is a masterpiece of the cyberpunk genre, making it an essential watch for fans of science fiction and post-apocalyptic settings. It is best suited for audiences who enjoy:
- Complex Themes: The story heavily explores politics, military power, and the psychological toll of absolute power.
- Supernatural Elements: The plot centers on psychics and superpowers and their destructive potential.
- Atmospheric World-Building: From the neon lights of Neo-Tokyo to its gritty underbelly, the setting is a character in its own right.
If you love high-stakes psychological drama mixed with supernatural action, Akira is for you. While you’re exploring the series, you might also want to pick up some Akira merchandise to commemorate the experience.
Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Depending on your goals, there are a few ways to approach this series. You can refer to the relationship tree on this page for a visual guide to how these works are connected.
For the Casual Viewer#
If you want the most immediate and visually stunning introduction, start with the 1988 anime film. It is a standalone experience that introduces the core conflicts of Neo-Tokyo.
For the Completionist#
For those who want every detail, the best order is to read the original manga (1982-1990) and then watch the anime film. This allows you to appreciate the scale of the original work before seeing the cinematic adaptation.
For the Source-Material Enthusiast#
If you don’t mind starting with the written word, the manga is the definitive version of the story. Reading the manga first provides the full context that the film streamlines.
Release Order#
- Akira Manga (Serialized 1982–1990)
- Akira Anime Film (Released 1988)
Latest News and Availability#
Akira continues to be a global phenomenon. Recently, it has seen renewed interest with 4K and IMAX screenings in the U.S. and Canada via Crunchyroll. It has also maintained a strong presence in international cinema, including screenings at the Japanese Film Festival in India and various cinema releases in the UK.
Additionally, for those following the franchise’s expansion, the live-action film rights have recently reverted from Warner back to Kodansha.
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Akira • manga • 1982-12-20 to 1990-06-25 (Young Magazine 1982 No.24 to 1990 No.28)
└─(adaptation)→ Akira • anime • 1988-07-16
└─(adaptation)→ Akira • anime • 
