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Summary: A fantastic work!
Review: I originally started reading Akira in the Epic/Marvel books in color in the early 90's but I never read it all the way because they never reprinted the last volume. Now, after all these years, I can actually own these milestone books and finish reading them.No collection would be complete without them! The Akira manga is an influential work of fiction and one of the precursors of the Cyberpunk genre. Akira's influence (both manga and film) can still be felt throughout manga, comics and movies. One of the things I like the most about Akira is that the movie and the manga are not just versions of one another, but complementary works that enrich each other. In Akira #1 we meet the main characters but we only scratch the surface of the story and who is Akira. This 360 page book is filled with action and suspense. Neo Tokyo, 38 years after world-war III, is a city with complex problems, not the least of which is the numerous biker gangs. Meet Kaneda and Testuo. These two friends will soon be engulfed in a gigantic plot mixing politics, futuristic weaponry and a mysterious foce known only as Akira. Characters in Akira seem real beacuse of their flaws. Kaneda is brave but also a slacker. Kei is more level-headed but belongs to an extremist group. Despite its seemingly steep price, it's worth every penny.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic manga. Worth every penny.
Review: I picked up volume 1 at a store yesterday, and I've already read it twice. This is a fantastic manga. The AKIRA series stretches over 2,000 pages and 6 volumes. It's won almost every Japanese Manga award imaginable, and with good reason. It's fast paced, intelligent, well-written, with great artwork, smart dialogue, and an interesting plot. Although the pricetag may seem a little steep, don't forget that each volume is over 350 pages long. If you think that's interesting, keep in mind that this first volume barely even scratches the surface of the story, it merely sets the stage for the cataclysmic events that will follow in the other volumes. You will like this manga if you like science fiction, action, comic books, manga, have seen and enjoyed the Akira anime movie, enjoy deep plots, or are looking for something new and different. You won't like it if you're sensitive to blood and violence, find the idea of black and white comics for adults ridiculous, and have no taste. Overall, this is a great manga, and no collection should be without it.
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Summary: AWSOME book
Review: I remember when I first read this book. It was durin finals @ my school, & I had nothin to do since I had a free block. My friend had this book, so I read it. I loved it. I have read it SEVERAL times. I have yet to read the second book. (I've only read the beginning of book 2) If you love anime comics like this, this one is a top pick.
Rating:
Summary: Akira
Review: I think that Akira is a metaphisical masterpiece it takes non-knowledgable readers and explains everything that encompasses Akira very well.
Rating:
Summary: AKIRA
Review: I watched the Akira special edition movie and was completely blown away. The animation was outstanding, the story was intense and everything was perfect. I imediately ran out to get the book and I was even more amazed. I didn't think it was possible but the Akira book( vol. 1) was better than the movie.
I can't wait until I get the second one. Watch the movie first though.
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Summary: I guess it should be obvious...
Review: I've been a fan of anime for several years now, and ever since I saw Akira, it has been one of my favorite movies. Only now, have I been fortunate enough to read the comic series. Wow. Despite how wonderful the movie is -- and it is wonderful -- the comic has so much more to offer. It is truly a science fiction masterpiece.
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Summary: It's true!
Review: I've often heard it said that "The manga version of Akira is a lot better than the anime." (Actually, I think I've heard that about most animes...) Well, now that I've finally been able to read this, a good portion of the manga, I can very much see what they mean. The characters are presented with more depth, and the anime seems very superficial in comparison. There's just more information being conveyed in general. Now I'm particularly awaiting volume 2, which I understand is not only far less convoluted than the second half of the film, but also continues much further after the events which end the movie. I still love Akira the anime, but now it seems to me that the film is really more of a flashy companion piece intended for those who have read the manga.
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Summary: Wowee!!
Review: I've seen the anime of Akira. I knew the manga was long and had tons more things happening than in the anime. This still did not prepare me for reading this series! Akira is a classic, and once you read all six volumes you'll understand why. It is a massive plot branching out further than the movie. The characters are far more developed and the story is more involved. I don't know what else to say besides, "GO BUY IT! ALL OF IT!" For those of you who have not seen the movie, and/or are just getting into the whole anime/manga thing, pick these books up. It's a great example of what the world of anime/manga has in store for you! It also helps that the series is complete, unlike some that were cancelled ("Bio-Booster Armor: Guyver" from Viz) or are still being published ("Ranma 1/2" also from Viz) I recomend these as well.
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Summary: The Saga Begins
Review: If you know of the Akira Anime this Manga should be of no surprise; however, there are some definite differences that will become evident upon reading. 1st off the anime is way way shorter and edited to such an extent that most casual watchers are left feelin confused. These books will clear up any problems you may have had with the movie and expand upon the foundation the movie laid out. Be aware these books not in color.
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Summary: IMPORTANT, READ THIS REVIEW!
Review: If you`ve watched the animated film AKIRA and have never read the manga`s you must know the two have almost nothing in common. The stories are radically different, in all aspects, plot, themes, allusions, everything. Also the characters are very different. Important characters in the manga make appearances as crowd memebers in the anime and characters who died in the film live in the manga, and sometimes viceversa. AKIRA the manga is a mythic, almost biblical story, and has more in common with a fantasy novel than a science fiction story. The film is very much a science fiction story. If you read the manga expecting something even remotely like the movie the third volume will render you stunned, the plot is that insanely different. Both manga and anime are extremely well made and I highly recomend them, but be warned, they`re nothing alike. AKIRA chornicals the story of children used in a government experiment to produce children with pyschic abilities in an atempt to produce the next super weapon (think big freaking explosions, not something like cameron`s travesty `dark angel`) The story follows three main characters; Tetsuo, Kaneda, and Kei (spelled KAY in the english side panels in my Japanese editions, though correct romanji spelling is Kei) Tetsuo, an atention hungry teenager is suddenly endowed with spectacular powers, and in his new found power he rebels against friends (Kaneda), society, and ultimately God. Then there`s Kei, a member of an anti government militia who acts as Kaneda alter ego. Where as Kaneda is rash and impulsive Kei is thoughtful and pragmatic. One of the down sides to reading translated manga is that the some of the flow is lost in the reversing of the images (ie panels don`t seem to logically flow to gether for english readers) and some of the cultural refrences and spellings can`t be picked up by english readers. (For instance, Akira name is spelled in Katakana (the japanese alphabet used to discribe only forgien words) rather than kanji or hiragana. Also similarities in Kanji words are often used as literary devices in japanese writing.) Despite this, english audiences still have much to appreciate. So read on!
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