Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
Welcome to Neo-Tokyo, built on the ashes of a Tokyo annihilated by a blast of unknown origin that triggered World War III. The lives of two streetwise teenage friends, Tetsuo and Kaneda, change forever when paranormal abilities begin to waken in Tetsuo, making him a target for a shadowy agency that will stop at nothing to prevent another catastrophe like the one that leveled Tokyo. At the core of the agency’s motivation is a raw, all-consuming fear of an unthinkable, monstrous power known only as Akira. Katsuhiro Otomo’s stunning science fiction masterpiece is considered by many to be the finest work of graphic fiction ever produced, and Otomo’s brilliant animated film version is regarded worldwide as a classic. This edition includes a new foreword from the author and a postscript from Dark Horse publisher Mike Richardson!
Tags
Akira, Vol. 1: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
Intense graphic novel with extremely graphic violence, body horror, disturbing imagery of psychic powers causing physical mutations and destruction, strong language, and dark themes. Originally published as manga for mature audiences.
What to know going in
This book has graphic violence, mild sexual content, and strong language. Content notes include graphic violence, mass death, and death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens and adults who love dark, complex sci-fi with stunning art will be captivated by this legendary cyberpunk masterpiece about friendship, power, and survival.