Rereading the classic manga Akira brings back a number of memories. Namely, this was the first comic I had ever come across that was neither a superhero or horror book and probably the first book that I read that featured a highly complex narrative. In short, Akira was like nothing else I read. I wasn’t the only person this book had an effect on. With the other possible exception of Lone Wolf and Cub, Akira was the book that truly got the ball rolling as far as publishing manga in the United States.

Today, when we walk into a Border’s book shop there is a huge manga section that holds dozens upon dozens of titles. This wasn’t the case 20 years ago when English translated mangas were virtually non-existent. Today, hundreds of titles are in print and they encompass thousands of volumes. This has a nice ancillary effect. Many teens and young ones find their way to Marvel and DC through Manga. Sure, at first, they may think some heroes are stiff and old fashioned  But, once they get turned on to comic books of any kind it is only a matter of time before they try other popular titles.

Akira was a unique book because even though it took place in the future in a cyberpunk, sci-fi world, it has a unique element of realism to it that was missing from other titles. More importantly, the cast of characters were all High School kids caught up in an adventure way over their head. Of course, they were disaffected youth which added to their appeal among readers look for an outlet for alienation.