Episode 98: Akira

This week, we’re taking on one of the most iconic anime films of all time (with one of the hardest posters of all time) and heading to the streets Neo-Tokyo to face off with an inter-dimensional child and a crazy flesh blob made of pure psychic power. “Akira”, directed by Katsuhiro Otomo and based on his manga of the same name, was released in 1988 in Japan and 1989 in North America to critical acclaim and quickly became a cult classic film that heralded the second wave of anime in North American pop culture. Visually? It’s insane. A real masterwork. One of the best-looking animated films ever. It’s legacy? Widespread. It’s a cyberpunk sci-fi thrill ride that features all sorts of wild stuff like cool motorbikes, a kid going god mode, psychic Hasbulla variants, teddy bear nightmares, people being exploded by psychic energy, laser guns in space, a military coup, corrupt governments, dimensional singularities, cyberpunk tropes, and a whole lot more. So join us as we break down the film’s plot and cover a bunch of “Akira”-related topics including the critical response, the amazing visuals, the film’s legacy, the film’s production, the famed Akira Committee, the iconic poster, anime’s second wave in North America, the violence and political undertones of 80’s anime films, teenaged Japanese biker gangs, corruption of the police and government, the original manga being finished after the film, and a whole lot more. Plus, did this movie predict Hasbulla becoming a God mind? Maybe. Keep an eye on that lil’ guy. We also share a plethora of ways this movie has influenced other films, video games, music, fashion, etc. Furthermore, we give a bunch of examples to back it up because there are a lot. We share what we love about this movie, why it slaps, some of the iconography of “Akira”, and all that good stuff. Plus, Otis shares some information about film restoration after watching some of the movie’s special features and getting more information on how it all works. We end things off with a conversation and short review about “John Wick 4” since we both went to see it in a real-life movie theatre together. Lots of action. Lots of stairwells. A staked cast. Arrows sticking people to the all. Fat Scott Adkins spin-kicking. Donnie Yen going Ip Man mode. John Wick beating people with nunchucks. That crazy overhead sequence. Hell yeah. We both think it was pretty sick but have a few nits to pick. Overall, though? It was dope. Go check it out. Rest In Power Lance Reddick. We’re taking a week off before we come back for our 99th and 100th episodes. We’ll see you in two weeks. Also, go watch “Akira” if you haven’t already. It’s top-tier. TETSUOOOOOOO!!!!! KANEDAAAAAAAA!!! INITIATE BIRD PROTOCOL! Follow us on Instagram! Instagram: @palmreadr @otismorrisdude