Apocalypse Now (And Then)

Akira's the one turning 30, but you get the presents

It’s the end of the world of the world as we know it, but Katsuhiro Otomo and Bandai feel fine.

The Mayans predicted that 2012 would bring about the apocalypse, so it’s oddly fitting that it's the thirtieth anniversary of Akira, Katsuhiro Otomo’s seminal post-apocalyptic manga. Debuting in 1982, the series took both the Japanese and Western world by storm, winning the prestigious 1984 Kodansha Manga Award for best general manga.

The film version in 1988 catapulted the franchise into international superstardom and helped to cement anime and manga’s popularity in the West. Alongside films like Blade Runner, Akira established a dystopian, futuristic tone which influenced titles like Ghost in the Shell, Armitage III and Western works like The Matrix.

In honor of the thirtieth anniversary, Otomo and Bandai Visual Arts have teamed up to create A-Project, which will create high-quality versions of items based on Akira. First on the docket -- Kaneda’s iconic red jacket, complete with the famous “Good for Health, Bad for Education” capsule logo embroidered on the back. The best news? They're already available for purchase online.

The series is experiencing a renewed wave of interest as Hollywood seeks to create an Americanized live-action version. Much controversy has surrounded the alleged “whitewashing” of the cast and story by development executives. We’re fine with Kristen Stewart, as long as she's one of the psychic, blue California Raisin-esque children.

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