Heya there This is my review of the Akira manga which Ive read after I watched the movie to make comparisons and such. This manga is much more gruesome and includes nudity drug abuse blood and death so please read by your discretion. Of course its totally alright to not like this review at all but regardless I do hope you enjoy it //TW + CW: death mentions blood spoilers The Akira manga is a fascinating series that delves into many themes and points that havent been shown in the anime film. The way it fleshes out more charecters fleshes themes out and shows a more grounded and gruesome portrayal is amazing to say But with its many good points are also some bad ones and though its an amazing series it isnt a perfect one. This is more of a comparison type of review but hey lets go talk about that. 220https://townsquare.media/site/622/files/2016/12/akirafeat.jpg?w=980q=75 So before we talk about the overall themes and substance of the manga Id like to talk about the art. Each drawing in ever panel is absolutely etched in detail wether it being shown when Tetsuos arm is corrupted to the detail of every broken window and stone in the countless buildings seen. The art in this manga is very much phenomenal and keeps me hooked even more to the plot. The artstyles for Akira is different and it depends how youll think of it but I sure adore it. And the coloring thats featured back in the 2000s seems to be done very well and I respect it But now lets get into the real meat of the review. 220https://wallpaperaccess.com/full/10846.png So first off I feel the pacing here in the manga is one of the biggest problems. If youve seen my movie review of Akira I mentioned that pacing is a main problem thats perfected in the film then manga. In the first chapter we already experience the Capsules encountering Takashi and him destroying a few parts of NeoTokyo and Tetsuo already crashed entered the hospital then escape and find his powers in the first volume. While the film gives us time to process these events at a reasonable time the manga already puts it in our face that these events are happening. Heck even Yamagatas death happened in chapter 6 and I felt it was rushed. And now Ill talk about the ending which wasnt as bad as Ive read through Akira and his imitation on Tetsuo when hes hurt by his own power is so haunting and gives this eerie feeling of the little boy. I kind of wished that Kei and Tetsuos fight couldve been fleshed out more as it wouldve added more suspense and impact for the conflict. But overall these are the only problems I have with the manga. 220https://pbs.tw.com/media/EA79xHOVAAYeAVc.jpg Continuing on in the manga were introduced to more charecters and some have been more fleshed out and developed which is very great Ill first talk about Chiyoko and her relationship with Kei. Chiyoko is this broad muscled woman who helps Kei with her mission stated in the manga. They have a mother daughter relationship which is endearing in moments when she tells Kei she shouldnt fall in love so easily and when they reunited for a short time its really sweet 220https://pbs.tw.com/media/DiTSP3VAAAOZa.jpg Next is Miyako and she gets more time in the manga who is the charecter that speaks on religion and helps Kei to awaken her powers. There isnt much to say but I really like how shes more fitted into the story in a nice manner. Moving on is Yamagata who has a bit more relevance here as a comrade for the Capsules yet again he died way too soon. As for Kaisuke hes his old bubbly self who I like is more connected with Kaneda and Kei and when they reunited he was still so over dramatic. And now the main charecters I can safely say Kaneda is a good and compelling as he is in the movie and is more fleshed into a way more unexpected protagonist youll meet. And as for Tetsuo he is much MUCH more rude in the manga giving the idea how much power gets into his head. He even has a relationship with Akira and is basically his subordinate. Id also like to mention his and Kaoris relationship is more grounded tragic and changing since she is the only charecter Tetsuo is gentle with and it makes Tetsuo realize more about the people he meets. 220https://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11136/111363235/6974447cibassakiramangauno.jpg Id also like to touch upon the deaths in manga and let me say they are very tragic and saddening. In Chapter 6 Yamagata dies from a blow to the head by Tetsuo and instantly dies in Kanedas arms. While in Volume 5 Kaori dies from one of Tetsuos henchmen and it shows the absolute rage that can come from him and how sad her death was because she was the only person Tetsuo really cared about in the end. 220https://64.media.tumblr.com/4e5491d547a5d00e408a33fcc4c0eee9/tumblrp6vdfwlAGC1ruvkfxo1400.jpg As for the themes in the manga theyre very much gruesome and includes drug abuse and overdose the unbothered youth Religion v Science the path to heroism destruction and rebirth. The manga has much more time to include more horrifying connections and develop relationships better. Even though the manga has its problems its overall really great and Id recommend it for the faint of heart Again this manga is very gruesome than the movie and wont be it for everyone so read it by your discretion. Regardless I hope you enjoy this review 220https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326755116/figure/fig2/AS:6550423443906581533185673843/apanelfromKatsuhiroOtomoAkiraKodanshavol11984p16bvol5.png