7A global manga phenomenon in the early 1990s, Akira is a futuristic depiction with apocalyptic elements set in a Neo-Tokyo on the brink of civil war. Katsuhiro Otomo's work is a graphical and narrative treasure trove, confronting the revolutionary views of a disillusioned youth with the danger of scientific progress spiraling out of control.

This book provides the social and historical context of Katsuhiro Otomo's manga, which is reflected in its themes, and is intended to help the Western reader get a better grasp of this major Japanese comic book's essence.