Akira (1988) Theatrical Poster
Date
Credits
- Katsuhiro Otomo 2 Designer
Format
- Poster 1609
Type of Work
- Finished work 5388
- Process 100
Techniques
- illustration 110
- printing 378
Dimensions
Locations Made
- Japan 260
This poster made by Katsuhiro Otomo, the author of the manga of which this movie was adapted from. The logo for the movie has the title “Akira” in both english in japanese with one overlapping the other, despite this both versions are easy to read at a quick glance. The composition of the poster consists of a top down view where the main character, Kaneda Shoutarou is walking towards his motorcycle. Akira takes place in a sci-fi/cyberpunk city with an overall motif of when America dropped bombs on japan during WWII. The film itself served as a gateway to making anime more known around the world and is heavily referenced in all types of visual media.
Whether it be paying a homage to the original poster by creating similar compositions, or having a character perform the iconic “Akira bike slide” this film has become heavily ingrained into pop culture despite being nearly 30 years old.
![Akira (1988) Theatrical Poster 1](https://thumbs.peoplesgdarchive.org/static/media-items/image/30814/upto-1440x560/66031e72/1/image_2024-03-26_151352594.png)
![A few examples of other films and cartoons that have referenced the Akira bike slide](https://thumbs.peoplesgdarchive.org/static/media-items/image/30813/upto-1440x473/66031e72/1/image_2024-03-26_151105261.png)
![Akira poster reference in popular game Valorant by Riot Games](https://thumbs.peoplesgdarchive.org/static/media-items/image/31525/upto-1440x370/660c6112/1/image_2024-04-02_154759105.png)