AKIRA: Manga vs Anime - Read It or Watch it?

[@Wolfy2k4]

In all my many years, this has to be the most thoughtful and well presented argument I've seen over the manga/movie debate. Well researched, well reasoned. Hats off you you my man. I first saw this around age 14 or 15 when it was aired on channel 4 in the UK. It wasn't until years later I read the manga and realised such an amazing story could be even better in so many ways!

[@breakingtropes]

Thanks man. Your comment means a lot. I had the same experience. Well.... I guess you watched the video so you know lol.

[@itsdantaylor]

As someone who has now read the manga AND seen the movie........it's definitely a give and take with each. In all honesty i wasn't that big on the plot of the movie, or the manga, but Akira both as an animation and comic are SPECTACLES. Both kind of lack in character and satisfying story arc (In my personal opinion) but both are just awe inspiring works of art in terms of the level of care and detail that go into each frame of both. I do prefer the manga version where Akira is just a child with such massive power he's treated as a walking weapon of mass destruction.

[@breakingtropes]

Wow. I don't think I disagree with anything you have stated.

[@VirginaAV]

I think they both have their own perks. I just read the manga and finished it today, it is very strong starting off, but it can lose its focus in the fun of the wasteland and I think wastes a lot of time. I do agree I like him as a child, but he almost he only serves as a tool for others, Im curious how he even became the lord of the new empire? As opposed to Tetsuo taking over immediately. It seems like Akira would not have gave a fuck.

[@breakingtropes]

Good points. From what I remember it seemed Tetsuo might have either been afraid or revered Akira himself. I think he recognized his immense power. Like the big dude at the party you don't wanna mess with. @@VirginaAV

[@rjarana]

@@breakingtropes Totally agree. I also feel that Akira was a more symbolic figure for Tetsuo to rule the survivors. Just rewatched the movie since I had just read the Manga and hadn't recalled much from seeing it as kid. Didn't realize just how different they are. My favorite manga now! Movie didn't compare but the animation and especially the music were great.

[@ranma36]

Classic anime film... better manga

[@breakingtropes]

Truth brother. Both are amazing!!

[@soggysod9397]

The only correct answer is to watch it and then read it. Doing this will be the best possible experience.

[@breakingtropes]

Yes Indeed!

[@Garrett.1111]

💯 %

[@retrosuperheroart2202]

19:02 lol !! Great video. I just read the whole Manga series after seeing the movie about 20 times over the years. I agree with your final thoughts. It just adds more depth. And Ryu is kind of needed I feel to stop it from being a love story too much. My main feeling after reading the manga was, wow.. I just sped through 2000 pages which took Katsuhiro Otoma (and his team ;-) ) years to make in about 5 hours.. One of those city panels takes way more than that. lol Lady Miyako deserved more in the movie, but I like the Kaneda - Tetsuo friendship in the movie better. In the comic I'm like, hey! stop trying to kill your buddy so desperately, maybe try to talk to him first...

[@breakingtropes]

I feel it. When you speed read Akira it's like maybe I should go back and appreciate the art.....

[@retrosuperheroart2202]

@@breakingtropes yup

[@daegnaxqelil2733]

the anime movie was just excellent to introduce us to Akira's particular universe and presenting the main basis of its global history. for more lore and character development , you have to read the manga

[@GenLiu]

I first saw the anime, loved it but didn't quite understand what the hell it was about. So, I read the manga...And loved it so much that I've never returned to the Anime ever. I personally don't think it's necessary to watch the anime for anyone who's interested in Akira, since the manga is essentially a better version of it in literally every aspect but this is just my own opinion and I can fully get behind your idea of the anime serving as some sort of trailer for the manga. I guess it's up to everyone's taste.

[@breakingtropes]

Truth. I think from an animation stand point Akira is a master piece and well ahead of its time and competes with a lot of animation today favorably. So just from that standpoint its worth a watch. Story telling it is obviously lacking. The manga is better in general as well. I still will watch the anime because it just looks amazing and its presentation is excellent. Its a very good movie to have playing in the background IMO.

[@GenLiu]

@@breakingtropes Oh, absolutely. In fact, I couldn't deny how much of a masterpiece the anime was. This is what got me to Akira in the first place, after all, and people can't even fathom the impact it had on its time without having lived it. I was in high school when it came out at the theatre and it was as simple as "if you didn't see it, you must have been living in a cave outside of civilization". It was that alien movie that people talked about excitedly when they came back home. There was nothing like it, back at the time and it was partially due to its outstanding presentation. My vision of Akira is the following: The anime is a masterpiece, but the manga is just one of the best/most intelligent/well-done story ever created. Otomo is a genius who was way ahead of his time (like, think about it. Akira was first published in 1982 in the young magazine. That was 40 years ago, and yet, media today keep using Kaneda's bike and Akira's visual world as a reference today).

[@isaiahcurry8719]

Nice content man i was surprised you only got a 100 subs for the quality

[@breakingtropes]

Thanks man. Marketing is tough, but I got some other stuff coming and more of these types of videos.

[@attackofthecopyrightbots]

the answer is always both

[@breakingtropes]

Yup with Akira for sure. Some other ones though 👀

[@tobe2854]

I agree. Both.

[@VegaNCalleDQuesT]

Your vid’s are great! Your channel deserves a lot more reach

[@breakingtropes]

Thanks much appreciated! KZbin is a grind, hopefully there is a reward.

[@evancodsworth2]

Reading Akira for the first time now. I have never seen the movie. The 35th anniversary edition is absolutely incredible.

[@breakingtropes]

Oh yeah it was a great investment. Artwork and the covers for all the volumes are on point! Watch the movie! And remind yourself that it came out in 1988, yet still has better animation than a lot of anime today.

[@BigBussinBiscuits]

Read the manga with music, best way to experince akira.

[@implex2171]

What music would you recommend

[@BigBussinBiscuits]

@@implex2171 I personally use the movie soundtrack and these are my recommendations. Play winds over neo Tokyo. Whenever the characters are all in a scene in the city talking or walking around. Exodus when viewing any scenes with kaneda and kei escaping or kyokto being an absolute top G. I use requiem for akiras awakening and any nuke scenes. I use illusion for the scenes with lady miyako. I always start the Manga with Kaneda theme and just about any scene with bikes. And last recommendation is use the clown gang theme for when Tetsuo becomes the new leader or basically any scene where the gang is the main antagonist.

[@implex2171]

@@BigBussinBiscuits thanks! I’ll definitely try it out

[@BigBussinBiscuits]

@@implex2171 awesome I hope it makes your experience of the amazing manga all the better!

[@LOLheyman]

@@BigBussinBiscuits there's a manga otomo made before he made Akira called Domu. I guess that manga was supposed to get a anime but never did but they still made a soundtrack for it. If you like anime soundtracks I definitely recommend checking out the domu soundtrack, you can find it on KZbin.

[@LOLheyman]

Read the manga for the full story and experience. Watch the movie because its one of the most classic and ahead of its time anime ever made.

[@breakingtropes]

That animation still slaps!

[@mr_wenzday]

I have realized I don't remember anything much of Akira, since I watched it as a kid. So it's on the to do list again. Am excited to hear what you got for Trigun!

[@breakingtropes]

Oh yes. I hope to do the series justice and also get my opinion across!!!

[@nellhebert3570]

Another outstanding video with exceptional editing. Fantastic!

[@breakingtropes]

Thanks!!!!

[@juleswoodbury58]

The movie is like a spoiler less trailer for the manga. It grips you by playing with your emotions, it has a good soundtrack and it is reaaaaal purty.

[@kaizvibez]

such a good video dude!! keep it up💪🏼

[@breakingtropes]

Thanks man. Comments like this keep me going!

[@schemar17]

very good bro! i hope your channel blows up this is really good editing

[@breakingtropes]

Thanks man!. I hope so to. I got a lot of good content on the way and different video ideas I am excited for so stay tuned. Just getting started!

[@Bigbluemeanie234]

Just found your channel and I'm a big fan of this kind of video and your analysis of Trigun as well. What series you plan on next?

[@breakingtropes]

You gotta guess based on the "next video hint" at the end on my Death note video. Its one of my favorites though.

[@thetruth9783]

Watch it first, then read it. Both are amazing and quite different

[@breakingtropes]

Agreed. Reading it after fills in the holes in the plot.

[@josechamu240]

Really well edited!

[@breakingtropes]

Thanks Man. Imma keep em coming!

[@michaelbranz101]

Really love your animation videos, keep it up

[@breakingtropes]

Got some fun ones Im working on now!

[@TheGuillohm]

The french publisher GLENAT have a colorized version of the 12 chapters. They are the best paper version of Akira.

[@seriousblurs7996]

Is that a newly colourised version or just the old US produced one? Because that looked pretty bad. Though even bad colouring spruce things up of course.

[@truegreensmokerconcrete6149]

Recently saw the film on Netflix for first time since 2001 and it was actually better than I remember GOAT manga film

[@breakingtropes]

100% classic!

[@alondite215]

Do both. The manga is a must-read, but the film is one of the most visually stunning animated films ever made (and almost entirely by hand), and that alone makes it worth the watch.

[@GregoryIngle]

Very nicely done!

[@breakingtropes]

Thanks!! Much appreciated!

[@monstrouspegasister]

The movie melted my brain as it is, so I can't imagine how reading the manga would help. Part of me wants to see a modern Akira anime series that's more accurate to the manga, just to make things a tad easier. But the other part knows deep down nobody's gonna like it.

[@breakingtropes]

LOL. I think if they did a 5-episode Netflix series based on the manga it would be a success and would get people excited about the series. They would have to do the artwork justice though just like the original movie.

[@monstrouspegasister]

@@breakingtropesHow tf are they gonna cram all that stuff from the manga into just 5 episodes? I think it would take AT LEAST 13.

[@breakingtropes]

@@monstrouspegasister LOL depends. I would make every episode maybe an hour to a hour and 30 minutes. I guess 13 episodes would be okay, but I just think the sequences that happen in the manga would be better with a longer format and not as many episodes. I think it could be boring otherwise.

[@monstrouspegasister]

@@breakingtropes Good point. 🤷‍♀️

[@PacisJusticia]

They actually announced a series that follows the manga before covid, with Otomo himself overseeing. It went radio silent a few years ago and I have no idea if they're still making it.

[@matthewoconnor3708]

The manga and the movie are fantastic i love both of them

[@miguelsonofzeus]

First time I was introduced to Akira had to been in 1994 or 95. My friend's brother had gotten a some VHS tapes for his birthday one of them was Hokuto no Ken (1986) and Akira. And of course we watched them when our parents weren't home lol. My buddy and a girl we knew were grossed out but I thought it was cool.

[@breakingtropes]

Having it on VHS is dope AF, your friends brother was ahead of his time. Yeah it was a bit horrifying to me when I first saw it lol. But, super interesting.

[@t-liminal]

The manga version is just pure cyberpunk H.P Lovecraft induced epicness. 3rd favorite manga.

[@BigBeefNCheddar]

I would say it’s more Philip K. Dick, touching upon drugs, our connection with reality, human nature, governmental corruption and manipulation, and what it means to be alive.

[@warriorsdream3734]

And your number 1 and 2?

[@kaminabrutal4344]

1 and 2 ????

[@AjatiMimi]

@@warriorsdream3734 Cowboy Bebop and Monster

[@pokeliteral]

Nice video, saw your post on the community tab and wanted to ignore em cuz it’s hard to grow a channel so keep going !

[@breakingtropes]

Thanks man. First comment lol. Yeah its hard to get people to watch. Definitely will keep going and get better.

[@huilharess3620]

For me the manga is better, ok the movie is iconic but the manga tells the whole story. If you play the Akira OST while reading it, you have a 10/10 experience

[@breakingtropes]

Well said. OST is amazing and I think Ill do this next time I read it!

[@miguelsonofzeus]

Not to be rude. But anime came to the U.S. in 1961, the movie was called "Shōnen Sarutobi Sasuke." Anime became well received when "Tetsuwan Atomu" and "Tetsujin Nijūhachi-gō" aired in the US in the early '60s.

[@breakingtropes]

Wow did not know that, will have to look into those works. But I meant it as bringing anime to the west for its generation and for a lot of people. It was one of the first works that got me into anime. Part of me thinks these things come in waves. I remember reading somewhere that anime was not as popular in the west before Akira and also it was not as accessible. But my memory is a bit hazy on this.

[@miguelsonofzeus]

@breakingtropes Here are the American names "Astro Boy" and "Gigantor". Also Speed Racer (Mach Gogogo) was aired in the US during the 1960s.

[@miguelsonofzeus]

@breakingtropes Also, Robotech (Macross) was dubbed by Harmony Gold in the mid-80s and aired on syndication.

[@breakingtropes]

@@miguelsonofzeus Harmony gold was ass lol and terrible at dubbing from what I know. Astro boy, speed racer are of course well known and were popular in America. But did their popularity stick up until Akira made its way to America? Not to mention these works were tamer compared to Akira and more mature anime. I would say that Akira was one of the main works that brought the mature aspect to American audiences. But, I am just speaking from my experience. It be interesting to know how many people viewed anime like astro boy and speed racer as anime, and not just regular cartoons. I had no idea speed racer was anime as a kid lol.

[@miguelsonofzeus]

@breakingtropes I believe Akira was the first adult oriented anime to be released in the US. Speeder Racer and Astro Boy were meant for kids, and they were profitable. Speed Racer's Japanese dub and manga were actually meant for general audiences. Akira was artistically way ahead of its time for the market it was meant for. Its detailed animation, dubbing, and storytelling were what made it more popular than it was meant to be.

[@TheDeaner55]

Megaman X6 stage select music does hit hard though

[@breakingtropes]

The best is x4 stage select. Unbeatable nostalgia!

[@transformersrevenge9]

I'll watch that new Akira anime that was announced, but is stuck in development hell for years now.

[@breakingtropes]

Oh, I didn't know about this. I know there is a live action film that been stuck in development hell as well. Let's hope it stays there.

[@NoobManga]

Literally just ordered vol one from Amazon like 10 min ago I can't not wait 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@breakingtropes]

You will enjoy it!!! A true classic

[@NoobManga]

@@breakingtropes bro I feel like it will be my fav manga just based off the movie lol

[@takutubepalms]

Miyako, the religious leader who performs miracles, dies soon after in the movie. But she is an important character in the manga. She supports Nez, a politician who is in conflict with the military. And on her palm is a number older than Akira's. She is also a psychic created by the military. The movie is quite abbreviated and unsatisfying.

[@breakingtropes]

Yeah true. She also kind of tricks Tetsuo as well if I recall. Movie dropped the ball on her character.

[@daegnaxqelil2733]

that's funny how Miyako became a guy in the anime film

[@somethingsomewhatsomewhere210]

i watched the anime few months ago and man i lost my mind at the end but i liked it(like few days ago i went to buy a manga or comic book and i was stuck between sin city & akira & berserk tho i picked berserk cuz i needed some gore & dark fantasy but i'm thinking about to akira next lol and i love the real folk blues remix you put in the verdict part of your videos cheers space cowboy)i'm thinking about rewatching it too lol

[@breakingtropes]

Berserk is definitely an experience and amazing. Akira is a quick read so it'd be a nice one to read afterwards. I rewatched Bebop after I gave the live action netflex a try. One episode and I was like "Yup, back to the anime" lol

[@somethingsomewhatsomewhere210]

@@breakingtropes yeah man netflix just dropped a big dookie and went for the other yeah well i start berserk then akira then trigun

[@tentsio]

Both have its place and offer things that the other medium can´t.

[@jeremiahmay6936]

Love your Wolf Pack hat.

[@breakingtropes]

Tooooooo Sweeeeet!

[@griffiththechad9483]

I just finished the manga and was considering getting into the anime. I’m pretty disappointed to learn that Chiyoko, Tetsuo’s Captain, and Tetsuos faction all together aren’t in there. I also read that Miyako wasn’t as important either which is also kinda lame but oh well, I’ll still probably watch.

[@breakingtropes]

Please do watch. The manga is a better story by far, but the anime is a fun visually amazing compact version of the anime. Animation still holds up great today!

[@PacisJusticia]

The anime is literally some of the best animation ever put to film and has an incredible soundtrack. No it's not the full epic journey that the manga is, but it has many iconic scenes from the manga so you'll still get a lot out of it.

[@jhkuno88]

The Anime just for the AudioVisual presentation....if you want more story and deeper characters go for the Manga

[@breakingtropes]

Sounds like both to me!

[@OakenRoot]

IMO the manga is incomparably better than the movie, the movie is great in it's own regard. But with all of the material that couldn't make it's way into the movie it feels like a terrible adaptation. I love the movie (i watched it before reading the manga, usually how goes for me with anime/manga) but the manga is something else. They would have to make 2-3 movies to do it justice, or hopefully it is what we will get with the series that Otomo is producing as we speak. My hopes that Taika Waititi could do it justice is very slim, i would like to be surprised.

[@breakingtropes]

If there is going to be a series that is adapting the manga verbatim, then I would like to see a 4-5 part episode series maybe exclusive to Netflix or Hulu. Each episode could be like a short movie. And if Otomo over sees it, it would be amazing. I heard about Taika doing a live action movie, but I have been hearing about a live action Akira since forever... I at least hope someone else will do it.

[@daegnaxqelil2733]

say the guy with a anime tetsuo as thumbnail

[@OakenRoot]

@@daegnaxqelil2733 I'm sorry but i don't understand, what's your point? *i love the movie*

[@daegnaxqelil2733]

@@OakenRoot troll.

[@NoobManga]

I watched the movie 3x now how much of vol1 of the manga do they leave out of the actual movie ?

[@ChanduPonthapalli]

Manga is the mother, and anime is the son i watch both but i rate mang❤❤❤❤

[@teddybeer6206]

Manga all the way for me.

[@code_g]

well made

[@breakingtropes]

Thanks Man. I plan on making more!

[@user-pv9pv4xf9c]

I'm probably the only person who thinks the anime has a better, more complete story with a beginning, middle, and end. The manga drags on indefinitely, but it's full of really cool and crazy parts. If you absolutely love the movie then I'd suggest that someone read the manga, just to see how ridiculous and different it is, but otherwise I could see a lot of people not enjoying the manga. They really are like two completely different stories.

[@ericrhodes5174]

True the manga has lots of filler and is needlessly mean spirited. Kaneda's characterization is also less consistent (he is both the hero and the comic relief).

[@breakingtropes]

Yeah this is true to an extent. I think some stuff could have been cut from the manga at least post 2nd Akira event. But, I dont see how anyone could understand the movie from watching it 1 time and not looking up anything. Its just confusing when you start asking questions. Plus, there is just so much more flushed out in the manga which adds to the story. Yamagata's death scene alone is soooooo much better in the manga. Wait there is no death scene in the movie....

[@Thebroshow13]

The manga is better in my opinion because it goes more into depth and we really get a lot of important information . I like the movie but it does glanss of a lot important stuff .

[@breakingtropes]

Facts. We need to see a full adaptation of the manga at some point.

[@miilexthemii9353]

Ryu and Kei relationship should've been more developed because as it is it just feel like he put that there because to make the story darker but in my opinion it just doesn't work, it would have been much better if Ryu was shitty mentor to Kei and Kei eventually learns to stop being with him. I don't know, something like that, not... This weird shit.

[@breakingtropes]

I agree with that. Its weird and not developed at all, and there was so much potential there with both characters.

[@That_One_Sunshine_Knight]

As someone whoa watched the movie 2-3 times. And finally just read the manga. Both. Do both. Don't do the whole "Manga better! Anime better!" song and dance.

[@UltimateEnd0]

The movie is better because Tetsuo morals make more sense. IMO they're two different universes.

[@breakingtropes]

Interesting opinion. He is kind of a degenerate in the manga.

[@BoogusBuddy]

Do both, this shit ain't one piece

[@starplatine5909]

Hey man what's the name of the song at the end

[@breakingtropes]

Under tale OST - 23 - Shop Trap Remix kzbin.info/www/bejne/inbJlnucec5rkLM

[@BDbdBD2025]

Manga in black and white

[@TCMECH79]

Read it first, then watch it if you can

[@manufiorenza9872]

Read the manga

[@Grod2013]

the music in the manga was better....

[@breakingtropes]

Lol. Guess I got that one wrong

[@jonasschmidt3294]

Manga better

[@breakingtropes]

Yes, but the anime's got to be more influential.... Place in my soul for both!

[@jonasschmidt3294]

@@breakingtropes I agree

[@vxcvxmcrposfdsdfulpdfg]

Great video dog but please for the love of god stop mumbling into your mic lmao. Speak with more clarity man

[@breakingtropes]

This was my first video lol. So I think I did solve this issue in future videos