Hi folks, I'm looking into this topic to see what I can find. it might be of interest:
I'm currently trying to find out more about the background artist(s) who designed these fictional machines and what their inspiration might have been. Also just appreciating how much work went into cell animating everything in the Akira movie.
Arcade games in the Akira anime movie (Twitter thread)
- Thread starter kierann
- Start date
Interesting! At a guess I'd wonder whether it could have been tech they may have seen similar to that which was used with the 'hollographic' games in the early 90s but honestly don't have a clue. Won't be easy finding out I suspect.
I've not got copies of the books anymore but, does this appear in the original book or was it added for the film?
I've not got copies of the books anymore but, does this appear in the original book or was it added for the film?
Good call, that could be it. They're just a small part of the film, but it'd be interesting to find out more about the artist's ideas for those games.
The 1982 manga comic is different, but there's one machine its bar scene. It looks a lot like the shape of a Taito upright Space Invaders to me, but maybe there's some other influences there in the side art
The 1982 manga comic is different, but there's one machine its bar scene. It looks a lot like the shape of a Taito upright Space Invaders to me, but maybe there's some other influences there in the side art
Vinegar Joe
Active member
Interesting read that thread, appreciate the effort. I must admit, as much of a fan of Akira as I am (I have the film on 4k, the 35th anniversary manga box set and an original cel/genga), I never really paid much attention to these arcade games!
The attention to detail throughout the film amazes me to this day. For me it is still the yardstick for hand drawn animation.
Are they still making the TV series? Not sure if I want it or not. On the one hand, the film never really did justice to the scope of the manga so hopefully we get more of it animated. On the other hand, it will never match the quality of the film and will always be compared to it (fairly or not). Guess we're going to have to wait a while to find out either way!
The attention to detail throughout the film amazes me to this day. For me it is still the yardstick for hand drawn animation.
Are they still making the TV series? Not sure if I want it or not. On the one hand, the film never really did justice to the scope of the manga so hopefully we get more of it animated. On the other hand, it will never match the quality of the film and will always be compared to it (fairly or not). Guess we're going to have to wait a while to find out either way!
I'm glad I know nothing about what you're talking about @Vinegar Joe 😱 Really hope not, fed up of people taking something great and doing it badly, instead of taking risks, doing something new and ending up with something great!
Many thanks for checking it out @Vinegar Joe ! The games are a nice focus point for checking out the detail that the animators put into the artwork and world-building, even more remarkable due to the hand-drawn animation style. It's just phenominal stuff. I recommend checking out this short video for anyone interested in how the film was made:
- I hadn't heard about a planned tv series before, it'd be interesting to see how they'd handle that or indeed a full-length movie. It could be a bit like the Ghost in the Shell live action movie, good film, but already so familiar for anyone who saw the original