Key Takeaways:
– Akira, a trendsetting 1988 film, has significantly influenced pop culture and Hollywood.
– The movie played a crucial role in revolutionizing the anime industry.
– Its influence is notable in Netflix’s smash-hit, Stranger Things’.
– Katsuhiro Otomo, the creator of Akira, deserves more recognition for his contribution to animation and storytelling.
The Impact of Akira in Pop Culture
The 1980s was a defining decade for pop culture, and the movie Akira stands tall as an influential player. Known for its iconic bike slide scenes and vividly color-coded leather jackets, Akira left an indelible mark on the film industry. It’s no exaggeration to say that its impactful animation and vividly written characters raised the bar in animated storytelling.
Akira wasn’t just about the visuals – its introduction of a superhuman child with telekinetic powers became a popular trope in numerous movies and TV shows, like Netflix’s massive hit, ‘Stranger Things’. Although the plots widely vary, both stories share a common thread of superhuman capabilities and children caught up in dramatic predicaments.
The Influence on Netflix’s Stranger Things
In Stranger Things, created by the Duffer Brothers, one can clearly see the influence Akira left on the story. The show’s superhuman kid theme resonates loudly with the idea first pioneered by Akira. The Duffer Brothers’ storytelling undeniably reflects the impact of Akira’s setting and characters.
The lack of formal recognition for Akira’s impact, especially that of its creator Katsuhiro Otomo, has been a prominent concern. Beyond that, Otomo played a significant part in reforming anime, paving paths for more groundbreaking cyberpunk anime in the 80s.
The Legacy of Katsuhiro Otomo
Katsuhiro Otomo’s influence extends far beyond Akira. His work on various sci-fi and horror films, including Fireball and Domu, produced gem-like pieces that are yet to be wholly acknowledged. Drawing from diverse inspirations such as urban legends, his unique storytelling style has had a lasting impact on the film and anime industry.
Otomo’s most unheralded contribution is undeniably his influence on the animation industry. After Akira’s success, story visualizing in animation took a new turn. The industry began to embrace a renaissance in the 80s, marked by a rise in the popularity of the cyberpunk genre, significantly influenced by Otomo’s Akira.
Anime Reinvented: From Mecha to Cyberpunk
Although the 70s kickstarted the mecha genre with hits like Mazinger Z and Gundam, it was the 80s that truly revolutionized anime. This change couldn’t have happened without Akira and Otomo’s influence. This change is evident in animes like Ghost in the Shell, Battle Angel Alita, Appleseed, and Bubblegum Crisis.
More than thirty years since its original release, Akira remains as relevant and iconic as ever. While shows like Stranger Things acknowledge Akira’s influence, it also underscores the need for the anime industry to get the recognition it rightly deserves. This is especially true when considering how many times Hollywood has borrowed themes and concepts from anime without due credit.
You can watch Stranger Things on Netflix and Akira on Crunchyroll to witness first-hand the distinctive storytelling styles that made an impact on pop culture, showcasing the revolutionary work of Katsuhiro Otomo and Akira. The film industry owes a tremendous debt to anime, and it’s time it got its rightful place in the limelight.
