This ’80s Body Horror Anime Paved the Way for ‘Akira’
Japanese animation, commonly known as anime, is one of Japan’s major and widely appreciated exports. Its distinctive style encourages numerous directors to explore innovative storylines that resonate with diverse audiences. Among the groundbreaking anime titles, “Akira,” released in 1988, made a significant impact in the United States. The release of “Akira” opened doors for other successful anime productions like “Ghost in the Shell,” “Ninja Scroll,” and the “Evangelion” series. “Akira” blended elements of body horror and cyberpunk, offering a futuristic Tokyo setting that captivated many viewers, especially those who were fans of other tech-noir films such as “Blade Runner” and “Terminator.