Culture news Driving the motorcycle from one of the most famous sci-fi mangas in the world is possible! And its price is not that crazy…
One of the most legendary vehicles in Japanese animation is available for purchase!
Akira is surely one of the most important mangas in Japanese literature. It was able to breathe new life across the globe and its adaptation into an animated film remains anchored in the memory of all those who saw it. The main character’s motorcycle is legendary, ranking almost on the same level as the Bat-Mobile or the Millennium Falcon. And to the delight of fans, a replica of the legendary two-wheeler has been created in Spain, and it is on sale.
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A perfect replica
It’s been almost two years since the art studio Bel&Bel is working on the replica of the iconic motorcycle of Shotaro Kaneda, hero of the manga Akira. Starting with the chassis of a simple Yamaha scooter, the studio mixed numerous parts from other vehicles. This is why we find, for example, the swing arm of a Honda or even the engine of another Yamaha. But contrary to what one might think, this replica is not dedicated to exhibition, but is indeed functional and available for sale. According to the media Rideapart, the vehicle costs €24,000, including €5,000 down payment and each motorcycle is produced to order. Bel&Bel estimates that their vehicle can reach a top speed of 150 km/h even if all the technical details are not yet known.
A legendary motorcycle for a legendary work
For those who are not familiar with Akira, €20,000 for a motorcycle may be hard to swallow; but it’s not just any manga. Released in 1982 from the head of Katsuhiro Ôtomo, Akira is made up of 6 volumes. The story takes place in a cyberpunk science fiction universe in Japan, after World War III has broken out.. We follow a group of bikers who try as best they can to survive in this ravaged world, led by Shotaro Kaneda and his red motorcycle. The work mixes many themes such as transhumanism, revolutions or the fight against power. All these subjects are very well treated and managed throughout the work, coupled with a gripping love story.
But what made it even more popular was undoubtedly its animated adaptation. In a feature film lasting more than two hours broadcast in 1988, Akira was an earthquake in the world of animation. The film took more than 5 years to produce, involving more than 31 animation studios and 200 singers and musicians. The teams even had to create a new color in order to obtain the best possible rendering for the legendary motorcycle.. So when this vehicle that has made an entire generation dream becomes available for sale, and with the possibility of using it, obviously it makes noise.
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