Akira Books in Order

4.4/5 · 64 ratings across 6 books · Open Library

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🎧 Listen to Akira, Vol. 1 on Audible

Set in Neo-Tokyo, a city built on the ruins of pre-war Tokyo after World War III, the series follows two teenagers who develop paranormal abilities and become targets of powerful agencies. As one of them, Tetsuo, struggles with unstable powers, his actions trigger a catastrophic chain of events that threaten the city and the world. The story explores themes of power, control, and the consequences of unchecked potential, as political and military forces vie for dominance in the aftermath of a devastating conflict.

Publication order

In the order the books were originally released.

  1. Cover of Akira, Vol. 1

    Akira, Vol. 1

    Year unknown · Katsuhiro Ōtomo

    Akira, Vol. 1 is the first volume of a Japanese cyberpunk post-apocalyptic manga series created by Katsuhiro Ōtomo, serialized in Kodansha's Young…

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  2. Cover of Akira, Vol. 2

    Akira, Vol. 2

    Year unknown · Katsuhiro Ōtomo

    Despite being stuck in a frozen status, Akira still poses a threat to Neo-Tokyo, and Tetsuo might be the city's only hope if released, but Tetsuo's…

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  3. Cover of Akira, Vol. 3

    Akira, Vol. 3

    Year unknown · Katsuhiro Ōtomo

    Tetsuo, an unstable youth with immense paranormal abilities, has done the unthinkable by releasing Akira, setting into motion a chain of events that…

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  4. Cover of Akira, Vol. 4

    Akira, Vol. 4

    2000 · Katsuhiro Ōtomo

    As Neo-Tokyo lies in ruin after an assassination attempt invokes Akira's fury, the Great Tokyo Empire rises with Akira as its king and Tetsuo as its…

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  5. Cover of Akira, Vol. 5

    Akira, Vol. 5

    2001 · Katsuhiro Ōtomo

    With Akira and his mad prime minister ruling the Great Tokyo Empire, the world at large gathers its military strength to take on the Empire.

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  6. Cover of Akira, Vol. 6

    Akira, Vol. 6

    2002 · Katsuhiro Ōtomo

    As Tetsuo begins losing control of his abilities, the military's forces converge on Neo-Tokyo for the final confrontation. The film is set in a…

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Companion & related books

Related titles and editions that sit outside the main numbered order.

Frequently asked questions

What order should I read the Akira books in?

Read them in publication order, starting with “Akira, Vol. 1”. Start with “Akira, Vol. 1.”

How many books are in the Akira series?

We list 7 books by Katsuhiro Ōtomo , published between 1989–2002.

Where can I buy the Akira books?

Each title above links to Amazon. See our affiliate disclosure.

Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted a wrong order, a missing book, or any other mistake? and we'll correct it.