Ask John: Will We Ever See Akira Ultimate?

Question:
I was wondering when will Akira receive the Hellsing Ultimate treatment?

Answer:
The anime production industry is certainly subject to the influences of trends, but the fact that one situation has occurred doesn’t necessitate that it will happen again. Anime remakes aren’t uncommon, but they’re most often produced for one of two reasons: either the original production can be updated and modernized for contemporary viewers, or the original production was flawed or unsatisfactory. The former instance applies to creations like the 2007 Reideen and Kotetsushin Jeeg television series and the current Casshern Sins television series. The later case may apply to troubled productions like the 2005 Maho Sensei Negima television series or the unfinished 2003 Munto OVA series. The remake of Hellsing, known in America as “Hellsing Ultimate,” is a bit of an unusual, exceptional case that’s quite different from the circustances surrounding Akira. While Hellsing arguably justified the purpose of a remake, the same cannot be easily said of Akira.

The 2001 Hellsing television series was a significant departure from the narrative of the manga it was based on. While the Hellsing TV series improves upon some weaknesses found in Kouta Hirano’s original manga, the television anime contains flaws of its own. However, despite the weaknesses found in the television series, the production became unexpectedly successful in America. Thus, two reasons for the production of a remake emerged. First, a remake could faithfully adapt the original manga, which would appease fans unsatisfied by the original television series. Second, a remake could potentially generate the same, or more profit than the very successful original anime adaptation. Neither of the common reasons for anime re-makes, nor either of the circumstances affecting Hellsing apply to Akira.

In the scope of the age of modern anime, the Akira motion picture isn’t especially old, although age alone doesn’t determine the creation of a remake. More importantly, the 1989 Akira movie still holds up quite well in a technical and narrative aspects. It’s doubtful that a contemporary remake of Akira could dramatically improve upon the visual and animation quality of the original film. So a remake of Akira for modern viewers isn’t necessary. Unlike most manga adaptations, the Akira movie was directed by the creator of the source material. Although the Akira movie isn’t exhaustively faithful to the manga it’s based on, the movie is the adaptation that Akira creator Katsuhiro Otomo wanted it to be. So an Akira remake isn’t necessary because the original anime is flawed, incomplete, or unsatisfactory.

If those reasons explain why an Akira remake isn’t vital, it’s economic viability that explains why an Akira remake isn’t likely. The Hellsing OVA series was launched while the original manga series was still ongoing and widely read in Japan. Furthermore, the Hellsing OVA series was launched while a strong international demand for new Hellsing anime existed. Neither instance applies to Akira. The Akira manga ended 18 years ago. While it may still be respected among Japanese readers, it’s not a contemporary, actively ongoing serialization. While Akira has been internationally successful, there’s no great international demand for a new anime interpretation. In fact, the original film isn’t even currently in print on American home video.

It seems too frequent that consumers lament the production of remakes or sequels to films that really don’t need remakes or sequels. Hellsing is a title that arguably deserves a remake. Akira is not. And sometimes things that are just fine the way they are actually do remain that way. I can’t dismiss the possibility that the American produced live action Akira movies – if they’re ever actually produced – may stimulate a renewed interest in Akira anime. For example, an Akira television series that covers more, or all of the original manga, unlike the 1989 film, could have international distribution potential to capitalize on the marketing of the live action films. I can’t predict that something like this won’t happen, but my gut instinct is that it’s a longshot possibility. Although still respected in Japan, I think that the Akira franchise is one that doesn’t have the contemporary market potential and activity in the contemporary market to encourage production of a remake, nor does the original work necessitate a remake to correct the flaws of the earlier release.