It often goes unnoticed that the creators of our beloved cartoons are, at heart, massive animation enthusiasts themselves. This shared passion is precisely how iconic moments like the “Akira Bike slide” come into existence, evolving from subtle nods to legendary animation memes.
Originating in the Akira manga, around 1982, the bike slide’s debut was understated. It was a minor background event, almost a visual Easter egg, while the main focus remained on other unfolding action. This subtle beginning in the manga laid the groundwork for what would become an animation phenomenon.
The 1988 animated film adaptation of Akira, animated by Koji Morimoto, catapulted this background detail into the spotlight. Morimoto transformed the understated manga panel into a dynamic showcase of Kaneda’s rebellious and cool demeanor. This cinematic rendition cemented the Akira bike slide as a powerful visual shorthand for coolness and defiance.
The scene’s distinctiveness stems from several animation choices: the crackling electricity emanating from Kaneda’s futuristic bike, the three points of contact generating distinct dust trails, and the overall fluid and dynamic animation quality characteristic of Akira. This confluence of elements forged a memorable animation sequence that resonated deeply with animators and audiences alike, paving the way for countless homages and references in subsequent animations.
Batman: The Animated Series (1993)
The earliest animated reference to the Akira bike slide can be traced back to the 1993 Batman: The Animated Series episode, “Robin’s Reckoning (Part 2).” This Emmy-winning episode, celebrated as one of the series’ best, subtly incorporated the iconic slide. While the exact storyboard artist responsible—potentially Joe Denton, Curt Geda, Gary Graham, or Doug Murphy, or even director Dick Sebast—remains unconfirmed, its inclusion speaks to the widespread influence of Akira within the animation community.
Interestingly, this homage diverges slightly from the original by not opening on an extreme close-up of the character’s face. Instead, Robin enters the frame from the bottom. It’s important to consider the production context: in 1992, a high-quality reference like frame-by-frame analysis was likely unavailable, possibly limited to VHS copies. This makes the inclusion even more impressive, considering the constraints.
You’re Under Arrest (1997)
Episode 17 of You’re Under Arrest marks another early instance, storyboarded and animation directed by Yukina Hiiro in 1997. This reference, appearing almost a decade after Akira’s release, is notable as one of the first in anime itself. Daimaru Nakajima, the biker character, known for his over-the-top riding style, is the perfect candidate for the Akira bike slide homage.
This version mirrors the original’s close-up-to-wide-shot transition and adds a subtle camera movement, enriching the dynamism. However, similar to the Batman example, it omits the three points of contact, which, arguably, makes the slide appear less grounded and slightly awkward compared to Kaneda’s stable and controlled slide.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003)
TMNT 2003, a series openly embracing its anime inspirations, naturally features the Akira bike slide. It appears twice: in the intro sequence (storyboarded by Kirk Van Wormer) and in the episode “Meet Casey Jones” (with potentially Kirk Van Wormer among the storyboard artists). These TMNT renditions are arguably the most faithful to Akira’s original.
They incorporate the crucial three points of contact, and the in-episode version even includes electric sparks, echoing Kaneda’s bike’s visual effects. The intro and episode versions both utilize the signature close-up to wide shot framing. This period seems to mark a turning point, solidifying the Akira bike slide’s status as a recognizable animation meme.
Clone Wars (2003)
Continuing the trend in 2003, Genndy Tartakovsky, known for his anime-influenced style, included the slide in the fourth episode of his Clone Wars micro-series. Tartakovsky’s works are replete with anime references, making the Akira bike slide a fitting inclusion. This instance cleverly mirrors Akira’s context by depicting the slide as a braking maneuver after a “game of chicken,” further emphasizing the homage beyond just visual structure.
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (2005)
By 2005, the Akira bike slide had permeated animator’s consciousness to the point of playful experimentation. Advent Children, characterized by its over-the-top action, delivers a highly stylized and exaggerated homage. Attributing the specific creator—possibly director Tetsuya Nomura, co-director Takeshi Nozue, storyboard artists Manabu Himukai or Kazuhito Yamamoto, or Battle Motion coordinator Jun Murakami—is difficult, but the result is a gloriously overblown and memorable take on the classic slide.
Gurren Lagann (2007)
The Gurren Lagann instance, appearing in the first episode, might be considered a more abstract interpretation of the Akira bike slide. While debatable as a direct reference, it showcases how the core concept could be adapted and reinterpreted. With only one credited storyboard artist for the intro sequence, the execution likely falls to one of the 22 key animators. This example demonstrates the evolving nature of the homage, moving beyond direct replication.
Michiko and Hatchin (2008)
Michiko and Hatchin, a series often praised for its style, features a more traditional Akira bike slide. Directed by Sayo Yamamoto (of Yuri on Ice fame), the storyboard artist for this scene is uncertain, potentially being Sayo Yamamoto, Masak Yuasa, Shuko Murase, Kotomi Deai, Tomohiko Itou, or Yoshimitsu Oohashi. This inclusion underscores the enduring appeal and adaptability of the classic slide across diverse animation styles.
Pokemon (2009)
In 2009, Episode 581 of Pokémon, “Stealing the Conversation!”, storyboarded by Masaru Koyama and animation directed by Izumi Shimura, introduced a cool, aviator-glasses-wearing Officer Jenny executing an Akira bike slide. This version incorporates a slight tracking camera movement, reminiscent of the You’re Under Arrest example, while remaining largely faithful to the original. Given Pokémon’s recent animation upgrades, a revisited Akira bike slide in the series would be a welcome sight.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Venturing into live-action, X-Men Origins: Wolverine (directed by Gavin Hood) includes a modified Akira bike slide reference. While adapted to the constraints of live-action, the homage is still discernible. Its presence in a major motion picture highlights the bike slide’s cultural permeation beyond animation.
Adventure Time (2011)
Adventure Time’s episode “Go with Me” features Marceline performing an Akira slide on a skateboard. Storyboarded by Ako Castuera and Tom Herpich, and directed by Larry Leichliter, this version shares some of the framing characteristics of the Batman TAS example. It serves as a lighthearted, throwaway gag, demonstrating the meme’s versatility in comedic contexts.
Nisemonogatari (2012)
Nisemonogatari offers a personal favorite, exaggerating the dynamism of the slide even when applied to a simple bicycle. Attributing the storyboard artist is challenging, with Itamura Tomoyuki, Kawabata Takashi, and Yase Yuki potentially involved in storyboard and directorial roles. This example, even without deeper context of Nisemonogatari, is appreciated for its sheer comedic overstatement.
Bartkira (2014)
The Bartkira project, a fan-driven initiative launched in 2013, brings the Akira bike slide full circle in a way. Artists reimagined the Akira manga using Simpsons characters, gaining significant traction and even producing a Simpsons-ized Akira trailer. Stephen Loveluck’s Simpsons couch gag homage, incorporating the now-iconic Akira bike slide, provides a fitting and humorous endpoint to this overview, perfectly encapsulating the meme’s journey.
This exploration is by no means exhaustive, barely scratching the surface of fan art and countless other potential references. What other notable Akira bike slide homages have you encountered? Share them in the comments below!
