The world of animation is a fascinating realm where creators often pay tribute to the works that inspired them. Animators are, at heart, passionate fans themselves, and this shines through in subtle nods and overt references within their creations. One such iconic reference point, deeply embedded in animation culture, is the “Akira bike slide,” originating from the seminal work Akira.
First appearing in the Akira manga around 1982, the bike slide was initially a minor detail, a background event amidst the chaotic action. It was in the groundbreaking 1988 animated film adaptation by Koji Morimoto that the Akira bike slide truly exploded into prominence. Morimoto transformed this background detail into a dynamic showcase of Kaneda’s rebellious and cool persona.
The animation of the bike slide in Akira is remarkable for its detail and impact. The electric crackle emanating from Kaneda’s futuristic bike, the distinctive three points of contact creating trails of dust, and the overall fluid, almost hyper-realistic animation style, all contribute to making this scene unforgettable. The “Akira bike slide” quickly transcended its origin, becoming a legendary moment, widely recognized and frequently homaged by animators across the globe.
The Akira Bike Slide Across Animation
Batman: The Animated Series (1993)
One of the earliest animated references to the Akira bike slide can be found in the critically acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series. In the 1993 episode “Robin’s Reckoning (Part 2),” a pivotal episode that earned an Emmy Award, Robin executes a recognizable bike slide. While the exact storyboard artist responsible – possibly Joe Denton, Curt Geda, Gary Graham, Doug Murphy, or director Dick Sebast – remains unconfirmed, its inclusion is a testament to Akira‘s growing influence.
This Batman homage uniquely begins without a close-up on the character’s face, with Robin entering the frame from below. Considering the episode’s production timeline likely placed it around 1992, access to Akira reference material was limited, likely relying on VHS copies. This early adaptation, despite any minor deviations, clearly demonstrates the bike slide’s burgeoning impact on Western animation.
You’re Under Arrest (1997)
The Akira bike slide made its way into anime itself with a reference in a 1997 episode of You’re Under Arrest. Storyboarded and animation directed by Yukina Hiiro, episode 17 features Daimaru Nakajima, a character known for his over-the-top bike riding skills, performing the iconic move. This homage returns to the close-up-to-wide-shot framing of the original, subtly adding camera movement. However, similar to the Batman example, the You’re Under Arrest slide lacks the distinctive three points of contact, resulting in a slightly different visual feel.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003)
The 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, known for its anime influences, embraced the Akira bike slide not once, but twice. It appears in the intro sequence, storyboarded by Kirk Van Wormer, and again in the episode “Meet Casey Jones,” with storyboard artists including Van Wormer and others. These TMNT iterations are arguably among the most faithful recreations of the original Akira bike slide in animation. They incorporate the crucial three points of contact and maintain the close-up to wide shot transition. The episode appearance even adds electric sparks, further enhancing the Akira connection. This period marks a significant point in the bike slide’s journey toward becoming a widely recognized animation meme.
Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003)
Staying within 2003, Genndy Tartakovsky’s Star Wars: Clone Wars micro-series, known for its stylized action and anime influences, featured its own Akira bike slide homage in the fourth episode. Tartakovsky, known for incorporating anime references in his work, naturally included this iconic move. This instance cleverly mirrors the context of the original Akira scene: the slide is used to stop after a successful game of “chicken,” mirroring Kaneda’s maneuver in the face of danger.
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (2005)
By 2005, the Akira bike slide was firmly established in animation consciousness, allowing creators to playfully experiment with the format. Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, known for its over-the-top action sequences, took the homage to an extreme. Whether the mastermind behind this exaggerated version was director Tetsuya Nomura, co-director Takeshi Nozue, storyboard artists Manabu Himukai or Kazuhito Yamamoto, or Battle Motion coordinator Jun Murakami, this rendition is a flamboyant and memorable take on the classic slide, perfectly fitting the film’s style.
Gurren Lagann (2007)
The inclusion of the Akira bike slide in Gurren Lagann is more open to interpretation, yet the resemblance is striking. Featured in the first episode, this scene demonstrates how the homage can evolve, pushing the boundaries of what constitutes an Akira bike slide reference. While the specific animator responsible is difficult to pinpoint due to limited storyboard credits for the episode, its presence in Gurren Lagann suggests the bike slide’s permeating influence.
Michiko & Hatchin (2008)
Michiko & Hatchin, a critically acclaimed but often overlooked anime, delivers a more traditional Akira bike slide homage. Directed by Sayo Yamamoto, known for Yuri on Ice, the scene’s storyboard artist is among a talented group including Yamamoto herself, Masak Yuasa, Shuko Murase, Kotomi Deai, Tomohiko Itou, and Yoshimitsu Oohashi. This rendition stays true to the classic elements of the Akira bike slide.
Pokémon (2009)
In the long-running Pokémon anime, episode 581 “Stealing the Conversation!” (2009) storyboarded by Masaru Koyama and animation directed by Izumi Shimura, Officer Jenny showcases her coolness with an Akira bike slide. This version incorporates a slight tracking camera movement, similar to You’re Under Arrest, while maintaining the core elements of the homage. Given Pokémon‘s recent advancements in animation quality, a modern take on the bike slide would be a welcome sight.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Venturing into live-action, the Akira bike slide made a surprising appearance in the big-budget film X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), directed by Gavin Hood. While adapted to fit live-action constraints, the reference is clearly present. This inclusion in a major Hollywood movie highlights the bike slide’s reach beyond animation and into mainstream pop culture.
Adventure Time (2011)
Adventure Time, known for its quirky humor and animation style, featured an Akira bike slide in the 2011 episode “Go with Me.” Storyboarded by Ako Castuera and Tom Herpich, and directed by Larry Leichliter, Marceline executes the move. Similar to the Batman reference, this Adventure Time version deviates slightly from the original, but remains a fun and recognizable nod.
Nisemonogatari (2012)
Perhaps one of the most humorous and unexpected Akira bike slide homages is found in Nisemonogatari. The sheer dynamism applied to a bicycle slide is what makes this reference stand out. Attributing the storyboard artist is challenging, with Itamura Tomoyuki, Kawabata Takashi, and Yase Yuki listed in combined roles. Regardless of the creator, this Nisemonogatari rendition is a memorable and comedic interpretation.
Bartkira (2014)
The “Bartkira” project, a fan-driven initiative starting in 2013, brought the Akira bike slide full circle in a way. Artists reimagined the Akira manga using Simpsons characters, gaining widespread popularity. Stephen Loveluck’s contribution, recreating the iconic slide within a Simpsons couch gag context, serves as a fitting and humorous endpoint to this exploration of the Akira bike slide’s legacy.
A Continuing Legacy
This overview is just a glimpse into the extensive world of Akira bike slide homages. Fan art and countless other animation references further demonstrate its enduring influence. The Akira bike slide has cemented its place as an iconic animation trope, a testament to the lasting impact of Akira and the creativity of animators who continue to celebrate and reinterpret this legendary scene.
Are there any notable Akira bike slide homages missing from this list? Share them in the comments below!
