The world of animation is filled with creators who are deeply passionate about the art form itself. This passion often manifests in subtle nods and homages to iconic moments in animation history, and one such moment is the legendary “Akira Bike Slide.”
Image: A panel from the Akira manga showcasing the subtle bike slide in the background, a precursor to its animated fame.
Originating in Katsuhiro Otomo’s manga Akira, first published around 1982, the bike slide was initially a minor detail. Appearing in the background, it was a small action amidst the larger narrative, almost missed if not for its later prominence.
However, it was the 1988 animated film adaptation of Akira, animated by the talented Koji Morimoto, that catapulted this background detail into animation legend. Morimoto transformed the subtle manga panel into a dynamic and visually arresting showcase of Kaneda’s rebellious attitude and the sheer coolness of his futuristic bike.
Image: The iconic Akira bike slide animation, highlighting the dynamic movement, electricity effects, and dust trails that define the scene.
The animation in this scene is meticulously crafted, contributing to its iconic status. The electric crackle emanating from Kaneda’s bike, the distinct trails of dust created by the three points of contact, and the overall hyper-detailed and almost sensual animation style, all combine to make the Akira bike slide a benchmark in animation. It’s a scene that has been repeatedly referenced and celebrated by animators ever since.
The Akira Bike Slide Homage in Batman: The Animated Series (1993)
Image: Robin executing the Akira bike slide in Batman: The Animated Series, an early example of the homage in Western animation.
One of the earliest animated homages to the Akira bike slide can be found in a surprising place: Batman: The Animated Series. In the 1993 episode “Robin’s Reckoning Part 2,” a critically acclaimed episode that even won an Emmy Award, Robin executes a move strikingly similar to Kaneda’s iconic slide. The storyboard artists for this episode – Joe Denton, Curt Geda, Gary Graham, and Doug Murphy – or perhaps episode director Dick Sebast, were likely responsible for this clever inclusion.
Interestingly, this Batman reference diverges slightly from the typical Akira setup by not starting with an extreme close-up of the character’s face. Robin enters the scene from the bottom of the frame, executing the slide. Considering the episode’s production timeline in the early 90s, access to Akira reference material was likely limited to VHS copies, making frame-by-frame analysis challenging. This early homage showcases the widespread impact of Akira even with technological limitations.
You’re Under Arrest (1997) and the Anime Echo
Image: Daimaru Nakajima from You’re Under Arrest performing the Akira bike slide, marking one of the first anime references to the iconic move.
The Akira bike slide’s influence wasn’t limited to Western animation. In 1997, episode 17 of You’re Under Arrest, storyboarded and animation directed by Yukina Hiiro, featured another clear homage. Daimaru Nakajima, a character known for his impressive bike riding skills, naturally became the one to execute the slide. This reference returns to the close-up-to-wide-shot composition of the original Akira scene and even adds a subtle camera movement, enhancing the dynamism. However, similar to the Batman example, this version also lacks the distinct three points of contact seen in Akira, which some might argue makes the slide appear slightly less grounded.
TMNT (2003): Doubling Down on the Homage
Image: Two instances of the Akira bike slide in the 2003 TMNT series, showcasing its anime-inspired style and accurate recreation of the move.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) 2003 series, known for its anime-inspired aesthetic, embraced the Akira bike slide not once, but twice. The slide appears in the intro sequence, storyboarded by Kirk Van Wormer, and again in the episode “Meet Casey Jones” (2003). These TMNT versions are arguably among the most accurate recreations of the Akira slide, featuring the crucial three points of contact. The in-episode version even includes the electric sparks, further solidifying the homage. The repeated use in TMNT likely contributed to the Akira bike slide solidifying its place as a recognizable animation meme.
Clone Wars (2003): Genndy Tartakovsky’s Anime Nod
Image: A Clone Trooper performing the Akira bike slide in Genndy Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars, seamlessly integrating the homage into the Star Wars universe.
2003 proved to be a significant year for Akira bike slide references. Genndy Tartakovsky, known for his anime-influenced style, included the slide in the fourth episode of his Clone Wars micro-series. Tartakovsky, who has peppered his works with numerous anime references, integrated the slide seamlessly into the Star Wars universe. Interestingly, this Clone Wars reference mirrors the context of the Akira scene, occurring as a skid to a stop after a successful “game of chicken,” adding another layer to the homage beyond just visual similarity.
Advent Children (2005): Exaggeration and Evolution
Image: Cloud Strife’s over-the-top Akira bike slide homage in Advent Children, demonstrating how the reference evolved into more stylized and exaggerated forms.
By 2005, with the release of Advent Children, the Akira bike slide had become deeply ingrained in animator’s visual vocabulary. Advent Children, a film characterized by its over-the-top action and style, took the homage to new heights of exaggeration. Cloud Strife’s bike slide is a flamboyant and visually stunning spectacle, reflecting the film’s overall aesthetic. While the exact animator responsible remains uncertain – possibilities include directors Tetsuya Nomura and Takeshi Nozue, storyboard artists Manabu Himukai and Kazuhito Yamamoto, or Battle Motion coordinator Jun Murakami – their contribution to the legacy of the Akira slide is undeniable.
Gurren Lagann (2007): Expanding the Definition
Image: A possible Akira bike slide reference in Gurren Lagann, showcasing a more abstract and debated interpretation of the iconic move.
The 2007 anime Gurren Lagann further demonstrates the evolving interpretation of the Akira bike slide homage. While potentially debatable as a direct reference, a scene in the first episode bears a resemblance to the iconic move. This instance suggests that the essence of the Akira slide – a dynamic, sliding stop – was becoming more broadly interpreted and incorporated, moving beyond strict visual replication. With only one credited storyboard artist for the episode’s intro, the influence could stem from one of the 22 key animators.
Michiko and Hatchin (2008): A Classic Rendition
Image: Michiko from Michiko and Hatchin executing a classic Akira bike slide, a nod from director Sayo Yamamoto.
Michiko and Hatchin, a critically acclaimed but often overlooked anime from 2008, features a more classic and recognizable Akira bike slide. Directed by Sayo Yamamoto (of Yuri on Ice fame), the scene is a clear and stylish homage. While the specific storyboard artist for this scene remains unconfirmed among a list of talented individuals including Yamamoto herself, Masak Yuasa, and others, the inclusion underscores the Akira slide’s continued influence in anime.
Pokémon (2009): Officer Jenny’s Cool Move
Image: Officer Jenny from Pokémon performing the Akira bike slide, injecting the iconic move into a long-running franchise.
In 2009, Pokémon, a long-running anime franchise, joined the ranks of Akira slide homages. Episode 581, “Stealing the Conversation!”, storyboarded by Masaru Koyama and animation directed by Izumi Shimura, features Officer Jenny, a recurring police officer character, executing a cool bike slide while wearing aviator sunglasses. This version incorporates a slight tracking camera movement, similar to You’re Under Arrest, and presents a fairly standard Akira bike slide execution within the Pokémon universe.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009): Live-Action Adaptation
Moving beyond animation, the Akira bike slide even permeated live-action cinema. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), directed by Gavin Hood, includes a modified but recognizable reference to the slide. While constrained by the realism of live-action, the scene clearly evokes the Akira bike slide, demonstrating its cultural reach beyond animation.
Adventure Time (2011): Marceline’s Throwaway Gag
Image: Marceline from Adventure Time performing a simplified Akira bike slide, showcasing its adaptation into different animation styles.
Adventure Time, known for its whimsical and often referential humor, included an Akira bike slide homage in the 2011 episode “Go with Me.” Marceline, a vampire character, performs the slide, storyboarded by Ako Castuera and Tom Herpich and directed by Larry Leichliter. This Adventure Time version, while simplified and sharing some of the compositional quirks of the Batman homage, serves as a fun, throwaway gag, further cementing the slide’s status as a widely recognized visual trope.
Nisemonogatari (2012): Exaggerated on a Pushbike
Image: A humorous and exaggerated Akira bike slide on a pushbike in Nisemonogatari, highlighting the versatility of the homage.
Nisemonogatari, a more niche anime from 2012, offers a particularly humorous and exaggerated take on the Akira bike slide. Executed on a pushbike, the scene injects an absurd level of dynamism into a mundane action. While the specific storyboard artist is difficult to pinpoint among Itamura Tomoyuki, Kawabata Takashi, and Yase Yuki, this Nisemonogatari reference stands out for its comedic recontextualization of the iconic move.
Bartkira (2014): Full Circle Fan Tribute
Image: The Bartkira project’s Simpsons-themed Akira bike slide couch gag, a meta-homage completing the cycle of references.
The “Bartkira” project, a large-scale fan project that began in 2013, brought the Akira bike slide homage full circle. Artists reimagined the Akira manga using Simpsons characters, and Stephen Loveluck created a Simpsons couch gag incorporating the now-iconic bike slide. This meta-homage, referencing both Akira and The Simpsons, provides a fitting endpoint to this exploration of the Akira bike slide’s enduring legacy.
This overview is just a glimpse into the vast number of Akira bike slide homages across animation and beyond. From fan art to major studio productions, the Akira bike slide continues to inspire and be celebrated, a testament to its enduring impact on animation culture. Are there other notable examples you’ve spotted? Share them below!
