Akira first appeared in Akira #1, published by Independent in 1988. That places it in the Copper Age.
Why this issue matters
Katsuhiro Otomo's Neo-Tokyo epic, and the book that really opened the Western market to manga. Epic, Marvel's mature imprint, printed it in prestige format and famously colourised what had been black and white in Japan. The first US appearance of Kaneda and Tetsuo, and the flagship manga key over here.
Key facts
Akira #1
- Character: Akira
- Publisher: Independent
- Cover year: 1988
- Era: Copper Age
Before you buy or sell one
- Check it is a first print, not a facsimile or reprint. Newsstand and direct editions are priced differently too.
- Condition decides most of the value. Whether grading is worth it depends on the copy.
Other first appearances from 1988
- Tank Girl Deadline #1, 1988
- Venom Amazing Spider-Man #300, 1988
- McFarlane Spider-Man Amazing Spider-Man #298, 1988
- Jason Todd Robin Death Batman #428, 1988
More Independent firsts from the Copper Age
- Usagi Yojimbo Albedo Anthropomorphics #2, 1984
- The Crow Caliber Presents #1, 1989
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TMNT #1, 1984
- Bone Bone #1, 1991
- Sandman (Gaiman) Sandman #1, 1989
- Lone Wolf and Cub Lone Wolf and Cub #1, 1987
Got a copy?
I buy key issues and whole collections across the UK, and I will tell you honestly whether what you have is the real first or a later printing. Send me photos of the cover and the indicia and I will come back with a straight answer, and a proper valuation if you want one.