Akira (1988) / Planning Cel + Genga / 240mm x 350mm



Planning drawing used in the creation of the iconic neon sign shot from the opening bike battle.

Note - Various sketches across the piece show the animator’s thought process in creating the shot. The six ‘lava lamp’ sign sketches on the left and misspelt Fender-inspired ‘Fruit Shower’ sign we’re designed flat, before being built into the wider image in perspective.

This is that it’s all that’s left of the ‘walking sailor girl’ hologram sign. She was created using a delicate airbrushing technique and has largely disappeared from the cels due to the way the art was once stored.