Symphony of destruction. Overrated and shallow show where some interesting characters and situations were hinted in the beginning, but only one story is weakly developed: awakening of absurd uncontrollable/unstoppable psycho-kinetic powers that destroy everything around. Visual art potential is wasted on destruction, decay and distortion. The most notable thing about the show is some still images from the beginning, showing street with junk and graffiti, somehow conveying mood of the place.
The story is weak, with very little development. Most efforts are spent on animation of explosions, etc. which I personally find not all that interesting.
https://myanimelist.net/anime/47/Akira
Somewhat accurate review: https://myanimelist.net/reviews.php?id=33098
As someone who wants to start watching more anime, I've seen Akira pass a couple times and it's not bad to have my expectations lowered a lot now. I do plan to still watch it some day though. Thanks
Artistically it is not bad, but to me story is everything and in regards to storytelling Akira is lacking, IMHO. I do not regret watching it (it is relatively short anyway), and perhaps it is worth watching even if only for cultural awareness, as it was once so popular that people in Australia would go to cinemas to watch it again, more than once. It's not without charm if it had that effect on people. But yours truly is anime snob who is pleased only with the very best. ;)