"Akira Club" is a compilation of the artwork of Katsuhiro Otomo, related in some manner to the graphic novel series "Akira". Such a compilation is only of interest to either dedicated fans of Akira, and for those that are interested in the work that goes on behind the scenes behind a graphic novel.

As for the contents of "Akira Club", there is quite a lot included here. The six covers of the graphic novels are reproduced in full colour, with an explanation of the cover development, as well as the five covers for the Akira KC edition (the covers for the movie adaptation of Akira). All one hundred and twenty original covers for the Akira series are included, almost on a one-to-one ratio, and in colour where applicable, without the title. The covers with the title are reproduced on a smaller scale, fitting six of these per page.

Although these covers make up a large portion of "Akira Club", there are many other things on display here. A selection of the artwork created for the advertisements, merchandise, toys and giveaway items produced to promote the Akira graphic novel series and movie are discussed, with added commentary by Otomo. There are discussions of the conversion process between the manga series and the six graphic novels (such as the minor editing work that Otomo undertook for the conversion), a discussion of a variety of panels and scenes that had altered draft versions, and Otomo's reasons for why they were changed or edited, and a discussion of the process to translate the graphic novels into English (including "flipping" the panels), and how the series was coloured for the English release.

All up, this is quite interesting reading for those that are interested in the artwork of Akira, and all major graphic novels should have a "Club" artbook to accompany the series, so fans can appreciate the development process of their beloved graphic novel. ( )