Treating us to a world of decay and fragility, much of what defines Akira is a desire, or in some respects, a desperation for power, demonstrated on both a large and minor scale. As we follow its set of characters, and watch the plot unfold, we are treated to a demonstration of a world only further succumbed to destruction rather than recovery. Ambitions stem from isolated points within the country rather than in unison, creating a monster that is beyond the means of their grasp. Akira feels like we are swimming in a constant state of damage control, and its repetitive failure in doing so has demonstratively shown the rubble and death trailing behind it.