Akira

"That tickles!"

Akira is a 1988 Japanese animated movie, adapted from the manga of the same name; the story features the leader of a motorcycle gang and a telekinetic boy coming into conflict in a dystopian futuristic Tokyo. Widely distributed in America shortly after its release, it is often considered a landmark for the increasing popularity of Japanese animation and pop-culture in the Western world. In the Homestar Runner universe, this means a close association with the anime-influenced 20X6.

Appearances

• Email japanese cartoon — The line, "No way, you're just a kid! Maybe when you're older." is a reference to a scene where Kaneda refuses to let Tetsuo ride his motorcycle because he's "just a kid".
  • Stinkoman's voice is similar to Cam Clarke's depiction of Kaneda in the 1989 dub.
• 3 Times Halloween Funjob — Giving Stinkoman the jar labelled "Akira" will make his arm explode into a grotesque organic tendril.
  • In the movie, Akira's remains have been cryogenically preserved in similarly labeled tubes.
  • Stinkoman's tentacle references a famous scene from the finale where the telekinetic Tetsuo loses control of his powers and, fusing with machinery, mutates into a gigantic mass of flesh.
• Under Construction — Stinkoman saying "WHAAAAAAAT are you doing?" references a line from the 1989 dub where Yamagata asks "WHAAAAAAAT the hell are you talking about?" in a similar manner.
• Sketchbook 2005 — A sketch depicts Stinkoman as Tetsuo.
• Twenty THANXty Six — The tractor's red color scheme and decals (the Citizen logo and US Air Force roundel) makes it resemble Kaneda's iconic motorcycle.