AKIRA Vol. 1 Promotional Poster (Kodansha, Late 1980s)
Original B1 Poster | 72.8 x 103 cm | Offset Print | c. 1987–1990
This is an ultra-rare promotional B1-size poster for AKIRA Vol. 1 by Katsuhiro Otomo, published by Kodansha. Designed for bookstore or manga retailer use, the poster was never sold commercially to the public. The bold “SPECIAL PRICE 1000 yen” block and vibrant layout — adapted directly from the iconic cover art of the first manga volume — identify it as a hansoku (販促 / sales promotion) item, intended to drive sales during the manga’s peak popularity in the late 1980s.
Unlike the more commonly referenced 1988 theatrical release posters, this piece is linked to the manga’s publication and the explosive media push surrounding Otomo’s work in the pre-anime boom era. The Japanese text printed on the poster confirms it is a genuine B1-size promotional item issued for retail marketing.
Key Details:
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Artist: Katsuhiro Otomo
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Publisher: Kodansha
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Medium: Offset lithograph
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Size: B1 (approx. 73 x 103 cm)
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Purpose: Sales promotion (hansoku), not sold commercially
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Date: Circa 1987–1990
Rarity & Significance:
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Virtually undocumented online; not listed in standard AKIRA poster references
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Most original promo materials like this were discarded after use, making surviving examples exceptionally rare
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A prized acquisition for collectors of early Otomo material, manga marketing history, or vintage anime-era ephemera
Please refer to the detailed imagery provided — this is the exact poster for sale.
It is not a reproduction or reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.