Welcome to our comprehensive guide on biker anime! If you are a fan of anime and motorcycles, then you’re in for a treat. We have put together everything you need to know about biker anime, from the genre’s history to the best biker anime series of all time. So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!
History of Biker Anime
Biker anime has existed since the early days of anime in the 1960s. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the genre started to take off. This was partly due to the popularity of American biker movies like Easy Rider, which greatly influenced Japanese filmmakers.
One of the earliest biker anime series was Kamen Rider, which premiered in 1971. This series featured a masked hero who rode a motorcycle and fought evil monsters. It was a huge success and spawned a whole franchise of the Kamen Rider series.
In the 1980s, biker anime hit its stride by releasing series like Akira and Bubblegum Crisis. These series combined cyberpunk, science fiction, and motorcycle culture elements to create a unique and exciting genre.
Best Biker Anime Series
Let’s look at some of the best biker anime series ever.
Akira Biker Anime
This classic anime film is set in a post-apocalyptic world and follows the story of a teenage biker gang member who gains incredible psychic powers.
Akira is a 1988 anime film widely regarded as a medium classic. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo and follows the story of a teenage biker gang member named Kaneda. Kaneda becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving a secret military project and a mysterious young boy named Tetsuo, who gains incredible psychic powers.
One of the standouts features of Akira is its incredible animation. The legendary anime studio, Sunrise, produced the film and featured some of its most detailed and breathtaking animations. The film’s use of colour and lighting is also noteworthy, with the neon-lit streets of Neo-Tokyo providing a stunning backdrop for the action.
In addition to its stunning visuals, Akira is notable for its mature themes and complex characters. The film explores themes of power, corruption, and the dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation. The characters are also complex and multifaceted, with their relationships and motivations driving much of the film’s plot.
Overall, Akira is a must-see for anime or science fiction fans. Its influence can be felt in countless other anime and pop culture works, and it remains a classic of the medium. So, if you’re looking for an iconic biker anime film, look no further than Akira.
Bakuon
This comedic series follows the adventures of a group of high school girls passionate about motorcycles.
Bakuon!! It is a 12-episode anime series that aired in 2016. The series centers on high school girls who share a passion for motorcycles. The main character, Hanne Sakura, becomes enamored with motorcycles after riding on the back of a motorcycle with a classmate, Onsa Amano. Hane then decides to join her school’s motorcycle club, which comprises a diverse group of girls with unique personalities and quirks.
One of the standouts features of Bakuon!! Is it a comedy? The series is full of hilarious moments, with the girls getting into all sorts of hijinks as they pursue their love of motorcycles. The series also references real-world motorcycle culture, including nods to famous motorcycle brands and riders.
Kino’s Journey
While not strictly a biker anime, this series features a protagonist who travels the world on a talking motorcycle.
Kino’s Journey is a 13-episode anime series that first aired in 2003. The series follows the story of Kino, a traveller who journeys across a fantastical world on a talking motorcycle named Hermes. Each episode features Kino visiting a new country or city, each with its unique culture and way of life. Throughout her travels, Kino encounters various people and situations, with each episode exploring a different theme or idea.
One of the standouts features of Kino’s Journey is its unique blend of science fiction and fantasy. The world of Kino’s Journey is filled with strange and fantastical elements, such as talking animals and advanced technology. However, the series also explores deeper philosophical themes, such as morality’s nature and freedom’s meaning.
In addition to its thought-provoking themes, Kino’s Journey is notable for its strong writing and well-developed characters. Kino is a complex and multifaceted protagonist, with her travels often challenging her beliefs and values. The series also features several memorable side characters, each with a unique story.
Overall, Kino’s Journey is a must-watch for anime or science fiction fans. The series is a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the human condition. Its unique blend of science fiction and fantasy makes it stand out from other anime series. So, if you’re looking for a biker anime series that will challenge your thinking and entertain you equally, check out Kino’s Journey.
RideBack
This series is set shortly and follows the story of a former ballet dancer who becomes a skilled rider of a robotic motorcycle called a RideBack.
RideBack is a 12-episode anime series that first aired in 2009. The series is set soon when the sport of “RideBack” has become incredibly popular. RideBacks are high-tech motorcycles that can transform into humanoid robots, allowing riders to perform incredible stunts and maneuvers.
The series follows the story of a former ballet dancer named Rin Ogata, who discovers her passion for RideBacks after stumbling upon a RideBack club at her university. Rin becomes enamored with the sport and begins training to become a top RideBack rider. However, as Rin becomes more involved with the RideBack community, she discovers a sinister plot that threatens to tear the world apart.
One of the standouts features of RideBack is its incredible animation. The series has pulse-pounding action scenes, with the RideBacks performing amazing stunts and maneuvers. The series also features several well-written characters, with Rin being a memorable and relatable protagonist.
In addition to its exciting action scenes, RideBack also explores some deeper themes. The series touches on ideas of identity and self-discovery as Rin struggles to find her place in the world. The series also delves into issues of politics and power as Rin and her fellow riders become embroiled in a larger conflict.
Overall, RideBack is a thrilling and entertaining biker anime series that will appeal to action and adventure fans. The series is well-written and well-animated, with a compelling story and memorable characters. So, if you’re looking for an exciting and action-packed biker anime series, check out RideBack!
Redline
This visually stunning anime film follows the story of a racer named JP, who competes in an intergalactic race called the Redline.
Redline is a 2009 anime film that tells the story of JP, a professional racer who dreams of competing in the Redline, the biggest and most dangerous race in the universe. The race takes place on a planet home to various alien species and attracts racers from all corners of the galaxy. JP is one of the most talented racers but faces stiff competition from other racers who will only stop at something to win the race.
The animation in Redline is stunning, with a bright and colourful style that will capture your attention. The film is filled with high-speed racing scenes that are incredibly thrilling to watch, with JP and his competitors performing all sorts of incredible stunts and maneuvers. The film also features a great soundtrack, with an eclectic mix of music that perfectly complements the on-screen action.
One of the standout features of Redline is its incredible attention to detail. The film has little touches that make the world feel fully realized and immersive. From the strange and wonderful alien creatures that populate the planet to the intricate mechanical designs of the racers’ vehicles, every aspect of the film feels carefully thought-out and executed.
In addition to its amazing visuals, Redline tells a compelling story about the thrill of competition and the importance of following your dreams. JP is a likable and relatable protagonist, and the film does an excellent job of building up the tension and excitement as the Redline race draws closer. Other notable biker anime series include Gun grave, Initial D, and Megazone 23.
Why Biker Anime is Worth Watching
Biker anime offers a unique blend of action, adventure, and motorcycle culture that you will not find in any other genre. These series are often visually stunning and feature high-speed chases, intense battles, and breathtaking stunts.
In addition, biker anime often explores deeper themes like friendship, loyalty, and the search for identity. Many of these series feature complex characters with rich backstories to keep you invested in their journeys.
If you’re a fan of anime and motorcycles, biker anime is the perfect genre. So, grab your helmet and hit the road with some of the best biker anime series out there.
Conclusion
Biker anime is a thrilling and unique genre that has captured the hearts of anime fans worldwide. Its blend of action, adventure, and motorcycle culture offers a fresh take on the anime medium.
Whether you’re a seasoned anime fan or new to the genre, we highly recommend checking out some of the best biker anime series of all time. From classics like Akira to newer series like Bakuon!!, there’s something for everyone in this exciting genre.
