Finally I can get my hands on a real life AKIRA laser

12:00 PM on 06.17.2011   |   Chris Pranger

Okay, sometimes I've got a lot of things to do in a day that involve needing a giant military grade laser, and thus far I've had to make do without. That is until someone finally decided to make me a life-sized replica of the laser from AKIRA, probably my favorite and totally cliched choice for a favorite anime. Wait, it doesn't actually fire? And I have to pay US$1000 for it? What sort of world are we living in where I can't just get my hands on an experimental army laser used for killing gods and demigods? I might as well just lay down and die!

Fine, I'll lay down and die tomorrow. Today, I'm still excited for this replica made by Hollywood inventor and fabricator Eddie Paul (I'd rather prefer thinking Eddie Murphy made this, if you don't mind). Made entirely from steel, plus some joints welded together to make it easier to pretend to use, this is a beastly creation. It does look cool, but it looks odd out of animation's special charms. Authentic, yes, but strange nonetheless.

If I had to pick any item from the movie or manga that I'd want, other than Kaneda's bike, or his jacket, or Tetsuo's head-explody powers, I'd absolutely want this laser. But I don't have $1000. At least, not that I'm aware of. Shoot, if I already had this laser, I could use it to hold up a bank, but I can't hold up the bank until I own the laser. What a catch-22 I'm in. If anyone feels like loaning me a few grand, even though I only need $1000, I'd greatly appreciate it. I would gladly pay you Tuesday for a replica AKIRA laser today.

[via Gunjap]