Does it still count as cosplay if you spend nearly $1,000 on an official replica, or is that just looking really damn good? In any event, the object in question is one of the greatest accoutrements in all of science fiction and comics: the iconic red "capsule" jacket worn by Kaneda in AKIRA. The jacket and an alternate black version are the first pieces of merchandise being offered by Bandai Visual as part of "A" Project, a celebration of AKIRA for the 30th anniversary of the legendary manga by Katsuhiro Otomo.

According to Anime News Network, the jacket is made from oil-softened cowhide leather and comes in medium, large, double-large, and triple-large (Japanese sizes, mind you). A black version is also available, although that one replaces the capsule image with a graphic that reads "2019 A.D. 28 Neo Tokyo." Both items are available for pre-order now for ¥69,800 or approximately $900.

We urge you in the strongest possible terms to purchase this jacket at once. There is no downside whatsoever. Just do it. And then send us the photos.



[Via ANN]