Akudama Drive

In a dystopian future where Kansai became a vassal state of Kantō, multiple highly skilled criminals, called Akudama, are sent a message from an anonymous client to free a death row prisoner named Cutthroat before they are executed. Four Akudama respond to the challenge and descend into Kansai Police Headquarters to earn a big payday. However, once inside, they discover the job was part of a larger scheme by their client to make them work together on a bigger job: to infiltrate the Shinkansen and steal precious cargo from a vault at the front of the train. Roped into the job are an ordinary girl arrested on a minor charge but forced to keep up the appearance of a Swindler, and a low-level Hoodlum who was accidentally broken out of jail during the initial heist. The team must work together to finish the job and earn their large payday, all while keeping ahead of the Executioners from the Kansai Police on their tail.

;{{nihongo|Ordinary Person|一般人|Ippanjin}} / {{nihongo|Swindler|詐欺師|Sagi-shi}}

:{{voiced by|Tomoyo Kurosawa{{cite web|first=Crystalyn|last=Hodgkins|title=Akudama Drive Original Anime Reveals Character Designs for 7 Main Characters|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-03-21/akudama-drive-original-anime-reveals-character-designs-for-7-main-characters/.157764|website=Anime News Network|date=March 21, 2020|access-date=October 21, 2020|archive-date=October 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016061401/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-03-21/akudama-drive-original-anime-reveals-character-designs-for-7-main-characters/.157764|url-status=live}}|Macy Anne Johnson{{Cite web|first=Nicholas|last=Friedman|title=Squad Up! Akudama Drive English Dub Officially Announced, Cast Revealed|url=https://www.funimation.com/blog/2020/12/02/squad-up-akudama-drive-english-dub-officially-announced-cast-revealed|website=Funimation|date=December 2, 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421003327/https://blog.funimation.com/2020/12/02/squad-up-akudama-drive-english-dub-officially-announced-cast-revealed/|archivedate=April 21, 2022|access-date=December 3, 2020}}}}

:A young woman working at the Kansai Seal Office who accidentally becomes a criminal when meeting Courier. After saving what she thought was a black cat, the girl pretends to be a criminal named "Swindler" to avoid being killed by the other Akudama.

;{{nihongo|Courier|運び屋|Hakobi-ya}}

:{{voiced by|Yūichirō Umehara, Natsumi Fujiwara{{Ref|Episode|Ep. 11 credits}} (young)|Jonah Scott, Courtney Meeker{{cite web|title=Akudama Drive|url=http://www.kochasound.com/2021/03/11/akudamadrive/|website=Kocha Sound|date=March 21, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228042900/http://www.kochasound.com/2021/03/11/akudamadrive/|archivedate=December 28, 2021|access-date=April 30, 2022}} (young)}}

:A terse man who is skilled at delivering any package to any recipient as long as he is paid. Courier can also fight with the use of his customized motorbike, which contains a small railgun built into the front.

;{{nihongo|Doctor|医者|Isha}}

:{{voiced by|Megumi Ogata|Brittany Lauda}}

:An attractive master surgeon, chemist, and all-around medical doctor who can heal herself almost instantly from injuries that would normally prove fatal.

;{{nihongo|Hoodlum|チンピラ|Chinpira}}

:{{voiced by|Subaru Kimura|Kellen Goff}}

:A {{Transliteration|ja|chinpira}} who was serving a four year sentence in a Kansai prison when he was accidentally freed during the Cutthroat heist. Hoodlum becomes friends with Brawler.

;{{nihongo|Cutthroat|殺人鬼|Satsujinki}}

:{{voiced by|Takahiro Sakurai|Matt Shipman}}

:A mentally unstable person who was on Death Row for beheading 999 victims until he was freed by the other Akudama, making the police chief in charge of his execution the 1,000th beheading.

;{{nihongo|Hacker|ハッカー|Hakkā}}

:{{voiced by|Shun Horie|Y. Chang}}

:A master hacker who can infiltrate any system that is remotely accessible. He controls a pair of drones that can also act as weapons or turn into a makeshift hoverboard.

;{{nihongo|Brawler|喧嘩屋|Kenka-ya}}

:{{voiced by|Shunsuke Takeuchi|Zeno Robinson}}

:A brash and incredibly strong man who enjoys fighting and befriends Hoodlum.

;{{nihongo|Execution Division Pupil|処刑課弟子|Shokei-ka Deshi}}

:{{voiced by|Yumiri Hanamori|Jenny Yokobori}}

:As their namesake implies, the student of the Executioner Master who is incredibly skilled in close-quarters combat, including the use of an electric jutte.

;{{nihongo|Boss|ボス|Bosu}}

:{{voiced by|Yoshiko Sakakibara|Veronica Taylor}}

:An old woman who oversees the Executioners out of Kansai Police Headquarters.

;{{nihongo|Execution Division Master|処刑課師匠|Shokei-ka Shishō}}

:{{voiced by|Akio Otsuka|D. C. Douglas}}

:A ninja-like Executioner for the Kansai Police Department, trained to eliminate highly-dangerous Akudama.

;{{nihongo|Execution Division Junior|処刑課後輩|Shokei-ka Kōhai}}

:{{voiced by|Taiko Katono{{cite web|url=https://www.akudama-drive.com/news/index00900000.html|title="処刑課後輩" （CV. 上遠野太洸）のキャラクター情報&キャストコメント公開！|website=akudama-drive.com|date=November 27, 2020|access-date=December 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219120705/https://www.akudama-drive.com/news/index00900000.html|archive-date=December 19, 2020|language=ja}}|Eddy Lee}}

:A novice Executioner who is assigned to work with Pupil.

;{{nihongo|Black Cat|黒猫|Kuro Neko}} / {{nihongo|Brother|兄|Ani}}

:{{voiced by|Maaya Uchida{{cite web|first=Egan|last=Loo|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-09-10/akudama-drive-anime-2nd-video-unveils-more-cast-songs-october-8-debut/.163880|title=Akudama Drive Anime's 2nd Video Unveils More Cast, Songs, October 8 Debut|work=Anime News Network|date=September 10, 2020|access-date=October 22, 2020|archive-date=October 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016150335/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-09-10/akudama-drive-anime-2nd-video-unveils-more-cast-songs-october-8-debut/.163880|url-status=live}}|Daisy Guevara}}

:A robot taking the form of its namesake, Black Cat is a robotic animal controlled by a mysterious young boy who recruits the Akudama to break him and his sister out of a bank vault.

;{{nihongo|Sister|妹|Imōto}}

:{{voiced by|Kana Ichinose{{cite tweet|user=akudamadrive|author=TVアニメ『アクダマドライブ』公式|number=1321851792951517184|title=【オシラセ!!】追加キャラクター&キャスト情報解禁!! 兄：内田真礼 妹：市ノ瀬加那 市ノ瀬加那さんからのコメントも届きました！|date=October 29, 2020|access-date=December 21, 2020}}|Laura Stahl}}

:A mysterious young girl and the younger sister of Brother whom the Akudama encounter during the Shinkansen heist.

;{{nihongo|Bunny|ウサギ|Usagi}}

:{{voiced by|Kurumi Mamiya{{cite web|url=https://www.akudama-drive.com/news/index00600000.html|title="ウサギ"と"サメ"のキャラクター情報&キャストコメント公開！|website=akudama-drive.com|date=October 15, 2020|access-date=December 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101054329/https://akudama-drive.com/news/index00600000.html|archive-date=November 1, 2020|language=ja}}|Michael Kovach}}

:A bunny who serves as one of the mascots of Kansai.

;{{nihongo|Shark|サメ|Same}}

:{{voiced by|Chō|SungWon Cho}}

:A shark who serves as one of the mascots of Kansai.

File:Taguchi Tomohisa from "The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes" at Red Carpet of the Tokyo International Film Festival 2022 (52461533160).jpg

Akudama Drive was directed by Tomohisa Taguchi. This series originated with Taguchi's positive impression of Kazutaka Kodaka's work in Danganronpa franchise and both agreed to work together in this new project. Both were fans of the films Reservoir Dogs (1992), Pulp Fiction (1994), and The Usual Suspects (1995). This fascination with these films went into their desire to make a story set in a cyberpunk world with a Quentin Tarantino-inspired plot. Due to the cast being composed of seven protagonists, the team originally meant to call it Akudama Seven. The appeal of Reservoir Dogs led to the team to develop a unique cast with different features, all being referred by pseudonyms rather than personal names.{{cite web|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1583977278|title=オリジナルTVアニメ『アクダマドライブ』メインスタッフ トクベツ座談会 ストーリー原案：小高和剛×監督：田口智久×プロデューサー：富永禎彦（studioぴえろ）|website=Animate Times|language=ja|access-date=October 9, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925003432/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1583977278|url-status=live}} Norimitsu Kaihō commented that the cast is meant to be rebellious in contrast to similar series where the cast relies on each other.{{cite web|url=https://infojapananime.seesaa.net/article/474038856.html|title=Original TV anime "Akudama Drive" released by Kazutaka Odaka & Kin Komatsuzaki x Tomohisa Taguchi x Studio Piero will be broadcast in July!|website=Info Japan Anime|date=March 14, 2020 |access-date=October 9, 2020|archive-date=November 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118015658/https://infojapananime.seesaa.net/article/474038856.html|url-status=live}}

The series had been planned ever since 2014. Kodaka recommended the anime to fans of the steampunk and crime genres.{{cite tweet |author=Kodaka |user=kazkodaka |number=1360415291344228354 |date=February 12, 2021|title=アマゾンプライムでアクダマドライブがレンタル視聴できるようになってた！レンタル視聴...かつて大学時代に毎日TSUTAYAに行ってた事を思い出す。という訳で、ぜひ観てね！ 犯罪モノとサイバーパンク好きに、特にオススメ！ 見始めたら止まらない！「アクダマドライブ」で検索ぅ！|access-date=February 13, 2021}} In an interview a few days prior to the series premiere, Kodaka stated that once it was decided the main cast would be villains, their roles, appearances, personalities, and names were chosen. He also stated that while he and Kaihō wrote the scripts, Taguchi was allowed to make the final

decisions.{{cite web|author=Funimation|title=Akudama Drive creator Kazutaka Kodaka gave us an exclusive interview! See what he had to say about this original anime premiering Oct 8 👇|url=https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0GyCYx5j4QhvXzCGk39kLJiqdkgzvHfZSJQHsDw4gp1cnxaT5mRCWtkfEcB8sTRU2l&id=63889783480|website=Facebook|date=October 5, 2020|access-date=March 3, 2024}} Art director Yoshio Tanioka received aid from the directors of each episodes in regards to storyboards. The lighting was done by Saori Goda to generate a balance between the multiple colors while photography director Kazuhiro Yamada finished combining all their work. Tanioka denied a cyberpunk comparison and instead referenced "Japan, Kansai, and Showa". The Tsūtenkaku and Osaka Castle were carefully designed to give the setting the feeling the series was set in Osaka.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2020-12-04/akudama-drive-art-director-yoshio-tanioka/.166853|title=Interview: Akudama Drive Art Director Yoshio Tanioka|date=December 4, 2020|access-date=December 4, 2020|website=Anime News Network|author=Morrissy, Kim|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204175932/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2020-12-04/akudama-drive-art-director-yoshio-tanioka/.166853|url-status=live}} Taguchi personally revised scenes of the series. For him, the biggest asset was having Tanioka as art director based on his idea that helped visualize the setting of Akudama Drive. Goda personally revised the colors presented through the animation. This also helped to create cells and shading.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ5Ou74ncP4|title=Creating Akudama Drive {{!}} Producer and Director Commentary|website=Youtube|publisher=Funimation|access-date=June 24, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624225407/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ5Ou74ncP4|url-status=live}}

Asahi Production did the series' animation. They were primarily in charge of creating monitors or holograms. On the other hand, there were many cases where the signboard was drawn by art, and the signboard on the screen of the first episode. In the Kansai city scene, signboards drawn with art and signboards of 2D works are mixed. The placement of the "2D Works sign" was done at the time of shooting, and the color and density of the monitor material were adjusted so that it blended in with the background. In addition, hologram processing was added to the signboards drawn by art.{{cite web|url=https://akudama-drive.com/special/index00950000.html|title=『アクダマドライブ』の2Dワークス・美術について|website=Akudama Drive|access-date=June 24, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204709/https://akudama-drive.com/special/index00950000.html|url-status=live}} The setting were described by the art directors as a hybrid of everyday life and delusions. Telephone poles and quaint houses on the way to work were also added to the setting. The city of Kansai includes cutting-edge high-tech in order to make it nostalgic. The opening and ending video sequences were created to give multiple ideas to the viewers in regards to what the series is about while also showing appealing music. The characters were adapted by Cindy H. Yamauchi, who worked in order to make them stand out as individuals. Most of the series' voice acting was done in March 2020. In order to make the narrative more thrilling, during recording of the series, the Executioners were given more ruthless lines and interactions than the Akudama, even though the latter are criminals. Tomoyo Kurosawa was praised by the staff members for her work as Swindler.{{cite web|url=https://akudama-drive.com/special/index00370000.html|title=放送開始記念！スタッフコメントリレー！|website=Akudama Drive|access-date=June 24, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624211714/https://akudama-drive.com/special/index00370000.html|url-status=live}}

File:Quentin Tarantino by Gage Skidmore.jpg

Although the series is influenced by multiple works, the team wanted it to be a unique cyberpunk series based on the elements they wrote taken from Japanese culture. Other influences include Ridley Scott's Blade Runner (1980) and Mamoru Oshii's film Ghost in the Shell (1995). Taguchi wanted to entertain Western audience besides the Japanese which is why the anime takes place in Kansai, as Taguchi believed the Kansai city of Osaka felt more Japanese to overseas tourists than Tokyo. The artistic direction was hence based on the Osaka streetscape from the 1960s and 1970s.{{cite web|title=3ページ目：アニメ『アクダマドライブ』小高和剛×田口智久×富永禎彦スタッフ座談会|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1583977278&p=3|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118015658/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1583977278&p=3|archive-date=November 18, 2020|access-date=October 9, 2020|website=Animate Times|language=ja}} Once Taguchi and Kodaka agreed to work together, the latter showed Too Kyo Games his ideas for the series, which the studio greenlighted. Kodaka specifically chose the studio Pierrot to coanimate the series, believing its previous works were fitting for an action series.

The character of Swindler was revised from Kodaka's original vision as he wanted to show a character who could not fit into the Akudama, but Taguchi revised her for his own take of a protagonist. As a result, Kodaka considers Swindler as a young girl who would surprise the audience. While Kodaka agreed that character designer Komatsuzaki does not care about his works sharing similarities, the team wanted each of them to stand out in the same fashion protagonists of Danganronpa stand out. Yamauchi revised Swindler and Sister's design for the series' second half, giving them a more adult feel based on the video game Detroit: Become Human.{{cite tweet|user=cindy560a

|first=Cindy|last=Yamauchi|number=1397967597732200449|title=ゴザルームの動画には入ってないけど、一般人と妹ちゃんの逃亡服のラフ案。セーフハウスにあるわけないので、妹は大人サイズをなんとか着こなしてる感じにしたかったです。このコンビはデトロイト・ビカム・ヒューマン感に満ちてますねw|date=May 27, 2021|access-date=June 25, 2021}}

Subaru Kimura's portrayal of Hoodlum was noted to fit the director's original approach. Yūichirō Umehara was found as the fitting voice actor for Courier, with the staff finding that if he talked too much, he would be out of character.{{cite web|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1583977278&p=2|title=オリジナルTVアニメ『アクダマドライブ』メインスタッフ トクベツ座談会 ストーリー原案：小高和剛×監督：田口智久×プロデューサー：富永禎彦（studioぴえろ）|website=Animate Times|access-date=October 9, 2020|language=ja|archive-date=November 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118015744/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1583977278|url-status=live}} Umehara explained he found it a fitting yet challenging job due to Courier's silent personality via his lack of interactions. Umehara in particular enjoyed the work of Tomoyo Kurosawa (Swindler) and Takahiro Sakurai (Cutthroat) based on the appeal they give to their characters, with the former for portraying a different type of Akudama based on her innocence and the latter for showing areas of dementia when talking as well as due to the fact they are more involved in interactions. He felt it was an entertaining work as a result of interacting with other famous voice actors like Akio Ōtsuka (Master) and Shunsuke Takeuchi (Brawler).{{cite web|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1599554328&p=2|title=秋アニメ『アクダマドライブ』アクダマのひとり・"運び屋"を演じる梅原裕一郎さんにインタビュー！ "運び屋"はこれまでのクールキャラクターの中でも最たるもの!?|website=Animate Times|access-date=June 25, 2021|language=ja|archive-date=June 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625221546/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1599554328&p=2|url-status=live}}

Megumi Ogata's voice acting was done to create a sexually appealing woman in contrast to her previous roles which included young males. The staff described Brawler as a {{Transliteration|ja|bishōnen}} yet muscular character. Takeuchi's pitch was carefully done to fit the idea of Brawler. Originally a child, Hacker was transformed into a more mature person in the making of the series to fit the demographic. Shun Horie was told by the staff to give him a cold personality. The team found Cutthroat as the most difficult character to write. Brother was originally older than Sister, but Yamauchi altered them to make them look like twins while retaining their original clothes.{{cite tweet|user=cindy560a

|first=Cindy|last=Yamauchi|number=1397950354336014338|title=子供達は、最初はお姉ちゃんと弟という設定でした。服装は変わらなかったんですけど。途中で年齢が入れ替わって、今の形に。|date=May 27, 2021|access-date=June 25, 2021}}

The Executioners' outfits were based on the Imperial Japanese Army and police officers. Master originally had a caring experience in the character table, but was altered due to his dark job. Yamauchi referred to the certain character in a certain special effects work while following the concept art for the hairstyle.{{cite tweet|user=cindy560a

|first=Cindy|last=Yamauchi|number=1397956298444984325|title=処刑課の衣装は帝国陸軍とか警察官とかを参考にしました。本編の師匠はハキハキした顔でしたが、キャラ表では生きるのにそろそろ疲れてきた感じを目指してて、髪型はコンセプトアートに準じつつも某特撮作品の某登場人物を参考にしてました。これはきっと伝わりにくいと思うw|date=May 27, 2021|access-date=June 25, 2021}} The disciples had no major changes ever since their concept art. Only the hairstyle was altered due to the artist's preference. Boss was modeled after Judi Dench.{{cite tweet|user=cindy560a

|first=Cindy|last=Yamauchi|number=1397962924132487168|title=狂言師の河野佑紀、アニメーターのシンディ・ヤマウチでお送りしておりますYoutubeチャンネル「で・ゴザルーム」、今回は「アクダマドライブ 」回のオマケだよ！私がうーんと最初の頃に描いたアクダマ達の未公開ラフをお見せしちゃいます（^0^；！ﾊｽﾞｶｼｲ!!!!|date=May 27, 2021|access-date=June 25, 2021}}

The producer was concerned about the series promoting "evil" and came up with the idea of every character dying in a "cool" way similar to Reservoir Dogs. The finale was inspired by the 1994 film Léon: The Professional and the survival of Natalie Portman's character. Rather than having the dilemma of surviving, Kodaka agreed with the team that each character would die without regrets. Meanwhile, the surviving characters, Brother and Sister, were sent to the Shikoku region with the idea of giving the series an idea of hope. However, their fates were left ambiguous and Kodaka believes explaining it would require writing another series to focus on their journey.

Kodaka claims the series was specifically created to appeal to the overseas market. When it comes to writing, Kodaka took more priority when dealing with the beginning. As the Reservoir Dogs inspired characters are criminals, Kodaka wanted to give each a meaningful death based on his philosophies when writing characters: Kodaka claims that deaths help to properly fulfil the cast. Due to the fact that the Akudama were criminals, Kodaka envisioned them as individuals that had to die in the series. Early sketches of the series involved more brutal scenes, but Kodaka decided to use a "pop" aesthetic for the narrative.{{cite web|first=Marko|last=Jovanovic|url=https://animecorner.me/interview-akudama-drive-creator-kazutaka-kodaka/|title=Interview: Akudama Drive Creator Kazutaka Kodaka|website=Anime Corner|date=March 20, 2021|access-date=June 22, 2021|archive-date=June 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628000608/https://animecorner.me/interview-akudama-drive-creator-kazutaka-kodaka/|url-status=live}} As Swindler goes from an accidental criminal, the narrative explores her acceptance of any dark actions she has to commit for her job which involves her decision to protect Brother and Sister even if she has to kill people.{{cite web|url=https://www.fandompost.com/2020/12/07/akudama-drive-episode-09-anime-review/|title=Akudama Drive Episode #09 Anime Review|website=Fandom Post|access-date=June 26, 2021|date=December 7, 2020|archive-date=December 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218182825/https://www.fandompost.com/2020/12/07/akudama-drive-episode-09-anime-review/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/akudama-drive/episode-9/.167118|title=Akudama Drive Episode 9|website=Anime News Network|access-date=June 27, 2021|date=December 6, 2020|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126194550/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/akudama-drive/episode-9/.167118|url-status=live}}

According to Kodaka, the series' main theme regarding the Executioners and their character arcs involve their concept of crime and justice, which is touched upon with Swindler's death. Taguchi claims the director's cut scene further improves the narrative as it explores more of the chaotic city which Courier was trying to escape from to protect the children. Taguchi and Umehara stated that across the finale, the Executioners were developed, most notably through Pupil. However, the staff claimed there is no message and is instead meant to be ambiguous.{{cite web|url=https://akudama-drive.com/special/index01020000.html|title=#12ディレクターズカット「カンゼンバン」スタッフ&キャストコメント、場面写真公開！|website=Akudama Drive|access-date=June 23, 2021|language=ja|archive-date=June 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619010915/https://akudama-drive.com/special/index01020000.html|url-status=live}} Swindler's history was compared with Jesus due to how her fate is controversial it is found to the standers.{{cite web|url=https://www.bubbleblabber.com/english-dub-review-akudama-drive-akudama-drive/|title=English Dub Review: Akudama Drive: "Akudama Drive"|website=Bubble Bubbler|access-date=June 27, 2021|date=March 12, 2021|archive-date=June 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627210347/https://www.bubbleblabber.com/english-dub-review-akudama-drive-akudama-drive/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Jones|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/akudama-drive/episode-12/.167905|title=Akudama Drive Episode 12|website=Anime News Network|access-date=January 2, 2020|date=December 28, 2020|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127023512/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/akudama-drive/episode-12/.167905|url-status=live}}

A manga adaptation by Rokurō Ōgaki debuted on Papyless's Renta! service with its first two chapters on July 7, 2020, and ended on April 25, 2023.{{cite web|first=Rafael Antonio|last=Pineda|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-05-22/akudama-drive-anime-gets-manga-in-july/.159801|title=Akudama Drive Anime Gets Manga in July|date=May 22, 2020|work=Anime News Network|access-date=October 8, 2020|archive-date=October 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008014158/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-05-22/akudama-drive-anime-gets-manga-in-july/.159801|url-status=live}}{{cite tweet|user=Renta_Comics|author={{lang|ja|Rentaコミックス公式}}|number=1650669115726761984|script-title=ja:【🟠\本日新刊/🟠】2020年7月より連載開始されたコミカライズ版『#アクダマドライブ』最終話となる63話が本日よりRenta!にて先行配信開始！！大柿ロクロウ先生（@ogakirokurou）の考案したアニメ最終回のその先の結末。是非...是非ご覧ください...！！！|date=April 25, 2023|access-date=June 30, 2023|language=ja}} The series was collected into nine digital volumes, published from January 2022 to May 2023.{{cite tweet|user=Renta_Comics|author={{lang|ja|Rentaコミックス公式}}|number=1485462363147243521|script-title=ja:大変お待たせしました。『アクダマドライブ』デジタル単行本第1巻は、1月28日（金）、Renta!及び主要電子書店にて一斉配信開始になります！ Renta!特装版には、限定キャラクターカードも収録されています！|date=January 24, 2022|access-date=June 30, 2023|language=ja}}{{cite tweet|user=ogakirokurou|last=Ōgaki|first=Rokurō|number=1662217043817693184|script-title=ja:アクダマドライブ・コミカライズ最終9巻、本日発売です！完結記念でRenta!さんやAmazonさんなどいろいろな電子書店さんで1〜3巻が半額で発売中です！アニメ最終回後を描いた「シコク編」も完全収録！どうぞこの機会にマンガのアクダマドライブを楽しんでください！|date=May 27, 2023|access-date=June 30, 2023|language=ja}}

Norimitsu Kaihō and Taguchi oversaw the series scripts. Cindy H. Yamauchi adapted Rui Komatsuzaki's original character designs for animation. Aida Shigekazu composed the music.{{cite web|first=Crystalyn|last=Hodgkins|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-05-14/akudama-drive-anime-delayed-to-october-due-to-covid-19/.159569|title=Akudama Drive Anime Delayed to October Due to COVID-19|date=May 14, 2020|work=Anime News Network|access-date=October 8, 2020|archive-date=June 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619171641/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-05-14/akudama-drive-anime-delayed-to-october-due-to-covid-19/.159569|url-status=live}} The opening theme is "STEAL!!" by SPARK!!SOUND!!SHOW!!, while the ending theme is "Ready" by Urashimasakatasen.{{cite web|first=Kara|last=Dennison|title=Danganronpa Writer's Akudama Drive Breaks Out New PV and Release Date|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2020/09/10-1/danganronpa-writers-akudama-drive-breaks-out-new-pv-and-release-date|website=Crunchyroll|date=September 9, 2020|access-date=October 22, 2020|archive-date=September 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912024003/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2020/09/10-1/danganronpa-writers-akudama-drive-breaks-out-new-pv-and-release-date|url-status=live}} A collection of image songs was released on December 23, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B08PJKDHQL/|title=アクダマドライブ キャラクターソングミニアルバム|website=Amazon.co.jp|access-date=January 4, 2021|language=Japanese|archive-date=December 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201225023740/https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B08PJKDHQL|url-status=live}}

The anime was delayed from July 2020 to October 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web|first=Sal|last=Romano|title=Too Kyo Games announces original TV anime Akudama Drive|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/03/too-kyo-games-announces-original-tv-anime-akudama-drive|website=Gematsu|date=March 13, 2020|access-date=October 22, 2020|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026034133/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/03/too-kyo-games-announces-original-tv-anime-akudama-drive|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Nicholas|last=Friedman|title=Original Sci-Fi Anime Akudama Drive Sets Premiere Date, Reveals New Trailer and Visual|url=https://www.funimation.com/blog/2020/07/03/akudama-drive-original-sci-fi-anime-studio-pierrot-funimation-fall/|website=Funimation|date=March 13, 2020|access-date=October 22, 2020|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026123111/https://www.funimation.com/blog/2020/07/03/akudama-drive-original-sci-fi-anime-studio-pierrot-funimation-fall/|url-status=live}} The series aired from October 8 to December 24, 2020. Funimation licensed the series outside of Asia and streamed it on its website in North America and the British Isles,{{cite web|first=Rafael Antonio|last=Pineda|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-07-03/funimation-to-stream-our-last-crusade-or-the-rise-of-a-new-world-naruto-more-anime/.161389|title=Funimation to Stream Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World, Naruto, More Anime|date=July 3, 2020|work=Anime News Network|access-date=November 27, 2020|archive-date=October 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017145615/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-07-03/funimation-to-stream-our-last-crusade-or-the-rise-of-a-new-world-naruto-more-anime/.161389|url-status=live}} in Europe through Wakanim,{{cite tweet|user=WakanimEU|author=Wakanim Nordic|number=1314273679921082370|title=21 Simulcasts this Fall on Wakanim: that's a record!|date=October 8, 2020|access-date=October 6, 2020}} and in Australia and New Zealand through AnimeLab.{{cite tweet|user=AnimeLab|author=animelab|number=1314348387018342402|title=A dangerous journey unfolds... Akudama Drive is now simulcasting on AnimeLab!|date=October 8, 2020|access-date=October 26, 2020}} On December 2, 2020, Funimation announced that the series would receive an English dub. Following Sony's acquisition of Crunchyroll, the series was moved to Crunchyroll.{{cite web|title=UPDATE: Funimation Titles Now Available on Crunchyroll (5/31)|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/guides/2022/3/1/funimation-titles-now-available-on-crunchyroll|website=Crunchyroll|date=March 1, 2022|access-date=March 21, 2022|archive-date=August 1, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240801131425/https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/guides/2022/3/1/funimation-titles-now-available-on-crunchyroll|url-status=live}} Muse Communication has licensed the series in Southeast Asia.{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|title=Muse Asia Adds Akudama Drive Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-05-17/muse-asia-adds-akudama-drive-anime/.172854|website=Anime News Network|access-date=December 28, 2024|date=May 17, 2021|archive-date=April 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422132504/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-05-17/muse-asia-adds-akudama-drive-anime/.172854|url-status=live}}

{{Episode table

|background=#612718

|overall=5

|title=30

|titleR={{cite web|url=https://www.akudama-drive.com/story/|title=Story|website=akudama-drive.com|access-date=December 24, 2020|language=ja|archive-date=December 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224175949/https://www.akudama-drive.com/story/|url-status=live}}{{efn|Each episode, aside from Episode 12, is named after a film title.}}

|director=25

|writer=28

|airdate=15

|airdateR={{cite web|title=アクダマドライブ|url=https://www.bs4.jp/akudama-drive/|website=bs4.jp|date=October 15, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201217165137/https://www.bs4.jp/akudama-drive/|archive-date=December 17, 2020|access-date=December 17, 2020|language=ja}}

|episodes=

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 1

| Title = Se7en

| RTitle = {{efn|Stylized as SE7EN}}

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|10|8}}

| DirectedBy = Tomohisa Taguchi{{cite web|url=https://akudama-drive.com/story/01.html|title=SE7EN|website=akudama-drive.com|access-date=October 18, 2020|language=ja|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211185111/https://akudama-drive.com/story/01.html|url-status=live}}

| WrittenBy = Norimitsu Kaihō, Tomohisa Taguchi

| ShortSummary = As criminals known as Akudama terrorize Kansai, an Ordinary Person gets dragged into danger when her good intentions steer her wrong after an encounter with Courier. At the Kansai Police Station, the Ordinary Person, who is forced to use the alias "Swindler", ends up helping Brawler, Doctor, Hacker, Courier, and Hoodlum rescue Cutthroat from being executed. He then places explosive collars on all of them. Afterwards, it is revealed that a black cat Swindler rescued earlier is the mastermind behind bringing the Akudama together.

| LineColor = 612718

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 2

| Title = Reservoir Dogs

| RTitle = {{efn|Stylized as RESERVOIR DOGS}}

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|10|15}}

| DirectedBy = Yoshifumi Sasahara{{cite web|url=https://akudama-drive.com/story/02.html|title=RESERVOIR DOGS|website=akudama-drive.com|access-date=October 18, 2020|language=ja|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211185353/https://akudama-drive.com/story/02.html|url-status=live}}

| WrittenBy = Norimitsu Kaihō, Yoshifumi Sasahara, Tomohisa Taguchi

| ShortSummary = Black Cat informs the Akudama that it has brought them together to attack the Shinkansen and steal a vault from its front carriage. While discussing the details, the group is attacked by Execution Division Master and Pupil, members of a police force specialized to deal with Akudama. The group narrowly escapes the assault.

| LineColor = 612718

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 3

| Title = Mission: Impossible

| RTitle = {{efn|Stylized as MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE}}

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|10|22}}

| DirectedBy = Hikaru Murata{{cite web|url=https://akudama-drive.com/story/03.html|title=MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE|website=akudama-drive.com|access-date=October 18, 2020|language=ja|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211190050/https://akudama-drive.com/story/03.html|url-status=live}}

| WrittenBy = Ryō Morise, Yoshifumi Sasahara, Tomohisa Taguchi

| ShortSummary = The Akudama rendezvous at an abandoned warehouse where they go over the finer details of the Shinkansen heist. They put their plan into motion and barely manage to make it to the loading dock in time, but a premature power cut forces Swindler to enter the train instead of Hacker, and the emergency reset it triggers sets the Shinkansen in motion earlier than anticipated, with the group still on board.

| LineColor = 612718

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 4

| Title = Speed

| RTitle = {{efn|Stylized as SPEED}}

| DirectedBy = Yoshinori Odaka{{cite web|url=https://akudama-drive.com/story/04.html|title=SPEED|website=akudama-drive.com|access-date=October 22, 2020|language=ja|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211190247/https://akudama-drive.com/story/04.html|url-status=live}}

| WrittenBy = Norimitsu Kaihō, Tomohisa Taguchi

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|10|29}}

| ShortSummary = On their way to complete their mission, the Akudama are attacked by the two Executioners again. Courier and Brawler face them but are overpowered. Doctor, Cutthroat, and Hoodlum assist them while Swindler and Hacker alongside Black Cat follow their objective. Once they finally reached the last carriage, Black Cat disintegrates into ash, leaving behind a special seal required to unlock the vault. After opening the vault, the Akudama find two children inside, with the boy revealed to be the one controlling Black Cat and the orchestrator of the mission.

| LineColor = 612718

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 5

| Title = Dead Man Walking

| RTitle = {{efn|Stylized as DEAD MAN WALKING}}

| DirectedBy = Takumi Dōyama{{cite web|url=https://akudama-drive.com/story/05.html|title=DEAD MAN WALKING|website=akudama-drive.com|access-date=October 29, 2020|language=ja|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211190445/https://akudama-drive.com/story/05.html|url-status=live}}

| WrittenBy = Norimitsu Kaihō, Ryō Morise, Yoshifumi Sasahara, Tomohisa Taguchi

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|11|5}}

| ShortSummary = The two children, Brother and Sister, reveal themselves as the masterminds behind Black Cat and request the Akudama another mission: go back to Kansai, promising to double the amount of money they promised. While Hacker decides to leave the group after he removes the explosive collar from his neck, the rest of the Akudama decide to finish the mission. Meanwhile, Master decides to continue his job despite his wounds.

| LineColor = 612718

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 6

| Title = Brother

| RTitle = {{efn|Stylized as BROTHER}}

| DirectedBy = Yoshifumi Sasahara{{cite web|url=https://akudama-drive.com/story/06.html|title=BROTHER|website=akudama-drive.com|access-date=November 5, 2020|language=ja|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211190626/https://akudama-drive.com/story/06.html|url-status=live}}

| WrittenBy = Yoshifumi Sasahara, Tomohisa Taguchi

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|11|12}}

| ShortSummary = When Master catches up with the Akudama, Brawler fights him willingly, while the others are forced to do so as they try to make their escape. During the battle, Cutthroat uses Brother as a shield in order to stab Master. It is later revealed that Brother has a healing factor. After the battle between Brawler and Master, which leaves both of them dead, Hoodlum encounters Pupil and attacks her.

| LineColor = 612718

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 7

| Title = The City of Lost Children

| TranslitTitle = Rosuto・Chirudoren

| NativeTitle = ロスト・チルドレン

| NativeTitleLangCode = ja

| DirectedBy = Hikaru Murata{{cite web|url=https://akudama-drive.com/story/07.html|title=Rosuto・Chirudoren|script-title=ja:ロスト・チルドレン|trans-title=Lost Children|website=akudama-drive.com|access-date=November 12, 2020|language=ja|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127132157/https://akudama-drive.com/story/07.html|url-status=live}}

| WrittenBy = Hikaru Murata, Tomohisa Taguchi

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|11|19}}

| ShortSummary = After Brawler's death, Hoodlum returns to the Akudama who learn of Brother and Sister's origins. They are the only survivors of a group of test subjects who want escape to the Moon. With their job completed, Brother and Sister grant the Akudama their money, but Doctor betrays them and reveals their location to the Executioners. Boss then reveals to Brother and Sister that the Moon was also destroyed during the war and thus they have nowhere to escape. In the ensuing chaos, Brother forces Swindler and Sister aboard the rocket to protect them, leaving himself behind as the rocket launches.

| LineColor = 612718

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 8

| Title = Black Rain

| RTitle = {{efn|Stylized as BLACK RAIN}}

| DirectedBy = Yūta Suzuki, Tomohisa Taguchi, Yoshifumi Sasahara{{cite web|url=https://akudama-drive.com/story/08.html|title=BLACK RAIN|website=akudama-drive.com|access-date=November 19, 2020|language=ja|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127230035/https://akudama-drive.com/story/08.html|url-status=live}}

| WrittenBy = Tomohisa Taguchi

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|11|26}}

| ShortSummary = Swindler and Sister escape from the rocket after it crash-lands and returns to Kansai. However, while attempting to buy a meal, Swindler is recognized as an Akudama and escapes with Sister. Meanwhile, Doctor and Hoodlum search for Brother and Pupil is revealed to be alive, now wearing an eyepatch, and assigned to a new partner by Boss. After arriving at a seemingly abandoned garbage plant, Swindler and Sister indulge in the food stored inside and clean themselves up with Swindler cutting her hair short. Shortly thereafter, thugs find the two and aim to violate them. Swindler is able to fight back, which gives them enough time to be saved by Courier. He later gives Sister a bag Brother wanted to return to her. When asked to fight alongside her to reunite the siblings, Courier allies with Swindler. Elsewhere, Cutthroat finds the rocket's crash site and promises to find Swindler.

| LineColor = 612718

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 9

| Title = The Shining

| RTitle = {{efn|Stylized as THE SHINING}}

| DirectedBy = Tomohisa Taguchi{{cite web|url=https://akudama-drive.com/story/09.html|title=THE SHINING|website=akudama-drive.com|access-date=November 26, 2020|language=ja|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211192335/https://akudama-drive.com/story/09.html|url-status=live}}

| WrittenBy = Tomohisa Taguchi

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|12|3}}

| ShortSummary = Courier and Swindler devise a plan to reach Brother. When they head to the Executioners' headquarters, they are confronted by Cutthroat, who reveals that he has been waiting for the right opportunity to kill Swindler. Following a long chase, Swindler ultimately kills Cutthroat. Later, the Executioners escape with Brother just as Courier, Swindler, and Sister reach the roof.

| LineColor = 612718

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 10

| Title = Babel

| RTitle = {{efn|Stylized as BABEL}}

| DirectedBy = Hikaru Murata{{cite web|url=https://akudama-drive.com/story/10.html|title=BABEL|website=akudama-drive.com|access-date=December 3, 2020|language=ja|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211192729/https://akudama-drive.com/story/10.html|url-status=live}}

| WrittenBy = Tomohisa Taguchi

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|12|10}}

| ShortSummary = Courier, Swindler, Sister, Hoodlum, and Doctor all follow the Executioners to the Kansai Station. Meanwhile, in order to quell the riots, Boss has the Chief of Police declare the insurgents Akudama. At the station, just as Brother is about to be shipped inside the Shinkansen, everyone arrives with Doctor putting a needle through Junior's heart while Hoodlum holds a scalpel to Swindler's throat. When Swindler gets through to Hoodlum, Doctor reveals that she manipulated him after she orchestrated Brawler's death. While she is distracted by a crowd entering the station, Hoodlum slits Doctor's throat. However, he dies when she slits his throat as well. Doctor is then trampled to death by the crowd. Afterwards, Brother, Courier, Swindler, and Sister goes inside the Shinkansen, while Pupil stays behind with Junior.

| LineColor = 612718

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 11

| Title = War Games

| RTitle = {{efn|Stylized as WAR GAMES}}

| DirectedBy = Yoshifumi Sasahara{{cite web|url=https://www.akudama-drive.com/story/11.html|title=WAR GAMES|website=akudama-drive.com|access-date=December 10, 2020|language=ja|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211193509/https://akudama-drive.com/story/11.html|url-status=live}}

| WrittenBy = Tomohisa Taguchi

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|12|17}}

| ShortSummary = Swindler and Courier are trapped in their past memories in a digital world until they are both saved by Hacker. Hacker explains Kanto has been using Brother and Sister to continue existing. Hacker sacrifices himself to save the children who reunite with Swindler. After Hacker passes to the afterlife, Swindler and Courier discuss their next move. However, they are attacked while they are inside the Shinkansen.

| LineColor = 612718

}}

{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 12

| Title = Akudama Drive

| RTitle = {{efn|Stylized as AKUDAMA DRIVE}}

| TranslitTitle = Akudama Doraibu

| NativeTitle = アクダマドライブ

| NativeTitleLangCode = ja

| DirectedBy = Tomohisa Taguchi{{cite web|url=https://www.akudama-drive.com/story/12.html|title=Akudama Doraibu|script-title=ja:アクダマドライブ|trans-title=Akudama Drive|website=akudama-drive.com|access-date=December 24, 2020|language=ja|archive-date=December 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224180215/https://www.akudama-drive.com/story/12.html|url-status=live}}

| WrittenBy = Tomohisa Taguchi

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2020|12|24}}

| ShortSummary = Due to having a broken leg, Swindler requests Courier take Brother and Sister to a safe area, returning the 500 yen as payment. After they leave, Swindler tries to confuse the Executioners until she is killed. Courier is later cornered by more Executioners, but people's protest against Swindler's murder, which she recorded, allows him to escape with the children. Following multiple battles, Courier tells the children to leave him and move to their destiny with Swindler's 500 yen as he has suffered major wounds in his chest. Once he finally takes out the remaining drones, Courier dies peacefully while Brother and Sister reach their destiny.

| LineColor = 612718

}}

}}

;Japanese

;English

Akudama Drive was approached by critics from manga and anime before its release. Lauren Orsini from Anime News Network and D. M. Moore from Polygon regarded Akudama Drive as their most anticipated series from Fall 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2020-09-30/our-most-anticipated-anime-of-fall-2020/.164493|title=Our Most Anticipated Anime Of Fall 2020|date=September 30, 2020|work=Anime News Network|access-date=October 8, 2020|archive-date=October 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008211914/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2020-09-30/our-most-anticipated-anime-of-fall-2020/.164493|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=D. M.|last=Moore|url=https://www.polygon.com/21408141/best-anime-series-fall-2020-season-crunchyroll-netflix-amazon-hulu-funimation|title=7 anime series to check out in the fall season|website=Polygon|date=October 1, 2020|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-date=October 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006222949/https://www.polygon.com/21408141/best-anime-series-fall-2020-season-crunchyroll-netflix-amazon-hulu-funimation|url-status=live}} On its premiere, the series attracted multiple positive reactions from fans and reviews, citing similarities between Kodaka's Danganronpa series and the 1982 film Blade Runner. One reviewer was more skeptical of the premiere, calling the series "edgy".{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/preview-guide/2020/fall/akudama-drive/.164672|title=The Fall 2020 Preview Guide Akudama Drive|work=Anime News Network|access-date=October 9, 2020|archive-date=October 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008232631/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/preview-guide/2020/fall/akudama-drive/.164672|url-status=live}} The Fandom Post gave the first episode a "B", finding the large cast fun but at the same time hilarious when they are introduced.{{cite web|first=Antonio|last=Mireles|url=https://www.fandompost.com/2020/10/09/akudama-drive-episode-01-anime-review/|title=Akudama Drive Episode #01 Anime Review|work=The Fandom Post|date=October 9, 2020|access-date=October 9, 2020|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012112308/https://www.fandompost.com/2020/10/09/akudama-drive-episode-01-anime-review/|url-status=live}} The following episode earned an "A" with praise focused on the cast's interaction and fight scenes.{{cite web|first=Antonio|last=Mireles|url=https://www.fandompost.com/2020/10/17/akudama-drive-episode-02-anime-review/|title=Akudama Drive Episode #02 Anime Review|work=The Fandom Post|date=October 17, 2020|access-date=October 22, 2020|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123214745/https://www.fandompost.com/2020/10/17/akudama-drive-episode-02-anime-review/|url-status=live}} Although Anime Feminist was concerned about the apparent poor portrayal of female characters citing Doctor's skimpy appearance and Swindler's weak persona,{{cite web|url=https://www.animefeminist.com/akudama-drive-episode-1/|title=Akudama Drive – Episode 1|website=Anime Feminist|access-date=June 24, 2021|date=January 13, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204944/https://www.animefeminist.com/akudama-drive-episode-1/|url-status=live}} Richard Eisbens from Biggest In Japan found the latter intriguing due to how she interacts with the rest of the cast despite her codename giving her the idea of an ordinary person, leading to conspiracy whether or not there was something missing to reveal in the narrative especially based on the writing previously made by the series' staff.{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Eisbens|url=https://biggestinjapan.com/index.php/2020/11/16/akudama-drives-swindler-is-every-bit-her-namesake-whether-she-believes-it-or-not/|title=AKUDAMA DRIVE'S "SWINDLER" IS EVERY BIT HER NAMESAKE (WHETHER SHE BELIEVES IT OR NOT)|website=Biggest In Japan|date=November 16, 2020|access-date=December 8, 2020|archive-date=June 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627001313/https://biggestinjapan.com/index.php/2020/11/16/akudama-drives-swindler-is-every-bit-her-namesake-whether-she-believes-it-or-not/|url-status=live}} Based on the premise and cast, Syfy.com considered the series as a Suicide Squad-like story with elements of cyberpunk but in the form of a chaotic utopia as a result of how society is viewed.{{cite web|last=Motomayor|first=Rafael|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/akudama-drive-cyberpunk-anime|title='AKUDAMA DRIVE' WILL MAKE YOU BELIEVE IN CYBERPUNK AGAIN|website=Syfy.com|access-date=June 22, 2021|date=February 9, 2021|archive-date=September 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918045850/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/akudama-drive-cyberpunk-anime|url-status=live}} Comic Book Resources noted that despite the simplistic personalities the protagonists have, they are still unpredictable to describe as a result of how violent they are due to their nature as Akudama, whom the writer compared to Quentin Tarantino's protagonists from the movie Reservoir Dogs.

Starting with the series' eighth episode, writers noticed a major change in Swindler's personality symbolized by her change of clothing and hairstyle as she has been forced to become an Akudama due to her adventures with the actual criminals.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/akudama-drive/episode-8/.166816|title=Akudama Drive Episode 8|website=Anime News Network|access-date=June 27, 2021|archive-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124010700/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/akudama-drive/episode-8/.166816|url-status=live}} The Fandom Post was impressed how she actually becomes a more violent person in the process due to how she kills two criminals.{{cite web|url=https://www.fandompost.com/2020/11/28/akudama-drive-episode-08-anime-review/|title=Akudama Drive Episode #08 Anime Review

|website=Fandom Post|access-date=June 26, 2021|date=November 28, 2020}} Both Anime News Network and Anime Feminist enjoyed not only the development but also redesign for not making her more sexually appealing, but criticized her near rape scene, which she found too dark.{{cite web|url=https://www.animefeminist.com/anime-feminists-top-picks-for-2020/|title=Anime Feminist's Top Picks for 2020|website=Anime Feminist|access-date=June 24, 2021|date=January 13, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512180139/https://www.animefeminist.com/anime-feminists-top-picks-for-2020/|url-status=live}} Her eventual confrontation with Cutthroat was also the subject of praise due to how Swindler has embraced her sins and murders one of the most dangerous characters in the series in a gruesome battle.

The series finale was acclaimed by Anime News Network and The Fandom Post for the focus given on Swindler's actions to generate chaos in the society to the point the law is attacked as well as Courier's last job he was given by his ally to protect both Brother and Sister.{{cite web|first=Antonio|last=Mireles|url=https://www.fandompost.com/2020/12/26/akudama-drive-episode-12-anime-review-season-finale/|title=Akudama Drive Episode #12 Anime Review (Season Finale)|website=The Fandom Post|access-date=January 2, 2021|date=December 26, 2020|archive-date=April 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422030555/https://www.fandompost.com/2020/12/26/akudama-drive-episode-12-anime-review-season-finale/|url-status=live}} Syfy.com noted that the finale involved heavy themes that were not subtle such as commentary about the law through the handling of the criminals. The writers also found deeper themes in Swindler's death scene which causes a cross shaped blood and the fact that the series aired in Christmas Eve implied more commentary. Anime Feminist made an article focused on the major character arcs involving Swindler and Pupil as the two characters have moral issues with how citizens are treated in Kansai with the former becoming more active throughout her appearances as she becomes a heroic figure to save Brother and Sister accepting the title of Akudama in the process.{{cite web|url=https://www.animefeminist.com/serves-you-right-the-abolitionist-condemnation-of-retributive-justice-in-akudama-drive/|title="Serves You Right": The abolitionist condemnation of retributive justice in Akudama Drive|website=Anime Feminist|date=June 16, 2021|access-date=June 24, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624210356/https://www.animefeminist.com/serves-you-right-the-abolitionist-condemnation-of-retributive-justice-in-akudama-drive/|url-status=live}}

In a general review, Otaku USA praised the animation as it "is always spectacular and action choreography/camerawork always hyper-kinetic" but suggested its fans rely on home video to see the uncensored violent scenes which occur multiple times as he was surprised by the large number of deaths in the series.{{cite web|last=Surat|first=Daryl|url=https://otakuusamagazine.com/akudama-drive-anime-review/|title=Akudama Drive Anime Review|website=Otaku USA|access-date=June 15, 2021|date=May 16, 2021|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325194346/https://otakuusamagazine.com/akudama-drive-anime-review/|url-status=live}} Syfy.com also commented on the animation, but found the violence to be too impactful for sensitive viewers. Comic Book Resources regarded the animation in regards to the setting as one of the reasons why the anime became popular, referring to Kansai as "distinctively cyberpunk" as well as the dark elements provided subsequently.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/why-akudama-drive-popular-anime/|title=Why Akudama Drive's Popularity Is Revving Up With Anime Fans|website=Comic Book Resources|date=November 29, 2020|access-date=June 22, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203628/https://www.cbr.com/why-akudama-drive-popular-anime/|url-status=live}}

Multiple writers from Anime News Network listed Akudama Drive as one of their favorite series from 2020,{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2020-12-29/the-best-anime-of-2020/nick-rebecca-steve-and-best-characters/.167713|title=Nick, Rebecca, Steve & Best Characters|website=Anime News Network|date=December 29, 2020|access-date=January 2, 2021|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126182909/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2020-12-29/the-best-anime-of-2020/nick-rebecca-steve-and-best-characters/.167713|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2020-12-30/the-best-of-anime-2020-chris-james-theron-and-the-best-moments/.167714|title=The Best of Anime 2020: Chris, James, Theron, & The Best Moments|website=Anime News Network|date=December 29, 2020|access-date=January 2, 2020|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127115530/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2020-12-30/the-best-of-anime-2020-chris-james-theron-and-the-best-moments/.167714|url-status=live}} while readers from the same site also voted it as the 9th best anime of the year.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2021-01-02/the-worst-anime-of-2020-and-mega-poll-results/.167718|title=The Worst Anime of 2020 & Mega Poll Results|website=Anime News Network|date=January 2, 2021|access-date=January 2, 2021|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122053837/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2021-01-02/the-worst-anime-of-2020-and-mega-poll-results/.167718|url-status=live}} Funimation and UK Anime News listed it as one of the best anime of 2020, with the latter commenting on to its usage of characters and setting to the point of calling it one of the best sci-fi anime alongside Id – Invaded.{{cite web|url=https://www.nacionflix.com/noticias/Los-5-mejores-animes-del-2020-segun-Funimation-20210101-0010.html|title=Los 5 mejores animes del 2020 segun Funimation|website=Nacion Flix|access-date=June 23, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203518/https://www.nacionflix.com/noticias/Los-5-mejores-animes-del-2020-segun-Funimation-20210101-0010.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://animeuknews.net/2021/01/looking-back-at-the-autumn-season-2020-our-favourite-shows/|title=Looking Back at the Autumn Season 2020 – Our Favourite Shows|website=Anime UK News|date=January 10, 2021|access-date=June 15, 2021|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616043036/https://animeuknews.net/2021/01/looking-back-at-the-autumn-season-2020-our-favourite-shows/|url-status=live}} Anime Feminist listed it as a runner up involving the best 2020 anime series regarding it as "transgressive and subversive" for making a likable cast despite their professions and developing Swindler while at the same time criticizing the near rape scene and the apparent racist portrayal of Brawler.{{cite web|url=https://www.animefeminist.com/anime-feminists-top-picks-for-2020/|title=Anime Feminist's Top Picks for 2020|website=Anime Feminist|access-date=June 24, 2021|date=January 13, 2021|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512180139/https://www.animefeminist.com/anime-feminists-top-picks-for-2020/|url-status=live}} In the 2021 Anime Trending{{'}}s "Anime of the Year Awards", the series won the categories of "Best Anime", "Best Original Screenplay", as well as "Best Sci-Fi and Best Mystery".{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2021-03-01/akudama-drive-wins-anime-trending-anime-of-the-year-awards/.170103|title=Akudama Drive Wins Anime Trending's Anime of the Year Awards|website=Anime News Network|access-date=March 1, 2021|date=March 1, 2021|archive-date=December 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226144449/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2021-03-01/akudama-drive-wins-anime-trending-anime-of-the-year-awards/.170103|url-status=live}} Courier was also nominated to "Best Boy" in December 2020.{{cite web|url=https://es-la.facebook.com/Anitrendz/posts/congratulations-once-again-to-the-fans-of-honda-tohru-fruits-basket-and-courier-/2930669133837254/|title=Anime Trending|website=Facebook|access-date=July 1, 2021|archive-date=March 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303130207/https://es-la.facebook.com/Anitrendz/posts/congratulations-once-again-to-the-fans-of-honda-tohru-fruits-basket-and-courier-/2930669133837254/|url-status=live}}

Renta! made a popularity poll, which ended with Cutthroat's victory.{{cite web|url=https://renta.papy.co.jp/renta/sc/frm/page/topics/c_akudama-drive-voting.htm|script-title=ja:順位発表！|website=Renta|access-date=June 25, 2021|archive-date=October 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006044515/https://renta.papy.co.jp/renta/sc/frm/page/topics/c_akudama-drive-voting.htm|url-status=live}}

{{notelist|20em}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://www.akudama-drive.com/}} {{in lang|ja}}
• {{Anime News Network|anime|23366}}

{{Tomohisa Taguchi}}

{{Pierrot (company)}}

Category:2020 anime television series debuts

Category:2020 manga

Category:Action anime and manga

Category:Anime and manga about crime

Category:Anime postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Category:Anime with original screenplays

Category:Crunchyroll anime

Category:Cyberpunk anime and manga

Category:Cyberpunk television series

Category:Funimation

Category:Manga series

Category:Muse Communication

Category:NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan

Category:Pierrot (company)

Category:Shōnen manga

Category:Television series set in the future