*-* Akira's dialogue is really wonderful. it's so hard to get that combination of random spazzing and insightfulness, but I think you nailed it. also, loved the last line.

but the thing I like most about this story is the feeling that there's a lot more going on than is on the page (or screen, I guess ^-^). There are such strong, concrete references to the world outside the Shuuji&Akira scene, like S's job, the strong description of how it feels to travel home in the rain. it might be a short scene, but I came away with a good feel for their whole life together.