Astroboy

Links:

DK's Domain
Ammar's Anime Domain

The original series was in black and white in the 1960's. The second series was in the 1980's, the first time in color. Creator of Astroboy Osamu Tezuka himself supervised the production of this series.

The series was set in the future where men had created robots to help them develop their world. Soon the robots became integral to the human society, and so there spread alot of anti-robot feelings. Astroboy was created by Dr. Tenma (Boyton) in the image of his deceased son Tobio (Toby) to help him cope with his lose. On a cruise Dr. Tenma told Astro that he was not his son which saddened Astro. The ship got into an accident and Dr. Tenma and Astro were seperated. Dr. Elefun decided to take up Dr. Tenma's old position as the Minister of Science and also to raise Astro and use him to help save human lives because Astro had amazing powers. Astro was sent to school, given parents, and a sister to help him live like a normal boy. So the series is about Astro's life and deals with him trying to be a normal boy, yet a superhero at the same time. He has to fight both evil humans who want to destroy robots out of hatred, or evil robots who want to destroy humans because of mistreatment. Although there is alot of unjustice and grudge between humans and robots on the receiving end, Astro believes peace and equality is possible and struggles for this. Due to his efforts, Astro becomes a hero to both humans and robots in his fight against evil.

The episodes are rather dark, have sad themes, and many times end with death and tragedy. They are designed to teach people lessons using the most thought-provoking event in a person's life, death. The series accomplishes alot of its goals, and there are many entertaining moments in the show. it's definately worth watching, it's of my most favorite shows.

Astro: Astroboy, or known as Mighty Atom in Japan, is the main character of the series. He is kind, understanding, merciful, and exhibits many heroic characteristics. He is a robot and young, so during his adventures he learns how to cope with life and different people. He is innocent and pure, and this is a reason why he is tricked and decieved many times because he thinks the best of people and wants to save them. He is also very committed to justice, and will risk his life to save others.

Prof. Tenma:

Prof. Boyton in English. The professor who built Astroboy is very heartbroken upon the death of his son Tobio. After building Astro in the image of his son, he later does not know how to cope with him and gets angery and scolds him without realizing Astro cannot act like a human because he is a robot. He is seperated from Astro, and his death is hinted in the series but never confirmed.

Dr. Elefen: Dr. Ochanomizu in Japanese. He is the Minister of Science who takes in Astro and teaches him to use his powers to help others. he looks after Astro and is like a father figure for Astro. Dr. Elefan is kind, understanding, and believes in peace and equality for robots. He loves Astro very much, and trusts Astro with his life. He often has huge responsibilities being the Minister of Science which he cannot fulfill alone, but with the help of Astro he gets over various disasters.

Daddy Walrus: Daddy Mustache in Japanese. He is Astro's school teacher and often travels with Astro on a few missions. He is a friend of Prof. Elefun. He comes in handy in situations were Astro is not able to do anything. He is resourceful, fast, and at times completely unpredictable when in danger. He was once a detective, but now he is a school teacher, yet he still has what it takes to bring down criminals. He provides alot of comic relief for the show.

Astro's Parents: Dr. Elefun built Astro a Mom and Dad to help him live like a normal boy. Astro's Father is comical and friendly. Astro's Mother is pretty and responsible, always caring for Astro.

Uran: As a New Year's present, Dr. Elefun built Astro a little sister to show his appreciation. Uran is a tomboyish, outgoing, moody girl who always wants to have fun and do what she wants. She is still young and full of energy, and often gets Astro into trouble.

Atlas: Atlas is Astro's arch-rival. He wants to take control of the world. He was built with the Omega Factor which gives him the ability to feel superiority and hatred for humans, and makes him capable of great evil. Astro fights him many times to foil his plans for world domination, and refuses his offer to join him.

Livian: She is Atlas' kind companion who wants peace in the world and tries to stop Atlas from committing evil. Although she loves him, she tries to save innocent people when she can even if it is against Atlas' wishes.

Skunk: A lowlife criminal who tries to get wealthy by stealing. He first used young Atlas to help him commit crimes, but after scolding him for a failure Atlas ran away. His evilplans are constantly foiled by Astro and Daddy Walrus.