Astro Boy (1963)
The pioneering Japanese animated series that launched a global anime legacy, following a courageous robot boy on his crusade against evil.
Astro Boy - Series Information
- Original Title: 鉄腕アトム
- First Air Year: 1963
- Last Air Year: 1966
- Created by: Osamu Tezuka
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Kids
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 30 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 193
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: January 1, 1963 (United States - TV-PG), January 1, 1963 (Australia - G)
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Alternative Titles: Астробой (RU), Tetsuwan Atom (JP), Mighty Atom (US)
- Production Companies: Tezuka Productions, Mushi Production, Meiji Seika
- Production Countries: Japan
Astro Boy - Plot
In the year 2000, Dr. Boyton creates a super-robot in his deceased son's image. He calls the robot Astro Boy. Astro Boy can swim oceans, leap over mountains, even fly into space on his own power. However, Astro Boy can't replace his son. Dr. Boyton becomes dissatisfied with the boy robot and disowns him.
Astro Boy is befriended by Dr. Packadermus J. Elefun of the Institute of Science, who guides him through his adventures. Endowed with super strength, rocket-powered flight, a selfless heart and a kind demeanor, Astro Boy fights a never-ending crusade against the forces of evil!
Astro Boy - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Astro Boy's heroic world come to life:
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Astro Boy - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Osamu Tezuka
Main Cast
- Mari Shimizu
- Kazue Tagami
- Youko Mizugaki
- Akihiko Mitsueda
- Seizo Kato
- Shingo Kanemoto
- Kiyoshi Komiyama
- Masaaki Yajima
- Hisashi Yokomori
- Shinpei Sakamoto
Writers
- Osamu Tezuka
Astro Boy - FAQs
Is Astro Boy based on a manga?
Yes, Astro Boy is directly adapted from the manga series Tetsuwan Atom (Mighty Atom) created by Osamu Tezuka, which began serialization in 1952. The manga is widely regarded as one of the most influential works in the history of Japanese comics and animation.
Where can you stream Astro Boy online?
Astro Boy is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads, as well as Retrocrush, which specializes in classic anime. Episodes can also be purchased through Amazon Video. Availability may vary by region.
Who created the Astro Boy animated series?
Astro Boy was created by legendary manga artist and animator Osamu Tezuka, often called the 'God of Manga.' Tezuka founded Mushi Production to produce the series and also served as the primary writer, making it one of the most personal projects of his career.
What is Astro Boy about?
Astro Boy follows a super-powered robot created in the image of a scientist's deceased son. After being disowned, he is taken in by the kind Dr. Elefun and uses his extraordinary abilities — including rocket flight and super strength — to battle villains and protect humanity.
Was Astro Boy the first anime series on TV?
Astro Boy, which premiered on Fuji TV on January 1, 1963, is widely recognized as the first domestically produced Japanese animated television series. It established many of the visual and narrative conventions that would define anime as a global medium for decades to come.
How many episodes does Astro Boy have?
The original 1963 Astro Boy series consists of 193 episodes across a single season, which aired on Fuji TV from January 1963 to December 1966. The series was produced in black and white, as color television broadcasting had not yet become standard in Japan.
What is the content rating for Astro Boy?
Astro Boy carries a TV-PG content rating in the United States, indicating that some material may not be suitable for younger children without parental guidance. In Australia, the series holds a G rating. The show features action-adventure themes appropriate for general family audiences.
Who are the main voice actors in Astro Boy?
The original Japanese cast features Mari Shimizu and Kazue Tagami sharing the role of Astro Boy, with Youko Mizugaki as his sister Uran, Akihiko Mitsueda as Atlas, Masaaki Yajima as Higeoyaji, and Hisashi Yokomori as Dr. Tenma, among other notable performers.
More About Astro Boy
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