To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Astro Boy manga, ZC World has released this new collectable figure in Japan.
This figure retails for about ¥12,000 ($147) and comes with a wooden box. Astro is depicted looking very young here and sure displays a lot of personality!
Ishinomori created so many of Japan's most famous characters and stories, conquering most every conceivable genre and medium. Most famous among his works is the classic Cyborg 009. Fans of Osamu Tezuka should definitely look into learning more about this incredible artist's body of work. In fact, it was Tezuka himself who discovered Ishinomori's talent and broke him into the professional manga industry.
Here's a sample from the article:
Anyway, a young artist named Shotaro Onodera submitted some samples of his work to Manga Shonen, and it just so happened that Tezuka's famous Astro Boy was running as a special feature in the magazine at the time. Tezuka's editor clued him in to the budding talent, and history was made when Tezuka hired the kid as his assistant and set him to work on the Astro Boy story Electro. The entire experience is laid out in dark horse's Astro Boy volume 15, so seek that out if you want the dirt.
It's unfortunate that so little of Ishinomori's work has been made available to English speakers. The tide has turned in recent years when it comes to Tezuka's manga, so let's hope for the same attention being paid to Ishinomori as well. Check out the English Language version of the IshimoriPro website for more.
Continue reading "Ishinomori's Story"...
Make sure you check out The Mike Toole Show, a new column on Anime News Network that is set to feature some of the unique, obscure, classic, and forgotten gems that make Japanese Animation so awesome. The first edition is all about the first wave of black and white TV anime from the 1960's, starting with Astro Boy and moving on to other series that have little to no exposure outside Japan. Tezuka's Big X and Dororo get a mention as well, along with classics like Cyborg 009 and Sally the Witch. It's not only a very informative look at a chapter of anime history that is mostly unknown to English speakers, but it's incredibly entertaining as well.
Continue reading "Old's Cool with Mike Toole"...
The Sci-Fi Block is now presenting a great article that will serve as a primer or re-introduction to the rich history of Astro Boy. This retrospective on the character touches upon pretty much every iteration of the story, starting with the manga and moving onwards to each of the 3 TV series, noting the story themes and what makes each of them unique. On board to help set the scene is the amazing Ada Palmer from Tezuka in English.
Even if you've been a fan for a long time, this article is certainly worth checking out. And if you're new to all this, it's a great place to start. Read "A Brief History of Astro Boy" on The Sci-Block.
Got a web-capable cell phone or other mobile device? You'll find this interesting.
The Right Stuf has released a new mobile Astro Boy Website with links to information about their different releases of the 1960's anime. This site is specially designed for the small screen and capabilities of hand-held devices like a mobile phone.
You can check out the site here (don't worry, it works on big computers too!) and read the press release here.
To coincide with the Astro Boy animated movie set for release this fall, The Right Stuf will be coming out with a special DVD containing the first 5 episodes of the original 1960's Astro Boy anime.
The episodes included are:
1. Birth of Astro Boy, 2. Colosso 3. Expedition to Mars 4. The Sphinx 5. Cross Island.
This DVD will be available on October 6th. Click the link below to read the entire press release.
NOZOMI ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES ASTRO BOY: THE BEGINNING DVD FOR OCTOBER 6, 2009
Thursday, 16 July 2009 Right Stuf announcing the release of Astro Boy: The Beginning. - contains five original Astro Boy Episodes
GRIMES, IA, July 16, 2009 – Anime producer and distributor Right Stuf, Inc. and Nozomi Entertainment are pleased to announce the ASTRO BOY: THE BEGINNING DVD will be released on October 6, 2009.
This DVD single will feature the first five episodes of the original 1963 Astro Boy series, as it aired on television, with an English-language audio track.
One of the “50 Best Anime Ever” “as entertaining now as when it first aired” - Anime Insider
Based on Osamu Tezuka’s acclaimed manga (comic), Astro Boy was both the first modern, 25-minutes-per-episode anime series created specifically for television and the first anime series to air on TV in the United States, during the 1960s. The original boy-robot continues to be an icon to fans wordwide and also inspired the new CG-animated Astro Boy movie, which is scheduled to arrive in theaters on October 23, 2009.
Frederik L. Schodt – Order of the Rising Sun recipient and author of The Astro Boy Essays: Osamu Tezuka, Mighty Atom, and the Manga/Anime Revolution – describes the series’ everlasting appeal among fans of all ages:
“It all started with Astro Boy. By animating his hugely popular “Mighty Atom” manga in 1963, Osamu Tezuka created the template for Japan's modern and gargantuan manga/anime industry. Today the series is still entertaining, charming, and fascinating for the sophistication of its ideas. But it also reveals how the anime boom began, and is a must-watch for all true anime fans.”
Visit astroboy.rightstuf.com for more information about Astro Boy and to view the trailer, download desktop wallpapers, and listen to an interview with Mr. Schodt about the significance of Dr. Tezuka’s works worldwide, the differences between the Astro Boy manga and its anime adaptations, and Tezuka’s relationship with his best-known creation.
ASTRO BOY: THE BEGINNING
The original boy-robot with 100,000 horsepower strength and courage! 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! Contains episodes 1-5 of the original Astro Boy series: 1. Birth of Astro Boy, 2. Colosso, 3. Expedition to Mars, 4. The Sphinx, and 5. Cross Island.
ASTRO BOY: THE BEGINNING DVD Pre-Book: 8/25/2009 Street Date: 10/06/2009 Runtime: Approximately 110 minutes, Mono, Black and White Genre: Adventure / Sci Fi / Retro Television Suggested Rating: All Ages
** Product specifications and content may be subject to change.
ABOUT RIGHT STUF, INC. Currently celebrating its 21st year in business, Right Stuf, Inc. was one of the first players in the U.S. Japanese Animation ("anime") industry, as both an anime producer/distributor and a retailer. Right Stuf works to promote knowledge of its own products, as well as the anime and manga industry, in general, through its online storefront at RightStuf.com and a variety of media including podcasts and special publications.
Nozomi Entertainment, Right Stuf’s production division, is dedicated to the highest quality releases. True to the Japanese word that inspired its name, Nozomi’s focus is on “what fans want.” By focusing on a limited number of anime properties each year, the Nozomi production team ensures each release receives the care and attention to detail it deserves.
From anime classics like Astro Boy, Kimba and Gigantor to modern comedies, dramas and favorites such as The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, His and Her Circumstances, Gravitation, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart, The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye, Emma: A Victorian Romance, Maria Watches Over Us, ARIA and Gakuen Alice, Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment produce quality programming for fans of all ages and interests. For more information, visit www.rightstuf.com and www.nozomient.com.
Just in time for the upcoming Astro Boy movie animated movie from Imagi, the classic 1960's anime that started it all will be making its return to DVD, this time in the form of affordable mini-sets. 2 sets, each containing 5 disks, will be released this fall. But they won't be alone! Also set for release at the same time is a mini set for Tezuka's Kimba the White Lion anime.
Each set contains at least 25 episodes and retails for about $50 US. They feature the same remastered footage that was found in the previously released Ultra Edition DVD collections, but will likely not contain any of the special features. These episodes are in English only, so there is no Japanese audio with subtitles, however that can be forgiven in this case because the original Japanese episodes are pretty much impossible for anyone to obtain.
The original release date was going to be September 29th, but now all 3 of these DVD-Mini sets are currently scheduled for release on October 6th. Start saving your pennies now for a major does of retro Tezuka anime this fall from The Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment!
Click the link below for full press releases, including cover art, UPC codes, and all the details on these sets.
RIGHT STUF’S NOZOMI ENTERTAINMENT Announces ASTRO BOY DVD Mini Sets 1 & 2 for October 6, 2009
GRIMES, IA, June 23, 2009 – Anime producer and distributor Right Stuf, Inc. and Nozomi Entertainment are pleased to announce ASTRO BOY DVD Mini Set 1 and ASTRO BOY DVD Mini Set 2 will be released on October 6, 2009.
One of the “50 Best Anime Ever” “as entertaining now as when it first aired” - Anime Insider
Based on Osamu Tezuka’s acclaimed manga (comic), Astro Boy was both the first modern, 25-minutes-per-episode anime series created specifically for television and the first anime series to air on TV in the United States, during the 1960s. The original boy-robot continues to be an icon to fans wordwide and also inspired the new CG-animated Astro Boy movie, which is scheduled to arrive in theaters on October 23, 2009.
Frederik L. Schodt – Order of the Rising Sun recipient and author of The Astro Boy Essays: Osamu Tezuka, Mighty Atom, and the Manga/Anime Revolution – describes the series’ everlasting appeal among fans of all ages:
“It all started with Astro Boy. By animating his hugely popular “Mighty Atom” manga in 1963, Osamu Tezuka created the template for Japan's modern and gargantuan manga/anime industry. Today the series is still entertaining, charming, and fascinating for the sophistication of its ideas. But it also reveals how the anime boom began, and is a must-watch for all true anime fans.”
Each mini set features episodes from the original 1963 Astro Boy series, as it aired on television, with an English-language audio track.
Visit for more information about Astro Boy and to view the trailer, download desktop wallpapers, and listen to an interview with Mr. Schodt about the significance of Dr. Tezuka’s works worldwide, the differences between the Astro Boy manga and its anime adaptations, and Tezuka’s relationship with his best-known creation.
About ASTRO BOY
In a future where science fiction is reality, Dr. Boynton creates a super-robot in his deceased son’s image. Named Astro Boy, the robot can swim oceans, leap over mountains and even fly into space – but he can’t replace the doctor’s son. Abandoned and disowned, soon Astro Boy is befriended by Dr. Packadermus J. Elefun of the Institute of Science, and together, they embark upon an amazing adventure. 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 DVD MINI SET 1 Pre-Book: 8/25/2009 Street Date: 10/06/2009 Runtime: Approximately 550 minutes, Mono, Black and White Genre: Adventure / Sci Fi / Retro Television Suggested Rating: All Ages
ASTRO BOY DVD MINI SET 2 Pre-Book: 8/25/2009 Street Date: 10/06/2009 Runtime: Approximately 594 minutes, Mono, Black and White Genre: Adventure / Sci Fi / Retro Television Suggested Rating: All AgesFormat: DVD (English Audio) Catalog #: RSDVD0727 ISBN: 1-57032-770-X UPC: 7-42617-0727-2-7 SRP: $49.99
Discs/Set: 5 Case Qty: 16
DVD Features: Contains episodes 26-52 of the original Astro Boy series! Scene access and English-language audio.
** Product specifications and content may be subject to change.
ABOUT RIGHT STUF, INC. Currently celebrating its 21st year in business, Right Stuf, Inc. was one of the first players in the U.S. Japanese Animation ("anime") industry, as both an anime producer/distributor and a retailer. Right Stuf works to promote knowledge of its own products, as well as the anime and manga industry, in general, through its online storefront at RightStuf.com and a variety of media including podcasts and special publications.
Nozomi Entertainment, Right Stuf’s production division, is dedicated to the highest quality releases. True to the Japanese word that inspired its name, Nozomi’s focus is on “what fans want.” By focusing on a limited number of anime properties each year, the Nozomi production team ensures each release receives the care and attention to detail it deserves.
From anime classics like Astro Boy, Kimba and Gigantor to modern comedies, dramas and favorites such as The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, His and Her Circumstances, Gravitation, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart, The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye, Emma: A Victorian Romance, Maria Watches Over UsARIA, Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment produce quality programming for fans of all ages and interests. For more information, visit www.rightstuf.com and www.nozomient.com.
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RIGHT STUF’S NOZOMI ENTERTAINMENT Announces KIMBA: THE WHITE LION DVD Mini Set 1 for October 6, 2009
GRIMES, IA, June 23, 2009 – Anime producer and distributor Right Stuf, Inc. and Nozomi Entertainment are pleased to announce the KIMBA: THE WHITE LION DVD Mini Set 1 will be released on October 6, 2009.
“truly worth watching” – Anime News Network “Justifiably beloved by many” – Anime on DVD at Mania.com
The mini set features the first 25 episodes of Kimba: The White Lion, as it aired on television in the United States, with remastered video (from the previous Ultra Edition collection) and an English-language audio track.
From Osamu Tezuka, the creator of Astro Boy and one of Japanese animation’s great pioneers, Kimba: The White Lion was one of the first anime classics to air on American television, in the 1960s, and the very first Japanese animated series to be broadcast in color.
Visit kimba.rightstuf.com for more information about Kimba and to view the trailer and download desktop wallpapers.
About KIMBA: THE WHITE LION
Kimba's enchanting adventures of friendship, jungle survival and harmony return… Ready to be introduced to a whole new generation of fans! Join Kimba along with his pals Pauly the Parrot, Daniel Baboon, and a charming assortment of other loveable characters, as he follows in the footsteps of his late father, the great lion king, making the jungle a safer, better place for everyone to live. Each masterfully restored episode is presented in order according to Osamu Tezuka's original storyline. Contains episodes 1-25 of the original Kimba series!
KIMBA: THE WHITE LION DVD MINI SET 1 Pre-Book: 8/25/2009 Street Date: 10/06/2009 Runtime: Approximately 550 minutes, Mono, Color Genre: Adventure / Retro Television Suggested Rating: All Ages
** Product specifications and content may be subject to change.
ABOUT RIGHT STUF, INC. Currently celebrating its 21st year in business, Right Stuf, Inc. was one of the first players in the U.S. Japanese Animation ("anime") industry, as both an anime producer/distributor and a retailer. Right Stuf works to promote knowledge of its own products, as well as the anime and manga industry, in general, through its online storefront at RightStuf.com and a variety of media including podcasts and special publications.
Nozomi Entertainment, Right Stuf’s production division, is dedicated to the highest quality releases. True to the Japanese word that inspired its name, Nozomi’s focus is on “what fans want.” By focusing on a limited number of anime properties each year, the Nozomi production team ensures each release receives the care and attention to detail it deserves.
From anime classics like Astro Boy, Kimba and Gigantor to modern comedies, dramas and favorites such as The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, His and Her Circumstances, Gravitation, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart, The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye, Emma: A Victorian Romance, Maria Watches Over Us and ARIA, Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment produce quality programming for fans of all ages and interests. For more information, visit www.rightstuf.com and www.nozomient.com.
Sci-Fi Japan has got a great interview with anime legend Peter Fernandez, who is of course well known for his writing, directing, and dubbing work on the English version of Speed Racer. Before Speed Racer came alog, Peter wrote English scripts for the 1960's version of Astro Boy, and as he explains in this interview, was paid only $100 an episode for the work!
It's a fantastic interview that provides a great look at those early days of dubbing some cool classic shows. Check it out right here!
And while you're at it, take a look at Peter's MySpace page too!
Some interesting news may have come out of this interview. Fred has been in contact with people at Imagi, and one of the things he talks about is that they asked him about the theme song. That would imply, at least possibly, that the 60's version of the English Astro Boy theme song might just be in the film!
Fred Ladd, the legendary figure responsible for adapting Astro Boy and Gigantor into English, has teamed up with animation historian Harvey Deneroff to bring us "Astro Boy and Anime Come to the Americas: An Insider’s View of the Birth of a Pop Culture Phenomenon", which looks to be an incredibly interesting book about the early days of Japanese animated imports. Here's a description:
"The first generation of American television programmers had few choices when selecting Saturday morning children’s programs for local stations. That changed dramatically in 1963 when a Japanese animated television series called Tetsuan Atom was acquired for distribution by a division of NBC. Fred Ladd adapted the show for American television—rechristened Astro Boy, it was an overnight sensation. Astro Boy’s popularity sparked a new industry in importing animated television to America from Japan. Ladd went on to adapt numerous Japanese animated imports for American release, and here provides an insider’s view of the creation of what has blossomed into an ongoing cultural and media phenomenon."
This is much different than the Japanese one I posted last time. I wonder if there was more than one into sequence for Japan.
Interesting how the English lyrics in the 60's version are different than the 80's version, even though both versions have the same lyrics in Japanese.
Here's the Japanese intro sequence to the 60's Tetsuwan Atomu anime. This is what it's all about, folks!
You've got to admit that, considering its age, there's some pretty decent and interesting animation going on here. When the camera moves upward and the background animates accordingly is particularly impressive. These days they'd just use a computer to do that effect.
Is the 60's AstroBoy the first ever anime? I guess that depends on who you ask. It was technically not the first ever Japanese animation broadcast on TV. It was predated by an animation called Three Tales in 1960, which was 30 minuets long, and series called Otogi Manga Calendar, which had episodes that were 3-5 minuets long and aired from 1961 to 1964. But a case can still be made for AstroBoy. It was the first TV anime series to feature an actual story line with reoccurring characters, the first to have the visual aesthetic that is now identifiable as anime, and it was definitely the first to be sold and adapted internationally. It had a far greater effect on establishing the Japanese animation industry than any other series at that time.
Wikipedeia has a great entry on the history of anime here.
A few interesting facts about the 60's AstroBoy
- 193 Japanese episodes were produced. Of those, 104 were adapted into English, double the amount expected. Several episodes could not be adapted due to violence and other issues in the Japanese original that were not seen as appropriate for children's programing in America. One episode in particular was not adapted due to a character who had several posters of naked women on his walls, which would have been impossible to edit around.
- In 1975, an attempt was made to return the original prints and negatives to Mushi Productions in Japan, but the studio had gone into bankruptcy and could not afford to pay for the shipping. As a result, these materials were unfortunately destroyed. All of that history would have been gone forever, but, miraculously, some episodes wound up in the hands of collectors, and enough material survived to restore and preserve the series starting in 1989.
- in 2002, AstroBoy aired again in Japan, only this time it was the English version with Japanese subtitles!
- Fred Ladd, who handled the English adaptation of AstroBoy, came up with the idea of adding lyrics to the theme music. The Japanese producers liked this so much that lyrics were eventually added to the Japanese version, effectively creating the concept of "anime music".
As of this writing, the original AstroBoy can be seen in the United States on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim at 5:30 am on Weekdays. The entire English-dubbed series is available now on DVD from The Right Stuff.
This site is dedicated to everything Astro Boy, the works of Osamu Tezuka, and other related anime & manga. Whether you're an old-school fan, a newcomer, or anything in between, AstroBoy World is bound to offer something interesting for you.
