ASTRO BOY

The comic - Manga
Original title: Tetsuwan Atomu Characters: Atom Texts: Osamu Tezuka Drawings: Osamu Tezuka Publishers: Kobunsha Italian publisher: Panini Comics - Planet Manga	Country: Japan Year: 1952 Gender: Comic science fiction, robot, adventure Albi Tankobon: 23 Recommended age: Children from 6 to 12 years old

Astro Boy is the Japanese comic and cartoon character, created by Osamu Tezuka for Shonen Manga magazine in the distant 1951 until 1968 and is one of the most important characters who helped spread the manga phenomenon all over the world. Actually, the real name of Astro Boy is Tetsuwan Atom, which means Atom with an iron fist; for its graphic aspect, the author was inspired by Disney characters and in particular by Mickey mouse and especially Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio. Astro Boy is a robot created by Professor Tenma, based on the physical and cerebral characteristics of his son Tobio, who died in a car accident. Astro Boy therefore has the appearance of a little boy and also has human feelings that make him appear as a sentient being. When the scientist realizes that the robot is not able to grow and mature as his son Tobio could have done, taken by a fit of anger and despair he decides to sell it. He initially ends up in a circus as a freak, but is later redeemed by Dr. Ochanomizu, Tenma's successor in the science department, who gives him back his freedom.

The scientist will build him a robot family and allow him to go to school like a normal child. Astro Boy is endowed with super powers, thanks to which he helps the scientist Ochanomizu to fight against wars and social injustices. Despite his great contribution to the cause of humanity Atro Boy, he is often rejected by men and in particular by his schoolmates, as they consider him only a machine. Doctor Ochanomizu will have to fight against unscrupulous men who try to get hold of the precious technology that allowed the construction of Astro Boy and so the little robot is involved in a series of exciting adventures from which he will always come out as a winner. Astro Boy was the first manga comic to be transported into a cartoon (anime), the series created from 1963 to 1966 by Osamu Tezuka himself is composed of 193 episodes in black and white and therefore can be considered rightly the progenitor of all cartoons Japanese animated characters, who inherited from him the characteristic large eyes and rounded lines. Thanks to her sympathy and kindness she has become a true icon of a world that fights for peace, against all forms of discrimination and injustice. In Italy the color version of 1980 was broadcast for a total of 52 episodes. Very similar to Astro Boy is Capitan Jet, also made by Osamu Tezuka.

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