Astro Boy

Q: Who created Astro Boy?

Astro Boy (known as Atom in Japan) was created by **Dr. Tenma**, the former head of the Ministry of Science. Tenma built him to replace his son, Tobio (or Toby), who died in a car accident. However, Tenma later rejected Astro because he could not grow up like a human child.

Q: What are Astro Boy's seven superpowers?

Astro Boy's classic seven powers are: 1) **100,000 horsepower strength**, 2) **Jet flight** (Mach 5), 3) **Intense searchlight eyes**, 4) **Super hearing** (1000x magnification), 5) **Machine guns** in his hips, 6) **High-level translation** capabilities, and 7) **High endurance**.

Q: Why is Astro Boy important to anime history?

The 1963 *Astro Boy* series is widely considered the **first popular animated TV series** in Japan, establishing the aesthetic and production techniques (like limited animation) that define modern anime. Osamu Tezuka is often called the 'God of Manga' largely due to this creation.

Q: Does Astro Boy have a family?

Yes. After being adopted by **Dr. Ochanomizu**, Astro was given a robot family, including a robot mother and father, and a younger sister named **Uran**. Uran is mischievous and often gets into trouble, requiring Astro to save her.

Q: What is the difference between the 1963, 1980, and 2003 series?

The **1963 series** established the story but had limited animation and a more episodic, sometimes darker tone. The **1980 series** (color) added more complexity to the villains (like Atlas) and improved animation. The **2003 series** (Sony) reimagined the origin story with modern animation, focusing heavily on the father-son relationship between Astro and Dr. Tenma.

Q: What powers Astro Boy?

In most versions, Astro is powered by a **nuclear reactor** (hence his Japanese name "Atom"). In the 2003 series, he is powered by the **Blue Core**, a clean energy source that contrasts with the destructive Red Core.

Q: Who are Astro Boy's main enemies?

His rogue gallery includes **Atlas** (his brother/rival), **Pluto** (the world's strongest robot), **Skunk** (a criminal mastermind), and the **Blue Knight** (a robot who fights for robot freedom against humans).

Overview Places & Experiences Collectibles Characters Weapons & Gear Media

Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom) is Osamu Tezuka’s landmark manga and anime about a boy robot named Atom, exploring ethics, technology, and humanity; widely regarded as the foundation of modern Japanese animation.

Official Website

Jump to:Story·Impact·Characters·FAQ

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

Astro Boy

Format

anime

Release Year

1952

Current Status

Active

Country of Origin

Japan

Original Work

anime

Genre

anime, manga, sci-fi, classic, tezuka, robot

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Astro Boy.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

Set in a futuristic world where robots coexist with humans, Astro Boy is a powerful android created by the brilliant Dr. Tenma to replace his deceased son. Abandoned by his creator for not being human, Astro is found by the kind Dr. Ochanomizu and fights to protect the world from threats while struggling to bridge the gap between man and machine.

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

Metro City (a high-tech futuristic metropolis)

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

Technology vs Humanity, Discrimination, Peace, Robot Rights, Nature of Soul

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Astro Boy's global influence.

1952

Manga series "Mighty Atom" published in Shonen magazine.

1963

First animated TV series airs, pioneering modern anime aesthetics.

1980

Color TV series adaptation released with improved animation.

2003

Third TV series released to celebrate Astro's fictional birthday.

2009

CGI feature film released by Imagi Animation Studios.

Revenue

$3B+

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Astro Boy.

Astro Boy

“A robot with a human heart must choose kindness.”

A child robot created with a human heart and strong moral compass; defends humanity while exploring ethics and technology.View Profile

Dr. Ochanomizu

The kind head of the Ministry of Science and Atom's guardian.

Dr. Tenma

“A robot cannot replace a human child.”

The brilliant scientist who created Atom to replace his lost son.View Profile

Uran

Atom's mischievous younger robot sister.

Atlas

A powerful robot rival to Astro Boy with a grudge against humanity.

Black Jack

A brilliant, unlicensed surgeon who occasionally crosses paths with Atom.

Explore all Astro Boy characters

Frequently Asked Questions

Who created Astro Boy?▼

Astro Boy (known as Atom in Japan) was created by Dr. Tenma, the former head of the Ministry of Science. Tenma built him to replace his son, Tobio (or Toby), who died in a car accident. However, Tenma later rejected Astro because he could not grow up like a human child.

What are Astro Boy's seven superpowers?▼

Astro Boy's classic seven powers are: 1) 100,000 horsepower strength, 2) Jet flight (Mach 5), 3) Intense searchlight eyes, 4) Super hearing (1000x magnification), 5) Machine guns in his hips, 6) High-level translation capabilities, and 7) High endurance.

Why is Astro Boy important to anime history?▼

The 1963 Astro Boy series is widely considered the first popular animated TV series in Japan, establishing the aesthetic and production techniques (like limited animation) that define modern anime. Osamu Tezuka is often called the 'God of Manga' largely due to this creation.

Does Astro Boy have a family?▼

Yes. After being adopted by Dr. Ochanomizu, Astro was given a robot family, including a robot mother and father, and a younger sister named Uran. Uran is mischievous and often gets into trouble, requiring Astro to save her.

Is Astro Boy a real boy?▼

No, he is a robot with an advanced AI (Kokoro) that allows him to experience human emotions like joy, sorrow, and compassion. His struggle to bridge the gap between humans and robots is a central theme of the series.

What is the difference between the 1963, 1980, and 2003 series?▼

The 1963 series established the story but had limited animation and a more episodic, sometimes darker tone. The 1980 series (color) added more complexity to the villains (like Atlas) and improved animation. The 2003 series (Sony) reimagined the origin story with modern animation, focusing heavily on the father-son relationship between Astro and Dr. Tenma.

What powers Astro Boy?▼

In most versions, Astro is powered by a nuclear reactor (hence his Japanese name "Atom"). In the 2003 series, he is powered by the Blue Core, a clean energy source that contrasts with the destructive Red Core.

Who are Astro Boy's main enemies?▼

His rogue gallery includes Atlas (his brother/rival), Pluto (the world's strongest robot), Skunk (a criminal mastermind), and the Blue Knight (a robot who fights for robot freedom against humans).

Is Astro Boy popular in the West?▼

Yes, the 1963 series was adapted for US television by NBC Enterprises, becoming a hit and introducing the "anime" style to Western audiences. It remains a nostalgic classic for many American viewers.

Is Astro Boy connected to other Tezuka works?▼

Yes, Osamu Tezuka used a "Star System" where characters appeared across different works like actors. Characters like Black Jack and Higeoyaji (Mr. Mustachio) often appear in Astro Boy or vice versa.