Astro Boy (2003 TV series) facts for kids

Astro Boy (アストロボーイ・鉄腕アトム, Asutoro Bōi: Tetsuwan Atomu, lit. "Astro Boy: Mighty Atom") is an exciting anime TV series from 2003. It's a new version of the classic 1960s Astro Boy show, which was created by the famous artist Osamu Tezuka.

This updated series was made by Tezuka Productions and other companies. It was directed by Kazuya Konaka. The show was created to celebrate the birthday of the character Astro Boy (also known as Atom). It also marked 40 years since the first TV series came out.

The 2003 Astro Boy kept the original art style. However, it added modern, high-quality animation. It mixed the fun parts of the older anime with more serious science fiction themes from the manga.

Even though some episodes can be watched on their own, the series has a clear story from start to finish. It explores two main ideas: Dr. Tenma's plans for Astro Boy's growth and the topic of robot rights. These stories come together at the end of the series.

The anime was shown in Japan on Fuji TV from April 6, 2003, to March 28, 2004. There were 50 episodes in total. It also aired in other countries across Asia and beyond. In 2004, the anime won an award for "best work in the Television Category" at the Tokyo International Anime Fair.

Astro Boy's Story: What Happens?

Life in Metro City, 2043

The show takes place in the year 2043. In this future, robots are a normal part of everyday life. In Metro City, a brilliant scientist named Dr. Tenma disappears. He was trying to build a robot with a "heart."

Dr. Ochanomizu takes over as the head of the Ministry of Science. He finds a robot that looks like a boy and brings it to life. He names this robot Atom, or Astro.

Astro Boy's Powers and Purpose

Astro soon discovers he has amazing powers. He can fly using rocket boosters in his hands and feet. He also has super strength and other special abilities. Astro becomes a hero, protecting his friends, other robots, and Metro City. He fights against bad robots and humans who don't like robots.

Astro learns that he is a robot copy of Dr. Tenma's son, Tobio, who passed away. Astro was turned off after seeing how his father treated old robots. This was similar to what Tobio experienced before he died.

New Challenges and Robot Rights

Later in the series, a new character appears: the Blue Knight. He is a brave robot who starts a fight to free all robots from humans. Another character, Acetylene Lamp, becomes very worried about robots. He slowly becomes an enemy who wants to destroy all robots.

In the final episodes, the Blue Knight creates a new country for robots called Robotania. It is located in Antarctica. Lamp tricks people into believing a robot hurt a young girl. This makes the girl's father, General Red, declare war on Robotania.

Stopping the War

Many characters try to stop the war between humans and machines. Astro Boy convinces the Blue Knight that humans and robots can be friends. The Blue Knight then leaves Earth in Robotania, which turns out to be a spacecraft.

However, Lamp is still worried about robots. He tries to destroy the spacecraft with a missile. Astro blocks the attack and seems to be turned off.

Astro Boy's Return and Dr. Tenma's Choice

Dr. Tenma brings Astro back to life. But he erases Astro's memories so he can stay "Tobio" forever. Luckily, Astro's friends and his sister, Uran, help him get his memories back.

In a final attempt, Dr. Tenma tries to get Astro to join him in ruling the world. Astro refuses. Dr. Tenma wants to end his own life, but Astro hugs him and forgives him. Dr. Tenma then breaks down and hugs his son. Dr. Ochanomizu and the robot police arrive. Dr. Tenma is arrested and sent to prison.

At the end of the series, Astro, Tenma, humans, and robots all start fresh. Humans and robots become closer friends. Astro even seems to shed tears, showing his deep feelings.

How Astro Boy Was Made

Celebrating Astro Boy's Birthday

The anime was made to celebrate Astro Boy's birthday, which is April 7, 2003. This date was set in the original story. So, the show started airing in April 2003.

This series is different from the original Astro Boy. It's more of a big drama. It shows how robots and humans can live together, fight, and then make peace.

Style and Scriptwriting

The series has a strong old-future style. It looks more like American cartoons than typical Japanese animation. Some episodes were even written by American scriptwriters. The director, Kazuya Konaka, said that Americans saw Astro Boy as a bright action show. They were unsure about a story with serious themes.

The series also focuses on the relationship between Dr. Tenma and Astro. There are many episodes about parent-child bonds. The show was made for families, so some parts were changed to fit that audience.

Voice Acting and Early Ideas

Mari Shimizu, who voiced Astro Boy in the first anime, stopped playing the role. Makoto Tsumura took over as Astro's voice for this series.

In 2001, a short film was made to promote the series. It showed early ideas for characters and settings. This trailer helped create interest in the show around the world. Some of its animation was later used in the final anime's opening.

Meet the Characters

Astro Boy's Family and Friends

Atom (Astro) (アトム, Atomu)

Voiced by: Makoto Tsumura (Japanese); Candi Milo (English)

A robot with the world's best artificial brain. He thinks and feels like a human. Dr. Tenma created him to be like his son, Tobio. Astro lives with Dr. Ochanomizu. He is pure, kind, and wants robots and humans to be friends. He uses his flight and speed a lot.

Dr. Ochanomizu (お茶の水博士, Ochanomizu-hakase)

Voiced by: Hisashi Katsuta (Japanese); Wally Wingert (English)

A robot scientist and director of the Ministry of Science. He believes robots should have rights and be friends with humans. He can be a bit clumsy but is very smart and caring.

Uran (ウラン)

Voiced by: Miki Maruyama (Japanese); Susan Blu (English)

Astro's younger sister robot, made by Dr. Ochanomizu. She is strong but can't fly or use weapons like Astro. Uran can be a bit spoiled but has a kind heart. She loves Astro and can talk to animals.

Yūko Kisaragi (如月 夕子, Kisaragi Yūko)

Voiced by: Akiko Kawase (Japanese); Faith Salie (English)

An original character for this anime. She is Dr. Ochanomizu's secretary. She rides a cool hovercar and is very good at her job.

Momo (モモ)

A modern ostrich-shaped robot. Momo is Yūko's helper and pet. She stores all of Yūko's work documents. Momo often plays with Uran.

Robita (ロビタ)

Voiced by: Naoki Tatsuta (Japanese); Jennifer Darling (English)

A robot that handles all the chores at Dr. Ochanomizu's house. He also helps take care of Astro and Uran.

Astro Boy's School Friends

Tamao (タマオ)

Voiced by: Motoko Kumai (Japanese); Lara Jill Miller (English)

Astro's classmate who loves machines. He is proud to be friends with Astro. Tamao is friendly and a bit quick to act.

Kenichi (ケンイチ)

Voiced by: Yūko Satō (Japanese); Candi Milo (English)

Astro's smart classmate. He treats Astro like a human. Kenichi wants Astro to join school events. His dream is to be a soccer player.

Shibugaki (四部垣)

Voiced by: Susumu Chiba (Japanese); Sandy Martin (English)

Another classmate of Astro's. At first, he thinks robots are just tools. But Astro helps him, and they become good friends. He is big but also a bit shy.

Other Allies

Rino (リノ)

Voiced by: Rika Matsumoto (Japanese); Candi Milo (English)

A boy who grew up with robots in a circus. He sees robots as family. Dr. Ochanomizu helps him study robotics.

Ena (エナ)

Voiced by: Akiko Kōmoto (Japanese); Susan Blu (English)

The kind daughter of General Red. She treats robots well, unlike her father. She tries to stop her father from hurting robots.

Midori Niwano (庭野 ミドリ, Niwano Midori)

Voiced by: Sanae Kobayashi (Japanese); Faith Salie (English)

Astro's elementary school teacher. She is friendly with robots and sings to them.

Higeoyaji (ヒゲオヤジ)

Voiced by: Kōsei Tomita (Japanese); Wally Wingert (English)

Yūko Kisaragi's uncle, a private detective. He dislikes new things, including robots, but gets along with Astro. He is very insightful and helps solve cases. His real name is Shunsaku Ban (伴 俊作, Ban Shunsaku).

Tawashi (田鷲)

Voiced by: Banjō Ginga (Japanese); Bill Farmer (English)

Captain of the Metro City Police Department. He sometimes asks Astro for help. He worries about robot crimes but also shows a caring side.

Delta (デルタ, Deruta)

Voiced by: Akimitsu Takase (Japanese); Wally Wingert (English)

The leader of the Anti-Robot Robot Squad (ARRS). He is proud of his team and uses special tactics. He can be stubborn but is honest.

Epsilon (エプシロン, Epushiron)

Voiced by: Akiko Hiramatsu (Japanese); Faith Salie (English)

A robot who studies the environment. She doesn't like fighting but has great power. She can analyze opponents and use weather sensors.

Harley (ハーレー, Hārē)

Voiced by: Kiyoyuki Yanada (Japanese); Wally Wingert (English)

A famous Robot Ball player. He is very athletic and respects the rules of the game. He is a smart player who plans his team's moves.

Rivals and Opponents

Atlas (アトラス, Atorasu)

Voiced by: Nobuyuki Hiyama (Japanese); Greg Cipes (English)

A combat robot built by Dr. Tenma for a rich man named Tokugawa. Atlas is controlled by sad memories and hatred for humans. He later joins Robotania.

Pluto (プルートウ, Purūtō)

Voiced by: Akio Ōtsuka (Japanese); David Rasner (English)

A powerful robot created by Shadow. His mission is to be the strongest. But as he meets Astro, he starts to feel "friendship." He questions why he has to fight. A stronger version, Dark Pluto, also appears. Pluto later joins Robotania.

Hercules (ヘラクレス, Herakuresu)

Voiced by: Daiki Nakamura

The world champion in Robotting. He is a proud robot warrior. His connection with the Blue Knight makes him rethink his life. He decides to join the Robotanian army.

Blue Knight (青騎士, Aokishi)

Voiced by: Hideyuki Tanaka (Japanese); Wally Wingert (English)

A mysterious blue knight robot who saves abused robots. He rides a robot horse and uses a saber. He used to be a repair robot but was changed by Shadow. He believes robots should not obey humans. He gathers robots who agree with him. He and Astro often disagree but eventually make peace. He leaves Earth with Robotania.

Main Antagonists

Dr. Tenma (天馬博士, Tenma-hakase)

Voiced by: Shinya Owada, Yugo Takahashi (young) (Japanese); Dorian Harewood (English)

A genius robot scientist and Astro's creator. He was once the head of the Ministry of Science. He is proud and doesn't like people much. After his son Tobio died, he made Astro to replace him. When Astro started to think for himself, Dr. Tenma tried to shut him down. He then wanted to destroy all thinking robots. He believes evolved robots can be better than humans. He becomes obsessed with the idea that his robots, including Astro, should rule the world. He creates Shadow to help him make Astro the king of robots.

Shadow (シャドウ, Shadō)

Voiced by: Shinya Owada (Japanese); Dorian Harewood (English)

The creator of Pluto. Shadow is a robot scientist created by Dr. Tenma. He helps Dr. Tenma make stronger robots to help Astro evolve. At first, he causes trouble, but he starts to change his mind after watching Astro fight. He also helped turn Blue Bon into the Blue Knight. Shadow wants to create an ideal world for robots without war. He eventually goes against Dr. Tenma. He leaves Earth with the Blue Knight and the robots of Robotania in a giant spaceship.

Skunk Kusai (スカンク 草井, Sukanku Kusai)

Voiced by: Kazuki Yao (Japanese); Wally Wingert (English)

A boss in the criminal underworld. He only cares about making money. He often uses robots for his plans, but Astro always stops him. He hates Astro personally but says he loves robots because they are useful. He doesn't mind getting rid of robots when they are no longer helpful.

Dr. Katō (Dr.カトウ)

Voiced by: Takehito Koyasu (Japanese); Wally Wingert (English)

A scientist who loves explosions and thinks destruction is art. He used to work at the Ministry of Science. He works with Lamp but only cares about blowing things up. He is usually quiet but becomes wild when dressed as a clown. He is eventually arrested by police robots.

Katari (加田里)

Voiced by: Rikiya Koyama (Japanese); Wally Wingert (English)

An extreme member of an anti-robot group. He and Lamp want to get rid of AI robots from the city. He tricks people to make AI robots look dangerous. He is a selfish person who will hurt others to make robots look bad. In the manga, he lost his job because of robots.

Rock Holmes (ロック・ホーム, Rokku Hōmu)

Voiced by: Fumiya Fujii (Japanese); Wally Wingert (English)

A criminal genius with psychic powers. He can control living things and is a master of disguise. He uses Astro many times and tries to become the king of the world. He is mean and self-centered. He was given false memories that his parents abandoned him, which is why he hates humans. He tries to gain power from the Firebird but is stopped by Astro. He learns that his mother was sick and loved him. He is then arrested.

Ham Egg (ハム・エッグ, Hamu Eggu)

Voiced by: Chō (Japanese); Wally Wingert (English)

An entertainer who runs illegal robot fights. He sees robots only as tools to make money. He has a close relationship with the Blue Knight.

Acetylene Lamp (アセチレン・ランプ, Asechiren Ranpu)

Voiced by: Kōji Ishii (Japanese); Wally Wingert (English)

A critic, business president, and politician who dislikes AI robots. He believes humans are superior. He is bothered by memories of abandoning a robot named Friend who saved him. He tries to convince himself that "robots are tools, they don't need a heart." He started the Robotania conflict and wanted to get rid of all robots. His plans failed, but he still tried to shoot down the Robotania spaceship.

Dark Girls (ダーク・ガールズ, Dāku Gāruzu)

Voiced by: Mami Koyama (Sarah), Shōko Tsuda (Chris), Megumi Toyoguchi (Carla)

A group of three women who illegally get rid of waste robots and toxic materials. They have a giant snake robot named Naga as a pet. They are known for their strange costumes and speeches.

Minimini (ミニミニ)

Voiced by: Takeshi Aono (Japanese); Wally Wingert (English)

A bad scientist who is an expert in tiny robots. He wants to make money by using Astro's special system to create weapons. He uses tricks to target Astro.

Astro Boy in Other Media

Manga Comics

The 2003 anime was also made into a manga comic series. It was drawn by Akira Himekawa. The manga appeared in different magazines from 2003 to 2004. Later, it was collected into three tankōbon volumes. It was also released in English in Singapore.

Video Games

Two video games based on the 2003 TV series were released by Sega.

• Astro Boy: Omega Factor is a fighting game for the Game Boy Advance. It was released worldwide between 2003 and 2005.
• A game simply called Astro Boy was made by Sonic Team. It came out for the PlayStation 2 in 2004 in Japan and North America, and in 2005 in Europe.

Special Movies and Screenings

Kyoto Osamu Tezuka World Films

Three special movies were shown only at the "Kyoto Osamu Tezuka World" theater. Each film was about 20 minutes long. They were later released online in Japan.

• Astro Boy: Mighty Atom Special Episode – The Secret of Atom's Birth (ASTROBOY 鉄腕アトム ～特別編：アトム誕生の秘密～, ASTROBOY Tetsuwan Atomu ~Tokubetsu-hen: Atomu tanjō no himitsu~)

This film, released on April 6, 2003, tells the story of Dr. Tenma creating Astro Boy.

• Astro Boy: Mighty Atom Special Episode – Ivan's Planet - Robots and Humans' Friendship (ASTROBOY 鉄腕アトム 特別編：イワンの惑星 ～ロボットと人間の友情～, ASTROBOY Tetsuwan Atomu tokubetsu-hen: Iwan no wakusei ~Robotto to ningen no yūjō~)

Released on September 13, 2003, this story is about an abandoned robot named Ivan.

• Astro Boy: Mighty Atom Special Episode – The Glorious Earth - You Are Blue and Beautiful... (ASTROBOY 鉄腕アトム 特別編：輝ける地球 ～あなたは青く、美しい…～, ASTROBOY Tetsuwan Atomu tokubetsu-hen: Kagayakeru hoshi ~Anata wa aoku, utsukushii...~)

This film, released on February 7, 2004, shows a future Earth ruled by robots. A boy meets Astro Boy, who is now on display.

Science Museum and Planetarium Shows

• Robot: To the Astro Boy of My Dreams (ROBOT〜夢のアストロボーイへ〜, ROBOT ~Yume no Asutoro Bōi e~)

This video was shown at science museums starting April 15, 2004. It uses Astro Boy's animation to explain real robot technology.

• Astro Boy Mighty Atom: Lunar Base - The Mystery of the Robots' Disappearance (ASTRO BOY 鉄腕アトム〜月面基地・消えたロボットの謎〜, ASTRO BOY Tetsuwan Atomu ~Getsumenkichi kieta robotto no nazo~)

This show was screened in planetariums from May to August 2004. Astro Boy must save a space station after strange things happen at a moon base.

IMAX Movie

• Astro Boy: Mighty Atom – Visitor of 100,000 Light Years, IGZA (ASTRO BOY 鉄腕アトム 10万光年の来訪者・IGZA, ASTRO BOY tetsuwan Atomu 10-man kōnen no raihōsha IGZA)

This was Japan's first full-length animated film made for large IMAX screens. It was released on September 1, 2005. In the movie, Astro Boy travels to Titan, a moon of Saturn. A mechanical life form named Igza tries to destroy humans there.

How People Liked Astro Boy

Reviews and Success in Different Countries

The 2003 Astro Boy series received very good reviews. Zac Bertschy from Anime News Network gave it a top grade, calling it "perfect."

However, Anthony Brzenican from USA Today thought the series was not as hopeful as the 1980s version. He also didn't like that some characters were changed or removed.

The show did not do very well in the US when it aired on Kids' WB and Cartoon Network's Toonami. Some people think this was because of the quality of the English voices. Also, the show kept moving between different TV channels. Fans thought it was unnecessary to change the show's look from simple to complex 3D. They also disliked the name changes for many main characters.

The series had more success in the UK. The BBC aired it on its children's channels from 2003 to 2006. The BBC eventually aired all episodes, which was rare for an anime in the UK.

DVD Releases

In North America, Astro Boy was released on DVD in one box set by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. This version was edited for the US audience. Later, Mill Creek Entertainment re-released the complete US edited series on DVD in 2015 and again in 2019.

The series was also shown on television in Jamaica but stopped airing in 2014.

See Also

• List of Astro Boy (2003 TV series) episodes