Tetsuwan Atom
Astroboy Robot from Japan
Have you ever traced the heritage of Super-Robots back to the roots of the movement? Tetsujin 28 is said to have started the anime movement along with another, arguably more popular character, Astroboy. ‘Tetsuwan Atom’, a.k.a. Astroboy began the "Big eyes, small mouth" anime tradition. He made his first appearance in 1951 and soon became ‘Astro Boy’ and made the artist Osamu Tezuka famous. Tezuka continued to create every single Astro Boy comic story for 21 years in Japan.
In the 1960's Astro Boy was animated and shown on Fuji television in black and white. One-hundred and ninety three episodes were produced. The broadcast ended in 1966.
Here is a quick Astroboy Robot synopsis:
In 2000 A.D. after the loss of his beloved son Toby in a car accident, Dr. Boyton built an android in his image. Dr. Boynton soon realized that this android, Astroboy, would not grow up to become a man; so he gave Astroboy to a circus.
In the circus, Astro met Kathy who gave him the name Astroboy.
Astro was designed with super powers such as the ability to fly, shoot powerful light beam emitters from his eyes which serve as a searchlight, heightened hearing, a machine gun on his hips, strength of 100,000 horsepower, and a powerful laser from his finger.
The circus ringleader made robots fight each other. The robots complained because of the foul treatment they received from the ringmaster. Dr. Elefun, pointed out these complaints and the Robots' Bill of Rights was drafted.
With these new rights, Astro was freed from the circus and Dr. Elefun took him to the Institute of Science. Dr. Elefun made parents for Astroboy to live with. Toby's dog Jump also lived with him. Dr. Elefun also created Astrogirl, otherwise known as Uran, as a gift for Astroboy.
Sony is now producing the computer animated Astro Boy feature film, which is slated for a 2005 release
Below are Pictures of Popy's Mekisu series Tetsuwan Atom, Astroboy. Keep in mind that he is primitive but the predecessor to modern super-robots. Mickey Mouse proportions can bee seen with the big head, small mouth, and large eyes. Just like a baby, the design demanded instant adoration.
Kids could turn a knob on the back this Popy toy and get a TV like change in characters . Inside his chest a wheel rotates to show different comic characters. Some of the characters include his cartoon creator Doctor Boyton, sister Uran, and Mum.
Both fists are spring loaded and can be changed with the red removable legs. Instructions, catalog, and base came with the toy. The spring mounted head for Astroboy resembles a bobble head doll and is a plastic with almost pliable vinyl qualities. |
