Astro Boy (2003–2004) User Reviews

Astro's stab at the 21st Century

[rorymacveigh · 8/10 · 18 September 2012]

Out of all three of the versions, I'd have to say this one is by far the best version of the Astroboy cartoons. It's structured, its well animated, its got a great storyline with some well developed characters and it's generally a fun watch for adults and children alike. Again there are some gripes and some changes between the Japanese and American dubs, mainly being the lack of an episode here and there as well as the removal of many scenes which link back to Astro's past as Tobio, the son of Tenma. Because American Children's TV is more censored than Japanese Children's TV, a large number of scenes involving the death of the real Tobio and the creation of Astro are removed so as not to seem disturbing, these scenes however do appear in the Japanese Original Version, so if it's story you're looking for, you'll find it there. It also attempts to try and appeal to the more modern audience with catchphrases such as 'Let's Rocket' and other things that make it more like a Pokemon Cartoon, dampening down the more serious story. Thankfully, these unnecessary pieces of silliness are reduced to only two or three episodes which have little to no impact on the overall story. This series also has probably the best version of Dr Tenma. In the 1963 version he was a loud mouth and obnoxiously silly character which wasn't fun to watch, he just seemed really insane. As for the 1980 version he wasn't as mad, but he was still quite a stroppy and unenjoyable character. This version, he is subtle, calculative, manipulative and generally just down right evil. The character behind Tenma is much more developed, as is seen in the final few episodes of the series where Astro's past is revealed. Instead of getting rid of Astro because he was clumsy or couldn't grow or something stupid like that, instead he removes Astro because Astro starts to develop the same defiance as the original Tobio did, sort of a Totalitarian type father who doesn't take questioning of his authority well. Although quite clee- shee with the dark gloomy castle and the organ playing, he truly is a fantastic villain. There are also some more light hearted tones with Astro's silly sister Zoran and his friends who keep getting into mischief. Overall, a really fun series and definitely worth a watch.

Entertaining

[Josephpr1990 · 7/10 · 30 July 2023]

I remember watching this 2003 Japanese anime TV series when I was a teenager. I thought found it was awesome. It was shown on the BBC as a part of their children's block CBBC and RTÉ 2 in the 2000s. By the way I thought it was my first time to watch the anime series of Astro Boy in spring 2004.

It isn't the only anime series based on Tezuka's beloved franchise but there is the first one which was shown on telly in 1963 and the another one known as New Mighty Atom which was produced in 1980.

It's probably one of the best 2000s anime TV series of all time.

If you are a fan of Astro Boy, you'll enjoy watching this anime series.

Good update, unsure about English version

[StayinFrosty · 27 June 2004]

Having good memories of the Astroboy series that aired in the 80's, I was excited to hear about a remake. Overall I'd say the new crew has done a fine job. There are some changes in the story line (Astro working at a circus, getting his trademark red boots, etc) but these may be revealed later. It doesn't seem to have as clear allegories for racism and segregation either, but again, there is still time for this to show up. The show retains a similar look to the original Astroboy with great visuals. The music captures the style of the show very well.

I'm not too keen on some of the voices, though. I have only seen the English-language dub so I don't have the original Japanese for comparison, but I find Astro's voice to be somewhat out of place. Another character, Dr. Tenma, is a tall thin man and has a voice that sounds like James Earl Jones! Those two aside, the other voices are pretty good. I also especially like that Astro's rockets still have the same sound as the 80's show!

As for editing, a real problem with anime aired in the United States, I can't give definite comment, having never seen the original Japanese series. I did notice that Astro was told he was based on a real boy without mentioning what happened to that boy (he was killed in a car accident before the series takes place). A couple characters' names have been changed as well, Dr. Ocha-no-mizu (whom I knew as Prof. Peabody, others, Dr. Elefun in the last series) is now called Dr. O'Shay. I'm not sure why. If they wanted to shorten it, they could've just called him "Dr. Ocha" ("tea" in Japanese). Astro's sister, Uran (Sarah, Astrogirl), is now called Zoran. Once again, I'm not sure why. Also note, it's now called "Astro Boy" (2 words) instead of Astroboy (1 word). Maybe to distinguish between the old and new series?

Another thing I've noticed is that at least some of the episodes are being aired out of order. E.g. Astro's first day of school after we'd already seen him there, his sister appearing with no explanation as to where she came from, only to vanish again until her proper introduction several weeks later. I've learned that this is the distributor's doing and not that of the network that airs the show. I wonder why companies do this. Do they think the viewers won't notice?

Overall, "Astro Boy" seems to be a decent update of the classic show. I look forward to the new movie (slated for 2005).

Still holds up.

[happytreefriendsroxs · 10/10 · 27 April 2024]

Everything from the visuals to the music and story just holds up. It's nostalgia that is repackaged and remade, adding and changing from what came before it to grow its own thing while respecting the essence of astro boy. It's been over 20 years and I still have this shows poster. The recent Pluto anime is darker then this show. But this show still has serious and emotional episodes, while keeping some of that loveable camp that is Astro Boy. You can screen shot so many scenes from this series and just use it as a wall paper. I wish more people knew about this show, it's simply amazing. This made me a Astro boy fan for life.

Great 21st century remake of a classic!

[kingjim · 1 May 2004]

This new cartoon "Astro Boy" (two words) is the 21st century remake of the popular 80's cartoon "Astroboy" (one word). "Astro boy" is a pretty good modernization of the Astroboy we know and love. It is obviously set in the future which looks more futuristic than in the 80's "Astroboy". The animation is improved, which is obviously done with computers in some parts whereas the original "Astroboy" was all hand drawn. But story-wise, "Astro Boy" is not quite as good as the original 80's "Astroboy". Where "Astro Boy" is pretty good, the original "Astroboy" is excellent! But the new "Astro Boy" is still recommended viewing for all Astroboy fans out there. The new "Astro Boy" gets a 9 out of 10. The original "Astroboy" gets 10 out of 10.

excellent.

[atomius · 11 August 2004]

i personally rate this series 9/10. I have never seen the first ones but i think the sound and graphics are pioneering, like those of star wars in the 70s and 80s. The backgrounds could beat poke'mons in two seconds, and i love the way that the animation rolls nicely. The characters i am undecided on. For two reasons, one, some i hate utterly, and two, some i really like. The robot astroboy himself certainly is a great character, but his voice reminds me of a squeaky ballerina. I expected more of a gruff voice. Tenma certainly is well played, and while some of the plots deserve to be stuck onto he first doctors plots in the sixties, others are unbelievable but fit well. Skunk, the criminal, certainly contains good villain style. Id recommend this cartoon to any body who likes good anime shows, or robots and technology.