Astro Boy Through the Ages

Akin to the Mickey Mouse of Japan, Astro Boy's made a lasting impression on international pop culture since his first appearance in 1951 as a character in animator Osamu Tezuka’s legendary manga. Now the little robot will be brought to life on the big screen with some new friends, but with the same iconic powers. Here, we present Astro Boy and his power profile, as well as give a little history of his black and white roots.

Astro Boy's arms morph into pulse cannons capable of firing powerful laser bursts.

Dr. Elefun, the eccentric colleague of Dr. Tenma (Astro's father) at the Ministry of Science, invented “Blue Core” energy, the source of Astro Boy’s powers. Astro Boy has the ability to transfer a portion of his Blue Core energy to other robots in order to revive them.

Astro Boy's secret rear defenses!

Astro Boy's boots morph into rockets that allow him to fly at unbelievable speed.

Astro Boy is endowed with super strength, giving him the ability to lift objects way beyond his body weight.

Astro Boy's x-ray vision allows him to see past the surface of any item to view its innermost workings. The beams also come in handy for rapid tunnel digging through mountains!

Astro Boy, created by god of manga (Japanese comic) Osamu Tezuka, makes his first appearance as one of the characters in the comic titled "Atoumu Taishi."

"Tetsuwan Atom" (known as Astro Boy) is published. Tezuka continues to create single one of its comic books for 18 years.

Astro Boy begins its first run on television and continues until 1966. 193 episodes are produced.

Astro Boy is reborn in a color TV series. More than 52 episodes are produced.

Astro Boy remains a strong and resonant image in popular culture. The picture depicted is a subway mural made entirely of ticket stubs.

Astro Boy reemerges in an updated TV series.

Astro Boy is inducted into the Robot Hall of Fame along with C3PO and R2D2. The Robot Hall of Fame celebrates both real and fictional robots.

Astro Boy will soar into the big screen on October 23, 2009. For photos, videos, features and showtimes, check out our Astro Boy movie page.