Astro Boy Reboot (Future Animated Series)

[Tetsuwan Penguin]

Sounds like the movie all over again. Then again the 2003 series did introduce new characters, though some of them were based on artwork from other Tezuka Manga (Like Reno).

I have a sickening feeling that Jeffbert is probably right. I was trying to find news on AB at MIPCOM JUNIOR, but didn't have much luck.

This article, didn't make me feel too optimistic though.

Here is the paragraph that bothered me:

This will be the first time that rights holder Tezuka Prod. will take advantage of the chance to complete a completely new Astro Boy story instead of rehashing the tales thought up by creator Osamu Tezuka back in the 1950s and ’60s. The show will also introduce new characters and will boast a more up-to-date design aesthetic. The co-producers will have a teaser ready for buyers in September.

"a completely new" story instead of "rehashing" the original tale. And also the "introduce new characters" part - hints that it won't be adding Cobalt to the list. Doesn't sound hopeful to me . . .

[Earthshine]

I am in the same boat as April but I also have optimism that this series can be something enjoyed by current fans of the series, if and only if it is "done right" which is as ambiguous as it can get

A whole "new storyline and new characters" could be something exciting for us, but could also be something not befitting of Astro Boy (like the 2009 movie, as a movie it was great but not necessarily as an Astro Boy movie).

I also understand that adaptations need to be made, it would just be boring if the SAME storyline and SAME characters were constantly worked on in the SAME way, so I personally think we need variety and something new to experience to make it something special.

[teugene50]

I can't wait that the trailer will show up in next year.

[Shiyonasan]

A whole "new storyline and new characters" could be something exciting for us, but could also be something not befitting of Astro Boy (like the 2009 movie, as a movie it was great but not necessarily as an Astro Boy movie).

I also understand that adaptations need to be made, it would just be boring if the SAME storyline and SAME characters were constantly worked on in the SAME way, so I personally think we need variety and something new to experience to make it something special.

Agreed. I mean, look at Little Astro Boy. That show introduced new characters and took a new spin on the Astro Boy we all know and love. Those of us that watched the show (well, the little of it that aired due to broadcasting issues) generally thought that LAB was good, if not decent.

Besides, we have three other animated TV series of Astro Boy that did follow the manga or the classic stories. On the fifth iteration, why not have something different?

[Shiyonasan]

Mark your calendars: the MAGIC event, where Shibuya will supposedly be showing off the teaser trailer, will be on March 21, 2015.

It certainly bodes well that the background on the MAGIC site is the Astro Boy Reboot poster.

http://www.magic-ip.com/presentation/
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=732472876837917&id=277251422360067

[AprilSeven]

But it looks like the image of Astro is in that "edgy" and overly simplified style that so many animation studios use today. Sorry, but I find it completely ugly and unemotional.

Looks like Astro is gonna get "trashed"

Poor Dr. Tezuka must be rolling in his grave!

- 'Leave my masterpiece alone!"

[Tetsuwan Penguin]

The image used as the icon did appear that way, but the poster showing astro flying overhead didn't look bad.

[jeffbert]

I just read the blurrb on that site, AprilSeven, & now am near certain I will find little to like in this new version. It is likely they will spend so much on the 3D that there will be little for plots. Moreover, it seems that much kids' programming relies on bright colors, goofy faces & voices, & such, rather than worthwhile things. Yet, I admit, I have watched very few newer cartoons. I found both THE LOONY TOONS SHOW and THE TOM & JERRY show to be very dull & disappointing.

In thinking about the 2003 series, I wonder if U.S $ & influence made it what it was, even though when imported, it was scrambled, cut, & ruined, in the process of making it 'appropriate' for U.S kids. Granted, Tezuka obviously had nothing to do with it, but it was just so very unlike its predecessors.

[Fauna]

I honestly couldn't care about Cobalt any less. He hasn't been in a canon work since the 1970s, and that's only if you count him appearing in backgrounds as a student in Black Jack.

I'm excited to see this reboot. I actually really liked Little Astro Boy (Hamegg totally stole the show), and as long as the reboot doesn't rely on toilet and pain humour like a lot of French-directed cartoons*, I'll be fine.


(*See: Robotboy, Bernard the Bear, Pac Man and the Ghostly Adventures...)

[Daiya Mondo]

i feel like you guys might be setting your standards or hopes too high for the reboot? i understand being totally excited for a sequel/reboot/adaptation of your favorite thing, especially when you've been a fan of it for a very long time.

it's true that just because a show is "for kids", doesn't mean that it has to be juvenile and can have complex stories and characters and thats why it appeals so much to both children and adults (avatar; the last airbender is the best example of this in recent years?). but you also have to keep in mind that this stuff is obviously made with children in mind and they're more likely the target demographic and they want it to appeal to kids the most.

i'm kind of excited for the reboot as well, since i also really really liked little astro boy! it had a cute style with bright colors and it was just an overall cute and simple experience. i think the people that were disappointed with it were people expecting DARK N EDGY filled with MY DEEP COMPLEX PLOT AND STORIES etc. no offense!

so sorry if i offended anyone!