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Beginning in 1952 as a Japanese manga series, Astro Boy has journeyed through time, transforming from a black-and-white animated TV series (1963-1966) to a full-colour, computer-animated 3D action film (David Bowers, 2009). The first Astro Boy TV series was so successful in Japan that it became the first anime series to be broadcast overseas, the English version airing in the United States in 1963. The series was remade in the 1980s in full colour and ran for fifty-two episodes, and it is these with which many teachers will be most familiar. These episodes were an important part of my childhood and those of many others from my generation, for the same timeless reasons that the series still appeals to children today. The protagonist is a child who faces tremendous challenges when trying to fit in, and is therefore a character that many children will be able to relate to on a personal level. This 'misfit' then becomes the hero. When I was in primary school, I aspired not only to be noticed, but also to be admired, and I strongly empathised with those who were slighted because they were different. Astro overcomes the obstacle of prejudice - an uplifting and inspiring message.
TOPIC
Astro Boy poses myriad questions that can be used to prompt classroom discussions and debates. One of the most pertinent issues relates to robot-human relations, which has ongoing relevance to modern society. Although children's TV has an abundance of robot heroes and villains, such as those in Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Kim Possible, I can't think of another popular TV show that thoroughly identifies and examines the ethical issues surrounding the part robots play, and have the potential to play, in human lives. Astro Boy presents this very real dilemma in a way that children of various ages and backgrounds can relate to. Though it is over three decades old, it has much of what a 2010s child would find entertaining and endearing: humour, action, a relatable protagonist, drama and, most important of all, the much-craved victories of good over evil.
ANALYSIS
The very first episode of the series,...