The granddaddy of Japanese animation is a boy. A robot boy. Astro Boy. I have great fondness for the original b&w Astro Boy TV series, and I’m happy that the complete run of the American version of the cartoons is available on two DVD box sets, Astro Boy: Ultra Collector’s Edition. That link goes to Amazon, but if you’re going to buy them go to the “Used & new” section and order from Shawnek. You’ll be glad you did.
Way back here, in the fall of ’06 I highlighted the 60’s humor magazine HELP! Some of cartoonist Robert Crumb’s first published works were in HELP!, including this drawing from his walking tour of Harlem.
If you’re familiar with the American version of Astro Boy’s theme song, here is the Japanese version of the original opening, along with an alternate Japanese intro and an outro before the credits were inserted.
[flv:/Video/2008/JUL/AstroBoy.flv 448 336]
A new Astro Boy movie, with computer graphics, is in production and is scheduled for release next summer. My interest in Astro Boy is mostly limited to the original series, but I’m still hoping the movie comes out well.
The thing is, it’s obvious that Cage (Copella) is, like Colbert, a comics fan. So I should want to like him, but his acting is on par with Kevin Costner.
What? Doug hates Nicolas Cage, too? I thought is was just Tom! Well, all men love Sean Connery; why can’t they use him?
You’ll hate the movie… Your favorite actor Nicholas Cage is voicing the scientist/father! But we can hope.