Astro Boy

Astro Boy
The Complete Series (2003)
Anime

No expense was spared to create this lavish 2003 'remake' of the classic series, the animation is breathtakingly lush and vivid — easily topping most big-budget features in terms of production value. Some episodes aired on cartoon Network, but this boxed-set contains the complete series of 50 episodes, including 29 never before seen in the US, as well as a featurette "The Making of Astro Boy".
Astro Boy!
Astro Boy is the classic anime story of a permanently youthful robot boy modeled after the son of a research scientist, Dr. Tenma. Originally intended to be kept a secret, the atomic-powered robot becomes a renowned superhero who fights for justice and peace for humans and robots alike.

Reviewed by Brian Cirulnick, April 2005

Astro Boy, Vol. 1

Here's where it all began. The anime "rosetta stone", the starting point for everything we know as anime and manga today is contained in this single seminal work. Created by "Manga-no-kamisama", Dr. Osamu Tezuka, this comic book lead to the animated series which became the worldwide phenomenon we all know and adore.

Astroboy: Old school Manga that started it all...Of interest to Tezuka fans is that the book is peppered with commentary by Tezuka (obviously, before his untimely death), as well as translation into English by Fred Schodt (author of Manga Manga! & Dreamland Japan). Young and old alike will enjoy this manga, with art and stories as only the God of Comics himself could tell them. Every anime collection should begin here, because this is where anime was born.

Reviewed by Brian Cirulnick, March 2004

Astro Boy Lighter and ID Case

Anime Goodies Review

Anime does not advocate smoking, but this item is just so damn cool, we had to highlight it. Having a lighter, however, is always handy, as you can at least give a light to girl next to you at the dance club. And this piece is a great conversation starter that may get you her number...

Combined with the equally cool ID case (also made from stainless steel), this item is guaranteed to turn heads wherever you flash it. Celebrate your old-skool style with Astro Boy, *the* most recognizable animated character since Mickey Mouse.

Recently I picked up Astro Boy: Omega Factor for the GBA. I have been hearing wonderful things about this game since its release, but everytime I had the cash to get it, I couldnt find it. Good thing I finally did:

This game rocks! Lets not mince words. This is one of the most enjoyable game experiences Ive had in awhile, portable or otherwise.

Astroboy is just such a great character. A metal pinnochio if you will. All of his moves and abilities are faithfully recreated for this game. Not only that, but this game has an interesting and fairly deep story.

The control is spot on. Every move can be pulled off easily and with enough practice you can almost be invicible. As for the audio is…well, it didnt annoy me, so it must be alright.

What about the graphics? They are amazing! Ive never seen so many great effects put to use on the GBA except maybe in Zero Mission. The sprites are big and beautiful and the environments are varied and teaming with life. Plus, everything is wonderfully animated with plenty of frames. No cutting corners on this game. Yes, there is some slow-down when lots of stuff is onscreen, but its not a big deal. To be honest, it almost feels like (but I know it wasnt) intentional. Kind of like bullet time for the big intense moments.

The game also has a lot of replay value. Not only are some new story elements opened up after you beat it, but there are also some other cool goodies that I wont spoil for you. Oh, and when this game lets you select ‘Easy’ ‘Medium’ or ‘Hard’ they mean it. On easy mode you can kill every boss with your laser in no time. On hard, every enemy can kill you in a second. This is a great thing, if you ask me.

Basically, if you enjoy action games like Contra, Metal Slug and Alien Hominid, this portable will fit right in. Games like these are the reason everyone loves Treasure. Plus, any game that can make me put Minish Cap on the back burner has to be good, right?