What if Astro didn't know he was a robot?

[jeffbert]

It happens that I have written a chapter about this very subject! In it, I address the terror that certain characters in anime, live action, & manga experience when they realize that they are robots. Napolitan of #193 comes to mind, but there are others. Holmspun is the exception to the rule, he learned that robots were o.k.

I want to reserve the rest for the book.

[Tetsuwan Penguin]

Holmspun knew he was like 95% robot. There was a character in the manga, from the once upon a time arc, that was converting himself into a robot because the woman he was in love with was a robot.

Hey when is that long overdue book coming out anyway?
(And put me down for a copy)

[jeffbert]

Holmspun knew he was like 95% robot. There was a character in the manga, from the once upon a time arc, that was converting himself into a robot because the woman he was in love with was a robot.

Hey when is that long overdue book coming out anyway?
(And put me down for a copy)

I made initial contact with the guy who is doing THE CRATER; he said he would be busy until that is finished. I have plenty of content, but no overall plan.

[SuwaHana]

I think Atom would be much happier not knowing that he is a robot. He would never feel out of place or rejected the way he does as "the robot with a human heart". The only thing that would probably upset him would be the fact that he doesn't have the power to save anyone the way a robot could (he can't utilize what he's unaware of). Once he's faced with that dilemma, he'd probably feel that he'd much rather trade his happiness as a human for the physical capabilities of a robot, to ensure the happiness of others. And that would bring him right back to his emotional standing in the canon.

It really makes me sad thinking about Atom this way.

[jeffbert]

I think we are inclined to accept ourselves just as we are; I went to school with kids in wheelchairs, on crutches, & with afflictions too extreme to describe. They went about their lives as though it were natural to be such as they were. As far as robots go, I suppose the creators' purposes for making them are important here. wanted his robot to behave as his son did. He designed the robot for that purpose, & presumably designed his artificial brain accordingly.

Given that Atom did discover that he had abilities that other boys lacked, is it necessary that he must discover he is a robot? Atom would merely assume that this condition was natural for him, rather than whine about being different. Adults may differ, as the ability to think rationally develops gradually during childhood, & even into young adulthood.

Shibugaki & Tamao may hold it over him that he is a robot, & therefore of a lower class thay they are, but does he really understand the entire gravity of his situation? He is of similar size and shape as they are, goes to school as they do, does things they do, etc.

Consider Tenma's rejection of Atom: he yells at him, and tells him that he is a robot, an imitation, etc. How could he expect Tenma to love him as though he really were his son? He is mere property, to be sold to Hamegg, if pleases to do so. At this time, it dawns on Atom, not only that he is a robot, but more importantly, what it means to be a robot. Thus, the meaning of Robot itself, is of importance, as merely knowing he is a robot, is far from enough.

[Prettywitchiusaka]

I think we are inclined to accept ourselves just as we are; I went to school with kids in wheelchairs, on crutches, & with afflictions too extreme to describe. They went about their lives as though it were natural to be such as they were. As far as robots go, I suppose the creators' purposes for making them are important here. wanted his robot to behave as his son did. He designed the robot for that purpose, & presumably designed his artificial brain accordingly.

Given that Atom did discover that he had abilities that other boys lacked, is it necessary that he must discover he is a robot? Atom would merely assume that this condition was natural for him, rather than whine about being different. Adults may differ, as the ability to think rationally develops gradually during childhood, & even into young adulthood.

Shibugaki & Tamao may hold it over him that he is a robot, & therefore of a lower class thay they are, but does he really understand the entire gravity of his situation? He is of similar size and shape as they are, goes to school as they do, does things they do, etc.

Consider Tenma's rejection of Atom: he yells at him, and tells him that he is a robot, an imitation, etc. How could he expect Tenma to love him as though he really were his son? He is mere property, to be sold to Hamegg, if pleases to do so. At this time, it dawns on Atom, not only that he is a robot, but more importantly, what it means to be a robot. Thus, the meaning of Robot itself, is of importance, as merely knowing he is a robot, is far from enough.

You know, I think you just put this in a different light for me, Jeff.

I was merely going to comment that I feel concealing the fact that he's a robot would be near impossible, but what you've cooked up here is much more in-depth and insightful. And would probably make the basis for a great fanfic or story.

[Dante69]

That still does not justify what Tenma did. Who knows what he was thinking? Revive his dead son? Even Tenma did not foresee how he was going to react, I mean he did go crazy. Personally I don't believe it to be that difficult to see how that could go wrong. I just wonder how that worked out in the 2003 series. He knew he was a robot, but when? How much would Tenma allow him to remember? One day he just wakes up and he is a robot. Anyone imagine that conversation? I doubt Atom would get much answered, Tenma's emotions can change so quickly. I am afraid for that kid, and he might be afraid as well. He knew about Tobio, right? I mean when he was first activated.

[Prettywitchiusaka]

That still does not justify what Tenma did. Who knows what he was thinking? Revive his dead son? Even Tenma did not foresee how he was going to react, I mean he did go crazy. Personally I don't believe it to be that difficult to see how that could go wrong. I just wonder how that worked out in the 2003 series. He knew he was a robot, but when? How much would Tenma allow him to remember? One day he just wakes up and he is a robot. Anyone imagine that conversation? I doubt Atom would get much answered, Tenma's emotions can change so quickly. I am afraid for that kid, and he might be afraid as well. He knew about Tobio, right? I mean when he was first activated.

I'm pretty sure they reference the fact that Tobio knew he was a robot in the last episode of the Japanese version as well. Though it has been awhile, so my memory may be a bit rusty.

[Little Brown Fox]

No, I'm certain that he knew. Or at least he had a pretty good guess. For how long, though, I cannot say; when did he figure out he was a robot? Did he always know? I would imagine so, even if he did have some of Tobio's memories.

[SuwaHana]

Yeah, Atom knew from pretty early on that he was a robot, even with Tenma. That's why he got so upset at the robot disposal plant, when Tenma spoke so lightly of replacing robots that were no longer cared for.