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Themes are very important to any series or film; they're what keeps the story flowing, as well defines and develops the characters in its universe. Of course, themes don't have to be thought provoking in order to enjoy them, but it certainly helps.

Astro Boy is no different in that regard, being a (usually) lighthearted series that often has many dark elements thrown in to make a point, or to create an interesting story. But one of the nice things about a franchise like Astro Boy is that while it has its core theme of prejudice and how to overcome it, its setting is also the gateway to interesting ideas and themes that could very well fit in that universe. Regardless of how lighthearted, or how dark it is.

That's really what I want to discuss today; what are some of your favourites themes from any version of Astro Boy?

Personally for me, one of my favourite themes is the idea of family that is strong and prevalent throughout the 2003 series.

The way its shown provides a very unique insight into Astro's development, but also into the two men who are without question his father figures. What makes this so interesting to me is that with O'Shay being his only legal guardian, he has two fathers with battling ideologies, and different methods of parenting as a result. O'Shay is more traditional in his methods, allowing for Astro to seek out his own potential, but also guides him along the way or holds him back when necessary like a parent would. Whereas Tenma is more controlling in his methods, forcing Astro to become what he views as the ideal son/robot against his will, to the point where it borderlines on abuse and obsession.

It's this basic dichotomy, along with the ultimate resolution it provides that I find fascinating. It's also woven very well into the story, and is genuinely very heartfelt as well, since the love and relationships feel genuine and sincere.

There are a few more, but I'll cover those later.

What are some of your favourite themes in Astro Boy?

Brotherhood and humility are my favourite themes in the series.
Atom is a example of brother and as well somebody who can live with his limitations without even being depressed that he cannot grow up.

The fact that he is a great brother to Uran and that he is humble about how he looks make him fantastic.

And is awesome that he can even seek his own future even looking like a nine year old boy forever^^

I like how you've described the effect Astro's two fathers have had on his life. I think the pivotal moment for me was the scene (in 2003) where O'Shay is very much risking his life to try and reach Astro before the whole lab blew up.

What does he see? Astro and Tenma embracing each other - OUCH! - that had to hurt! Then Astro turns and - almost casually - says to O'Shay, "Be careful doctor!" But he doesn't let go of Tenma, to go make sure O'Shay doesn't plummet to his death!

This was something that stayed with me long after I watched that episode - I mean - did Astro feel Tenma needed him more in that moment, and he was confident enough in his relationship with O'Shay to expect him to understand that Tenma was a man "on the brink" (well, rather past it!) and he had to focus on saving the life of his desperate creator?

Throughout all the versions, I've always been riveted by the issues of just how human Astro could become. Did he really feel pain and joy and anger as we do? Were parts of what would be "normal" human emotions blocked from his experience, as when it was shown in the 60's that he didn't feel fear until Dr. Elefun gave him access to that emotion. A similar theme in the 80's where Astro couldn't "dream" of something he wanted to do, because he could already "do" everything. Again Elefun granted his wish and shut down all of his super-powers for 24 hours ... Astro got a taste of what "regular humans" lived with, and nooooo he didn't like it.

So, it seems like Astro could be even more human-like, but selective programming allows him to ignore emotions and an ego that wouldn't serve him as a hero.

"AprilSeven" wrote:I like how you've described the effect Astro's two fathers have had on his life. I think the pivotal moment for me was the scene (in 2003) where O'Shay is very much risking his life to try and reach Astro before the whole lab blew up.

What does he see? Astro and Tenma embracing each other - OUCH! - that had to hurt! Then Astro turns and - almost casually - says to O'Shay, "Be careful doctor!" But he doesn't let go of Tenma, to go make sure O'Shay doesn't plummet to his death!

This was something that stayed with me long after I watched that episode - I mean - did Astro feel Tenma needed him more in that moment, and he was confident enough in his relationship with O'Shay to expect him to understand that Tenma was a man "on the brink" (well, rather past it!) and he had to focus on saving the life of his desperate creator?

Throughout all the versions, I've always been riveted by the issues of just how human Astro could become. Did he really feel pain and joy and anger as we do? Were parts of what would be "normal" human emotions blocked from his experience, as when it was shown in the 60's that he didn't feel fear until Dr. Elefun gave him access to that emotion. A similar theme in the 80's where Astro couldn't "dream" of something he wanted to do, because he could already "do" everything. Again Elefun granted his wish and shut down all of his super-powers for 24 hours ... Astro got a taste of what "regular humans" lived with, and nooooo he didn't like it.

So, it seems like Astro could be even more human-like, but selective programming allows him to ignore emotions and an ego that wouldn't serve him as a hero.

Thanks.

I've always felt that O'Shay was able to put his trust in Astro during those moments, even if he had no idea what was going on exactly. And even if he didn't, I think Tenmas' declaration of "I'm not worthy of being your father" would be enough to make O'Shay realize that he still has his bond with Astro, now that he is literally being granted permission from his actual creator.

Actually, I find it interesting that you bring up the issue of Astro's humanity. I've always found it very interesting when this subject is brought up, because it raises the question in the robots mind of what it means to be human. The case you bring up April, is a good example.

But my favourite example of this is the Pluto episodes from the 2003 series. This entire theme is one of the reasons I love those two episodes. Granted, I love the robot evolution theme that's brought up in those two episodes. But to me, Pluto's story arc from threatening brute, to respectable and honourable is an example of this story done well. In fact, the robot evolution theme works well in its ties to Pluto's growth as a character in those two episodes.

I know some may not agree with me on this, but to me, Pluto's story was more than just learning to fight for the right reasons in this version. To me, the robotic evolution theme being introduced here solidifies his character growth, because he learns to growth past his brutish nature, and evolve into a compassionate, intelligent being. It is for that very reason why Pluto's sacrifice is meaningful, because in learning to be human, he grew to love and respect those around him as a human would.

It's ultimately why I don't like seeing Pluto show up in the Robotonia arc. Aside from the fact that there's no way you can survive falling into molten lava, his story was never tied into the robot/human conflict. So seeing him there clearly choosing a side seems kind of dumb to me.