"jeffbert" wrote:I think the problem would likely be that there just is not enough demand for this in the English speaking nations. I myself am often thinking that much of what I hope to put in my book is simply the stuff that only diehard fans would want, & that is a recipe for failure.
OR you are simply ahead of the curve.

Maybe someone like Fred Schodt would be interested in translating the book into Japanese? I do find it amazing more people don't "get" Astro Boy, and I almost feel that there's a "jealousy factor" or (dare I say it) "anti-Japanese factor" at work here. I can't help but believe that if Disney or some other major entertainment firm were to obtain the rights to the franchise, and rework the story to be based in America, it would (pun intended) take off like a rocket.
Astro is VERY "All American" -- but the problem is... he's Japanese. Even if he were English (think Harry Potter), I believe the connection would work -- but the language and culture being so different from ours (plus the lingering effects of WWII) could be a reason he's slower to gain popularity.
Still, with young people today seeing the world "without borders" -- and AB is a very "borderless" hero -- I personally think he WILL eventually develop into a worldwide phenomenon -- Disney has been tainted (sweatshops producing toys, diminished quality animation and story lines, etc.). Tezuka/Atom has NOT. I think Astro Boy is going to be the Mickey Mouse of the 21st Century -- especially as humanoid robotics become more and more commonplace.
Don't doubt the value of your book Jeffbert -- you're doing it for the best of reasons. Just be sure to copyright the manuscript, and stand by -- I think you'll ultimately be very pleased.