The migration of Astro in US animes towards Japanese original

[F-Man]

I think that if the Pluto movie is a huge success (and I mean really huge, hey you never know, the producer has been good so far in marketing his movies), we most likely will see new DVD boxsets of all series, this time uncut, boasting "The story that inspired Pluto!" in their marketing and even maybe with subtitles that keep the name "Atom."

But really though... Just one movie based on Pluto? It would take 3 very long movies to do the series justice, and instead we'll probably get one 1h40 movie that will resolve the major conflict by the end, except leave a little opening for a possible sequel if it's warranted. In all that short time, I can only imagine the movie being astonishingly different from the source material, to the point of having entirely different characters.

[Dr. Jerk]

I think that if the Pluto movie is a huge success (and I mean really huge, hey you never know, the producer has been good so far in marketing his movies), we most likely will see new DVD boxsets of all series, this time uncut, boasting "The story that inspired Pluto!" in their marketing and even maybe with subtitles that keep the name "Atom."

But really though... Just one movie based on Pluto? It would take 3 very long movies to do the series justice, and instead we'll probably get one 1h40 movie that will resolve the major conflict by the end, except leave a little opening for a possible sequel if it's warranted. In all that short time, I can only imagine the movie being astonishingly different from the source material, to the point of having entirely different characters.

As much as I would love PLUTO to bring us these things that we all want, I'd still say that it's very unlikely. Sure, the director's movies were marketed better, but I just don't see PLUTO doing well.

Especially after what you said that it would need three movies for the least. One film, meaning a lot would have to be cut to make it short, wouldn't be very beneficial. But who knows, it's still very early, maybe they will do three movies, but that is a very risky move for something that isn't as well-known as say, Harry Potter.

Then again, Pirates of the Carribbean was once a risky move, and it was still planned with the intention of three movies, I should think.

[Dragonrider1227]

Also, the movies don't count. There were some hopes that the 2009 movie would spark new interest for new movies or a new series, but the movie turned out to be a flop instead. It's doubtful that the Pluto movie will do anything great for the franchise either, the most I see happening is that Viz might release compilation books of the series.

Not if you're on Deviantart as often as I am. I've been finding a LOT of Astro Boy fangirls lately. I think due to the movie's success on DVD

[Dr. Jerk]

All things will have a fandom, no matter how small or big it is. Yes the movie did revive the franchise a bit, but I'm talking in the perspective of the majority of people. Those behind the film had just set their expectations too high.

[Dragonrider1227]

I believe that. Especially with the lack of marketing and advertising they did on it but that's another rant for another time.

[Androids101]

As you mentioned Harry Potter, I would like to point out that Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire wasn't really enjoyable, as so many scenes were cut out that it gave the impression of being rushed.

As someone else said in another said, Astro Boy is a complex story, which is why its a series. Imagi's film missed out a lot of stuff that made Astro Boy 'Astro Boy'.

Pluto is likely to have the same problem.

[Astro Boy2866]

As you mentioned Harry Potter, I would like to point out that Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire wasn't really enjoyable, as so many scenes were cut out that it gave the impression of being rushed.

As someone else said in another said, Astro Boy is a complex story, which is why its a series. Imagi's film missed out a lot of stuff that made Astro Boy 'Astro Boy'.

Pluto is likely to have the same problem.

Maybe it might, but maybe they might make it a two part movie like the Deathly Hollows.

[Androids101]

Yeah but that'll mean huge movie profits

I forgot, which company was doing Pluto again? :d oh:

And now, back on topic, the good 'ol Japanese dub always had the same character names, while the English is mixed and changed. Seriously, its not that difficult. Pick a name and sticking with it is a good way, but even better, don't change it.

[Dr. Jerk]

Some of the Harry Potter books and films might not have been good, but it still proved to be successful for sequels.

PLUTO just doesn't have that chance.

[AprilSeven]

1. 2013 is another "birthday" for Astro (then we have a long stretch, until 2030). That makes it an advantageous time to launch an anime series.

2. The networks and production companies have severely compromised the ability of Astro Boy (and other Tezuka franchises) to enjoy the level of success throughout the rest of the world they have in Japan. This is NOT a reflection on Tezuka's vision, but on the people handling his creations. Japan certainly has cultural differences with the rest of the world, but the themes running throughout Astro Boy are universal and stir the heart and soul. The right people and right company and right marketing can most certainly turn Astro's various incarnations into incredible successes.

3. Abandoning Astro Boy for "Mighty Atom" might be the BEST thing for the character. So much mishandling and poor merchandising has been hung on the Astro Boy name, that a "new" name may actually draw in people to see what the story is all about.

4. Pluto will put the acceptance of "Atom" over "Astro Boy" to the test. The character in Urasawa's manga is a child, but he's not "babyish." He's cute, but not running around in a briefs and boots. Some people will find that offensive, but I think it serves to draw your attention to Astro's character instead of his "superness." In turn, people may then be inclined to make the effort to look beyond his Bambi eyes and "wittle tushie" to see the real hero and vulnerable boy who is a human as any of us in his pain and frustration.

Somewhere out there, I really do believe, there are people -- just as Todd and Shawne (of the Right Stuf) -- who "get" Astro Boy, and one of these days, they will see to it that Astro/Atom will become as beloved over the whole world, as he has been in his homeland.