So, something mildly upsetting...

[Little Brown Fox]

It looks like the 1960s episodes are slowly and systematically being removed from Youtube, apparently due to "copyright claims" from The Right Stuf, or whatever.

... Which sucks, because I could never bring myself to watch most of those, and now I'll never get to... (Although, I /did/ rewatch "Brother Jetto" last night [at, like, 4:30 in the morning ] before I discovered it was gone later today)

Now, I know this site's general policy about this sort of thing is that it's a "no-no", but this was my only way to see it, as I'm sure it was for many other fans, whether it was a financial issue like mine, or an issue of availability (which could be considered a part of my problems as well). But, since I'm not posting any links (like there /are/ any -_-), I don't think it's a big deal to discuss the /lack/ of them. >_>

I'm just mildly upset, is all. I hardly own any of the manga (just a discount-combo of the first two volumes), and I really wanted to learn more about (and, consequentially, see more of) Cobalt.

[Satus]

I don't think this should be seen as upsetting, I won't go into my views why it shouldn't.

For people without a lot of money, you can rent every 1960s episode for a dollar each on Videx. If you have Google Chrome, you can translate the page too.

[Astro Forever]

As Viki made their 1980 Astro Boy videos available on YouTube, they also removed the other 1980 videos.

I wouldn't lose hope just yet, Little Brown Fox. I don't know the particular status of the 1960 series, but it might very well become legally available for free, from the official source, in a short future. For years it seemed that the fans were ignored, and I certainly understand your feelings, but in the past months, things have been getting interesting.

[Fuzzy Pickles!]

Personally, the lost doesn't affect me much as I'd rather pay for the Japanese version, but I'll give it a shot if I can find it legally for free (can't bring myself to watch illegally uploaded YouTube videos like I used to anymore). Still, I understand your disappointment as the Astro Boy franchise is one that mostly anyone can get into.

For years it seemed that the fans were ignored, and I certainly understand your feelings, but in the past months, things have been getting interesting.

Recent months have definitely been interesting for anime in general. Toonami has returned on Adult Swim (and it's a lot different from Adult Swim Action, although this is only for Americans), Dragon Ball Z is getting a brand new movie, Sailor Moon is getting a re-imagined anime that will hopefully bring Sailor Moon back to the states, and now it seems as interest in Tezuka products are beginning to grow (with rumors of a new Astro Boy series).

The last part could mean considerable increase in activity is coming and with that, more members to chat with about Astro Boy along with new challenges to face (as an exchange for better activity).

[F-Man]

and now it seems as interest in Tezuka products are beginning to grow (with rumors of a new Astro Boy series).

Just a Pluto series is currently rumored, except for the general knowledge that there will always be more Astro Boy anime in the future.

Unfortunately the producer for Pluto isn't sure where to get the money... I wonder why he doesn't use Kickstarter.

But as for exciting things, don't forget both an English Dororo movie starts shooting next year, and there's an English Black Jack series coming too (rumored for next year)! Now if those don't put Tezuka in the public eye again...

Oh, and I'm very much glad about all those videos uploaded illegally being taken down recently.

[Prettywitchiusaka]

I sure hope it's not just a rumor, I'd love to see Pluto adapted into a OVA series.

As for your situation Little Brown, the only thing I can reccomend is to maybe start saving up for the boxsets for the 60's series. I mean sure, they're pretty expensive. But since you really like the 60's series, they'll probably be worth it in the end, right?

[Little Brown Fox]

Well, it's not that I /like/ them, per se. It was just the only means available to me to learn about Cobalt.

And I can't save up what I don't have in the first place. Even if I /wasn't/ unemployed, there are a lot of more important things to consider, like my own computer- a /proper/ computer; not just a gaming machine- or larger television, so I don't get eyestrain from watching new movies (or worse, from trying to play "Skyward Sword").

The resurgence of interest in works by Tezuka IS rather promising, though (even if I'm pretty exclusively an Astro Boy fan, mostly due to lack of exposure to his other works, and limited personal taste).

If I had any other way to watch it, I would. (In fact, I despearately want to see every episode, unedited and in its original Japanese [with subs]; much as I would like for the 2003 series, as well.) It just stands that, at this time, this is the only means available to me, hence my disappointment, and regardless of whatever any of you might feel or think of it.

[Tetsuwan Atom]

Well you have a point there but still Only downloading stuff illigal and paying for hardware because you can't downolad it ... and for some reason it's a less comon thing with games to download because many aren't smart enough apprently to come up with the idea modding there consule so they can also get that stuff for free ....

You can at least buy the Rightstuff sets you know, i know it isn't evrything and stupid edits with sometimes wonky voices but still,I know one can not buy everything but the pepole that only download are fake fans !!! in my opinion i have to import most things i want and i still do it.

[F-Man]

Seems like some episodes are now available on Amazon Instant Video:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Sphinx/dp/B0099V591G/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1349462652&sr=1-1

I wouldn't be surprised if that's why they got taken down from YouTube.

They might be available on other services as well, usually when a series pops up at one place, there're others as well...

[Little Brown Fox]

I'm still holding out hope that Viki can get their hands on them. :3 I'll just try to convince my sister to loan me her laptop from time to time, so I can see the subtitles...