I just realized something...

[Little Brown Fox]

I don't know whether this has been pointed out or not (I don't really come here that often), but I realized that, when you count up from Atom's fictional birthday (April 7th, 2003- not that I need to tell any of YOU that), you will find that he would've actually turned nine this year (the age that, as I understand it, he was built to appear, and programmed to behave as)! Neat, huh?

... Or am I just being stupid for pointing out something that everyone already knows? (Like I said, I don't come around here often...)

[Shiyonasan]

Well, it's not common knowledge among most Astro Boy fans as far as I know, so I don't think it's a problem. It has been pointed out before though.

So, if you think about it, Atom would now be as old as he was built to look if he actually existed (since he was created to look like Tobio, who was 9 years old when he died).

Also, he'd turn 10 next year! Pretty big year for Astro Boy since the original anime turns 50 next year as well.

[Astro Forever]

I only recall that there was talk of Astro's birthday in the past two years on this forum, oddly.

I don't remember what was said this year but it has come to mind in the past few years that he was indeed close in age to how he looks. I've always wondered how Astro would age, if he'd remain in a 9 years old boy's body or if he would age otherwise eventually, and it'll probably come to mind even more in the next few years.

[Toshio]

[quote=""Astro Forever""][/quote]
Being a robot which is unable to grow, I see it pretty unlikelly to happen.
Atom with adult body looks freaky.

[Fuzzy Pickles!]

Wait, I thought his birthday was on 2030, at least according to the 1980 series.

[Prettywitchiusaka]

You're right, Astro is born in 2030 in the 80's series, but his official cannon birthday is April 7th 2003 if that makes any sense.

As far as "growing up" is concerned, I'm sure Astro may wish to upgrade to a new body. I'm actually kind of surprised that's not brought up more often, especially since I'm pretty sure Astro would rather grow up alongside his loved ones, rather than feel uncomfortable around them and vide versa.

[Astro Forever]

Being a robot which is unable to grow, I see it pretty unlikelly to happen.
Atom with adult body looks freaky.

I didn't think the one in the 2003 series was too bad.

Wait, I thought his birthday was on 2030, at least according to the 1980 series.

Funny, this is the series I know best, and I had never noticed that. I don't even know where it is said.

I guess back then it seemed that technology wouldn't be that great only 33 years later.

[diehard67]

astro had an adult body in the 2003 series??????????

[AprilSeven]

In the American dub of the 1980's series, you see the year "2030" display - and this actually makes sense because Tezuka was - at that point - "updating" the series.

When he first created Atom, the story was set 50 years into the future: 2003. So, 50 years forward from 1980 is 2030.

As for Astro growing up / adult body / aging . . . I guess I'm one of the only one's here who thinks it is utterly LOGICAL Astro would WANT to mature along with his human friends.

Think about it:

His intelligence isn't "frozen" at a 9-year-old level

He's made emotional, "human" bonds with people his own age - they are going to be growing up, both intellectually and emotionally as well as physically - and what is Astro going to do? Remain emotionally repressed? I don't think so!

Tenma intended he would grow up. So even if he body "failed" in this function, it doesn't mean his MIND would remain childish.

Does he remain in 4th grade for his entire life? That simply doesn't make sense.

Does he become an adult in child's body? Now THAT seems creepier to me than an adult version of Astro Boy.

I do agree that having a child with Astro's power, morals and wisdom is incredibly appealing, but I personally have always felt he would be just as special as an adult or "old man."

(And yes, I think Astro as a man is HOT 'cause you can still see "little Astro" in his face/eyes). I think the "creepy" factor is because he looks more "naked" as a grown guy with "superhero muscles." So we just need to give him a new "uniform" - I don't think he'd object!

But, 'cmon . . . in a suit?? Yup, I think he's perfect at any age!!

ab_in_suit.jpg (54.76 KiB) Viewed 2740 times

[ASTROBUDDY]

Well now let us see, Astro Boy made his first appearance in the serial, "Ambassador Atom" in 1951, making his first appearance in the strip in July, 1951; 61 years ago. Then the strip changed its name to "Mighty Atom" in April, 1952, and he became the star of the strip and that was 60 years ago. Then in Jan., 1963, his first animated series debuted and that is 49 years ago. So, conclusion as to Astro Boy's real age...Astro Boy is ageless!

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