Title

Astro Boy

Also known as: Tetsuwan Atom, 鉄腕アトム, Tetsuwan Atomu, Mighty Atom

by Osamu Tezuka

Score from AniList: 70/100finished20 volumes233 chapters

Adventure Mecha Sci-Fi More like Astro Boy

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In the distant year 2003, Japan is a technological utopia, and robots are everywhere. One such robot, Tobio, was built by the brilliant Dr. Tenma to replace his dead son. But when it soon becomes apparent that Tobio is an imperfect copy of his departed child, Dr. Tenma throws him out. He is rescued from the scrap heap by the benevolent Professor Ochanomizu, a crusader for robot civil rights. Now the little robot, renamed Astro Boy, is given a mission to defend Japan and the world from all manner of sinister threats. Using his seven super-abilities and 100,000 horsepower worth of strength to battle evil, Astro hopes to set an example to the world of the good which all robots are capable of. Note: Chapter count only includes chapters from the original 1952 to 1968 serial

Chapters available: 233
Type: Manga

Hoard Verdict

The StoryHoard editorial verdict

★ 4/5

A foundational classic from Tezuka, where a robot built to replace a lost son becomes a hero, and its philosophical edge still lands decades later.

Pros

Timeless, philosophical storytelling
Episodic adventures with real emotional punch

Cons

The art and pacing feel dated to modern readers
The episodic structure can feel uneven

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Read the full take

In the distant year 2003, Japan is a technological utopia, and robots are everywhere. One of them, Tobio, is built by the brilliant Dr. Tenma to replace his dead son. The premise is a classic blend of wonder and melancholy, and the series never loses sight of the question at its heart: what does it mean to be human?The strength is the heart. Tezuka's storytelling is generous and philosophical, and each episode gives the hero room to face moral dilemmas. The sense of wonder in the futuristic world remains striking, and the emotional beats still land decades later.The weaknesses are clear. The art and pacing feel dated to modern readers, and the episodic structure can feel uneven. Readers used to tight serialised plots may find the rhythm unfamiliar.Recommended for readers who want a foundational work of manga history. Read it as a classic and enjoy its timeless questions.