Astro Boy by Hot Toys 2005

Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atomu which means "Mighty Atom") is a manga and anime series about a robot boy first broadcast in Japan from 1963 to 1966. It is a sci-fi series set in a futuristic world where androids co-exist with humans. Growing up watching Astro Boy on TV, the kid in me just had to get this release by Hot Toys in 2005. It's a very well crafted figure with light-up eyes, chest and boots.

The box is simple enough. Way back then, people had a lot of high hopes/vision of the future coz the box text states that "in 2003, a robot was created" in a future where there were already flying cars. It's now 2008 and we still drive cars on roads and the price of oil/petrol has skyrocketed, along with all basic necessities like rice etc. Not too bright a future if you ask me.

Box flap opens to reveal what you can expect - check out the light-up eyes feature on the box flap.

Tray containing Astro Boy and accessories

Astro Boy, Tetsuwan Atomu.

Astro Boy's light-up eyes - really bright and impressive - activated by flipping a switch on the back of his head.

Astro Boy's chest has a heart that beats too (features blinking lights)

He can "blast off" with the jet propulsions under his boots (simulated by blinking red and yellow lights)

Fully poseable? You tell me.

And here's a screenshot from the upcoming CGI Astro Boy film (scheduled for release in 2009)

Dark Horse Comics published a large format comic book titled "Big Guy and Rusty, the Boy Robot" by Frank Miller and Geof Darrow in 1996, of which the inspiration for Rusty is all too obvious.

There was even an animated series produced by Columbia TriStar Television and Dark Horse Entertainment which aired from 1999 to 2001.

Other Astro Boys posted include:
The Mechablock DX or deluxe version Astro Boy/Tetsuwan Atom by Takara HERE
Flying Astro Boy © NTV, 1981 - link HERE

UPDATE August 24, 2009 - new movie-related Hot Toys MMS109 Astro Boy Preview HERE