Tuesday, April 29, 2008

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

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is by far the most well produced Astro Boy figure I have seen that is really posable. I have the Bandai and Medicom version, they all have their unique feature but this one has it all. How much was it retail when first release?

alex teo said...

Hi Calvin, I think I paid about SGD130 when he first came out. I love his light-up features! Thanks for visiting my blog :)

April said...

hey there!

I'm looking to purchase an astroboy figuring for my boyfriend for xmas.. any idea where can I get something similar in Singapore?

your help is very greatly appreciated! i'm a total noob in this so pls help! if you can pls email me with details!

april
email: april.hoon@gmail.com

alex teo said...

hi april

have you tried China Square Central?

link: http://www.chinasquarecentral.com/retaildir_list.php?display=4

(check out those in the Marsh & McLennan Centre - note opening and closing times)

there are two levels of toy shops there with lots of toys (including astro boy, if i'm not mistaken)

All the BEST :) your boyfriend is a lucky man haha