Mighty Atom (TV series)

Mighty Atom, also known as Astro Boy in English-speaking territories, refers primarily to the animated television series adaptations of Osamu Tezuka's manga of the same name. There have been multiple Mighty Atom TV series produced over the decades, each adapting and reinterpreting Tezuka's original work to varying degrees.

The first Mighty Atom television series, broadcast in Japan from 1963 to 1966, is considered a landmark achievement and one of the earliest examples of modern Japanese animation (anime). Created by Mushi Productions, it was the first Japanese animated series to embrace a consistent animation style and production pipeline, significantly influencing subsequent anime productions. This series featured black-and-white animation and presented a largely faithful adaptation of the original manga stories about Astro Boy, a powerful robot boy created to replace a deceased son and who fights for justice and peace between humans and robots.

A second Mighty Atom television series was produced in color and broadcast in Japan from 1980 to 1981. This version featured updated animation and character designs, presenting a slightly altered but recognizable retelling of Astro Boy's adventures. While popular, it did not achieve the same level of cultural impact as the original 1960s series.

In 2003, a third Astro Boy animated series was produced. This series was a modern reimagining of the character and his world, utilizing contemporary animation techniques and exploring themes relevant to the 21st century. It aimed to introduce Astro Boy to a new generation of viewers while retaining the core essence of Tezuka's original creation.

The different Mighty Atom (Astro Boy) television series represent the enduring legacy of Osamu Tezuka's creation and its continuing relevance in popular culture. Each series offers a unique interpretation of the iconic character and his world, reflecting the changing times and technological advancements in animation.