Pluto revives the essence of Astro Boy on Netflix this October (anime: trailer).
Well now, fellow SFcrowsnest anime enthusiasts. Let’s gather ’round the screen because our anime-loving senses are tingling. Netflix, our sometimes beloved streaming giant, has just dropped a bombshell on us, and boy, is it explosive. Have you heard? Pluto is coming to town, and if you’ve been living under an anime rock, it’s time to pop out!
Imagine this: A world where robots and humans coexist peacefully. Sounds like your everyday sci-fi, right? Nope, think again. We’re suddenly jolted into a murder mystery where robots aren’t supposed to kill humans, yet someone (or something) did just that. Enter our robotic hero, Gesicht, from Europol, trying to solve a crime where the only clue is… no human presence. Talk about flipping the script!
But what makes Pluto so darn special? For starters, the mastermind behind this is none other than Naoki Urasawa. You know, the genius behind the acclaimed anime Monster? He took the mantle of the legendary Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy and gave it a fresh coat of paint. With the blessings of Tezuka’s son, Macoto, he’s created an award-winning series that dives deep into post-war PTSD, mixed in with an anti-war message. And can we just appreciate the fabulous Takashi Nagasaki for a moment? His belief that Pluto carries Tezuka’s philosophy forward, highlighting the message of peace, even when surrounded by suffering, is truly heartwarming.
Now, I can hear the purists saying, “But the manga ended 14 years ago!” Fear not, fellow otakus, Netflix’s teaser already offers a feast for the senses. Gesicht is all about the action, confronting a rogue robot and later, the imposing figure of Pluto. And let’s not forget that heartwarming glimpse of Astro Boy (or Atom) and his sister Uran. Oh, the nostalgia!
The premise is intriguing, as it’s based on Tezuka’s “The Greatest Robot on Earth” arc from 1964. Robots and humans, after surviving the brutality of war, have finally come to a harmonious existence. But when a series of murders shatter this peace, our hero Gesicht is on the case. The stakes? High! With robots and humans who uphold the Robot Laws being targeted, the pressure is on for Gesicht to crack the case before the clock runs out. The animation? Stellar. All thanks to Studio M2’s handiwork and the collaborative effort of Genco and Tezuka Productions. And can we talk about the cast for a second? Shinshu Fuji is voicing our lead Gesicht! Remember him from Blade Runner: Black Lotus and Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin I? Yep, him! Then there’s the legendary Atom voiced by the talented Yōko Hikasa and Minori Suzuki taking on the role of Uran.
Word on the street is that there’s so much content to cover that Netflix might grace us with multiple seasons. Fingers crossed that the first season is a smashing success, so we get more of this anime goodness.
All in all, clear out your calendar for October 26th 2023. Pluto is landing on Netflix, and we’re all in for a treat. The age-old tale of robots, humans, and the blurred lines in between is about to get a fresh spin, and you wouldn’t want to miss it. Until next time, keep those anime glasses on, and may the Otaku force be with you.
