Over the last month or so, Madman Entertainment have been asking their fans to vote for their favourite anime releases from the company (Along with other releases which due to their diversity, most likely won’t make it into this top 20) and giving away on-the-spot prizes to those who provided interesting vote justifications. The intention of this is to generate what fans would consider the companies Top 20 series releases. Yesterday we had #20 which was Elfen Lied…. and today we have #19 which has been voted as Astroboy. Given the series age, it goes to show that the series is still relevant and enjoyed by many fans of anime around the ANZ region at least.
The following is the blurb Madman Entertainment provided for this title:
It’s fitting that this great character, created by the “Godfather of Manga”, Osamu Tezuka, should stand the test of time. Its innocence and themes of friendship and acceptance give Astro Boy its heart. He would often make peace with his formidable enemies, and we’d be touched by the struggle to accept people despite our differences. Even if some of us are downtrodden robots.
And who didn’t thrust their arms upward as a kid and triumphantly mimic Astro Boy flying home during the end credits over the classic theme song?
Coupled with amazing powers and determination, Astro was a window into futuristic visions, and the action excited generations, both in the ’60s black and white version, and the ’80s colour cartoon that each, all over the world, introduced so many people to the wonders of anime.
While I have never reviewed the series, Madman does stock both the 1960s and 1980s version in their online store at Madman.com.au. Keep an eye out here or on the Madman Entertainment website for #18 in the Top 20 Madman Anime Titles of All Time as voted by you!
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