Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

'Astro boy' and the ethics of technology

2015; Issue: 78 Linguagem: Inglês

1449-857X

Maydia Parry,

Media, Religion, Digital Communication

Beginning in 1952 as a Japanese manga series, 'Astro Boy' has journeyed through time, transforming from a black-and-white animated TV series (1963-1966) to a full-colour, computer-animated 3D action film (David Bowers, 2009). The first 'Astro Boy' TV series was so successful in Japan that it became the first anime series to be broadcast overseas, the English version airing in the United States in 1963. The series was remade in the 1980s in full colour and ran for fifty-two episodes, and it is these with which many teachers will be most familiar. These episodes were an important part of my childhood and those of many others from my generation, for the same timeless reasons that the series still appeals to children today. The protagonist is a child who faces tremendous challenges when trying to fit in, and is therefore a character that many children will be able to relate to on a personal level. This 'misfit' then becomes the hero. When I was in primary school, I aspired not only to be noticed, but also to be admired, and I strongly empathised with those who were slighted because they were different. Astro overcomes the obstacle of prejudice - an uplifting and inspiring message.