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Astro Bot took the world by storm when it was released back in September of 2024. It is a platformer game that was developed by Team Asobi and was released exclusively for the PlayStation 5. The game is an absolute delight to play and every moment is filled with cute tiny robots waving hi to the players.

Astro Bot’s level design is more engaging than any other platformer game | Image Credits: Sony Interactive Entertainment

The title received universal acclaim from critics and it won the Game of the Year award in 2024. The title sold 1.5 million units within nine weeks of its release and 99% of critics recommended the game. What made Astro Bot this successful and what is Sony planning for the series? Let’s find out.

How Astro Bot captivated its players The game has easter eggs of other PlayStation games | Image Credits: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Astro Bot is a 3D...

Osamu Tezuka reshaped Japanese pop culture with his manga "Astro Boy." In a future world, Japanese science minister Dr. Tenma loses his son Tobio in a car accident. He recreates Tobio as an android, Astro (known as Atom in the original Japanese). The manga is a futuristic reimagining of "Pinocchio" that becomes a superhero story.

You can trace Japan's love affair with robots to "Astro Boy" — modern mecha and shonen manga/anime wouldn't exist without it. Despite being foundational in Japan, Astro Boy isn't much of an icon in the United States. One attempt to import him, a 2009 CGI animated "Astro Boy" picture from Imagi Animation Studios, failed and left Imagi underwater.

Imagi was founded in Hong Kong in 2000, first producing the 2002 CGI cartoon series "Zentrix." In 2007, they secured a three-picture distribution deal with Warner Bros — the first fruit of that deal was the 2007 animated "Tmnt" film. "Tmnt" was a success,...

2009 marked the 13th Anniversary of the Mobile Suit Gundam series, created by the legendary Yoshiyuki Tomino. The director has shaped the mecha anime genre to lengths he doesn’t even acknowledge and refuses to accept his status as an auteur. For this anniversary, he directed Ring of Gundam, a 5-minute special short film made with CGI, introducing a completely new artistic style to the world of Gundam.

Despite taking up the challenge of a CGI style, Tomino’s preference and loyalty always remain with hand-drawn animation. He’s true to his word as he speaks about this in an interview detailing how CGI was a huge challenge for him as the industry at the time hadn’t evolved beyond Pixar’s animation.

Ring of Gundam by Yoshiyuki Tomino. [Credit: Sunrise]

In Tomino’s classic candid fashion, he also criticized an Imagi Animation Studios film, Astro Boy, that came out in the same year.

On Friday November 29 2024, Magnolia broadcasts Human vs Hamster!

Weekend Warriors and Theater Kids Season 1 Episode 3 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Human vs Hamster,” titled “Weekend Warriors and Theater Kids,” promises an exciting mix of competition and creativity. This episode will air on Magnolia and features two unique teams facing off in a challenge that is sure to entertain.

In this episode, the Weekend Warriors and Theater Kids will get a sneak peek at the challenge called “Wiener Takes All.” This challenge seems to be packed with fun and surprises, as both teams prepare to showcase their skills. The Weekend Warriors are known for their competitive spirit, while the Theater Kids bring their flair for drama and performance. It will be interesting to see how these different styles play out in the challenge.

As the episode unfolds, viewers will see Astro, a standout competitor, as he aims to take the lead in the final moments.

The excitement continues in Season 1 Episode 3 of “Human vs Hamster,” titled “Weekend Warriors and Theater Kids.” This episode promises a thrilling mix of fun and competition as two unique teams face off in a challenge that will test their skills and teamwork. The Weekend Warriors, known for their adventurous spirit, will go head-to-head with the creative and dramatic Theater Kids.

In this episode, both teams get a sneak peek at the challenge called “Wiener Takes All.” The stakes are high as they prepare to battle it out for a chance at victory. Viewers can expect plenty of laughs and unexpected twists as the teams navigate the challenge. Astro, the standout competitor, aims to take the lead and secure a win for his team in the final moments of the episode.

With the clock ticking and tensions rising, the episode promises to deliver both heartwarming moments and fierce competition. Fans will...

In Season 1, Episode 2 of Human vs Hamster, airing at 9:00 Pm on Friday, November 22, 2024, on Magnolia, the battle of brains and brawn continues in a series of exciting new challenges. This episode, titled Trivia Kings and Volunteer Queens, sees two teams— the Trivia Kings and Volunteer Queens— face off against some of the sharpest and fastest hamsters around. Astro, Lightning, and Romeo are back in action, and they are joined by returning fan favorite, Kevin.

The competition is fierce as the human teams take on the clever little hamsters in three all-new challenges. Viewers can expect a mix of hilarious moments and surprising twists as the teams try to outsmart and outpace their furry opponents. The playful dynamics between the humans and hamsters add an extra layer of fun to the show, making it a must-watch for fans of quirky, competitive reality TV. Don’t miss this thrilling and funny...

To unlock the Platinum Trophy in Astro Bot, players will need to unlock the secret What a Trip! trophy. This trophy involves defeating seven enemies with the Tripcaster, one of the many weapons available to Aloy, the protagonist of Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West. To unlock this trophy, players must find Aloy in Astro Bot and unlock the Horizon-themed Machine Learning level.

Machine Learning unlocks once players defeat the boss in the Feather Cluster, the last and perhaps least impressive of Astro Bot's five clusters. Other levels based on PlayStation IP do appear, and they all have secret trophies; for instance, the Ape Escape-themed Apes on the Loose level features a secret Golden Butterfly that can be caught. However, the Tripcaster works quite differently in Astro Bot compared to the Horizon games.

How To Defeat Enemies With The Tripcaster In Astro Bot Defeat Seven Enemies And Unlock The What A Trip!

Have you started your journey in Astro Bot and wondered how to beat Specter, the elusive boss? We’ll be giving you all the details you’ll need to deal with this escape artist, as well as how to reach him in this Specter guide!

The level Apes on the Loose pays homage to the 1999 platformer Ape Escape in more ways than just cosmetic appearances. Much of the mission is structured around gameplay similar to the original release and even features a returning antagonist!

How to Reach Specter in Apes on the Loose Astro will need to chase quite a few Apes to get to Specter.

The level starts, as with all other Astro Bot levels, with the player landing in the world using their glider. The landing site itself hints at how bananas the rest of the adventure is going to be. Dealing with some enemies and crossing the bridge,...

Osamu Tezuka is one of the most important persons in the history of Japanese anime, which is defined as all animated content from Japan, and he is regarded as the father of Japanese anime. His works are considered nothing short of legendary and are still used as a source of inspiration for not only modern anime and manga but media in general.

Astro Boy | Credits: Tezuka Productions

He won the right to be called the God of Manga, he popularized genres and revolutionized Japanese animation. A lot of fans consider Tezuka’s works like Astro Boy to be child-friendly or family-friendly content after watching the adaptations but they couldn’t be more wrong, as confirmed by another legendary author, Naoki Urasawa.

The problem with Astro Boy’s anime adaptation Retro Astro Boy | Credits: Tezuka Productions

According to an interview with Crunchyroll in February 2019, 20th Century Boys and Monster author Naoki...

Somehow, in defiance of reason, Astro Bot has been PlayStation’s best kept secret, seemingly only trotted out when Sony has new technology to show off. As far back as 2013’s The Playroom, when the little guy was tasked with acting as a digital concierge for the PlayStation Camera and the DualShock 4 controller on the occasion of the PS4’s release, you knew that he was a superstar in the making. That’s even been the case this gen. Ask PS5 owners if they knew that the system came with a free game installed on the Ssd—the brilliant Astro’s Playroom—and if they actually played it. The yeses are going to be fewer than they should be.

Still, better late than never. As great as Astro’s Playroom was, it’s a mere tech demo compared to what Team Asobi have accomplished with Astro Bot. Here we have...

To unlock The Lost Eggacy trophy in Astro Bot, players must find three hidden Egg Artifacts in Astro Bot's Dude Raiding level. Dude Raiding is a fun Uncharted-themed adventure where Astro explores an ancient jungle temple while wielding Nathan Drake's trusty pistol. This level has plenty of secrets, including bots based on Uncharted characters, Puzzle Pieces, and the Egg Artifacts.

Many of the clusters in Astro Bot feature special end stages inspired by famous PlayStation IP, such as God of War and Horizon. The PlayStation classic Ape Escape even features one of these stages, with players challenged to catch Apes and a special Gold Butterfly. Finding secrets unlocks trophies, so finding the Egg Artifacts is essential for an Astro Bot Platinum trophy.

All Egg Artifact Locations In Astro Bot's Dude Raiding Level How To Find The Three Hidden Eggs

There are three Egg Artifacts hidden in the Dude Raiding level.

One of the titles that Team Asobi has just released is easily nominable as one of the games of the year. Astro Bot revitalizes a previously neglected gaming genre by introducing a wide range of innovative and immensely enjoyable mechanics for 3D platformers.

However, another outstanding feature of this game is its sublime level design, with each level crafted with incredible care and detail to fully take advantage of the DualSense’s features. These are the 11 Astro Bot levels you must play.

11. Trunk of Funk Trunk of Funk is a very musical level with amazing mechanics. Image via InvadeAndRaid YouTube Channel.

Like most of the levels on this list, Trunk of Funk introduces one of the many unique and fun mechanics the game has.

In several of the levels in Team Asobi’s title, the studio implemented power-ups with a time limit to help players get through the level. In this particular level,...

Astro Bot is going to be hitting his training hard when finding all of the Danger Dojo collectible locations. While it may seem like a challenge, we’re here to guide you every step of the way so you come out of this dojo with everything you need to earn that Platinum trophy.

The entire level pays homage to several tropes found in Southeast Asian media, and we will also see the return of some beloved characters. Follow this Danger Dojo collectable locations guide to ensure you recruit every bot to your party!

Danger Dojo Collectible Locations: Bots Bot #1 The first of the many bots in the level can be found right at this gate. | Credits: YouTube – WoW Quests

The first bot can be found right at the start of the level after Astro Bot lands his controller ship. Cross the pond using the lily pads and be wary of...

Astro Bot continues to deliver players a wonderful 3D platformer experience, exclusively on the PlayStation 5. Moving onto the second world, the Tentacle System, there’s a Lost Galaxy portal to find in Downsize Surprise. Enter the portal to unlock Boxel Bust-Up, featuring five bots and two jigsaw pieces.

If you’re having trouble finding the Boxel Bust-Up collectible locations, this guide will help you.

Tip: the level is very open in terms of space. Move the camera around when jumping on a new platform to see if there’s a hidden section tucked away off-screen. In addition, you can always pay 200 coins to the bird to have it alert you when collectibles are nearby after finishing the level once.

How To Unlock Boxel Bust-Up in Astro Bot? You can’t play Lost Galaxy levels until you unlock them. Image Credit: Team Asobi

The first step to finding all the Boxel...

With the positive reception and word of mouth for Team Asobi’s Astro Bot, more and more players are helping Astro rescue its friends. Rescuing bots and claiming puzzle pieces is one of the ways to ensure progression in Astro Bot.

But trying to get all of them on your own can be daunting. If one finds themselves looking for Dashing Dillo Collectible locations, this guide will come in handy to ensure that they leave no collectibles behind.

Astro Bot: Getting to Dashing Dillo Even Astro Bot‘s main menu and level-selection menu are a fun joyride. Image Credits: YouTube | WoW Quests.

Astro Bot is a game that puts fun first and everything else second. Even the game’s main menu is playable and fun to explore. Exploring the array of levels that the game provides is also a fun experience for the player.

RELATEDAstro Bot: Going Loco Collectible Locations

However,...

Has the question of how to beat Captain Shortfuse been knocking about in your head since the release of Astro Bot? Well, look no further, for we are going to give you all the details you need to not only defeat this fiery captain but also to reach him in the safest way possible in this Captain Shortfuse guide.

The level has one very clear obstacle for Astro to consider: the floor is lava. A lot of the enemies in this level also use fire-based attacks, but our little bot will be getting some armor that protects him and also references one of the more iconic bosses from FromSoftware’s early title.

How to Reach Captain Shortfuse? Astro’s new suit can take the heat! | Credits: YouTube – WoW Quests

The level, while not an overt reference, has elements that will remind many players of Demon’s Souls. Astro Bot has...

Without a doubt, Astro Bot has become one of the most remarkable hits of the year for PlayStation. This game is filled with nostalgia, combined with a spectacular level and control design, marking a before and after in the 3D platformer genre that was in much need of a new iconic series.

Like any game of this kind, there are many collectibles to find throughout all its levels. This is a guide on how to locate the 42 bots, 16 puzzle pieces, and two secret locations in the Gorilla Nebula levels of Astro Bot.

Bot 1 Sky Garden first bot location in Astro Bot. Image via PS5Trophies YouTube Channel.

This first little robot appears right after finishing the first scenario. You will encounter a ready-to-collect bot when they explore this initial area, marking the beginning of their journey to gather the remaining collectibles in this first level.

RELATEDAstro Bot: Construction Derby Collectible...

If you’ve been wondering how to beat Uber-Foe in Astro Bot, then you’re in the right place! Not only are we going to give you tips on how to beat it, but we are also going to tell you how to best navigate the Orbital Blitz level in this Uber-Foe guide.

While not a very overt reference, Orbital Blitz makes many a callback to the Wipeout games by way of the discoverable bots hidden throughout the level. However, the subtle reference doesn’t mean the level is any less fun than the others, and the boss helps make it even better!

How to Reach Uber-Foe in Orbital Blitz? Astro’s jaunt through space comes with a personal rocket on his back. | Credits: YouTube – WoW Quests

Astro’s arrival at the level itself will require some adept maneuvering of his glider to ensure he doesn’t get knocked off by the various moving contraptions.

To complete the Dude Raiding level, players need to know how to beat Chief Cawah in Astro Bot and get away with the Mothership’s Gpu. The entire level is one of the more fast-paced ones and even borrows some cinematic moments from the title it’s referencing.

A game like Astro Bot would have been incomplete without a reference to Uncharted, and Team Asobi has knocked it out of the park with this level. Not only is the environment perfect for such an experience, but the developers took it one step further and even added some gunplay!

How to Reach Chief Cawah in Astro Bot’s Dude Raiding You won’t get a moment’s peace when Dude Raiding with Astro. | Credits: YouTube – WoW Quests

Given the level is heavily based on Uncharted, the player first lands in a jungle environment, surrounded by ruins and swamps. The action begins soon after,...

Fans of the Horizon series could predict how to beat Blunderjaw. But, for those facing defeat against this tyrant of a machine, this Blunderjaw guide should be all you need to hit the target every time!

This boss can be found at the Machine Learning level in Astro Bot. The entire level is designed to resemble the settings and locales of the Horizon Zero Dawn and Forbidden West series, and the boss at the end also functions similarly to those machines!

How to Reach the Blunderjaw in Machine Learning Astro Bot‘s homage to Horizon is a beautiful and engaging level. | Credits: YouTube – WoW Quests

As Astro Bot glides into the level, those familiar with the Horizon games are already going to spot many references. We see Tallneck striders and also the iconic Golden Gate Bridge location that the player finds in the second title by Guerilla Games. But those...

This guide will deal with how to beat Djinny of The Lamp appearing in Astro Bot‘s Feather Cluster Galaxy. Users are suggested to don some headcloth as things are about to get dusty for a while now.

Astro Bot will have to navigate through a desert. There will come a few instances when the character will have to show his balancing skills while walking on a rope.

Where Can We Find the Djinny of the Lamp? Users will find the Lamp sitting in front of the castle. Credits: WoW Quests on YouTube

Unlike the fight with Wako Tako, users will find themselves surrounded by a desert. Upon landing on the planet, giving off those ancient Arabic vibes, our character will find himself in the middle of a desert with a few muddy huts and a castle in its sight.

A rope magician is sitting in the beginning with a...

Has the question of how to beat Tama Trio in Astro Bot been keeping you awake at night? We’ve got you covered, and we’ll do you one better. We’ll even tell you how to navigate the jungle-themed level and take out this stacked boss.

Trunk of Funk has some very interesting design choices, as most of the level occurs inside and around a massive tree. Astro will also get to use a new gadget that should help with platforming, and we’ll be going over that in this Tama Trio guide.

How to Reach the Tama Trio Boss Fight The journey to the Tama Trio begins inside this tree. | Credits: YouTube – Gamerpillar

Before you can engage with the three avian bosses, you’ll first need to get to their location. They are found at the top of a massive tree, but Astro Bot won’t spot this...

Wondering how to beat Nidhog, the charging boar in Astro Bot? Well, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know, and also how to reach him in the first place! The game is a great trip down memory lane for fans of PlayStation IPs, and this level references one of the most iconic franchises from the company.

The level design is intended to reflect the frigid north and is a reference to Santa Monica’s most famous IP. Astro will be traversing some tough terrain, but he will have help from a former deity who will let him wield his iconic weapon.

How to Reach Nidhog in Astro Bot? Learning how to throw the axe is important to know how to beat Nidhog. | Credits: YouTube – KingAlexHD

This boss can be found in the Bot of War level, and the name itself is a very clear reference to God of War.

Astro Bot has floored the world and is a hit right now. Players recently found even more things to love about the game from one of its many cameos. Amidst the joy of collecting bots and navigating quirky platformer levels, fans found a surprise.

Could this little platformer be Game of The Year? | Image Credit: Team Asobi

Players can find all sorts of cameos of characters from PlayStation and other games in Astro Bot. And one that fans are talking about is the cat from BlueTwelve Studio’s award-winning game, Stray.

Astro Bot Is Such a Big Hit You Can’t Even Hate It

Astro Bot, developed by Sony’s Team Asobi, is a 3D platformer that feels like a love letter to fans of the genre and of PlayStation. The game offers players the chance to explore 80 levels across 50 planets, all while controlling the adorable robot protagonist, Astro.

No way is that pic.

Ever since that fateful day the little robotic community found their ship in ruins, Astro and his pals have been on quite a journey. Scattered across the galaxy by the nefarious plant that laid their home to waste, the bots of Team Asobi’s games past needed rescuing. And rescue them, Astro did, in the latest adventure from the development group behind some of PlayStation’s most innovative tech demos.

More than just a retrieval mission, though, Astro Bot took players on a tour through PlayStation’s past. The bots waiting to be saved weren’t just any bots—they were old friends, faces that have long been part of our gaming lives. Spyro puffed smoke while Crash spun into a ball, and others popped up from even deeper in the catalog, rare sights for eyes accustomed only to more modern mascots. Joining Astro across varied worlds that spanned eras,...

If we talk about the best games of 2024, then Astro Bot easily comes out among the top spots. This game is a sequel to the 2020 title, Astro’s Playroom, and overall the third game in the series. On the occasion of PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, this game has been released on September 6, 2024, on PS5.

Astro Bot is a PlayStation 5 exclusive title. | Credit: Team Asobi.

After the release of this 3D platformer, fans have gone into an absolute frenzy. With the cute little character and aspects of many other PlayStation titles, this game has won everyone’s hearts. Interestingly, this new game shares an uncanny similarity with another Sony title of 2018. And with that, many fans have come to a similar conclusion.

Astro Bot and God of War – Both on the Same Score on Metacritic

God of War is one of the most successful titles on PlayStation. This game garnered a...

There’s a lot of pressure associated with being the face of a brand. For Nintendo fans, new Super Mario releases are expected to be the crème de la crème of gaming; it’s the flagship franchise that sets the standard to meet for everyone else. For others like PlayStation? Well, that’s trickier.

Since its introduction in 1994, Sony PlayStation has had a revolving door of mascots that have mostly come and gone like a generational flash in the pan. It began with Crash Bandicoot, whose satirical ads mocked Nintendo,...

Astro Bot has yet to release on the PlayStation 5, but developer Team Asobi seems confident that the plucky mascot will return for another game. While it's impossible to gauge the success of a video before its launch, it's good to know that the team behind one of the most anticipated PS5 exclusives of 2024 is so confident in the project. Astro Bot may have started out as a small Psvr character, but he's quickly becoming an icon worthy of mascots like Kratos and Ratchet & Clank.

On X (formerly Twitter), user Genki_JPN shared a leaked list of every Trophy included in Astro Bot, calling attention to the description for the Platinum: "Earned all Trophies. Well done and see you in Astro's next adventure!"

Astro Bots trophy list hints at Astro Bot sequel! #AstroBotPlatinum Trophy: Earned all Trophies. Well done and see you in Astro's next adventure!https://t.

A list of Astro Bot trophies and descriptions has been revealed, and they uncover some details about how PlayStation cameos will be utilized. The upcoming game will include over 150 PlayStation characters, and this time, it seems that the titular robot Astro will be able to interact with them in a variety of ways.

The full trophy list, posted on Exophase, consists of 44 total trophies. Several of the trophies reference PlayStation characters using puns and descriptions with clever turns of phrase. It looks like Astro Bot will have players dancing, fighting, taking photos, and interacting in other ways with robotic versions of some well-known PlayStation characters, locations, and items.

Related Astro Bot: Release Date, Gameplay, New Bosses, & Confirmed Cameos

Astro is finally getting a full-length game with his upcoming platforming adventure, Astro Bot, coming exclusively to the PlayStation 5.

Astro Bot Will Have Players Dancing With Crash Bandicoot & Fighting With Horizon Weapons...

Astro Bot is taking advantage of the PlayStation 5's innovative DualSense controller with unique gameplay mechanics. The game's creators are dedicated to maximizing player interaction with the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers of the controller. Astro has quickly become a major character for PlayStation, with the new game set to impress fans with its innovative use of the DualSense.

The PlayStation 5 is already known for having one of the most innovative controllers on the market in the form of the DualSense but one upcoming game is planning on taking the mechanics that made the gamepad so popular and making them even more exciting. Given the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, it seems a shame that not too many Aaa games have managed to fully utilize the power of the DualSense controller to make some truly memorable experiences. Fortunately, PlayStation's new mascot is looking to change up the game for everyone.

Have you ever noticed how Tommy from Rugrats sounds just like one of the Powerpuff Girls? Or that Scooby-Doo and Astro from The Jetsons speak very similar dog languages?

Hollywood’s voice-acting community is full of really talented people who can churn out a bunch of different voices, but that doesn’t mean they don’t occasionally have characters that end up sounding exactly alike (it doesn’t help that this group of performers is relatively small).

To that end, here are 10 sets of cartoon characters whose voices are practically interchangeable…

10 Scooby-Doo and Astro

The Jetsons, which debuted as a prime-time show in 1962, is considered a classic today, but it didn’t gain that status until the 1980s when it re-debuted on Saturday mornings with new episodes. And so, when Scooby-Doo came along in 1969, six years after The Jetsons was canceled, voice actor Don Messick thought nothing of re-using Astro...

Sony is addressing the lack of variety in Aaa releases with Astro Bot, a platformer with Aaa production quality. Astro Bot promises over 50 planets to explore, diverse gameplay mechanics, and engaging combat with alien rivals. Sony aims to set a new standard by creating original and immersive gaming experiences on PlayStation 5.

There has been a distinct lack of variety in the releases for PlayStation 5 games, but it's indicative of a larger problem with Aaa releases. Aaa games are arriving on schedule and are reaching new levels of fame, as seen as recently as Baldur's Gate 3. However, despite the positive feedback a lot of studios are receiving, there still seems to be an overlooked genre that many people are clamoring for.

Games that would fall under genres like collect-a-thon, platformer, and couch co-op are slowly fading away or are reserved for indie developers, with the primary industry focus shifting from pioneering...

On Thursday, Sony’s State of Play livestream teased out all the company’s gaming plans for the rest of 2024.

It was mostly a letdown.

Outside of a few updates on remakes like Silent Hill 2, remasters like Until Dawn, and a PC port of God of War: Ragnarök, there were only a handful of new games to show off, the biggest of which was Firewalk Studios’ Concord, a new multiplayer shooter whose CGI-only trailer failed to show players much gameplay, leaving audiences mostly confused as to what the game really is.

Warning: Contains spoilers for chapter #420 of My Hero Academia.

Chapter #420 of My Hero Academia features a poignant reference to the author's canceled series Barrage. Barrage's failure shaped Horikoshi's approach to writing My Hero Academia. My Hero Academia emerged stronger from Barrage's mistakes, shaping the series' success.

My Hero Academia just made the most heartbreaking callback to the author's old canceled series with a genius hidden cameo. The latest chapter features many interesting developments as All For One has returned for one last bout but hidden between the exciting action is a subtle yet touching reference to one of Kohei Horikoshi's older works which was unfortunately discontinued.

In chapter #420, Aizawa returns to the Evacuation center to gather the heroes there as backup before heading to the battlefield when a random young boy asks to join the fight, claiming he too is a hero, even though he may be a nobody.

Ghibli-like anime series are expanded and condensed into episodic TV formats, but replicating Miyazaki's traditional animation style is nearly impossible. Many anime series share themes and elements with Ghibli films, such as nature, environmental awareness, and pre-adolescent innocence. Though no TV series can fully replicate Ghibli's animation, efforts are made to create beautiful limited-style animation using techniques like "Sakuga."

The best Ghibli-like anime series carry with them the grandeur of a Miyazaki film, but are expanded and then condensed into an episodic TV medium. However, this is an impossible task because of Miyazaki’s preference towards the traditional animation style called “manga eiga,” “eiga” meaning movie in Japanese, and the phrase referring to the level of detail in each frame of animation resembling the panels of manga in motion. Prominent anime scholar Thomas Lamarre works extensively with this concept.

Although Ghibli films utilize the full animation style of the manga...

Astro Boy's optimistic and hopeful personality shines through in Netflix's Pluto adaptation, appealing to both new and old fans. The series successfully updates Astro Boy for modern audiences, capturing his iconic attributes while introducing him to a new generation. Despite the darker themes of Pluto, Astro Boy remains relatable and kid-friendly, providing hope and inspiration to children everywhere.

With the premiere of Netflix's anime adaptation of Naoki Urasawa's Pluto, Astro Boy returns to the small screen once again, but like so many anime characters who existed before the turn of the century, there's always the question of whether it's possible to meld his traditional persona and mindset with today's sensibilities. Moreover, with so many new anime characters, there's the additional question of whether it's necessary to bring back a classic character at all. In regards Astro Boy, the answer to both questions is yes – and the anime...

Netflix's Pluto is a reboot of the popular manga series by Naoki Urasawa, and has proven itself to be an adaptation that rivals the quality of the original work. Based on a story arc from Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy, Naoki Urasawa expanded upon the original story's perspective and adds a mystery element, making it more interesting and captivating. The anime adaptation of Pluto refines the story, with stunning art, a powerful soundtrack, and thought-provoking discussions about human-robot relationships.

One of the main source matrials for anime is manga, which is the case for Netflix's new series Pluto. However, the adaption of Pluto is a bit different from other anime, as it is a reboot of the popular manga series of the same title, that is a reboot of a chapter of the original Astro Boy manga. Comparatively speaking, Netflix's Pluto is the best version of the three.

Pluto...

Osamu Tezuka's "Astro Boy" birthed manga, and in turn, anime, as we know these mediums today. Manga author Naoki Urasawa has said that the "Astro Boy" arc "The Greatest Robot on Earth" was the first comic he ever read. Enter "Pluto," Urasawa's reimagining of that story, now adapted itself into an anime mini-series distributed by Netflix.

I'm only tangentially familiar with Tezuka's original manga, essentially a sci-fi "Pinocchio." In a futuristic world where robots are commonplace, young Tobio Tenma dies in a car crash. So, his scientist father creates a robotic replicant of his son. The result is the android superhero Astro Boy. "Pluto" fills in the basics of this backstory but doesn't dwell on them, for "Atom" is just one player in a larger story.

Across the world, someone is killing both the most advanced robots and the human scientists who built or advocated for them. At the...

While Pluto, which will be airing on Netflix this month, is based on Usamu Tezuka's Astro Boy, one does not need prior knowledge of the classic manga to enjoy its reinterpretation. Pluto's familiar story beats only serve as a jumping-off point to create an expanded world that pays homage to, but is not reliant on, the older manga. This should prevent some headaches for those who fear needing to binge a story decades old.

Pluto reimagines the "Greatest Robot on Earth" story arc of Astro Boy, turning the rollicking robot adventure into a moody murder mystery full of twists and turns. As such, Atom, Ochanomizu, Tenma, and others appear with little introduction. Yet even though Pluto reuses the same bones as Tezuka's story, both the manga and the upcoming anime can both be followed with little trouble, regardless of the familiar faces.

Related: Netflix's Devil May Cry Anime Looks...

Warning: This article contains Spoilers for Power Rangers Cosmic Fury.

The Power Rangers Cosmic Fury series incorporates original footage and costumes but stays true to the Super Sentai in terms of Zords and Megazords. The Cosmic Fury team experiences a change in powers, resulting in the replacement of their original Dino Fury Zords and costumes. Notable Zords in Cosmic Fury include the Cosmic Lion, Wolf, Bull, Chameleon, Shark, Dragon, Scorpion, and Eagle. Additionally, iconic Megazords such as Astro, Galaxy, Ninja Blaze, and Beast-x appeared.

The Power Rangers Cosmic Fury Zords and Megazords, most of which come from Uchu Sentai Kyuranger, made the newest Power Rangers series even cooler. Adapting the Super Sentai mechas into Zords and Megazords is part of Power Rangers’ charm, and this tradition has continued interruptedly since 1993’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Cosmic Fury had a significant amount of original footage and even featured original Power Rangers costumes,...

As anime's popularity has increased worldwide, content creators have moved to tap into its commercial success by expanding the stories' original boundaries through spinoffs focused on characters or issues that initially were not contemplated as being very interesting, but later captured the hearts and minds of the fan base.

Naturally, lacking the initial influence and attractiveness of the original anime, as well as the critical eye of the fan base that has become experts in the style, feel, and history of its predecessor, it's not easy for a spinoff to advance out of the original series' shadow. However, that doesn't mean that this is an impossible feat. Here are ten great anime spinoffs that managed to do that.

Pluto

Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagaki's manga series Pluto takes Astro Boy's "The Greatest Robot on Earth" arc and transforms it from an exciting robot versus robot challenge into a gripping...

In many forms of media, pacifists wind up being some of the strongest characters in a cast, and anime is no exception. The oldest styles of martial arts, such as kung fu and karate, came into being not as methods of attack or even, strictly, self-defense. They were intended to train a healthy body and a disciplined mind, and were largely spiritual: many practitioners viewed it as a source of shame to have to fight at all. But that didn’t mean they couldn’t handily defend themselves or others if they had to.

Pacifism is the practice of observing nonviolent solutions to problems, which can often be misconstrued as weakness. This is especially noteworthy in some of the best shounen anime, where power in battle and willingness to fight is everything for most heroes. However, the best and strongest pacifists in anime take it all in stride: not only do they have world-destroying strength,...

With Spy x Family's second season on the horizon and Buddy Daddies entering the fray as well, fans in the mood for upbeat humor and heartwarming slice-of-life scenarios have plenty of new favorites.

Whether the reader is a young fan just starting who can relate more to younger characters, or an older fan looking for a mood lightener after finishing a bleak seinen, there are plenty of manga featuring adorable kid protagonists navigating life with their friends and family.

Sweetness And Lightning

In one of the best anime about parenting, based on an equally good manga, newly widowed father Kouhei is struggling to balance work and raising his young daughter. One of the skills he most needs to work at is cooking, which he learns with the help of his student Kotori, a chef’s daughter.

Tsumugi gets just as much of a spotlight as the adults in the series.

This article contains Peacemaker spoilers.

One of the strengths of James Gunn’s delightful HBO Max series Peacemaker has been its cast, and one of the breakout actors on the show has been Chukwudi Iwuji, who’s portrayed the original character Clemson Murn, leader of the black ops Project Butterfly team and, as it turns out, an alien butterfly himself. Iwuji is a veteran actor who has worked primarily on the British stage, with a number of forays into TV and film, but Peacemaker is perhaps his most high-profile mainstream project to date.

Until his next one, that is. Coming off his work on Peacemaker (which came to an end in Episode 7 with Murn’s death at the hands of his fellow butterflies), Iwuji was cast by Gunn for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which is currently filming. In typical Marvel Studios fashion, however, the name of Iwuji’s character has not been revealed.

WarnerMedia has bolstered its Asian original production teams in advance of the launch of HBO Max in the region, with three hires made in Singapore and India.

In Singapore, the U.S. giant has signed Mark Francis as Group Lead of Production & Development (Scripted and Unscripted) and Wee Shi Ming as Lead of Entertainment Content Acquisition for North Asia content.

Former Astro Head of Ott Content Francis will lead a regional team to develop Asian “Max Originals” as the streamer continues to ramp up its non-u.S. content offering.

Meanwhile, Saugata Mukherjee, a former SonyLiv and Disney exec, becomes Head of Content – Entertainment, India, a newly-created role based in Mumbai that will see him commission local originals and acquire cross-genre Indian content.

Francis and Shi Ming report into Magdalene Ew, WarnerMedia’s Head of Content – Entertainment for Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong, while Mukherjee reports into Clement Schwebig, Managing Director of India,...

Terence Wilson, a founding member of British reggae band UB40 who was best known by his stage name, “Astro,” has died after a short illness, his current band confirmed.

“We are absolutely devastated and completely heartbroken to have to tell you that our beloved Astro has today passed away after a very short illness,” a statement on Ali Campbell and Astro’s Twitter account said on Saturday. “The world will never be the same without him.” UB40 formed in Birmingham in the late 1970s, with Wilson a part of the group for more than 30 years. During his tenure, they had the hits “Red Red Wine” and “(I Can’t Help) Falling In Love.”

Wilson left the band to join breakaway group “UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro” in 2013.

The band was a popular attraction on the club and shed level touring circuit. They dealt with social and political issues in their songs,...

Sony’s wildly successful PlayStation 5 reveal stream has come and gone, but fans are still reeling from what was arguably one of the best gaming events in recent memory. We got a look at 26 exciting new titles coming to the hardware, some of which we can even expect at or around launch. Among those announced games were an unexpected lot of vibrant platforming efforts like Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, Kena: Bridge of Spirits and Astro’s Playroom, all of which look absolutely stellar.

Astro’s Playroom, in particular, really stuck out to some viewers thanks to its colorful environments and classic platforming gameplay. Sony’s adorable robot mascot most recently starred in one of the most enjoyable Vr games ever released, Astrobot: Rescue Mission, a cute little Psvr adventure that showed how Vr could take an old concept and expand on it in brilliant and...

At the beginning of Wednesday’s ninth episode of “The Masked Singer,” four costumed celebrities from Group C still remained in the competition: Astronaut, Night Angel, Rhino and T-Rex. Each singer gave it their all on the stage, but at the end of the hour one contestant received the lowest number of votes and had to unmask in front of America. Did panelists Robin Thicke, Nicole Scherzinger, Jenny McCarthy, Ken Jeong or guest judge Will Arnett (“Lego Masters”) correctly guess this week’s secret identity? What about You at home?

SEEAre ‘The Masked Singer’ celebrity contestants lip-syncing or singing live?

Below, read our minute-by-minute “The Masked Singer” recap of Season 3, Episode 9, titled “Old Friends, New Clues: Group C Championships,” to find out what happened Wednesday, March 25 at 8:00 p.m. Et/Pt. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite costumed celebs on Fox’s reality TV show,...

The Jetsons: The Complete Original Series

Blu ray

Warner Archive

1962/ 1.33:1 / 629 min.

Starring George O’Hanlon, Penny Singleton

Directed by William Hanna, Joseph Barbera

In 1962 Kennedy’s New Frontier was in full effect – the country was still celebrating John Glenn’s heroics and Disney’s Tomorrowland had proved so popular it tacked on a monorail. Flush with the success of The Flintstones, Hanna-Barbara decided it was high time for The Jetsons, a space age sit-com set in a cartoon Utopia. Premiering on a Sunday night in the fall of ‘62 it was the first animated program to be broadcast in color, an eye-popping upgrade that only enhanced the show’s futuristic appeal.

The Flintstones owed its inspiration solely to The Honeymooners but The Jetsons relied on a long line of family-centric fare from The Life of Riley to Make Room for Daddy. The chief cook and bottle-washer was George Jetson, an...

Born in Jakarta, Mouly Surya is considered one of the most promising female filmmakers in Indonesia. After graduating from Swinburne University, Melbourne with a BA in Media and Literature, Surya obtained an Ma in Film and Television from Bond University, Queensland. In addition to making films, she also taught a directing class in Jakarta. Her debut film, “Fiksi”, won numerous awards including Best Director at Jiffest 2008. It premiered internationally at the 13th Busan International Film Festival.

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“What they don’t talk about when they talk about love” (2013) was her second feature. Before its theatrical run in Indonesia, the film screened at various international film festivals including the Sundance Ff, the Hawaii Ff and Karlovy Vary Ff, among others. The film received the Netpac Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in the Netherlands, was nominated for Best Feature Film at the 2013 Maya Awards, and was also nominated for Favorite Film at the 2014 Indonesian Movie Awards.