Astro Boy

Tetsuwan Atom (known as Astro Boy in Taiwan and Little Flying Hero Atom in Hong Kong and Macau; formerly translated as Invincible Little Flying Hero in Hong Kong and Little Warrior by CTS in Taiwan) is a science fiction manga series and the first long-running serialized work by Osamu Tezuka, the founding master of Japanese manga. It was originally serialized in Kobunsha's "Shonen" magazine from 1952 to 1968. The story follows the young android Atom, who is active in the future 21st century for the welfare of humanity. The name "Atom" used for the protagonist in mainland China and Hong Kong versions is a direct transliteration of the Japanese pronunciation "Atom," derived from the English word "Atom," meaning atomic. The series first appeared as a black-and-white television animation in the 1960s, comprising 193 episodes broadcast on Fuji Television in Japan from 1963 to 1966, achieving an average nationwide ratings share of 30%. Subsequently, it was dubbed into English and distributed worldwide. This series was also the first overseas TV anime officially imported into China. It aired prominently on CCTV during the Saturday and Sunday evening slots at 6:30 PM. It was provided free of charge by Casio Corporation on the condition that Casio electronic watch advertisements were bundled with the broadcasts. As a classic work by Japanese manga master Osamu Tezuka, "Astro Boy" pioneered the domestic introduction of overseas TV anime, carrying significance far beyond the work itself. It broadened the horizons of Chinese audiences, marking the beginning of a steady influx of Japanese and Western animated works into the mainland Chinese market...