Astro Boy is NOT the same as Tetsuwan Atom

[Toshio Tenma]

As everyone knows, Tetsuwan Atom is know overseas as "Astro Boy". However, rather than be a fully translatated version of Tetsuwan Atom, Astro Boy is actually just a watered down version of the later. The reasons for it vary, but the censure is mainly involved in the quality of the series while dubbed outside Asia which make the series have several re-scripts and even changes in the characters personalities. Not just that, but also episodes and characters backgrounds are re-scripted and at times omitted entirelly. Astro Boy 1963 was one of the earliest example of what happen with an anime dubbed in the western world with countless of name changes which are mainly puns like "Dr. Boynton" and as well unoriginal and misleading names like "Astro Girl". The original dub is rather famous, but pales in comparison with Tezuka's original work and not all of the episodes were dubbed during the time of it's broadcast and it's final episode was banned. The 1980 dub was more faithful to the original story, but then again name changes are here and there, though Uran retained her original name. However her own theme song was omitted from the dub (there are rumours that it was recorded, but never used). The 1980 dub had omitted the story of the child Atlas due the violence, however it caused a continuity confusion since it became impossible to show the motivations behind Atlas' crimes. Luckilly, the 1980 dub was released in DVD with the removed scenes as extras, however the original japanese version can be watched for free in viki channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=esbPHb… The worst case of adaption still lies in Astro Boy 2003 series which much of the script was changed, with incorrect order of episodes (which doesn't respect the story arks and neither the introduction of new powers and new abilities) and brutal changes in the characters background and personalities. For example, Astro have a slightly rude speech to the point of saying silly jokes and he as well says robot like stuff as seem in the episode 23 (which is actually episode 13) where he learns that he'll have a sibling and ask if it's something to be installed. In the original story, Atom is more human like than his western counterpart and speaks more naturally, he even shows to be really looking forward to meet his newly born sister Uran. The dub of the 2003 had several scenes removed, since the writters wanted to tone down the emotion (removing the mention of death and also cute scenes), however it caused issues in the story quality wich became vague. Details about Tobio's death were omitted and the origin of Atlas was modified to make the character became just a robot, however it's not canon as Atlas origin is mentioned in the Quiz Game found in Astro Boy 2004 for Playstation 2. The changes of the script made vague the motivation of Dr. Tokugawa and why he wanted Dr. Tenma's help so much. In the original, he tells Dr. Tenma that he had helped with research funds and the later was the only one who could help him since Daichi had died in an accident and Dr. Tenma was the only one capable of creating a replacement son which was a 'miracle' which the later did in the past. Atlas in the dub calls Astro as his "little brother", while in the original series he doesn't consider Atom to be his brother at all. Also the conflict between Atlas and Mr. Tokugawa was much deeper in the original series since Daichi was the son of Mr. Tokugawa who lacked the love of his father, but at same time still loved him. The relationship between Zoran and Pluto was sudden and vague, since the writters skipped to the scene which Pluto appeared when Zoran was already in the forest. The original shows that Uran was playing in the forest and singing with the animals. That was the reason which Pluto wanted to speak with her while he was in his way to Dr. Ochanomizu's house. The fact which Tobio's death was never shown, it became vague why Dr. Tenma was so obsessed with Astro and why Astro had memories of Tobio. While in the original, Tobio's death is tould by Dr. Ochanomizu in Episode 7, Atom vs Atlas. The dub considering it's flaws and omitted character backgrounds should not be considered as the ultimate source of information, since the dub mainly deceive the viewer and do not show the original message given by Tezuka. It's really a pity that we from the western world are unable to have everything translated faithfully, all what we have are just adapted material with re-scripted stories and omission of information. Due the attitude of the dub, several stories and even specials related to Tetsuwan Atom never got released overseas. Most of everything which we know about Tetsuwan Atom while watching through it's dubbed version is nothing, but a lie... The fans should not give so much credit for the dubbed version of Tetsuwan Atom, after all they're being deceived for years...

[Galvatron]

As everyone knows, Tetsuwan Atom is know overseas as "Astro Boy". However, rather than be a fully translatated version of Tetsuwan Atom, Astro Boy is actually just a watered down version of the later. The reasons for it vary, but the censure is mainly involved in the quality of the series while dubbed outside Asia which make the series have several re-scripts and even changes in the characters personalities. Not just that, but also episodes and characters backgrounds are re-scripted and at times omitted entirelly. Astro Boy 1963 was one of the earliest example of what happen with an anime dubbed in the western world with countless of name changes which are mainly puns like "Dr. Boynton" and as well unoriginal and misleading names like "Astro Girl". The original dub is rather famous, but pales in comparison with Tezuka's original work and not all of the episodes were dubbed during the time of it's broadcast and it's final episode was banned. The 1980 dub was more faithful to the original story, but then again name changes are here and there, though Uran retained her original name. However her own theme song was omitted from the dub (there are rumours that it was recorded, but never used). The 1980 dub had omitted the story of the child Atlas due the violence, however it caused a continuity confusion since it became impossible to show the motivations behind Atlas' crimes. Luckilly, the 1980 dub was released in DVD with the removed scenes as extras, however the original japanese version can be watched for free in viki channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=esbPHb… The worst case of adaption still lies in Astro Boy 2003 series which much of the script was changed, with incorrect order of episodes (which doesn't respect the story arks and neither the introduction of new powers and new abilities) and brutal changes in the characters background and personalities. For example, Astro have a slightly rude speech to the point of saying silly jokes and he as well says robot like stuff as seem in the episode 23 (which is actually episode 13) where he learns that he'll have a sibling and ask if it's something to be installed. In the original story, Atom is more human like than his western counterpart and speaks more naturally, he even shows to be really looking forward to meet his newly born sister Uran. The dub of the 2003 had several scenes removed, since the writters wanted to tone down the emotion (removing the mention of death and also cute scenes), however it caused issues in the story quality wich became vague. Details about Tobio's death were omitted and the origin of Atlas was modified to make the character became just a robot, however it's not canon as Atlas origin is mentioned in the Quiz Game found in Astro Boy 2004 for Playstation 2. The changes of the script made vague the motivation of Dr. Tokugawa and why he wanted Dr. Tenma's help so much. In the original, he tells Dr. Tenma that he had helped with research funds and the later was the only one who could help him since Daichi had died in an accident and Dr. Tenma was the only one capable of creating a replacement son which was a 'miracle' which the later did in the past. Atlas in the dub calls Astro as his "little brother", while in the original series he doesn't consider Atom to be his brother at all. Also the conflict between Atlas and Mr. Tokugawa was much deeper in the original series since Daichi was the son of Mr. Tokugawa who lacked the love of his father, but at same time still loved him. The relationship between Zoran and Pluto was sudden and vague, since the writters skipped to the scene which Pluto appeared when Zoran was already in the forest. The original shows that Uran was playing in the forest and singing with the animals. That was the reason which Pluto wanted to speak with her while he was in his way to Dr. Ochanomizu's house. The fact which Tobio's death was never shown, it became vague why Dr. Tenma was so obsessed with Astro and why Astro had memories of Tobio. While in the original, Tobio's death is tould by Dr. Ochanomizu in Episode 7, Atom vs Atlas. The dub considering it's flaws and omitted character backgrounds should not be considered as the ultimate source of information, since the dub mainly deceive the viewer and do not show the original message given by Tezuka. It's really a pity that we from the western world are unable to have everything translated faithfully, all what we have are just adapted material with re-scripted stories and omission of information. Due the attitude of the dub, several stories and even specials related to Tetsuwan Atom never got released overseas. Most of everything which we know about Tetsuwan Atom while watching through it's dubbed version is nothing, but a lie... The fans should not give so much credit for the dubbed version of Tetsuwan Atom, after all they're being deceived for years...

Your Right Toshio. Animes like "Tetsuwan Atom" gets revamped and changes in the stories that it dosn't give the exact truth about the characters and events that had happen and why. Even other Animes like "Fist of the North Star"; Dragon Ball series; Sailor Moon has changes in their stories. Which alot of cases I Read the Mangas then looking at the Animes cause they give you more details on stories.

[Gamer251]

Tetsuwa Atom is DEFINITELY different that AstroBoy, the same that Dragon Ball in Japan is different to the one in the US, I think

[Sweetfire13]

There's a lot of things that don't really sound right when you translate Japanese to English, and it takes a lot of explanation, especially with jokes and such. They're either going to have to explain it and waste time or just write in something different. These shows are intended for kids anyways, why are you guys surprised?

[Toshio Tenma]

There's a lot of things that don't really sound right when you translate Japanese to English, and it takes a lot of explanation, especially with jokes and such. They're either going to have to explain it and waste time or just write in something different. These shows are intended for kids anyways, why are you guys surprised?

Anime is not trully meant for kids, that's a thought mainly from american distributors who still mess around with the quality of works imported there.

 

Despite the fact there are people used to it, it's really annoying to have other countries taking the cheap american version as basis for their dubs.

 

The dub doesn't deserve more praise than the real thing.

 

And besides is important to accept different cultures and language than simply trying to hide a serie's true localization.

 

Fred Ladd bought the series to America, however he doesn't deserve the same credit as Osamu Tezuka since he just adapted and never made any faithful translation of the original.

[LightFlare_Da_Realest]

Anime is not trully meant for kids

Very true. But in the States, we have been conditioned to think that anything animated is a cartoon. And that means that its meant for kids. This couldn't be further from the truth.

[SandCoffeee]

Wow. I have been enlightened. But how did I not know this before???

[Toshio Tenma]

I understand the dub was important for the series popularity, but it's still not absolute.

I believe that would be better if we had at least the entire subbed series subbed officially in Bluray releases.

 

So, nobody would bother to go after piracy to watch the real thing.

[Kanbei]

Very true. But in the States, we have been conditioned to think that anything animated is a cartoon. And that means that its meant for kids. This couldn't be further from the truth.

I actually agree with you on this.

 

off-topic here I got a video for you Toshio

 

http://video.adultswim.com/robot-chicken/the-offenders.html

[Toshio Tenma]

I actually agree with you on this.

 

off-topic here I got a video for you Toshio

 

http://video.adultswim.com/robot-chicken/the-offenders.html

Robot Chicken is so silly.

 

But anyway...

 

Tetsuwan Atom is a animated japanese series whose had several serious plot elements like these related to death, atomic energy reference and self sacrifice.

When Tetsuwan Atom was translated to english, the series was altered to fit the american rule that "everything animated is a cartoon and should be suitable for children."

As such, all television series were adapted in "Astro Boy" which despite of all suscess is a "kid's friendly" version of the original(with the exception of the Dark Horse's manga publication).

Due to that all dubbed series are inconsistent if compared with the original work and elements which were considered inappropriate for children were edited or removed.

Although the dubbed series contributed to Tezuka's work to be better known outside Japan, it's important to know that the dub is not absolute and Tezuka's original and unedited work still have the right to be known world wide.

It's important to use both titles to differ the "kid's friendly" version of Tezuka's work from the original and unedited work.

 

In resume:

• Astro Boy is a "kid's friendly" version of Tetsuwan Atom since it was edited to fit the rule "that everything animated is a cartoon and should be suitable for children". So, much of it's content were altered in order to create a dubbed series suitable for "all ages".

 

• Tetsuwan Atom is a japanese series and due to that, the american rule which states "that everything animated is a cartoon and should be suitable for children" doesn't affect the quality of Tezuka's work in the country of origin.

  Due to that, the original creators have free creative control which allow them to make more serious stories with a more moral message.

  It's been said that Tezuka had once received critiques stating that he should change his concept of story for being too violent, however as Tezuka is japanese and have his own creative control, he could not follow the same rule which only exists in America.

  Considering it would be against his right as a author.

[Dhillon521]

These shows are intended for kids anyways, why are you guys surprised?

Some of that may be true. But there are SEVERAL Anime that Kids can watch.

[Redhair Ryu Lover]

On 8/4/2013 at 12:50 PM, Toshio Tenma said:

Anime is not trully meant for kids, that's a thought mainly from american distributors who still mess around with the quality of works imported there.

 

Despite the fact there are people used to it, it's really annoying to have other countries taking the cheap american version as basis for their dubs.

 

The dub doesn't deserve more praise than the real thing.

I agree, especially when it comes to Beast King Golion and Star Gunman Bismarck (World Events Productions really ruined those anime programs with their American adaptions). That is why I will never support that god-awful Netflix toon, Voltron: Legendary Defender.

[CarmenRider]

No offence but theres a differance between Adaptaion and dub. Calling Astro Boy a dub of Tetsuwan Atom is like calling Power Rangers a dub of Super Sentai

Quote

Robot Chicken is so silly.

 

But anyway...

 

Tetsuwan Atom is a animated japanese series whose had several serious plot elements like these related to death, atomic energy reference and self sacrifice.

When Tetsuwan Atom was translated to english, the series was altered to fit the american rule that "everything animated is a cartoon and should be suitable for children."

As such, all television series were adapted in "Astro Boy" which despite of all suscess is a "kid's friendly" version of the original(with the exception of the Dark Horse's manga publication).

Due to that all dubbed series are inconsistent if compared with the original work and elements which were considered inappropriate for children were edited or removed.

Although the dubbed series contributed to Tezuka's work to be better known outside Japan, it's important to know that the dub is not absolute and Tezuka's original and unedited work still have the right to be known world wide.

It's important to use both titles to differ the "kid's friendly" version of Tezuka's work from the original and unedited work.

 

In resume:

• Astro Boy is a "kid's friendly" version of Tetsuwan Atom since it was edited to fit the rule "that everything animated is a cartoon and should be suitable for children". So, much of it's content were altered in order to create a dubbed series suitable for "all ages".

 

• Tetsuwan Atom is a japanese series and due to that, the american rule which states "that everything animated is a cartoon and should be suitable for children" doesn't affect the quality of Tezuka's work in the country of origin.

  Due to that, the original creators have free creative control which allow them to make more serious stories with a more moral message.

  It's been said that Tezuka had once received critiques stating that he should change his concept of story for being too violent, however as Tezuka is japanese and have his own creative control, he could not follow the same rule which only exists in America.

  Considering it would be against his right as a author.

Tetsuwan Atom is actually a kids show. In Japan (and other countries) they have different rules on what can/cant be on a kids show. Not to mention Japan isn't the censorship free country that people claim it is, if anything, they have been shown to be MORE strict in some cases

Quote

Tetsuwa Atom is DEFINITELY different that AstroBoy, the same that Dragon Ball in Japan is different to the one in the US, I think

Yes and no, nowadays DBZ is more accurate to it's source material in its dubs since Funimation acquired it

Quote

There's a lot of things that don't really sound right when you translate Japanese to English, and it takes a lot of explanation, especially with jokes and such. They're either going to have to explain it and waste time or just write in something different. These shows are intended for kids anyways, why are you guys surprised?

PREACH!

Quote

Anime is not trully meant for kids, that's a thought mainly from american distributors who still mess around with the quality of works imported there.

I'm gonna stop you right there. Have you ever heard of Pokemon? Yu-Gi-Oh? Crush Gear? They are kids shows in both hemispheres. Again due to what can/can't be on a kids show in Japan and the US, it just looks like it's for grownups when it's not. Also isnt the theme song of the live action Tetsuwan Atom sung by a child?

Quote

Very true. But in the States, we have been conditioned to think that anything animated is a cartoon. And that means that its meant for kids. This couldn't be further from the truth.

Not really, I mean we made South Park

Quote

I agree, especially when it comes to Beast King Golion and Star Gunman Bismarck (World Events Productions really ruined those anime programs with their American adaptions). That is why I will never support that god-awful Netflix toon, Voltron: Legendary Defender.

Golion is on Crunchyroll last time i checked.