Netflix's Expansion into Anime: Pluto Set to be an Instant Classic

Netflix’s highly anticipated adaptation of the manga masterpiece, Pluto, is set to premiere in late October and has the potential to become the anime of the year. Based on Osamu Tezuka’s iconic Astro Boy, Pluto takes the beloved story to a darker and grittier level, resonating with adult audiences.

Netflix’s Expansion into Anime: Pluto Set to be an Instant Classic

( Credit to: Screenrant )

The Significance of Astro Boy and Osamu Tezuka’s Influence

To truly grasp the hype surrounding Netflix’s Pluto, it is essential to understand the significance of Astro Boy as a story and as a work of art. Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy, adapted from his 1950s manga series of the same name, is set in a future where robots are commonplace. When Dr. Tenma builds a robot version of his deceased son, it seems like a natural progression in this world. However, realizing that the robot cannot replace his son, Dr. Tenma discards it. The robot is later rescued by the compassionate Professor Ochanomizu, who names him Astro Boy, and together they embark on a mission to fight evil.

Netflix's Expansion into Anime: Pluto Set to be an Instant Classic - 332655430

( Credit to: Screenrant )

While the manga received positive feedback, Astro Boy truly gained popularity when its anime adaptation was released in 1963, a rare occurrence where the original creator himself, Osamu Tezuka, handled the adaptation. The show quickly garnered a large and devoted following worldwide and became a blueprint for the budding Japanese anime industry. Many anime practices we see today, such as character design and the distinctively large, stylized eyes, were influenced by Astro Boy.

Pluto: A Dark and Gritty Take on Astro Boy

Pluto takes Astro Boy to a whole new level. Despite being updated to suit modern sensibilities, Astro Boy’s story remained largely unchanged until Urasawa’s Pluto. This manga delves into the darker side of the Astro Boy universe, expanding on a specific Astro Boy manga titled “The Greatest Robot on Earth,” where the world’s great robots, including Astro Boy, are hunted down and destroyed. Pluto reimagines the story, revealing a world where these powerful robots are being assassinated by an unknown killer.

While Astro Boy maintains a positive and uplifting theme, Pluto caters to an adult audience. It delves into the gritty aspects of a criminal investigation and explores the motivations behind the desire to kill. It offers a darker and gloomier perspective, which resonates with fans. Interestingly, Urasawa collaborated with Tezuka’s production company to ensure his manga stayed true to the Astro Boy canon.

The Hype and Expectations for Netflix’s Pluto

The hype surrounding Pluto stems from two aspects. Firstly, fans are eager to see if the adaptation will remain faithful to the original source material. Secondly, there is a sense of joy in witnessing a beloved story being retold in a different medium. With its rich story background and proven storytelling expertise, Pluto appears to be a surefire winner for Netflix.

Mark your calendars, as Pluto is set to premiere on Netflix on October 26, 2023.