Astro Boy

Original Air Date: 1963-1966

Network: Syndicated

Though its popularity in Western cultures has waned over the past couple decades,Astro Boy is a cultural icon in Japan. Based on a story by Osamu Tezuka (a.k.a the god of manga), the animated series -- arguably the first "popular" anime TV series -- told the story of Astro, a powerful robot boy created by the head of the Ministry of Science to replace the son he lost in a tragic car accident. Each episode involved Astro using his robot powers to save the day.

The original show aired in black and white, and when American network execs brought it stateside, it became the first anime to be broadcast outside Japan. A 2003 remake of the TV series didn't make waves in the U.S., but the original 1963 series is still considered to be one of the most important forces in comics, animation, and even videogames. The uber-popular Mega Man/Rockman franchise was heavily influenced by Astro Boy's story and character designs.

In 2009, Imagi studios will release a new, "Americanized," CGI incarnation of Astro Boy in a feature film. Fans everywhere are praying that it will do justice to the original, and introduce the beloved franchise to a new generation.