Atom: the Beginning

Atom: The Beginning is a noteworthy science fiction anime series that aired in Japan in 2017. This series serves as a prequel to Osamu Tezuka's classic Astro Boy series, offering a fresh look at the origins of Astro Boy, who is considered the face of the shounen anime.

The plot is centered around two genius scientists: Umataro Tenma and Hiroshi Ochanomizu, still in their college years. They share a dream of crafting a robot that not only mimics human qualities, but also carries emotions, intellect, and the capacity for self-awareness, essentially an entity that could potentially be considered 'human'. Atom: The Beginning serves as a platform to their journey, revealing the hard work, dedication, challenges and complexities they face in their quest to invent a new definition of life.

While weaving its narrative, the show demonstrates the complex relationship between science and ethics, humanity, and artificial intelligence. It explores the endless possibilities associated with technology, raising questions about what it means to be human and what constitutes consciousness. These dilemmas add a sense of depth and sophistication to the series, providing a vibrant cognitive journey for the viewers along with the adventurous plot.

The main characters, Tenma and Ochanomizu, are the bedrock of the series, and their dynamic relationship carries much of the plot. Tenma, the passionate dreamer, is continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, infused with an insatiable drive to breathe life into their dream project, A106. On the other hand, Ochanomizu serves as the more grounded of the pair, providing a steady hand and moral compass to their endeavours. The contrast between these two characters services the narrative splendidly, bringing moments of sheer brilliance on screen.

The series also introduces other characters, each of whom are carefully crafted with distinct personalities and roles. They not only inject more life and color into the storyline, but also allow the exploration of various sub-narratives, making the universe of Atom: The Beginning multi-dimensional and highly engaging.

Atom: The Beginning does a commendable job in the visual department, packed with high-quality and meticulous animation. The character designs are both attractive and symbolic, each visually representing their personalities and ideals. The robots, particularly A106, are designed with an impeccable attention to detail, and the action sequences are rendered with stunning fluidity. The series also takes care to recreate the retro science fiction aesthetic of the original Astro Boy series while simultaneously taking advantage of modern animation techniques to create a visually striking show.

The series beautifully fuses various tonal elements: there’s humor, emotional moments, moments of achievement, disappointment, and thrill, all gracefully spaced within the narrative. The storytelling maintains a perfect balance of introducing serious scientific elements whilst still maintaining a sense of light heartedness and adventure. This ensures that Atom: The Beginning appeals to both, a youthful audience as well as older viewers, serving as an ideal bridge between the new and the old.

Large doses of references are an added treat for the fans of the classic Astro Boy series. Paying homage to the original while maintaining its own individuality, Atom: The Beginning manages to rekindle the nostalgic charm of the original series.

Striking a beautiful harmony between the past and the future, between science and humanity, and between reality and ambition; Atom: The Beginning is a tasteful addition to the universe of Astro Boy. It not only expands the legacy of Astro Boy, but also stands strong and influential on its own. Delivering an engaging narrative, captivating characters, and thought-provoking themes, Atom: The Beginning is a must-watch for both fans and newcomers to the world of Astro Boy.