Set in a future where humanoid robots called “Persocoms” coexist with humans, Pluto features themes of artificial intelligence, identity, and the essence of humanity. The manga’s profound philosophical questions make it a standout, all while maintaining a thrilling and suspenseful narrative.
Penned by the talented manga artist Naoki Urasawa, Pluto is a brilliant reimagining of Osamu Tezuka’s classic work “Astro Boy,” but with a darker and more mature twist. Urasawa’s attention to character development and plot intricacies keeps readers hooked from the very first page to the last.
With a cast of memorable characters, each with secrets and motivations, Pluto is a story of detective work, conspiracy, and the search for answers in a world where robots are not just mere machines but sentient beings with desires and dilemmas.
Pluto Anime Releases Main Trailer
Netflix has recently revealed the English-subtitled “final” trailer for the animated adaptation of Naoki Urasawa’s Pluto manga. Along with this exciting reveal, a new visual for the series has been showcased on the official website, featuring the tagline, “Somebody, stop this hatred.”
The Japanese premiere screening of the first episode, set to include appearances by Shinshū Fuji, Toshihiko Seki, and other cast members, is scheduled for October 20 in Tokyo. The anime will debut on Netflix on October 26, offering viewers a total of eight 60-minute episodes.
The Staff
- Executive Producers: Masao Maruyama, Taro Maki, Yuji Yamano
- Directed by: Toshio Kawaguchi
- Character Design, Supervising Animation Director: Shigeru Fujita
- Creative Advisor: Naoki Urasawa
- Animation Directors: Kazunori Aoki, Itaru Saito
- CG & SFX Director: Takahiro Miyata
- Art Director: Chikako Shibata
- Cinematography by: Mitsuhiro Sato
- Sound Direction by: Masafumi Mima
- Music by: Yūgo Kanno
- Animation Production by: Studio M2
- Produced by: GENCO
The Cast
The cast includes Shinshū Fuji as Gesicht, Yōko Hikasa as Atom, Minori Suzuki as Uran, Hiroki Yasumoto as Mont blanc, Kōichi Yamadera as North No.2, Hidenobu Kiuchi as Brando, Rikiya Koyama as Hercules, and Mamoru Miyano as Epsilon.
Additionaaly, , Toshihiko Seki as Pluto, Hideyuki Tanaka as Brau-1589, Romi Park as Helena, Toshio Furukawa as Professor Ochanomizu, Eizou Tsuda as Dr. Tenma, Kazuhiro Yamaji as Professor Abullah, Michio Hazama as Duncan, and finally, Kenyuu Horiuchi as President Alexander.
The Plot
In Pluto, we follow the Europol robot detective Gesicht as he tackles a perplexing case involving a series of global deaths, both robot and human. What makes these deaths particularly mysterious is the presence of objects positioned like horns near the victims’ heads.
Adding to the intrigue is the suspicion that a robot may be responsible, marking the first such instance in eight years. The targets of these murders appear to be the seven most advanced robots globally, capable of becoming powerful weapons.
The victims are linked to upholding the International Robot Laws, which advocate for equal rights for robots.
Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki started creating Pluto after a lengthy negotiation process to obtain the rights to adapt Osamu Tezuka’s renowned work, Astro Boy. Initially intending to commemorate Astro/Atom’s official birth date in April 2003 with a limited manga, Urasawa proposed a long-term and “serious” take on the “The Greatest Robot on Earth” arc, his personal favorite.
Contrary to the misconception that Tezuka’s work was lighthearted, Urasawa emphasized that “The Greatest Robot on Earth” arc delved into the profound realities of war rather than merely portraying a heroic robot defeating villains.
In 2019, when asked for advice on adapting his works as he did with Astro Boy, Urasawa advised against it, citing the immense pressure and struggle he felt during the process. He firmly stated that he would never attempt it again and would caution young artists to avoid it as well.
