ASTRO BOY
Stairwell 5/4
Astro Boy, also known as Mighty Atom, is one of the cult classics originated from Japanese manga. Published shortly after the war in 1952, the Astro boy manga was inspired by the ongoing craze over robots and technology as Japan grew to become an economic superpower.
With a total of 23 original volumes of manga sold over 100 million copies, as well as the successful adaptation of television and film animation, the Astro Boy series has been named the best selling manga of all time and recognised as one of the pivotal creations towards the development of the manga and anime industry.
In The Birth of Astro Boy collection, the selection of toys will introduce Astro boy and Astro girl, feature a series of Astro Boy weapons and vehicles as well as exploring a range of Astro boy merchandise.
OUTERSPACE
LOOK OUT FOR THESE TOYS AT THE STAIRWELL
ASTRO BOY ON FLYING SAUCER
This is a Tada wind-up tin toy of Astro Boy driving a ‘train’ of four flying saucers! One of rarest Astro memorabilia item we have from the 1960s era.
Depicted in bright colours on the saucers are other iconic characters of the Astro Boy series such as Professor Echanomizu, the guardian to Astro as well as Astro Girl, Astro Boy’s younger sister.
MAKER:
Tada Seisakusho
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
Japan
YEAR OF MAKE:
1960s
ASTROBOY RECORD
The toy is based on a futuristic robot, with a square head and body.
It is yellow, with red mouth and ears, black feet and details, and claw-like ‘hands’. There are dails on its chest, with the text “ROBOT ‘LILLIPUT’” on the back and sides, and “N.P. 5357” on its front.
When activated, the robot walks forwards with a ‘shuffling’ movement (produced by metal pins hidden underneath in his feet, moving up and down), with its arms swinging.
This toy is believed to be the first massed produced robot to be produced.
MAKER:
Golden Records (A.A.Records Inc.)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
United States of America
YEAR OF MAKE:
1964
ASTROGIRL BOUNCING BALL
The toy is based on a futuristic robot, with a humanoid shape and skirted lower half (rather than legs).
It is grey with red hands, ears and mouth, and has buttons and gears on its chest and back. There is a hook on the back of its head, which has resulted in this toy acquiring the nickname ‘Hook Robot’. It is very rare to find one of these toys with the hook still intact.
When activated, the robot moves forwards on wheels underneath, with its head turning from side to side.
MAKER:
Tada Seisakusho
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
Japan
YEAR OF MAKE:
1960s
