In futuristic Metro City, a robot with incredible powers is created by a brilliant scientist in the image of his lost son. This robot is Astro Boy. Alone in the world, Astro must learn who his real friends are and how to use his powers for good, because one day Metro City will need a hero.

As contemporary as this graphic art form may appear to readers outside of Japan, manga has, in fact, deep roots in Japanese culture, drawing on centuries-old artistic traditions: traces can be found in seventh century temple paintings, folding screens decorated with comic characters, and painted medieval Emakimono scrolls. The more familiar manga comics of today echo similar themes, both light and serious, and draw on narrative forms present in the...