Imagi International, the digital workshop that is creating the CGI adaptation of the classic Japanese Anime “Astro Boy”, due out in theaters October 23rd, 2009, has released some artwork from the upcoming film.

“Astro Boy” first debuted as a Japanese Manga series in 1952, created by Osamu Tezuka and its animated adaptation is largely considered to be the first animated series to follow the now-familiar “Anime” style and format. It came over the US in the 1980’s in animated form and is considered one of the most successful Japanese characters ever, even named Japan’s official enjoy for overseas safety by the Japanese government in November 2007.

“Astro Boy” tells the tale of a fictional robot built in the shape of a young boy named Astro Boy and his adventures, introducing a variety of characters along the way. Created by the kindly Doctor Temna in the form of his long-lost son, he exists in a future world where androids co-exist with humans. He ends up with the government Ministry of Science, fighting renegade and berserk robots, alien invaders, and even robot-hating humans.

The 2009 “Astro Boy” will star the voice talents of Nicolas Cage, Kristen Bell, Donald Sutherland, Nathan Lane, Matt Lucas, Bill Nighy, Eugene Levy, and Freddie Highmore.

Stay tuned to Shockya.com for more Astro Boy news.

By Costa Koutsoutis, (Source: Superherohype.com)