Pluto

When I first learned about Pluto, I wasn't particularly keen on reading it. "It's just a retelling of an Astro Boy arc," I told myself, "it can't be that great." Eventually, curiosity got the better of me, and I gave it a read. To my astonishment, I was completely captivated. The narrative is both suspenseful and addictive, as one would expect from Urasawa. The characters are profoundly deep and intriguing, while the art style perfectly complements the story. Naoki Urasawa has won the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize twice. The first time was for his masterpiece, Monster. The second time was for Pluto, and now I understand why. However, despite all the brilliance in this masterpiece, there is quite a significant flaw. Since I never read the original "world's strongest robot" arc from Astro Boy, this issue didn't affect me personally, but the fact remains that Pluto is a retelling. In other words, anyone who has read the original arc already knows how things will unfold. Given that suspense hinges on unpredictability, this presents a notable problem. Thankfully, the work is so exceptional that even with this drawback, it still stands as nothing short of a masterpiece.

Pluto is a science fiction manga by Naoki Urasawa, the creator of well-loved series such as Monster and 20th Century Boys. Like its predecessors, Pluto is a dark, psychologically driven mystery that revolves around themes of hatred, revenge, and death. It's a remake of Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy, specifically the "Greatest Robot on Earth" arc. Despite largely following its source material, Urasawa's interpretation takes risks and adds more depth to the setting, story implications, and most notably, the characters. This results in a much darker and grittier feel both visually and narratively, culminating in an emotionally powerful and intense story that lingers long after finishing it.

The story centers on Gesicht, a Europol detective and one of the world's seven most advanced robots, who investigates the murder of one of the creators of these seven robots. At the crime scene, there are suspicious horns brutally attached to the victim's head. Soon, more deaths occur among the creators and even some of the seven robots, all with horns near their bodies. With Gesicht leading the investigation and being in direct danger, it's up to him to uncover the culprit and motive. While Pluto may not have as many twists as Urasawa's previous works, it remains intriguing. It introduces new elements of world-building, backstory, or plot developments whenever predictability looms, making for a different and more unpredictable story than the original.

The characters are undoubtedly Pluto's strongest aspect. The depth given to them showcases masterful storytelling. The seven robots, despite some having limited screen time, are explored deeply, revealing their motivations, relationships, joys, torments, and unique, believable personalities. This strengthens the theme of humanity in robotic beings, which is central to Pluto's narrative. Gesicht, the main character, is particularly compelling. His struggle with hatred and emotional connections, especially with his wife, was a highlight for me. Hints of tragedy in his past kept me intrigued, adding another layer to the mysteries surrounding Pluto. Gesicht is smartly written with considerable depth and development, remaining a compelling and often tragic figure throughout, effectively conveying the manga's themes. Atom (Astro Boy) is portrayed differently here—more mature and serious. He, too, receives deep exploration, acting as a strong lead alongside Gesicht. Human characters like the gritty Dr. Tenma, vengeful Adolf Haas, and serious Dr. Ochanomizu add significant depth as the story progresses. Their roles are best discovered through reading rather than summarizing.

As the story unfolds and mysteries unravel, Pluto transitions from a mystery into a drama/thriller. Although the last two volumes remain strong, the series peaks with volume four, delivering an intense and emotion-filled story full of revelations and intrigue, capped with a shocking ending that left me speechless. The final pages of volume four, enhanced by phenomenal and detailed art, contain one of the most powerful and saddest images I've encountered in storytelling. What follows is still emotionally gripping but feels somewhat rushed in explanations, particularly in the final volume. Though there are no loose ends, readers need to fill in some blanks themselves, which can feel rushed and poorly written at times. However, this doesn't significantly harm the overall series, as it aimed to stay true to the source material. The abrupt ending is disappointing, but the final volume's weakness isn't enough to undermine the masterfully told story up to that point.

Pluto is an emotionally powerful series that never felt boring, despite its shorter length compared to typical Urasawa stories. Its writing, characters, and themes are so rich that its relative brevity becomes hard to notice. It's a phenomenal series worth reading despite its minor hiccups near the end. Osamu Tezuka would indeed be proud.

Yeah, tens across the board. This manga is just that good. I'll keep it short, but man, this Manga is absurdly good.

Story: As a big fan of debate, this manga really pushes some ideas about themes such as what it means to be human, the philosophy behind murder, and the meaning of free will. It does it brilliantly.

Art: I mean, I think it's really good—definitely Naoki's best artwork.

Character: Every single main and side character has their own motives and backstory. No side character outshines the mains in importance; their ideologies all clash at one point or another. It's just genius!

Enjoyment: YEAH. I ENJOYED IT. It's also only 65 chapters.

OVERALL: Probably my favorite manga ever. I have others ranked above it quality-wise, but nothing is quite like Pluto.

This manga series is absolutely fantastic! SO GOOD! I adored every single part of it. The slight plot twist at the end caught me off guard, but it made perfect sense. Although the storyline isn't very lengthy, it's profound and intricate, and the emotions conveyed hit incredibly hard. The characters' personalities are remarkably realistic, whether they're human or robot. They brilliantly captured a range of genuine human emotions. The ending was straightforward and devoid of any unnecessary scenes. I believe that eight volumes were just the right amount for the story, neither too long nor too short. I never anticipated crying when I first started reading, but I did, and its impact on me has been immense. My reading experience was truly wonderful. This series boasts a solid beginning and an equally strong conclusion, which isn't something you find in every story, and I'm glad I got to read it.

I completely understand why this manga series is so highly praised. It's truly a masterpiece! I can confidently say that this series now ranks among my top manga reads ever. While researching more about this manga, I discovered that Netflix will soon release an anime adaptation of this series! I'm so incredibly excited to see the story and characters come to life!

I highly recommend this manga! It may be a quick read, but you'll gain far more than you expected.

Remaking Tezuka is a formidable task. Urasawa's execution was impeccable.

Dr. Tezuka himself introduced "The Greatest Robot on Earth" as one of the more popular chapters from the Tetsuwan Atom series. The robot Pluto was a more complex character. Tezuka went on to say how upset readers were when it all ended; they wanted more - and fortunately, Urasawa gave us more and then some.

The characters in the original work, the seven strongest robots in the world, had very simple substance and short existences within the original 180-page story (aside from Atom, of course). Urasawa takes the fleeting moments of life they had within Tezuka's work and stretches them out, giving them much more depth. This is especially evident in his portrayal of Gesicht, whom he reframes as the main character.

Some might consider an "unfortunate flaw" in this remake that it is a remake. The thought being that those who read the original story wouldn't enjoy the suspense of Pluto as much because they would already know the outcome. However, despite having read the original first, and with Urasawa being a master of suspense, Pluto still left me without a clue of what would happen next.

In order to truly appreciate Urasawa's take on Pluto, you should read the original Astro Boy chapter "The Greatest Robot on Earth." You must see for yourself how he was able to take Tezuka's work and, not necessarily make it better, but make it an amazingly good and different thing all on its own, just as Doctor Tenma revived his Tobio.

(P.S. You might also want to read the "Blue Knight" arc from Astro Boy too. Our Tezuka fan-boy managed to weave that one in as well with his Brau-1589.)

Pluto! A Manga that pays tribute to the legendary Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy.

(***The review may contain minor to major spoilers, but I'll clearly mark them differently***).

Well... I haven't read Astro Boy or know much about its story. From Pluto's front and back cover and its forward pages, it's evident that Naoki Urasawa, the manga artist of Pluto, aimed to honor the legendary Osamu Tezuka.

Firstly, let me highlight the main points of my review.

•Story(10/10):

As mentioned earlier, I'm unaware of its connection to the original Astro Boy; however, I noticed some common characters in both mangas... Not similar, but Common (I'll elaborate further).

The story unfolds over 65 chapters across 8 volumes, with an average chapter length of 24 pages. The first and last chapters of each volume contain extra pages.

A brief overview is provided at the beginning of the first volume, which continues throughout the manga. Each new volume introduces what will follow.

The story begins in a world where advanced robots coexist with humans, highlighting seven of the most advanced robots globally.

In typical Naoki Urasawa style, the story starts with a mysterious case - two murders, specifically of Mont Blanc from Switzerland. These seven robots belong to different countries, adding depth to the narrative.

Key aspects that make this manga special include the deep backstory of each robot, enhancing character attachment. For instance, "North No. 2" has a profound yet brief storyline.

The psychological evolution of these robots makes you feel their emotions, making them more relatable. The story primarily revolves around "Gesicht," the robot detective and main character, alongside "Atom," another advanced robot.

Regarding the title, "Pluto" isn't related to the planet. It refers to the antagonist, whose identity I won't reveal as it's a central mystery driving the plot.

The story excels in suspense, mystery, and psychological genres. The intricate plot keeps readers engaged, with mysteries unfolding from the first chapter. Naoki Urasawa's ability to simplify complex stories while maintaining interest is remarkable.

I was impressed by how the manga portrayed hatred uniquely. Characters drive the story, with Gesicht appearing in most chapters, appealing to those who prefer strong main character presence.

Naoki Urasawa's political insight adds realism to the narrative, especially for those interested in practical politics. His depiction of political scenarios is highly commendable.

Now, moving on to the next aspect.

•Characters(10/10):

The characters form the backbone of this manga. Discussing Pluto without mentioning any character is impossible.

The character development is exceptional. Characters are well-written and matched perfectly with their dialogues, showcasing Naoki Urasawa's talent.

Gesicht is undoubtedly my favorite character. He's a professional, dedicated detective who struggles balancing work and personal life. His bravery and dedication make him admirable.

Other notable human characters include Professor Hoffman, Dr. Ochanomizu, and Dr. Tenma. They significantly contribute to the story's development.

Among the seven advanced robots, Hercules and Epsilon stand out. Atom and Uran have a unique sibling dynamic, while Brau 1589 leaves a lasting impression with his role in the story.

Now, onto the spoiler section.

Professor Abullah and Dr. Abra's intertwined story reveals the complexity of the plot. Their roles culminate in the creation of Pluto and Bora, leading to the ultimate resolution.

The spoiler section ends here. Moving on to the next aspect.

•Art(10/10):

The art direction is impeccable. Character designs and climactic scenes are crafted excellently. The classic 2004 art style suits the story perfectly, even better than Monster.

Emotions flow through the artwork effectively, making the characters seem very humanlike. The art complements the story's mood, ensuring realistic emotions and voices for the characters.

Next, we move to the dialogue section.

•Dialogues(10/10):

The dialogues are unique and impactful. Life-changing philosophies and character developments are conveyed beautifully through them.

Key dialogues like "500 Zeus A Body" and "Nothing Comes of Hatred" add depth to the story. The language is suitable for all age groups, focusing on understanding the importance of Earth and life.

•Enjoyment(10/10):

I enjoyed Pluto slightly more than Monster. Despite not being overly lengthy, every chapter was engaging. Highly recommended for fans of suspense, mystery, and psychological themes with philosophical elements.

The ending was satisfying, with memorable scenes like the snail scene with Atom and chilling final scenes. This manga has become one of my favorites due to its inspiring story and well-developed characters.

Concluding, I recommend Pluto if you've enjoyed other works by Naoki Urasawa. Even if you didn't, give this one a try. It offers a mix of genres and action scenes, appealing to various tastes.

This review aims to provide detailed insights for potential readers. Thank you, Naoki Urasawa, for creating such a mesmerizing experience, and thank you to everyone who took the time to read this review.

The allure of science fiction, in my view, lies in its ability to delve into contemporary societal themes through narratives set in a distant future. It also confronts profound existential questions. Naoki Urasawa's body of work is rich with gems that explore weighty concepts and ideas. A quick glance at his creations reveals a clear affection for giant robots and futuristic technology. His rendition of one of 'Astro Boy's finest arcs not only stands as his best pure sci-fi work but also ranks among the most compelling explorations of humanity across all mediums. This masterpiece is, naturally, 'Pluto'.

'Pluto' centers on Gesicht, a robot detective employed by Europol, tasked with unraveling one of his career's most perplexing cases. The mystery involves a series of murders targeting both humans and robots, each victim found with horn-like objects protruding from their heads or placed nearby. Furthermore, the murderer has two primary targets: the world's seven most advanced robots and individuals linked to the preservation of robotic laws governing society.

While the plot itself is intriguing, what truly sets this series apart is Urasawa's deep dive into character development. Paradoxically, the robots come across as strikingly 'human,' boasting well-rounded personalities rather than serving merely as mechanical plot devices. They possess unique quirks, interests, lifestyles, and philosophies, ensuring they never feel stale.

To reveal more would spoil an unparalleled experience. 'Pluto' wastes no time in making its mark. At just 65 chapters, it's a concise series accessible to nearly everyone. This makes it an ideal starting point for newcomers to Urasawa's works. In fact, I frequently recommend this series to anyone curious about manga. So, let's get straight to it—stop reading this, and start reading 'Pluto'.

A brilliant pairing of minds can evoke approval or apprehension. However, when it comes to Pluto, the collaboration between manga suspense master Urasawa and legendary cartoonist Tezuka is a stroke of genius. From the creators of anime giants Monster and Astroboy, the multiple-award-winning manga Pluto gives an initial impression as a high-tension thriller befitting its creators' reputations.

Is this real life?
Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide,
No escape from reality.

Once every few years, a great manga emerges, differentiating itself from stereotypes like near-sighted librarians, perverted high school boys, and female fighters with exaggerated features. Pluto avoids these pitfalls, offering characteristics reminiscent of beloved anime classics from the turn of the century: a robot striving for emotions, an old director's tear-jerking allegory with music as his only memory, a child prodigy impressing doctors, a series of robot murders, and a detective giving his all to solve the case – akin to classics like Akira and Monster. This is the kind of manga we have come to love during the golden age at the turn of the century.

Inspired by Isaac Asimov, arguably the greatest author of robot fiction, Pluto presents a retro-futuristic world envisioned by Verne, Bradbury, and Huxley. Drawing on Tezuka's characters, nostalgia abounds. A new universe born from remnants of the old offers a perfect vision where robots coexist with humans, but instead of Ku Klux Klan and Jim Crow laws, there are anti-robot organizations and the merciless replacement of machines. Those fighting for robot rights face ruthless persecution.

The story's strength lies in its intricate plot set in a police state society grappling with ethical treatment of machines. The plot is cleverly woven, subtly addressing moral dilemmas. We see big pictures like department heads screaming at robotic officials and criminals kept alive for examination. In homes, families mistreat robots who've worked tirelessly until unfit for work. While characterization is crucial, Urasawa focuses on minor characters to drive the plot.

Urasawa breaks conventions, progressing the plot through conversations rather than character introductions or deaths. Through dialogues with a household robot maid, a psychotic robot killer, and the father of the greatest robot Atom, subtle insights emerge, challenging expectations. Seemingly unrelated allegories offer profound revelations.

Urasawa excels at maintaining suspense throughout the manga. Unlike more relaxed stories, Pluto keeps tension pervasive. Gesicht and android comrades seem invaluable yet disposable, raising questions about their humanity. If robots are so close to humans, are they still animated objects? Humans originate from silt and animate through nerve signals, much like robots; why then do we hold them superior?

Pluto contrasts thoughtless stories by weaving recurring motifs, adding depth and personal interaction. It's not merely a series of events for entertainment but an insightful reflection on life's purpose. These motifs bind the story, providing central themes and connecting threads, forming the overall plot sphere.

Pluto's crown jewel is its pantheon of characters, particularly Urasawa's use of characterization on the antagonist. With dexterous diction and plot devices, he molds the villain into a constant lurking threat, leaving a deep impression despite few appearances. Even in mild settings, symbolic harbingers convey central conflicts. A peaceful ride can turn explosive, keeping readers on edge.

Manga rarely competes with anime due to lack of action and music. However, works like Pluto offer alternatives to tasteless cash grabs on adult swim. Immobile graphics burst into life through imagination, each envisioning a unique world with fitting background music. That's manga's beauty: animating imagination.

Any way the wind blows~

Overall, I would give this a solid 10 for general reviews, though the art style is somewhat too fluid for my personal taste. It's still great art, but it doesn't hit perfection from my viewpoint. This didn't detract from the story at all, yet I can't award the artwork a perfect score.

This manga masterfully blends hard science fiction, classic sci-fi, traditional manga, and contemporary manga elements. Like any excellent narrative, its plot, characters, and themes are universally appealing. The setting and medium cater to comic enthusiasts, but could easily be adapted to fit any era.

I always appreciate stories that venture off the beaten path a bit. Let's be honest - popular series often fall into predictable formulas as they extend over time. That's why using a secondary character as the protagonist resonates with me; we get to explore the Astro Boy universe from a fresh angle, and as a newer title, it offers a more mature perspective.

The storyline also made me ponder the impact of robots on human society. Unlike some early sci-fi concepts, robots here integrate into society as individuals, not merely objects or servants. I found myself questioning my own biases about certain robots – cheering for those that look human-like while feeling indifferent towards mechanical-looking ones. It was obvious, yet it compelled me to introspect.

All character portrayals felt natural and real, from their emotions to the reasons behind them. The supporting society was believable, so much so that I didn’t need references to existing countries to feel it was a genuine place.

The end of volume 6 brought about a significant shift in the series – one I’ve always wanted to see in a story, but rarely encountered, let alone executed so seamlessly.

The manga emphasizes drama over action, which I thought was well-executed. Action sequences were eagerly anticipated without overwhelming the story’s focus.

If you haven't already, check it out. This ranks among the best in my limited manga reading experience, and I'm already looking forward to rereading it!

Well, it's Urasawa after all. It remains classy, engaging, and enduring, with beautifully illustrated scenes. However, the story and plot don't quite mesh together, and Urasawa's vision doesn't seem to fit within just 65 chapters. Consequently, the last two to three volumes feel rushed, which diminishes the value of the first 30-35 chapters. Many characters end up as mere metaphysical tools, often serving as Deus ex Machina solutions.

There isn't enough room to delve into the plot, the characters, or the history that shapes the world of Pluto. The improper prioritization of the plot is the most glaring flaw in this piece, ruining the overall experience in my opinion. Nonetheless, it's still a decent Sci-Fi/Detective story with some shallow explorations into politics, racism, humanism, and other themes. Yet, it feels fragmented and dragged out to me.

“Who killed Mont Blanc?”

The tale begins with a straightforward question, as is common in any murder mystery. However, through its twists and turns, Urasawa crafts a masterful commentary on the essence of humanity and the cyclical nature of hatred. Despite being only 65 chapters long, it makes perfect use of its time, with not a moment wasted. I was also struck by how "Pluto" managed to convey so many poignant and powerful moments in such a brief span. It's an exhilarating and concise read that delighted me thoroughly. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

This superb sci-fi narrative centers on AI robots, skipping over the basics of Asimov's Laws of Robotics to dive straight into brain-teasing explorations of sentient life created by humanity. You're either already a sci-fi enthusiast and will effortlessly immerse yourself in the story, or you're new to this genre and might struggle a bit because Urasawa isn't interested in holding your hand; he just wants to tell the bold story using the 'World's Strongest Robot' arc from Tetsuwan Atom as a launchpad.

Urasawa even transforms a supporting character from the original manga into the main protagonist, relegating Astro Boy himself to a high-profile cameo role—and a great one at that. This concept of one artist delving into another's universe is fascinating and brimming with wild possibilities. Tezuka's imaginative world combined with Urasawa's tension-filled storytelling makes for a joyous read, especially as crises pile up after several volumes, pushing characters to their limits.

Blade Runner, I, Robot, Ghost in the Shell, The Animatrix—just to name a few. All these seminal works of sci-fi literature and cinema explore the relationship between AI/robots and humans, as did Tezuka and does Urasawa. But in Pluto, there's no pondering about whether robots can fit into human society; these ideas are already established when the story begins.

It's a brilliant decision because while many stories address the acceptance-versus-antagonism towards robots, their potential uprising against humanity, and apocalyptic wars, not many focus on robots being treated as valid citizens with jobs and families, some revered and idolized by the masses while others face prejudice due to their metallic bodies. Yes, it's an allegory for race relations, but all good sci-fi serves as an allegory for something. In Urasawa's seasoned hands, it never feels hackneyed—except maybe for a robot-hating character named Adolf, but we'll overlook that.

The backdrop of Pluto features great retro-futuristic design: skyscrapers with inexplicable commuter tubes, sleek glass-wrapped cars, and winding roads around cities. It's a heightened fantastical future full of idealism. Urasawa's characters are distinguishable by their noses, making different races easy to identify—you rarely get confused about who's who in his tales.

What propels this story is the brutal murder of a beloved robotic figure. Fans of Urasawa rejoice; we have another exciting mystery with procedural investigation, numerous witnesses, suspects, criminals, and cameos. This manga began publication the same year a certain country was attacked and occupied by another, and that event subtly permeates the story, tying many threads together into the overarching mystery. The first robot victim was one of the seven most powerful robots globally. Someone is systematically eliminating them. Europol detective Gesicht is on the case.

A methodical man troubled by nightmares, he is as brooding as Urasawa's previous protagonists, yet has added depth as a robot himself. This main character is fantastic because he embodies the classic dichotomy and juxtaposition of man and machine, constantly questioning motive and intent, facing internal conflict alongside external challenges in his work and private life. By robot law, AI aren't allowed to take human lives, yet all evidence points to non-human perpetrators, leaving our detective with a complex puzzle to solve while resolving his own inner turmoil.

At its core, Pluto is a mystery/crime thriller with intriguing cliffhangers at the end of each chapter. We follow Gesicht as he investigates crime scenes, questions people, and experiences the occasional "regret to inform you" scene turned on its head. You might wonder if you should laugh at a blocky metal robot in a kitchen apron being told her husband's been killed, but through dialogue and composition, the scene ends up with gravitas.

You shouldn't be laughing at our metallic friends; they've got intelligence and emotion just like their creators. This is demonstrated throughout many chapters where robots strive to attain the higher consciousness of their creators. When some die, they're perplexed by how much humanity they exhibit in their final moments—it's poignant.

So when Gesicht delivers his steely determination statement at the end of chapter one, we're firmly in the passenger seat, ready for some great sci-fi thrills.

"I will search for the killer. Whether he is robot or human, he is possessed by a demon."