Atom: Sự Khởi Đầu Atom: The Beginning (2017)

'Atom: The Beginning' transcends a mere prequel, offering a profound journey into the genesis of a robotic epoch. Rather than relying on conventional action narratives, this anime delves into the complex philosophical underpinnings of artificial intelligence and technological ethics. Directors Tatsuo Satō and Motonobu Hori masterfully craft a world where the line between human and machine blurs, posing intricate questions about life, consciousness, and creator responsibility.

The animation, while distinctive, both preserves Osamu Tezuka's iconic legacy and introduces a modern aesthetic, particularly in its mecha designs and fleeting action sequences. The voice performances by Yuichiro Umehara (A106) and Takuma Terashima (Hiroshi Ochanomizu) not only convey emotion but vividly portray the characters' internal evolution, from initial innocence to profound existential struggles. 'Atom: The Beginning' is more than just an introductory chapter to the Astro Boy universe; it stands as a meditative science fiction work, cementing its place as a thoughtful gem within the AI and robotics genre.