Last week, I was feeling pretty bored, and I thought to myself, "Why not kick back and watch something on Netflix?" So, I did just that, and I stumbled upon "Pluto"
As someone who loves anime, sometimes I also read Manga. When I've got some downtime, I often turn to YouTube for manga recommendations. It's my go-to for discovering new and exciting stories. And, without fail, "Pluto" had been cropping up in my recommendations for quite some time. It was like the internet gods were telling me, "You've got to check this one out."
Urasawa x Tezuka
"Pluto" is actually a Manga project written by the talented Urasawa Naoki. This manga is a reimagining of one of Astro Boy's story arcs, "The Greatest Robot on Earth," originally written by the legendary Osamu Tezuka over 60 years ago. "Pluto" is like a modern homage to Tezuka's work.
What's particularly fascinating about "Pluto" is how Urasawa Naoki infuses the narrative with a more realistic and human touch. The characters, even the robots, are depicted with a more human-like appearance and personality. This creates a deeper connection to the story, making it feel incredibly relatable and thought-provoking.
If you're someone who appreciates a more human and realistic take on the classic Astro Boy tale, "Pluto" is a perfect choice. It's a wonderful blend of homage to the past and innovation for the present, offering a captivating and fresh perspective on this beloved story.
Plot and World-Building
"Pluto" is a fascinating series that revolves around the concept of the Seven Greatest Robots on Earth and a mysterious murder that affects both humans and robots. What makes this story truly special is how it explores themes of human rights and racism within the complex human-robot relationship.
In each episode, you'll meet one of these remarkable robots. Let's take Gesicht, for instance. The interesting part is that, at first, you might not even realize that Gesicht is a robot because he looks just like a regular human. This twist challenges our understanding of what it means to be human.
As the series progresses, you'll get to know more robots, each with their own distinct personalities, values, and unique ways of thinking. These robots show you how unique and special each being is, whether they're made of metal and wires or flesh and bone. You can't help but start asking yourself some deep questions about what it means to be human.
This sense of wonder and curiosity runs throughout the entire series. In a world where technology is growing and robots are learning all sorts of feelings, including negative emotion like rage or sadness, "Pluto" helps us explore the fuzzy line between humans and robots. It's a journey of self-discovery that leaves you contemplating the essence of humanity.
Those strange sentiment will continues throughout the entire series, constantly reminding us that the lines between human and robot aren't as clear-cut as we might think. In a world where technology is advancing and robots are starting to understand and experience a wide range of emotions, "Pluto" masterfully blurs the boundaries.
The Characters
In "Pluto" our main characters are the Seven Greatest Robots on Earth, but the story mainly revolves around two captivating individuals: Gesicht, the robot detective, and Atom, who's more commonly known as Astro Boy, a robot with a childlike appearance and "emotions".
Gesicht
Atom
Gesicht is a fascinating character as he takes on the role of a detective, trying to unravel the truth behind a series of mysterious murders that affect both humans and robots. His quest for justice is not just about solving a case; it's a journey of self-discovery, where he intrigued by the questions about what it truly means to be human and what separate robot from human when it comes to the way of thinking.
Alongside these two central characters, there are five more remarkable robots: MontBlanc, North #2, Brando, Hercules, and Epsilon, each with their own unique perspectives on life.
Hercules
Brando
What's truly heartwarming and engaging is how each of these robots contributes a different piece to the puzzle. They offer a fresh lens through which we can explore the depth and complexity of human emotions and experiences. It's like a journey that reminds us that emotions and the essence of being human aren't confined to just one form.
"Pluto" brings out the beauty in the diversity of human emotion and experience, whether you're a robot or a human. It's a friendly and inviting tale that encourages us to reflect on the shared human journey, no matter who we are or where we come from.
The Animation
It's refreshing to see a not-so-well-known studio like Studio M2 deliver quality animation for "Pluto" while they may not have a vast portfolio of projects. To be honest, the animation quality is pretty well done, especially considering the studio's limited project history.
Of course, there is some CGI utilized in the anime, which has become increasingly common in the industry. However, I have to say that when compared to the Dragon CGI in certain other isekai anime, "Pluto" stands out as having better execution. It's reassuring to see a smaller studio deliver quality work, even if they don't have the extensive resources of more prominent studios.
Studio M2 may not be widely recognized, but their commitment to delivering a visually engaging experience is evident in the quality of the animation in this anime. It's an honest acknowledgment of their achievements in bringing this unique story to the screen.
Heart Warming Story
In "Pluto" some of the most beautiful and touching moments that I like come from the relationships between characters like Brando and his family, as well as North #2 and the human he takes care of as a butler.
Brando's longing for his family and North #2's yearning for a more peaceful life away from the horrors of war provide a heartwarming contrast to the bigger themes of hatred, racism, revenge, and mystery that dominate the story. They remind us that, no matter how advanced technology gets, some things, like the love of family and the longing for a tranquil life, remain fundamentally human.
These particular stories really make you wonder whether artificial intelligence has progressed to the point where it can authentically replicate a wide range of human emotions, including excitement, happiness, sadness, rage, and even hatred. But as you witness the characters experiencing these emotions, you also see a theme emerging — the theme of learning how to hate and, at the same time, how to forgive. This element is one of the crucial aspect of the "Pluto" story. It truly dive into the complexities of human and artificial emotions, making it a compelling and engaging narrative.
Then, What is Pluto?
As the story progresses, we will be introduced to the term "Pluto." If I can share something about Pluto without spoiling the story, Pluto is basically a villain, while Atom is the hero who saves the day.
Pluto's true nature is shrouded in mystery. You won't get a good look at this character until you're on the last three episodes. This anime keep us hanging on, and as a fan of slow-paced anime and plot twists story, this had me on the edge of my seat.
The slow reveal of Pluto's character and appearance adds a whole new layer of excitement to the viewing experience. Trust me, it's worth the wait! So, if you're into anime that keeps you guessing and craving more, "Pluto" should definitely be on your watchlist.
Summary
I've gotta say, I absolutely love this anime! Now, when I heard Netflix was behind it, my first thought was, "What kind of shitty adaptation are we in for?"
Netflix has a track record of hits and misses in the anime community, so my skepticism was understandable. Plus, they teamed up with Studio M2, a relatively new player in the anime scene, having been established only in 2016 with not much experience under their belt.
Honestly, I'm quite shocked that I ended up appreciating this anime. It's like finding a hidden gem! Despite my initial doubts, I'm totally hooked and excited about this anime. The ending, while not earth-shattering, felt necessary to the story. I'd give it a solid 8.5 out of 10!
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