Our Thoughts And Prayers Go To Japan

Art by Noizi Ito, illustrator for the Haruhi Suzumiya light novels

I am sorry that I haven't written more here about it, I've just been trying to wrap my mind around it.

So far, over 10,000 feared dead, with 1,800 confirmed as of last night. Nuclear reactors are in danger of meltdown.  And a volcano just erupted earlier today, which may or may not make it difficult for planes to come in for assistance. Food and water is scarce at the moment.

Anime News Network is keeping a running list of anime/manga/industry members who have checked in online.

American simulcasts have been postponed until further notice, since right now it's news 24/7 over there.

Japan has one of the lowest rate of blood donations in the world, so if you can give blood at your local American Red Cross donation center or scheduled blood drive.

Memorable Anime Character: Astro Boy

Name: Astro Boy

Created: 1952 (manga), 1963 (anime series)

Backstory: Astro Boy was created by a scientist as a replacement for his son (in most versions he died, but in the 2003 anime he ran away).  Soon realizing that Astro couldn't replace his dead son, he ends up with Professor Ochanomizu and is adopted by the kind hearted scientist. Most of his enemies were either robot hating humans, bad robots, or aliens from outer space.  His final battles always involved robots.

So What Makes Him Memorable? He was the first anime character to come over from Japan, setting up the exchange that would happen over the years and opening the doors to such classic shows as Speed Racer and Battle of the Planets.  The fact that the character develops human emotions within the run of the show (making it necessary for Professor Ochanomizu to build him parents) also makes him an interesting character. Plus, they're still writing Astro Boy mangas.

Where He's Been Seen: The 1952 manga was where he got his start.  He was later turned into the 1963 anime that aired on NBC.  He was revived in 1980 and 2003, which was followed by a 2005 movie, "Astro Boy Vs. IZGA," but was only shown in Japan.  In 2009, there was a 3D movie made based on the show. And four different video games have come out based on the character.

Tomorrow: A master thief gets his shot in the spotlight.