Pluto: A Stellar Anime Balancing Robotics and Humanity

Netflix's long-awaited adaptation of Pluto has finally arrived, leaving fans eager to know if it lives up to their expectations. In this spoiler-free review, we will delve into whether the wait for this loose anime adaptation of Naoki Urasawa's acclaimed manga, which presents a fresh take on an arc from Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy, was worth it. The verdict? It certainly does not disappoint.

While Urasawa's works like Monster and 20th Century Boys have garnered praise from critics, only a few of his creations have been adapted into anime. However, Monster, considered one of the greatest anime series ever made, stands out as one of the exceptions. Recently, Pluto has joined this list. The question now is, can Pluto meet the high expectations?

With fans already praising Pluto as a potential candidate for one of the best anime of the year, the answer seems to be positive. Let's delve deeper into Netflix's latest addition to the world of anime.

Pluto examines AI’s place in a modern world

At its essence, Netflix's Pluto is a unique murder-mystery. The intriguing storyline takes place in a dystopian future where humans and robots share a world. The narrative begins with a series of murders and gradually unravels throughout the course of eight compelling episodes, each lasting for one hour.

This reimagining of Osamu Tezuka’s famous Astro Boy manga’s ‘The Greatest Robot on Earth’ arc from the 1960s is presented in an eight-part series. What sets it apart is its unique take on the man vs machine trope that is commonly seen in the sci-fi genre. Instead of solely focusing on the impact of these intelligent robots on society, Pluto delves into the intricate relationship between humans and machines. This thought-provoking exploration, in the signature style of Urasawa manga, initiates a discourse on ethics, morality, and the future of AI in human society.

Pluto explores the darker sides of humanity

Despite the intricacy of the plotline, the story is remarkably comprehensible and is split into two distinguishable threads. The initial thread revolves around the esteemed robotic detective, Gesicht, as he delves into a sequence of interconnected homicides. The second thread focuses on Atom, a humanoid robot boy, commonly referred to as Astro Boy. As the narrative unfolds, both Atom and Geischt find themselves targeted by an unidentified assassin— a cryptic entity determined to eliminate seven of the world's most influential robots and individuals advocating for the rights of artificial intelligence. This sets off a series of intense and captivating events.

Fans eagerly greeted Pluto's long-awaited arrival on Netflix, six years after its initial announcement in 2017. The involvement of esteemed producer Masao Maruyama, formerly associated with renowned studios MAPPA and Madhouse, and now heading his own studio M2, only added to the excitement.

Maruyama's expertise shines through in this anime adaptation, but what truly distinguishes Pluto is its exploration of the ongoing debate surrounding artificial intelligence. In today's world, this makes it a timely and relevant watch. The series tackles the moral dilemmas that arise in a society where human life and robots are intricately intertwined. It poses thought-provoking questions about the coexistence of humans and technology, pushing boundaries by examining the limitations of the human body, the exploitation of individuals, and societal treatment of those who deviate from the norm.

The series skillfully weaves these larger themes with smaller plot moments, blurring the distinction between humans and robots. Among these moments is the 39th Central Asian War storyline, often seen as a metaphor for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It delves into the characters' experiences of trauma, providing a lens through which we can explore the ways in which psychological scars from war can be expressed and ultimately healed.

Each installment of Pluto is intricately crafted, staying true to its source material. However, indulging in a binge-watching session for this anime is not recommended. Dedicate your undivided attention and unwavering commitment to all eight of its one-hour episodes.

Pluto’s flaws and final thoughts

Although Pluto is groundbreaking, it does have its flaws. Some fans of Urasawa's work may feel that the animation and pacing do not live up to the standards set by his previous masterpiece, "Monster." Additionally, the use of 3D computer-generated animation and backgrounds sometimes falls short, taking away from the vibrant universe of Pluto.

The decision to extend each episode into one-hour segments is also different from what many anime fans are accustomed to. This choice may make the series feel heavier than some viewers would prefer. However, it is evident why the producers chose this format. It allowed the anime to fully embrace the source material from the manga, ensuring that no story arc or crucial element was left out.

Pluto: a 4-star anime that’s out of this world

With its producer and source material, Pluto has undoubtedly solidified its place as one of the finest animes of the 21st century. It successfully upholds the legacy of Urasawa's previous works while also establishing Netflix as a prominent player in the anime universe.

Despite a few minor visual issues, particularly with the background graphics, the content still manages to captivate with its engaging storyline. It delves into the artificial intelligence debate with empathy and creates memorable characters that will leave a lasting impression. This exquisitely crafted sci-fi narrative is filled with relatable human themes, earning it a well-deserved spot on any anime lover's must-watch list. It undoubtedly stands as a strong contender for the title of the best TV release of 2023.

Pluto is available to watch now on Netflix. You can check out our other anime coverage here.