Atomcat

Book excerpt: Reading the “Tetsuwan Atom” (popularized in America as “Astro Boy”) comic book with his dad is Tsugio’s one refuge from merciless school bullies. And even then, without a single friend, Tsugio can’t catch a break. One day he finds an abandoned kitten, and names it after the robot hero to convince his family to keep it. But after a strange encounter with aliens honeymooning on Earth, Tsugio’s shocked to find his cat can speak – and has all of Astro Boy’s powers! Sworn to secrecy, Tsugio and Earth’s tiniest hero find themselves entangled with demonic cats, pirate ghosts, a crime syndicate, and more! Playful, ingenious and appropriate for all ages, Osamu Tezuka’s fresh take on his classic Astro Boy character will charm nostalgic grown-ups and clever kids. As gentle and humane as it is exciting, Atomcat also nurtures a positive outlook for children who might feel like they don’t quite fit in.