Many months, possibly years, before we had finalized the design of our ghost and figured out how we were going to manufacture it, our team knew that we wanted to make an Astro Boy ghost. We won’t regurgitate everything you already know about Astro Boy: suffice to say, the manga character is one of the most legendary heroes of all time. Originally created by Osamu Tezuka in 1951, Astro Boy has also appeared in animated and live-action TV series, feature films, video games, and is as recognizable around the globe as Mickey Mouse and Michael Jordan.
Astro Boy is so beloved and has such a storied history that his likeness, as well as that of his companions, has been produced across every manner of collectible – along with toys, games, apparel, and accessories – by a countless number of manufacturers and collaborators. In our little corner of the collectibles world, some of our favorites have been – BAIT, Funko, and ToyQube.
So it is with equal parts humility, trepidation, and pride that we throw our hat into that ring. We hope that our versions will honor those that came before us and inspire those yet to come.
And yes, we meant to say “versions” in the prior sentence – plural, not singular. ghosts tell stories, and for a franchise as rich and deep as Astro Boy, we couldn’t limit the storytelling to one design. So we decided to make two.
Design #1 is called “Astro Boy”, and tells the story of the character through his classical appearance. Eyes wide open, glancing to his left with a sparkling curiosity, his mouth slightly agape as if about to smile or perhaps offer some words of encouragement. He is dressed only in his black athletic briefs, green belt, and iconic knee-high big red boots – similar to the ones everyone was wearing IRL two years ago. The spikes in his jet-black hair are visible through his transparent ghost crown and his widow’s peak extends down below and between his raised eyebrows.
This “Astro Boy” 400% ghost is being sold exclusively on our website, via a Blind Dutch Auction that commenced on January 14, 2025.
ghostwrite x Astro Boy “Astro Boy” 400%
Design #2 is called “Astro Boy (Heart)”, and is a retail-exclusive release. This 400% ghost is similar to the classic version, but it also features an exposed chest panel. The panel is a reminder that, although he was created to look, act, and feel like a real boy – his creator, Doctor Tenma, looking to replace his own son, tragically lost in a traffic accident – Astro Boy is, in fact, very much a robot.
ghostwrite x Astro Boy “Astro Boy (Heart)” 400%
Unlike the classic version, the 400% “Heart” design is a retail-exclusive release. When we embarked on producing such an iconic piece of pop culture it was only appropriate that we also partnered with an equally iconic purveyor of pop culture. Enter Toy Tokyo.
Nestled between the dive bars, boba tea shops, and comedy clubs of NYC’s East Village, Toy Tokyo has quietly established itself as the premiere retailer for every fandom of toy, collectible, action figure, and accessory you’ve ever heard of and probably just as many you’ve never heard of. They’ve been going strong for the past 25 years – the LeBron James of toy stores.
As a part of their 25th anniversary celebration, Toy Tokyo will be offering the Astro Boy “Heart” 400% ghost as a retail exclusive with only 40 total units available to the public. Stay tuned here for more information on when Astro Boy “Heart” will be available from Toy Tokyo in-store and online.
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