Amazing 3
| The Amazing 3 | |
The cover for "Amazing Three" volume 3 from the Osamu Tezuka Manga Complete Works edition.
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ワンダー3 (Wonder 3) |
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| Genre | Science fiction |
| Manga | |
| Written by | Osamu Tezuka |
| Published by | Shogakukan |
| Demographic | Shōnen |
| Magazine | Weekly Shōnen Sunday |
| Original run | 30 May 1965 – 8 May 1966 |
| Volumes | 3 |
| Anime television series | |
| Directed by | Taku Sugiyama |
| Studio | Mushi Productions |
| Original network | Fuji TV |
| English network | |
| Original run | 6 June 1965 – 27 June 1966 |
| Episodes | 52 |
The Amazing 3, known in Japan as W3 or Wonder 3 (ワンダー3 Wandā Surī), is a Japanese manga and a black and white anime series created by Osamu Tezuka in the 1960s. It involves the adventures of three agents from outer space who are sent to Earth to determine whether the planet, a potential threat to the universe, should be destroyed.
The series was first released in manga print format in Japan in 1965, and then spawned a Japanese anime television version, with different stories. This version was then dubbed in English and released in the United States, with a different theme song, as well as different closing and opening elements. The American version was also aired in Australia in 1969, and in Spanish-speaking countries as Los tres espaciales. The Japanese anime version was first released on DVD in 2002, and then a full 10-DVD set in 2005.
The series tackles a number of issues which were unusual in animated cartoons of that period: in particular, ecological concerns and poverty.
The Galactic Federation is concerned about the number of wars on the Planet Earth. It sends three agents to determine if the planet is a potential threat to the universe, and whether it should be destroyed. The instrument of destruction is a device resembling a large black ball with two antennae that is variously called an anti-proton bomb, a solar bomb, and a neutron bomb. The agents (Captain Bokko, Nokko, and Pukko) are originally humanoid in appearance, but upon arrival on Earth they take on the appearances of a rabbit (Bokko), a horse (Nokko), and a duck (Pukko) that they had captured as examples of Earth life forms. While on Earth they travel in a tire-shaped vehicle capable of enormous speeds called the Big Wheel, which can travel on both land and water (and, with modifications, through the air).
After landing, they are befriended by Shinichi Hoshi, a young boy who becomes their ally throughout the series. The series also features Shinichi's older brother Koichi who is a member of the secret intelligence agency "Phoenix", formed to protect the peace of the world. The Wonder 3 are initially repulsed by the violence of the earthlings, especially Pukko, but gradually change their thinking after being touched by the kind personality of Shinichi.
In the final episode of the series the decision is made by the galactic council that mankind is irredeemable and that the Earth is to be destroyed. Although Pukko is in favor of this as much as ever, Bokko puts off the order as long as possible, and eventually decides to disobey the council's decision. However, prior to Bokko's decision to disobey her orders, Shinichi is appalled at the likelihood that his friends would obey the order and runs to Koichi to ask Phoenix to intervene.
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