Astro Boy captured the hearts and imagination of children in the 1950s when he was first introduced in a manga (Japanese comics) series, then a television show in Japan. Now a new generation of kids has been introduced to the boy-robot character via the animated Astro Boy the Movie and the ensuing merchandise tie-ins. One of those is the Jazwares Astro Boy Deluxe Light Up Action Figure ($24.91 list), with its simple parts that will help kids imagine themselves a whole new set of adventures with the boy robot.

Getting the Astro Boy action figure out of the box involved the usual tussle with twist-ties. The toy takes three 1.5 V "AG-13" LR44 batteries, which are already installed. Turn the switch on the back of the action figure to the left for on, middle for off, and right for a demo. Moving the switch to the On or Demo position is easy, but getting it to Off requires the finesse of a watchmaker; I wound up overshooting most of the time.

Astro Boy measures 10 inches tall (including his cowlick). His hands and feet are interchangeable with Blast Beyond Cannons (for the hands) and Rocket Boosters (for the feet). To make sure that kids don't mess up and put the wrong component on the wrong arm or leg—for instance, put the left foot on the right leg—the wholes for the left and right appendages are shaped differently, a move I think is pretty smart. What's not so smart? Getting the components on and off the right arm and leg. While my tester, Jake, could easily exchange the components on the left side, he struggled to put on and take off the right-side components. It seems like the holes in the right arm and leg are a tad too small, making for a tight fit. Not fun for a kid to struggle with, and certainly not fun for the parent who has to help for the nth time.

Astro Boy's belt has three buttons that are almost flush with the body. One button activates the lights and sound effects for the Rocket Boosters on the legs, the second activates those for the Blast Beyond Cannons on the arms, and the third activates the lights and sounds for Astro Boy's eyes (his Power Vision) and heart (the Core).

Jake loved playing with Astro Boy. Yes, it's a simple toy that lights up and makes sounds when you press a few buttons. But even without turning on the toy, Jake had Astro Boy zooming through the living room and kitchen and trying to scare the bejeezus out of his baby brother (who is, fortunately, made of tougher stuff). It's definitely an option for those looking for a toy with some bells and whistles and, more importantly, opportunity for imaginative play.

Post by Laarni Almendrala Ragaza