A Masterpiece of Sci-Fi and Emotion

Overview

The 2023 anime adaptation of Pluto is a breathtakingly emotional and thought-provoking masterpiece that delves into the depths of artificial intelligence, war, and what it truly means to be human. Based on Naoki Urasawa’s critically acclaimed manga, which itself is a reinterpretation of Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy (specifically the “The Greatest Robot on Earth” arc), Pluto brings a mature and deeply philosophical twist to the classic story.

Unlike most traditional sci-fi anime that emphasize action and futuristic aesthetics, Pluto takes a slower, more methodical approach, focusing on a noir-style detective story wrapped in deep existential themes. It asks profound questions about identity, loss, and human emotion through the lens of AI and robotics, creating a narrative that is as heart-wrenching as it is thrilling.

Plot Summary

Set in a world where robots coexist with humans under strict laws that regulate their behavior, Pluto follows Gesicht, a detective from Europol investigating a series of mysterious murders targeting the world’s most advanced robots, as well as key figures involved in robotics and peacekeeping. The unsettling part? The victims are being brutally dismantled in a way that mimics human murder, an act thought to be impossible for robots, given their inability to harm humans under the “Robot Laws.”

As Gesicht digs deeper, he realizes that these killings are connected to a war that took place in Persia years ago, and that the entity behind them—known as “Pluto”—is far more complex than anyone could have imagined. The deeper he gets into the case, the more he is forced to confront his own existence, memories, and the moral dilemmas surrounding AI and human conflict. Along the way, we are introduced to other key robots, each carrying their own tragic pasts and struggles, adding layers of emotional depth to the story.

The anime masterfully builds tension while maintaining a heavy emotional core, making each twist and revelation feel both shocking and deeply meaningful. By the time the truth about Pluto and its connection to the war is fully revealed, the series has already left an indelible mark on the audience, challenging their perceptions of morality, justice, and the concept of artificial souls.

Main Characters

Gesicht –

The central protagonist, Gesicht is a highly advanced robot detective working for Europol. He is one of the seven great robots of the world, making him one of the most powerful beings in existence. However, beneath his cold and calculated exterior, he harbors suppressed emotions and memories that make him eerily human. His journey is one of discovery, tragedy, and moral questioning as he seeks to unravel the Pluto mystery while dealing with his own internal struggles.

Atom –

A reimagined version of Astro Boy, Atom is a kind-hearted and incredibly intelligent robot who, unlike many of his kind, possesses deep emotions and empathy. He serves as a beacon of hope and innocence in the story, offering a contrast to the bleak and heavy atmosphere of the narrative. His relationship with Gesicht and his perspective on humanity provide some of the most heartfelt moments in the anime.

Mont Blanc –

A beloved Swiss robot who is the first victim of Pluto’s attacks. A gentle giant, Mont Blanc was admired not only for his immense power but also for his love of nature and peace. His death sets the tragic tone of the story and highlights the fragility of even the most powerful beings.

Brando –

A war veteran robot and one of the seven greats, Brando has settled into life as a family man, adopting a loving and humble lifestyle despite his immense combat abilities. His fate serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the scars left by war and the price of peace.

Hercules –

Another member of the seven great robots, Hercules is a warrior at heart, believing in honor and strength. His perspective on fighting and his tragic encounter with Pluto add a layer of depth to the idea of robotic emotions and self-worth.

Epsilon –

A pacifist robot known for taking care of war orphans, Epsilon is arguably one of the most compassionate characters in the series. His arc is particularly emotional, as he is forced to make difficult decisions that go against his peaceful nature.

Pluto –

The enigmatic force behind the murders, Pluto is shrouded in mystery for much of the series. As the story unfolds, his true identity and motivations become clear, revealing a tragic and deeply compelling backstory that challenges the viewer’s perception of “villains.”

Why Pluto Is a Must-Watch

What makes Pluto stand out is its ability to weave a crime thriller with deep philosophical musings. It doesn’t just present robots as mechanical beings following logic—it paints them as individuals with hopes, dreams, and emotions that mirror those of humans.

The animation by Studio M2 brings the world to life with a cinematic feel, using dark and moody aesthetics that perfectly match the tone of the story. The music further enhances the experience, making every emotional beat hit even harder.

But above all, Pluto is a story about the consequences of war, the pursuit of justice, and the blurred lines between man and machine. It forces us to confront difficult questions: Can artificial intelligence truly understand human pain? Can machines love? And if they can, what does that say about us? The anime doesn’t handhold its audience with easy answers but instead invites them to ponder these questions long after the final episode.

For fans of Ghost in the Shell, Ergo Proxy, or Monster, Pluto is an absolute must-watch. Even those unfamiliar with its source material will find themselves captivated by its storytelling, emotional depth, and moral dilemmas.

Category: Anime, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Psychological, Drama

Tags: Pluto, Naoki Urasawa, Astro Boy, Artificial Intelligence, Sci-Fi Anime, Crime Thriller, Psychological Anime, Best Anime 2023, Gesicht, Anime Review, Must-Watch Anime

Pluto

Overview

Plot Summary

Main Characters

Gesicht –

Atom –

Mont Blanc –

Brando –

Hercules –

Epsilon –

Pluto –

Why Pluto Is a Must-Watch

Anime Topics

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Overview

Plot Summary

Main Characters

Gesicht –

Atom –

Mont Blanc –

Brando –

Hercules –

Epsilon –

Pluto –

Why Pluto Is a Must-Watch

Anime Topics

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