04/04/2003
When Tezuka Osamu created the Astro Boy comic in 1951, the character's fictional birth date was set 'a long way into the future': 7 April 2003.
In Japan they're going Tetsuwan Atomu crazy.
Meanwhile... we're on deadline, so why not take a look at the trailer for the new Astro Boy TV series? (A feature film is expected in 2004)
Happy birthday little fella.
P.S: Osamu-san is credited with another significant birth - that of contemporary 'cinematic' manga, with the release of his New Treasure Island manga in 1947.
Other people born on this day (but not the same year, obviously) include Jackie Chan (b.1954), Russell Crowe (b.1964), Francis Coppola (b.1939) and Billie Holliday (b.1915 / d.1959).