Empire Online brought to my attention the first screen from the upcoming Astro Boy film, which is being done by Hong Kong based Imagi Studios -- responsible for the recent Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles CGI film. That's the image, sitting right up there. The film is currently slated for a 2009 release, so it looks like we've still got a while to wait.

The film is animator Colin Brady’s directorial debut, who says he is  "being faithful to (Astroboy creator Osamu) Tezuka's original story arc and at the same time bringing out elements needed for those unfamiliar with the story."

Astro Boy fans, are you in need of a change of pants?