The story focuses on the exploits of rivals Reinhard von Lohengramm and Yang Wen-li, as they rise to power and fame in the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance, respectively.
Astro Boy is a 5 year old robot boy, learning about the world around him from his robot parents, his mentor Dr. O'Shay, & his older human friends. He is an upbeat & positive child, but his abilities are envied by the mansion-dwelling criminal Hamegg. Hamegg enlists the help of his friends, the scientist Dr. Flau & the purple gorilla Gora, in schemes to outsmart, outdo, or even impress Astro & friends. In the end, Astro either succeeds against Hamegg or winds up working together with him.