Atomic Goro | Final Chapter pg. 5 | Takaharu Kusunoki

Atomic Goro (アトミック・ゴロー) | Takaharu Kusunoki (1936–2014)

Original page from the final chapter of Atomic Goro, published in the November 1964 issue of Monthly Bokura (ぼくら), Kodansha

Atomic Goro is a science-fiction adventure manga published in Kodansha's monthly boys' magazine Bokura from November 1963 to November 1964. The series was developed from an original concept by Shinichi Sekizawa, with a story by Yutaka Arai and artwork by Takaharu Kusunoki.

The story follows a young boy named Mamoru, who operates Goro, a powerful, egg-shaped robot equipped with advanced technology, independent intelligence and numerous mechanical abilities. Together, they confront criminals and dangerous enemies in a series of action-packed adventures.

Takaharu Kusunoki began his manga career in 1955 and subsequently became an assistant to Jirō Kuwata, contributing to celebrated works such as Moonlight Mask and 8 Man. Kusunoki also drew the final episode of 8 Man in 1965. His own best-known works include Atomic Goro and Yūsei Kamen (Planetary Mask, 1966), for which he also contributed character and mechanical designs to the animated adaptation.

Atomic Goro is a fine example of early 1960s Japanese robot manga, combining the mechanical imagination of the period with the fast-paced storytelling of classic Shōwa-era boys' adventures.