FirstShowing.net has a first look at a concept image of the titular Astro Boy for the upcoming CGI feature film, planned to storm into theaters in 2009. I’ll admit I’m not the biggest Astro Boy fan, as I’m not familiar with the animes or mangas associated with the character, but the image does seem a little like Mega-Man to me, which is sweet.

The origins of Astro Boy find a scientist creating a small android boy to take the place of his deceased son. Soon, of course, the young humanoid is fighting off evil robots and alien invasions. The story (obviously) takes place in a future where humans and androids co-exist The film is set to be directed by Colin Brady and will be from Imagi Animation which was behind the entertaining and successful TMNT earlier this year. All and all, from a non-fan stand point, this looks like something with a lot of potential.