The Amazing 3

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The Amazing 3, also known as Wonder 3, is a 1960s Japanese science‑fiction comic series and black‑and‑white animated show created by Osamu Tezuka. The manga began in 1965 and the 52‑episode anime aired from 1965 to 1966. The stories were later released in English under the title The Amazing 3, with a separate opening, closing, and theme song from the Japanese version.

Premise
The Galactic Federation worries that Earth could threaten the universe and sends three agents to decide if humanity should be destroyed. On arrival, they transform into Earth life forms—a rabbit (Bokko), a horse (Nokko), and a duck (Pukko)—and travel the planet in a fast, wheel‑shaped craft called the Big Wheel. They befriend a boy named Shinichi Hoshi, who helps them understand humans. Shinichi’s older brother, Koichi, works for a peacekeeping group called Phoenix.

Main characters and roles
- Bokko (rabbit) is the brains of the team, with telepathy, telekinesis, hypnosis, and keen hearing. She grows fond of humans and hopes to become an Earth girl to be with Shinichi.
- Nokko (horse) is a quick inventor and fighter who cares about Earth’s fate and has a girlfriend named Felina.
- Pukko (duck) is tough, strong, and often grumpy, but can be loyal and protective. He sometimes urges destroying Earth but supports the group when needed.
- Shinichi Hoshi is the human ally who knows their true nature and helps them on Earth.
- Koichi Hoshi is Shinichi’s brother and a Phoenix agent who fights to keep peace.
- M is the mysterious head of Phoenix.
- Supporting characters include Shinichi and Koichi’s parents, who run a hotel.

What makes it different
- The manga and the anime have the same premise, but their stories and many details differ. The animation used a style where each animator drew a single character’s parts, a method popularized by Disney and Warner Brothers.
- The English and American versions changed music, openings, and closings, and sometimes altered character names (Bokko becomes Bonnie, for example).

Ending and legacy
In the final arc, the Galactic Council decides Earth must be destroyed. Bokko argues to delay, and Shinichi pleads Earth’s case to the council. Although the Earth’s fate seems uncertain, the council allows a rethink when Shinichi comes of age. Back on Earth, Bokko becomes human for a time so she can be with Shinichi, and the memories of this mission are treated carefully. The series ends with Bokko walking toward Shinichi’s home.

Release history
- The original manga appeared in 1965 in Japan.
- The 1965–66 anime ran 52 episodes on Fuji TV.
- The American version aired in syndication in the late 1960s, with different opening/closing segments and renamed characters.
- The Japanese anime and the English dub differ in tone and content, though the core idea remains the same.
- The manga has seen later English releases and translations, including efforts starting in the 2010s to bring Wonder 3 to new readers.