Published in April 1952 by Kobunsha, Shonen #4 is one of the oldest manga magazines ever graded and a cornerstone artifact from the early post-war explosion of Japanese comics. While Atom appeared earlier in Atom Taishi, this is the first time he appears in the main continuity with the classic design fans recognize today — the version that would go on to define Osamu Tezuka’s global legacy as the “God of Manga.”

Published in April 1952 by Kobunsha, Shonen #4 is one of the oldest manga magazines ever graded and a cornerstone artifact from the early post-war explosion of Japanese comics.     

While Atom appeared earlier in Atom Taishi, this is the first time he appears in the main continuity with the classic design fans recognize today — the version that would go on to define Osamu Tezuka’s global legacy as the “God of Manga.”

— Beckett Collectibles (@beckettcollect) Nov 29, 2025