What was the first anime to come us?

It's a bit tricky to pinpoint the *absolute* first anime to arrive in the US, as distribution wasn't always formal or well-documented in the early days.

However, a strong contender for the title is "Astro Boy" which started airing on American television in 1963.

Here's why "Astro Boy" is considered a strong candidate:

* Early Adoption: "Astro Boy" was one of the earliest anime series to gain traction in the US, paving the way for future anime imports.

* Syndication: It was widely syndicated across various local stations, reaching a large audience.

* Cultural Impact: "Astro Boy" was a significant cultural phenomenon, leaving a lasting impression on American viewers and introducing them to the world of Japanese animation.

While other anime series might have been imported before "Astro Boy," its popularity and widespread reach make it a strong contender for the title of "first anime in the US."