Bro SMASH
I'm pretty sure that anyone who has ever been into anime or mangas have heard of the name Osamu Tezuka (who is known as the "Walt Disney of Japan"
but just in case you haven't, you can check here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tezuka
And for more detail on some of his work:
http://tezukainenglish.com/
His works include series such as Black Jack, Astro Boy, Kimba the White Lion and MANY more. Also, don't forget to check out the numerous roles of one his most well-known characters name Rock and his changes throughout the many years.
His series have received many anime adaptations (such as Astro Boy, which has aired in the US before) so you can also check those out if you want to familiarize yourself with the series and it's characters.
but just in case you haven't, you can check here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tezuka
And for more detail on some of his work:
http://tezukainenglish.com/
His works include series such as Black Jack, Astro Boy, Kimba the White Lion and MANY more. Also, don't forget to check out the numerous roles of one his most well-known characters name Rock and his changes throughout the many years.
His series have received many anime adaptations (such as Astro Boy, which has aired in the US before) so you can also check those out if you want to familiarize yourself with the series and it's characters.