massive character
Bit of an overstatement. He wasn't massively altered, just scenes with him acting more childish were initially removed to play up his heroic aspect. BUT that happens less and less as the series goes on. I've been watching Volumes 3 and 4 of the 2003 series and his boyish aspects are more obvious. I think it was the introduction of Zoran that did it and Sony realized the cuteness aspect COULD work.
I'd say that the USA is getting there. Astro's been given more and more respect each time he surfaces in the USA.