[SSJup81]

I thought shows like Naruto had good ratings in Japan. I can't help but wonder what the demographic is for a series like Detective Conan. IMO, the art isn't all that great, but, the characters tend to resemble the ages they're supposed to be looks wise...but not height, imo. Conan and his friends look way too short for how old they're supposed to be...minus Genta.

Oh, adding onto the list iPhantom started, I'll go with Kuroshitsuji.

Anywho, I read what the OP wrote, but I'm not seeing it either, or I'm just not understanding the point he/she is trying to get across. The only series I could think of, aside from Astro Boy, that had that young look with the characters that came to mind, was Gigantor.

Anyway, I don't watch much stuff anymore due to lack of interest as my interest is mostly in J-drama now-a-days, but I've never noticed a trend of characters looking younger than intended in anime/manga, 'cept for series that were aimed at kids in the first place where everything is animated in a cutsey manner. Sometimes, seems the characters may look older than what they're supposed to be.

Ronin Warriors come to mind. Kayura was supposed to have been 12 or something and the Troopers were supposed to have been 14. To me, they seemed older.