Cyborg 009 #4: A thorough review of the touching story and character depth

Cyborg 009 1979 version - The significance and appeal of the re-animation

Cyborg 009 is a science fiction action manga written by Shotaro Ishinomori, whose worldview and characters are so popular that it has been adapted into anime many times. This series, which aired from 1979 to 1980, holds a special place in the hearts of its fans, and we would like to explore the reasons for this and delve into the deep appeal of the work.

■Overview of the work

"Cyborg 009" is a TV anime series that was broadcast on TV Asahi from March 6, 1979 to March 25, 1980. It has a total of 50 episodes, each 30 minutes long, and while it retains the essence of the original work, it also adds new story developments. It was produced by Nippon Sunrise and Toei, and directed by Ryosuke Takahashi.

■ Story

The story revolves around Joe Shimamura (009), who is captured by the death merchants "Black Ghost" and remodeled into a cyborg. Joe and the eight other cyborgs remodeled with him fight to crush the ambitions of the Black Ghost. Their battle unfolds with a mixture of despair and hope.

■Explanation

This series is a re-animation of the original work by Shotaro Ishinomori, with Sunrise cooperating in the production. The irregular serialization in Weekly Shonen Comic has generated enthusiasm from fans, leading to the decision to re-animate it. The character designs and settings are more faithful to the original than the previous work, and the story is told in three parts: "The Space Tree Arc," "The Warrior's Vacation Arc," and "The Neo Black Ghost Arc."

■Cast

The voice actors for the main characters are as follows:

• 009 (Joe Shimamura) - Kazuhiko Inoue
• 003 (Françoise Arnoul) - Kazuko Sugiyama
• 001 (Ivan Whisky) - Sachiko Chijimatsu
• 002 (Jet Link) - Keiichi Noda
• 004 (Albert Heinrich) - Shunji Yamada
• 005 (Geronimo Jr.) - Takashi Tanaka
• 006 (Zhang Zhang Lake) - Hase Sanji
• 007 (Great Britain) - Kaneta Kimotsuki
• 008 (Pyunma) - Koji Toya
• Dr. Isaac Gilmore - Kosei Tomita

■ Main staff

The production staff is as follows:

• Producers: Yoshiaki Koizumi (TV Asahi), Kei Iijima, Takeyuki Suzuki (Toei)
• Original author - Shotaro Ishimori
• Music - Koichi Sugiyama
• Opening animation - Yoshinori Kaneda
• Opening performance by Kazuyuki Hirokawa
• Opening animation director: Kazuo Tomizawa, Toyoo Ashida
• Character design, chief animation director: Toyoo Ashida
• Mechanic Design - Submarine
• Director: Ryosuke Takahashi
• Assistant Chief Animation Director: Akio Sakai
• Sound Production - Katsumi Ota
• Edited by Inoue Editorial Office
• Special effects - Mutsuko Shibata
• Setting production - Atsushi Minowa
• Setting - Tsunehito Nonomiya, Nobuhito Sakamoto, Atsushi Habu, Satoshi Oyama
• Art - Shigemi Ikeda, Nobuhito Sakamoto, Mitsuharu Miyamae, Ichiro Nakano
• Production: Masami Iwasaki, Toru Hasegawa
• Production cooperation: Nippon Sunrise
• Produced by: TV Asahi, Toei

■Main Characters

The details of the main characters are as follows:

009 (Joe Shimamura)

He is the leader of the cyborgs who rebelled against Black Ghost. He is a perfected version of cyborg technology, and has higher basic abilities than the other members. Joe continues to fight with his comrades to crush Black Ghost's ambitions. His growth and leadership are the central themes of the story.

001 (Ivan Whisky)

A baby who has acquired various supernatural powers as a result of brain modification that has given him 10 times the functionality of an adult. Only his brain has been modified; his other physical abilities remain those of a human baby. Ivan is the one who mentally supports his companions, and his supernatural powers are often the key to battle.

002 (Jet Link)

With jet boosters built into both legs, he can fly at speeds of Mach 5. Using this ability, he often fights in the air while carrying other teammates. Jet is responsible for the mobility and speed of the team, and is the key to combat.

003 (Françoise Arnoul)

The only female cyborg warrior. With her exceptional hearing and farsightedness, she supports the battle through reconnaissance and navigation. Françoise is the emotional support of the team, and her kindness and strength inspire her comrades.

004 (Albert Heinrich)

Nicknamed "Death", he is a cyborg whose entire body is a weapon. He boasts the most firepower among the cyborg warriors. Alberto is active on the front lines of battle, and his calm judgment and fighting ability contribute to his team's victory.

005 (Geronimo Jr.)

A large man with a strong armored skin that can withstand artillery bullets and a super strength of 1 million horsepower. Aside from his cyborg abilities, he can also talk to animals and spirits. Geronimo is the team's strong shield, and his kindness and strength protect his comrades.

006 (Zhang Zhang Lake)

He is always at his own pace and is the mood maker of the team. He has a high-compression energy furnace inside his body and has the ability to emit high-heat flames. Zhang Zhanghu is the one who lightens up the mood of the team, and his unique ability creates turning points in battles.

007 (Great Britain)

A former top-class stage actor, he has a humorous personality. He can change his cell arrangement and transform into anything. Great Britain is the entertainer of the team, and his transformation ability is the key to strategy.

008 (Pyunma)

Possessing the propulsion ability and artificial gills that allow him to move quickly underwater, he surpasses the other members when it comes to underwater combat alone. Pyunma is in charge of underwater combat, and his special abilities contribute to the team's victory.

Dr. Isaac Gilmore

A scientist who rebels against Black Ghost and works with the cyborg warriors. He is also a good understanding person for the cyborg warriors. Dr. Gilmore is the spiritual pillar of the team, and his knowledge and experience are the guide for the battle.

■Subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1 - Resurrected Gods
• Episode 2 - The Giant Sleeping in Ice
• Episode 3 - The Demon of the Arc de Triomphe
• Episode 4 - Burn with Pride, Star of Africa
• Episode 5 - Sleep, Giant, in the Legend
• Episode 6 - I don't want the goddess' tears
• Episode 7 - The Trap of the Gods
• Episode 8 - The Violin That Resonates with Love
• Episode 9 - The Space Tree Village is Calling
• Episode 10 - A Lost Friendship in the Wild West
• Episode 11 - The Return of the Phantom Leader
• Episode 12 - I won't let him become a fighting machine!
• Episode 13 - The Invisible Assassin
• Episode 14 - The Boy Who Rid a Dolphin
• Episode 15 - The Terrifying Abnormal Plant
• Episode 16 - Duel on the West Side
• Episode 17 - Stop it! X's Tragedy
• Episode 18 - The Vampire in My Heart
• Episode 19 - Cannibal Fairy Tale Land
• Episode 20 - Desert of Betrayal
• Episode 21 - Sleep Forever: Deinonychus the Dinosaur
• Episode 22 - Neo Black Ghost's Challenge
• Episode 23 - Deadly Battle! Operation V2
• Episode 24 - Protect the World Peace Conference!
• Episode 25 - Our Kind Father, Gilmore
• Episode 26 - In pursuit! The Weapon Route in the Desert
• Episode 27 - Live Beautifully! My Beloved Princess
• Episode 28 - Defeat the Cyborg Empire!
• Episode 29 - Run! Oscar, with peace in your heart!
• Episode 30 - Joe! Follow Dad!
• Episode 31 - Deadly Kick! Desperate Assassination Soccer
• Episode 32 - The Trap of the Luxury Cruise Ship Fairy
• Episode 33 - The Lonely Boy
• Episode 34 - The Bell of Love Will Ring Tomorrow
• Episode 35 - The Sad Cologne of Friendship
• Episode 36 - Casino Battle! Use a Substitute to Avoid Cheating
• Episode 37 - Escape from the Great Forest
• Episode 38 - The Lion, King of the Beasts: The Roar of the Wild
• Episode 39 - Cheers to the bad actors!
• Episode 40 - The Man Who Risked His Life for Speed
• Episode 41 - Sadness Across the Sea
• Episode 42 - Ivan in Search of His Father!
• Episode 43 - Reveal! The Secret of the Three Brothers
• Episode 44 - Grab the Neo Black Ghost's Tail!
• Episode 45 - Jesus of the East (Part 1)
• Episode 46 - Jesus of the East (Part 2)
• Episode 47 - The Mystery of the Quadruplets (Part 1)
• Episode 48 - The Mystery of the Quadruplets (Part 2)
• Episode 49 - Defeat! The Terrifying Shangri-La Project
• Episode 50 - The End of Neo Black Ghost

■ Related works

Cyborg 009 is related to the following works:

• TV Series
  • "Cyborg 009" (April 5, 1968 - September 27, 1968)
  • "Cyborg 009 THE CYBORG SOLDIER"
• Theatrical Productions
  • Cyborg 009
  • "Cyborg 009: War of the Monsters"
  • "Cyborg 009 Super Galaxy Legend"

■ Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs are as follows:

• OP - "For Whom?"
  • Lyricist: Shotaro Ishimori
  • Composer: Masaaki Hirao
  • Arrangement - Koichi Sugiyama
  • Sung by: Narita Ken, Korogi '73
• ED - "Someday"
  • Lyricist: Shotaro Ishimori
  • Composer: Masaaki Hirao
  • Arrangement - Koichi Sugiyama
  • Song - Korogi '73

■ Evaluation and appeal

The 1979 version of "Cyborg 009" has attracted many fans by highlighting the deep themes and characters of the original work. In particular, the depiction of the growth and bonds between Joe and his friends has touched viewers. In addition, each episode has a diverse storyline, and the show is designed to keep viewers from getting bored.

Another appeal of this series is that the character designs and settings are faithful to the original. In particular, the individuality of each character stands out, such as 009's leadership, 001's psychic powers, 002's speed, and 003's kindness. In addition, the battle with the Black Ghost conveys tension and thrills to the viewers.

Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of this series. The theme songs "For Whom" and "Someday", composed by Koichi Sugiyama, liven up the atmosphere of the story and touched the hearts of viewers. In addition, the inserted songs for each episode also stir emotions in line with the development of the story.

■ Recommendation points

Here are some reasons to recommend the 1979 version of "Cyborg 009."

• The deep themes and characters of the original work are highlighted
• Each episode has a diverse storyline that keeps viewers entertained.
• The character designs and settings are faithful to the original.
• Music enhances the atmosphere of the story and resonates with the audience.
• Fighting the Black Ghost provides tension and thrills

This series is recommended not only for those who like sci-fi action, but also for those who want to enjoy deep human drama. In particular, it is a must-watch for those who want to be moved by the growth and bond between Joe and his friends. In addition, fans of the original work will be able to discover new charms in this re-animated series.

Conclusion

The 1979 version of "Cyborg 009" has attracted many fans by highlighting the deep themes and characters of the original work. Each episode has a diverse story, and the viewers are not bored. Another attraction of this series is that the character designs and settings are faithful to the original work. The music also enhances the atmosphere of the story and resonates with the viewers. The battle with the Black Ghost conveys tension and thrills to the viewers. This series is recommended not only for those who like sci-fi action, but also for those who want to enjoy deep human drama. In particular, it is a must-watch for those who want to be moved by the growth and bond between Joe and his friends. In addition, fans of the original work will be able to discover new charms in this re-animated series.