Cyborg 009 is a groundbreaking Japanese manga and anime series created by Shotaro Ishinomori in 1964. As one of the first superhero team franchises in manga history, it laid the foundation for countless sci-fi and action stories that followed, including Kamen Rider and even X-Men-style ensemble teams.

With a blend of action, political intrigue, science fiction, and human drama, Cyborg 009 asks a deep question: What does it mean to be human when you've become a machine?


The Story: From Human to Weapon

The story of Cyborg 009 centers on nine individuals from different parts of the world who are kidnapped by a nefarious organization known as Black Ghost. This group is bent on selling advanced weaponry and creating cyborg soldiers to fuel war across the globe.

These nine captives are transformed into cyborgs, each with unique enhancements and abilities, meant to be the next generation of super soldiers. However, instead of serving their creators, they rebel against Black Ghost and fight to stop its plans of global destruction.

Their leader is Cyborg 009, a.k.a. Joe Shimamura, a half-Japanese, half-Caucasian teenager with the power of super speed thanks to an acceleration switch embedded in his body.


The Cyborg Team: Diverse Powers, Diverse Origins

The team is made up of nine cyborgs, each from a different country and background, symbolizing international unity against war and oppression:

  1. 001 – Ivan Whisky (Russia): A psychic baby with telepathy and telekinesis.

  2. 002 – Jet Link (USA): A former street gang leader with flight capability via rocket propulsion.

  3. 003 – Françoise Arnoul (France): Enhanced senses (sight and hearing); serves as the team’s intelligence specialist.

  4. 004 – Albert Heinrich (Germany): War veteran with built-in weapons like machine guns and missiles.

  5. 005 – Geronimo Jr. (USA – Native American): Super strength and near-invincibility.

  6. 006 – Chang Changku (China): Can breathe fire and heat up his surroundings.

  7. 007 – Great Britain (U.K.): A shapeshifter and former actor.

  8. 008 – Pyunma (Africa): Amphibious cyborg with underwater combat abilities.

  9. 009 – Joe Shimamura (Japan): The fastest of them all, with an accelerator that lets him move faster than the eye can see.

Each character not only represents a part of the world but also reflects different aspects of humanity—tragedy, hope, love, and resistance.


Themes: War, Identity, and Humanity

Cyborg 009 is more than an action story. It explores existential questions:

  • Are the cyborgs still human?

  • What is free will when your body is controlled by technology?

  • Can peace be achieved through strength?

It criticizes the military-industrial complex, showing how war profits from human suffering. It also emphasizes diversity and cooperation, with a global team working together for justice.


Adaptations Over the Years

Cyborg 009 has been adapted into several anime series and movies:

  • 1968: The first black-and-white anime adaptation.

  • 1979: A colorful and iconic version that introduced many to the franchise.

  • 2001: A modern retelling with updated character designs and deeper storytelling.

  • 2012: 009 Re:Cyborg, a CGI animated movie exploring terrorism and divine intervention.

  • 2016: Cyborg 009: Call of Justice, a Netflix-released 3D anime trilogy.

Each version brings a different interpretation while keeping the core of the original intact.


Legacy: A Blueprint for Modern Heroes

Cyborg 009 predates many team-based superhero stories, including anime like Gatchaman, Super Sentai, and My Hero Academia. Shotaro Ishinomori, its creator, went on to create Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, and Kikaider—defining the look and tone of Japanese superheroes for generations.


Conclusion: The Timeless Fight for Justice

Though created in the 1960s, Cyborg 009 remains incredibly relevant. Its themes of identity, war, technology, and human connection are as powerful today as they were decades ago. It stands as a testament to what science fiction can be when combined with heartfelt storytelling and moral depth.

The nine cyborgs may have metal bodies, but their hearts are very much human.


“We are not weapons. We are people. And we choose to fight for peace.” – Joe Shimamura / 009