A new anime series titled Cyborg 009: Nemesis, based on Shotaro Ishinomori’s iconic Cyborg 009 manga, has officially been announced and is now in production. The news coincides with the 61st anniversary of the original manga’s serialization debut, continuing the long-running legacy of the cyborg heroes.
The Legacy of Cyborg 009
Cyborg 009, created by the influential Shotaro Ishinomori, first began serialization on July 19, 1964, in Monthly Shonen King. The manga is considered a foundational work in both cyborg and shonen narratives, inspiring countless subsequent series. Ishinomori’s work on Cyborg 009 is part of a prestigious career that also includes the creation of other popular series like Kamen Rider and Super Sentai (which later became Power Rangers in the West).
The series follows nine individuals from across the globe who are kidnapped by the malevolent Black Ghost organization. This ruthless international arms syndicate transforms them into super-powered cyborgs with the intent of using them for global warfare. However, with the help of the sympathetic Dr. Isaac Gilmore, the cyborgs rebel against their creators and dedicate themselves to fighting for justice against Black Ghost and other threats.
A Diverse Team of Heroes
A notable aspect of Cyborg 009 is its early embrace of a diverse cast, featuring characters from various backgrounds and ethnicities, predating similar approaches in Western superhero teams like the X-Men by a decade. The team consists of:
- Cyborg 001 (Ivan Whisky): A Russian baby with highly developed psychic abilities.
- Cyborg 002 (Jet Link): An American former gang member with enhanced speed due to booster jets in his legs.
- Cyborg 003 (Françoise Arnoul): A French ballerina with enhanced senses and analytical abilities.
- Cyborg 004 (Albert Heinrich): A German former assassin with various weapons integrated into his body.
- Cyborg 005 (G-Junior): A Native American with superhuman strength and durable skin.
- Cyborg 006 (Chang Changku): A Chinese farmer who can breathe fire.
- Cyborg 007 (Great Britain): A British actor who can shapeshift.
- Cyborg 008 (Pyunma): An African guerilla fighter with aquatic adaptations.
- Cyborg 009 (Joe Shimamura): The Japanese protagonist and leader, possessing “Acceleration Mode” which allows him to move at incredible speeds.
Previous Anime Adaptations and Films
Cyborg 009 has seen numerous adaptations across anime films and television series since its manga debut.
- Television Anime: The manga inspired TV anime series in 1968, 1979, and 2001. The 2001-2002 TV anime series, Cyborg 009: The Cyborg Soldier, was previously released on Blu-ray in English.
- Anime Films: The franchise also includes films released in 1966, 1967, and 1980. More recent cinematic endeavors include the 2012 film 009 Re:Cyborg and the 2016 film trilogy Cyborg 009 Call of Justice.
- Crossover OVA: A crossover original video animation (OVA) with the Devilman franchise was released in 2015.
What to Expect from Cyborg 009: Nemesis
While Ishinomori Production has confirmed that Cyborg 009: Nemesis is in production, specific details regarding its release date, format (TV series, movie, OVA), animation studio, cast, and plot remain scarce. The official announcement from Ishimori Production’s X (formerly Twitter) account stated, “Today, July 19, is ‘Cyborg 009 Day.’ After the work’s 60th anniversary year, the cyborg soldiers will take another step forward. For more details, please wait for future announcements.”
Fans eagerly await further information, hoping for a fresh interpretation that honors the enduring legacy of Shotaro Ishinomori’s visionary work and brings the adventures of the nine cyborg heroes to a new generation.
