Japanese Title: Saibôgu 009

Number of Episodes: 52

Written by: Shotaro Ishinomori

Characters:

• 009 aka Joe Shimamura
• 001 aka Ivan Whisky
• 002 Jet Link
• 003 Francoise Arnoul
• 004 Albert Heinrich
• 005 G. Junior
• 006 Chang-Changku
• 007 Great Britain
• 008 Pyunma
• Dr. Isaac Gilmore

Summary: Cyborg 009 is the story of a group of nine cyborgs created by the Black Ghost corporation who rise up to defeat their creator, focusing mostly on the newest and most advanced addition, 009 aka Joe Shimamura. These eight men and one woman were kidnapped by Black Ghost and turned into cyborgs against their will. With the aid one of Black Ghost's scientists, a man also tricked by the corporation, they begin their mission to bring down Black Ghost's power and deal with the changes that have taken place in each of their lives.

Commentary: On the surface, Cyborg 009 looks like just about any other good-guys-versus-evil-corporation anime. However, this show focuses much of its attention on the cyborgs themselves, teaching us about their lives and their feelings. Though the concept seems trite, the story takes some interesting turns that make it original. The characters are good, but I am not crazy about the animation style (of course, this is not a new series and does not have the influences from newer and more realistic-looking anime). It also turns to the somewhat goofy side more than I would have liked.

Rating: 7/10
Reasons for Rating: Good story, not crazy about the animation style or the fact that this show can be too goofy at times, but good overall.