TV-Series
Description
Joe Shimamura, designated Cyborg 009, is a half-Japanese orphan raised by a Catholic priest in Kanazawa. His early life involved loneliness and bullying due to his mixed heritage, though he formed friendships with fellow orphans like Yasu. Many friends disappeared after foster placements, later revealed to have been trafficked into Black Ghost's cyborg experiments by the secretly affiliated priest.
On his 18th birthday, Black Ghost agents murdered the priest and set fire to the church. Joe discovered the body and was wrongfully arrested. He escaped custody during a transport accident and, cornered by police near a cliff, jumped into the ocean. Black Ghost recovered his unconscious body and subjected him to extensive cybernetic modification, making him the final model in their 00-series line.
Initially disoriented after transformation, Joe was guided telepathically by Cyborg 001 (Ivan Whisky) to escape the facility, partly as a capability test. He joined the rebellion of the eight other cyborgs against Black Ghost, facilitated by defecting scientist Dr. Gilmore. Despite initial reluctance stemming from pacifist ideals, Joe accepted his role as the team's leader, recognizing Black Ghost's global profiteering through warfare and their responsibility for tragedies in his life.
His cybernetic enhancements incorporate and upgrade abilities from other 00-series cyborgs:
- Geronimo Jr.'s (005) superhuman strength and durability, granting near-invulnerability to bullets and flames.
- Pyunma's (008) capacity for underwater breathing.
- An advanced version of Jet Link's (002) acceleration module, allowing movement at Mach 5. This "Acceleration Mode" is activated via a switch in his molar; physical contact with unprotected humans during it causes severe injury or death due to air friction.
In the GOD'S WAR OVA, his abilities were enhanced to surpass light speed and induce molecular combustion in touched objects.
Personality-wise, Joe exhibits deep compassion and a commitment to redemption, often attempting to reason with enemy cyborgs rather than kill them, stemming from his traumatic past and sympathy for others forcibly transformed. However, this idealism sometimes manifests as a self-sacrificing hero complex, leading him to bear burdens alone or prioritize enemies' suffering over teammates' emotional needs, as seen when he focused solely on Princess Ixquic's pain while neglecting Great Britain's grief. He remains dedicated to dismantling Black Ghost due to their role in his suffering but fights decisively when innocents or allies are endangered. His leadership evolves from initial doubt to resolute determination across conflicts.
Interpersonally, he shares a subtle romantic connection with Françoise Arnoul (003), though narrative constraints in the 2001 anime prevented explicit development. He views the entire 00-team and Dr. Gilmore as his found family, a theme reinforced through shared hardships. Encounters with figures like Princess Ixquic, Lady Tamara, or Helen the Pu'Awak princess occasionally hint at deeper bonds, though these are secondary to his core relationships.
Across various story arcs—including confrontations with Black Ghost's cyborg assassins, the Mythos Cyborgs, the Yomi Kingdom, and the GOD'S WAR OVA—Joe confronts his past traumas. This includes learning the truth about his biological mother (who died after leaving him at the church) and the priest's betrayal. These experiences culminate in a commitment to protect humanity despite his own losses, solidifying his identity as both a warrior and guardian.
On his 18th birthday, Black Ghost agents murdered the priest and set fire to the church. Joe discovered the body and was wrongfully arrested. He escaped custody during a transport accident and, cornered by police near a cliff, jumped into the ocean. Black Ghost recovered his unconscious body and subjected him to extensive cybernetic modification, making him the final model in their 00-series line.
Initially disoriented after transformation, Joe was guided telepathically by Cyborg 001 (Ivan Whisky) to escape the facility, partly as a capability test. He joined the rebellion of the eight other cyborgs against Black Ghost, facilitated by defecting scientist Dr. Gilmore. Despite initial reluctance stemming from pacifist ideals, Joe accepted his role as the team's leader, recognizing Black Ghost's global profiteering through warfare and their responsibility for tragedies in his life.
His cybernetic enhancements incorporate and upgrade abilities from other 00-series cyborgs:
- Geronimo Jr.'s (005) superhuman strength and durability, granting near-invulnerability to bullets and flames.
- Pyunma's (008) capacity for underwater breathing.
- An advanced version of Jet Link's (002) acceleration module, allowing movement at Mach 5. This "Acceleration Mode" is activated via a switch in his molar; physical contact with unprotected humans during it causes severe injury or death due to air friction.
In the GOD'S WAR OVA, his abilities were enhanced to surpass light speed and induce molecular combustion in touched objects.
Personality-wise, Joe exhibits deep compassion and a commitment to redemption, often attempting to reason with enemy cyborgs rather than kill them, stemming from his traumatic past and sympathy for others forcibly transformed. However, this idealism sometimes manifests as a self-sacrificing hero complex, leading him to bear burdens alone or prioritize enemies' suffering over teammates' emotional needs, as seen when he focused solely on Princess Ixquic's pain while neglecting Great Britain's grief. He remains dedicated to dismantling Black Ghost due to their role in his suffering but fights decisively when innocents or allies are endangered. His leadership evolves from initial doubt to resolute determination across conflicts.
Interpersonally, he shares a subtle romantic connection with Françoise Arnoul (003), though narrative constraints in the 2001 anime prevented explicit development. He views the entire 00-team and Dr. Gilmore as his found family, a theme reinforced through shared hardships. Encounters with figures like Princess Ixquic, Lady Tamara, or Helen the Pu'Awak princess occasionally hint at deeper bonds, though these are secondary to his core relationships.
Across various story arcs—including confrontations with Black Ghost's cyborg assassins, the Mythos Cyborgs, the Yomi Kingdom, and the GOD'S WAR OVA—Joe confronts his past traumas. This includes learning the truth about his biological mother (who died after leaving him at the church) and the priest's betrayal. These experiences culminate in a commitment to protect humanity despite his own losses, solidifying his identity as both a warrior and guardian.