Joe the Condor, designated G-2, serves as second-in-command, marksman, and weapons specialist of the Science Ninja Team. Born George Asakura on BC Island, he witnessed his parents—Giuseppe and Caterina Asakura—murdered by a Galactor assassin using an exploding rose bomb at age eight. Dr. Kozaburo Nambu rescued him, faked his death with a falsified certificate and burial, renamed him Joe to conceal his identity, and became his guardian. Joe initially repressed memories of his parents' Galactor affiliation, developing intense hatred for the organization. His personality blends cynicism, impulsiveness, and a loner demeanor with underlying loyalty to the team. He frequently advocates aggressive tactics against Galactor, clashing with Ken the Eagle's measured leadership, driven by a quest for vengeance that gradually yields to team camaraderie. Later in the series, shrapnel-induced brain damage causes headaches, dizziness, and impaired coordination but heightens his combat prowess. Learning his condition is terminal, he embarks on a final mission against Galactor headquarters, accepting his mortality. Presumed dead after the mission, he reappears as a cyborg in the sequel series following experimental surgery by Dr. Rafael. This transformation includes a bomb near his heart to prevent overexertion, reinforcing his self-sacrificial nature. He initially hides his cybernetic state due to societal stigma but is later accepted by the team. Across adaptations, his backstory varies: - The "Condor Flies!" light novel depicts him as genetically engineered, with the "George Asakura" identity implanted. - The cancelled Imagi film renamed him Joseph, with parents Daniel and an unnamed mother killed during his 12th birthday at a pizza restaurant. - The 1994 OVA emphasizes his parents' Galactor ties, adding a crucifix necklace and skull tattoo symbolizing his vengeance vow. - "Infini-T Force" presents a streamlined version where his cyborg status and sequel events remain unacknowledged. His combat abilities center on Science Ninja Arts, enabling superhuman feats like high-speed movement and silent attacks. Signature weapons include a lasso gun, feather shuriken, and air gun. His vehicle, the G-2, transforms from a stock car into a turbine-powered machine capable of hovering and wall-climbing; it later gains a gatling gun and docks in the God Phoenix's nose for equipment access. In "Tatsunoko vs Capcom," his fighting style reflects anime gadgets through moves like Wild Lasso, Savage Shot, Shuriken Feathers, and Bird Missile Strike. Appearance-wise, he possesses a muscular build, mousy brown hair (often shoulder-length), and sharp facial features. His original Bird Style uniform features a burgundy bodysuit, dark blue gloves and boots, a blue cape, and a condor-inspired visor helmet. Civilian attire typically includes a red-and-blue "2" emblem shirt and jeans. Redesigns alter these elements: the OVA uses a navy blue suit with burgundy accents and removes the belt's "G" symbol, while "Infini-T Force" gives him a ponytail and black racing jacket. Key relationships include: - Dr. Nambu: Joe maintains tolerance for Nambu's strategies despite disagreements, rooted in gratitude for his rescue. - Ken Washio: Their bond evolves from childhood rivalry—fueled by Joe's envy of Ken's optimism—to mutual respect amid clashes over tactics and sacrifice. - Jun: He occasionally defends her, notably confronting Ken over her perceived abandonment during a mission.