Cyborg 009: Chou Ginga Densetsu

In early 80’s after second TV series, Toei animation made their third movie involving with the Cyborg team called; Legend of the Super Galaxy, or Legend of the Super Vortex, or Defenders of the Vortex. Whatever the name is, it’s Cyborgs in Space!

Right from the bat, you can tell that this is but then another retelling. Not only that, but this movie is much longer than the two first movies combined. In terms of quality, this movie holds up much better.

The characters are more established here than the two previous movie. Instead of showing off their powers, this time we get to learn more ... about them. We seem them interact, we see work each other off and we see them why they are dependent on each other, more than we ever did in those other movies. Same goes for the action, it’s done well with everyone getting involved. Except for one fight scene where it literary too bright to been seen.

The design on the cyborgs resembles more closely to manga and the TV series, which I like. Not that the 60’s had much problem, but seeing how everyone have the same outfit and everyone is doing something, makes them feel that they are a team, which those other movies lacked.

The English dub could had been better, but it’s not too bad. But I think what most surprised me was that Joe in the original was voiced by Kakashi and Kars. So I guess that makes it his second time being space and looking for the ultimate power he-he.

Speaking of references, this movies contains many nods to other sci-fi films such as 2001 and Star Wars.

If there is any real complains about this movie, is the movie sometimes takes detours that doesn't seem to effect the plot or the character that much afterwards.

The villain rarely shows up and when he does, he is hardly remembered. And to be honest, the last third might not be the greatest of endings, so don’t expect something mind blowing.

But for what it is, I still say that this deserves to call a movie, and it still holds up after all these years. Check it out if you want your space actions with Cyborgs.