Cyborg 009: Legend of the Super Galaxy (1980)
A classic 1980 Japanese anime theatrical film uniting nine cybernetic heroes in an epic battle across the cosmos.
Cyborg 009: Legend of the Super Galaxy - Movie Information
- Original Title: サイボーグ009 超銀河伝説
- Release Year: 1980
- Directed by: Masayuki Akehi, Yasuhiro Yamaguchi
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 2h 10m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: French, Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 20, 1980 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Cyborg 009 (AF), Cyborg 009: Legend of the Super Galaxy (UK), Gefährlicher Countdown für Cyborg 009 (DE), Defenders of the Vortex (US), Cyborg 009 Chou Ginga Densetsu (JP)
- Production Companies: Toei Animation, Ishimori Production
- Production Countries: Japan
Cyborg 009: Legend of the Super Galaxy - Plot
An anime film for the second Cyborg 009 anime TV series.
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Cyborg 009: Legend of the Super Galaxy - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Masayuki Akehi
- Yasuhiro Yamaguchi
Main Cast
- Kazuhiko Inoue
- Fuyumi Shiraishi
- Keiichi Noda
- Kazuko Sugiyama
- Keaton Yamada
- Banjo Ginga
- Sanji Hase
- Kaneta Kimotsuki
- Kazuyuki Sogabe
- Ichiro Nagai
Producers
- Youichi Kominato
Cyborg 009: Legend of the Super Galaxy - FAQs
What is Cyborg 009: Legend of the Super Galaxy about?
The film follows the nine cybernetic warriors of the 00 Cyborg team as they face a cosmic-scale threat. Blending classic mecha action with space opera spectacle, it expands the beloved Cyborg 009 universe into an epic galactic adventure filled with high-stakes battles and team camaraderie.
Is Cyborg 009: Legend of the Super Galaxy connected to the TV series?
Yes, the film is directly tied to the second Cyborg 009 anime TV series. It serves as a theatrical companion piece, expanding on the characters and world established in that series. Fans of the show will find familiar faces and the same core team of cybernetic heroes at the center of the story.
Who are the main voice actors in this film?
The cast features Kazuhiko Inoue as the lead hero Joe Shimamura (Cyborg 009), alongside Fuyumi Shiraishi, Keiichi Noda, Kazuko Sugiyama, Keaton Yamada, Banjo Ginga, Sanji Hase, Kaneta Kimotsuki, Kazuyuki Sogabe, and Ichiro Nagai — a strong ensemble of veteran Japanese voice talent.
Why is the film also known as Defenders of the Vortex?
The title Defenders of the Vortex was used for the film's US release, a common practice in the era when Japanese anime was rebranded for Western markets. The film also circulated under other regional titles, including Gefährlicher Countdown für Cyborg 009 in Germany and simply Cyborg 009 in some territories.
Who directed Cyborg 009: Legend of the Super Galaxy?
The film was co-directed by Masayuki Akehi and Yasuhiro Yamaguchi. It was produced by Toei Animation and Ishimori Production, the studio and company behind the original Cyborg 009 manga created by the legendary Shotaro Ishinomori.
What are some anime films similar to this one?
If you enjoy this film, you might also like Jungle Emperor Leo (1997), Afro Samurai: Resurrection (2009), Lu Over the Wall (2017), and Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: Bandit Flower (2017). These titles share a similar spirit of classic Japanese animation and action-driven storytelling.
When was Cyborg 009: Legend of the Super Galaxy released?
The film premiered in Japan on December 20, 1980. It later reached US audiences in 1988 under the title Defenders of the Vortex, reflecting the wave of Japanese animation that found its way to Western markets throughout the 1980s.
Is Cyborg 009: Legend of the Super Galaxy based on a manga?
Yes, the film draws from the Cyborg 009 manga created by Shotaro Ishinomori, one of the most influential manga artists in Japanese history. The franchise spans manga, multiple TV series, and films, making it a cornerstone of classic Japanese science fiction storytelling.
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