Cyborg 009: Call of Justice

Cyborg 009: Call of Justice, directed by Kenji Kamiyama and Koudai Kakimoto, is a thrilling animated series from 2017, based on the original manga series of Cyborg 009 by famous Japanese author, Shotaro Ishinomori. The series, presented in 3D CGI animation style, contains a total of twelve episodes broken down into three parts, each offering a dramatic rollercoaster ride of events for audiences.

The story revolves around 9 ordinary individuals with each of their lives dramatically changed as they get forcibly turned into cyborgs, an experimentation by a secretive and villainous organization. Provided incredible powers and abilities by their mechanical enhancements, the cyborgs find themselves in a never-ending struggle between using their powers to benefit humanity or succumbing to the darker implications of their newfound capabilities.

The protagonist, Joe Shimamura (or Cyborg 009), leads this unique group of cyborgs on their challenging journey as they navigate their dual existence, juggling normal lives with the responsibilities their altered forms mandate. Each character in the group—upstanding journalist, skilled performers, conflicted war heroes—have their strengths, struggles and backstories, adding the necessary flavour and depth to the series. Their quest leads them down the path of justice, often forcing them into combat against the more nefarious elements of society, those wishing to exploit their powers for self-serving motives.

Cyborg 009: Call of Justice plunges deeper into the realm of the fantastical when introducing the “Blessed,” a seemingly immortal faction of superhumans who have influenced human history throughout the ages. They act as primary antagonists in this iteration of the series, set on a destructive path that the Cyborg team strives to intercept, aiming to protect humanity from a danger it might not survive.

The series maintains a mature perspective despite being an animated show, drawing in older audiences with its hard-hitting themes encompassing morality, purpose, survival, sacrifice, and the price of power. The human-versus-cyborg conflict, powered by the characters' nuanced emotions, drives the narrative, offering viewers insight into the potential realities of a technologically-enmeshed society.

Technically, the series shines with its 3D animation approach, showcasing stunning visuals, engaging action sequences, and a vivid color palette, each adding more dimensions to the storytelling. The switch to 3D from the earlier 2D format may take some getting used to for long-time fans of the franchise, but the quality of animation and level of detail on display are undeniable.

The impeccable pacing of each 25-minute episode ensures maximal viewer engagement, while the impressive voiceover cast infuses remarkable depth and emotion to their respective characters. The atmospheric and dramatic score enhances the tone of the series, ushering in suspense, thrill, and a hint of melancholy.

Viewers are also treated to numerous beautifully framed shots, and there are several mind-bending, gravity-defying action set pieces that take full advantage of the 3D CGI format. The futuristic elements in the series, punctuated by meticulously detailed fight scenes, massive robots, and even larger cityscapes, are especially immersive and visually appealing.

The diverse array of personalities and backgrounds among the cyborg characters facilitates a broad range of viewer connection. As each character deals with their life-altering transition and the subsequent implications, they explore the themesof identity, free will, and personal responsibility. It encourages viewers to contemplate deeper questions about humanity's relationship with advanced technology.

In essence, Cyborg 009: Call of Justice is an all-encompassing package with its engaging storytelling, eye-catching animation, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. Despite it falling under the category of an animated series, it holds appeal far beyond a younger audience, drawing in adults as well with its mature content and intense narrative. It successfully carries forward the legacy of the Cyborg 009 universe, delivering a gripping and boundary-pushing installment in the iconic franchise. Whether audiences are long-time fans or intrigued newcomers, this instalment promises an exhilarating ride filled with adventure, danger, and above all, an exploration of what it means to be human in a world that’s changing way too fast.