Golgo 13

Creation

Golgo 13 was created by Takao Saito and first published in Shogakukan’s Big Comic magazine in January 1969. It has since become the longest running manga still in publication. It was created to replace a licensed James Bond manga. Golgo 13 is in fact often called “Japan’s James Bond.”

Biography

Golgo 13 is a professional assassin who has no known history. His real name is unknown, though he also commonly goes by the alias Duke Togo. Details of his past and origin are vague at best; his nationality and age are both unknown. Those that wish to hire Golgo 13 can anonymously do so by sending him a properly coded message. When they meet in person, he will ask that the client explain why they want the target killed. Once an explanation has been given and Golgo 13’s requested payment is agreed to, he will set about the task of preparing the assassination. He does not typically make contact with the client a second time; once the target is dead, the job is over.

Personality

Golgo 13 is cold and ruthless, with a grim, stony expression that masks his emotions. He is mostly quiet, talking only when he needs to. Despite his cold attitude, Golgo 13 has also admitted that he is cowardly as a rabbit, which is part of the reason that he manages to stay alive for so long. He also hates it when people walk up or stand behind him, and will punch anyone who does so.

Skills and Abilities

His weapons of choice is a Smith & Wesson revolver and a modified semi-automatic M16A1 with a scope attachment. Golgo 13’s accuracy with a sniper rifle is immaculate. Through keen preparation and skill, he is able to hit targets from positions that for the average sniper would be impossible. For example, he was able to shoot Robert Horton at a distance of over 500 yards through a two-feet wide opening between two buildings with the sun shining in his face. He is also a master of hand-to-hand combat and very athletic, and highly resistant to pain.

Other Media

Films

Golgo 13

Toei Company produced a live-action film simply titled Golgo 13 in 1973, directed by Junya Sato and starring Ken Takakura in the title role.

Golgo 13: Assignment Kowloon

It was followed by Golgo 13: Assignment Kowloon in 1977, directed by Yukio Noda, which replaced Takakura with Sonny Chiba.

Animated

Golgo 13: The Professional

Golgo 13: The Professional, known simply as Golgo 13 in Japan, is a 1983 animated feature film. Golgo 13’s voice is provided by Tetsur? Sagawa in the Japanese version, and by Gregory Snegoff in Streamline Pictures’ English dub. Golgo 13: The Professional incorporated CGI animation, which was in its infancy at the time. This is most notable in the scene where army helicopters circle around Dawson Tower and attack Golgo as he climbs toward Dawson’s office on the top floor.

Golgo 13: Queen Bee

Golgo 13: Queen Bee is an original video animation that was released in 1998. Tessh? Genda provides the voice of Golgo 13 in the Japanese version, while in the English version, he is voiced by John DiMaggio.

Television

A Golgo 13 anime television series was produced by The Answer Studio and aired on TV Tokyo and other stations from April 11, 2008 to March 27, 2009 for 50 episodes. Hiroshi Tachi provides the voice of Golgo 13. The series was licensed by Sentai Filmworks, with the first DVD released on July 13, 2010. In the English dub, he is voiced by David Wald.

Video Games

Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode (1988)

An action video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), which was released in 1988. In this game, based on a popular manga, the player takes on the role of Golgo 13, an assassin whose objective is to destroy the leader of the Drek group. On the way, Golgo 13 must pass through several areas, including East Berlin, Athens, and Alexander Island, which is located off the coast of Antarctica.

The Mafat Conspiracy (1990)

Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System video game in 1990. It is the sequel to Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode. Its cover art was illustrated by Lawrence Fletcher.