Golgo 13
Encyclopedia
is a manga
series written and illustrated by Takao Saito
, published in Shogakukan
's Big Comic
magazine since January 1969. In 1976, the manga won the 21st Shogakukan Manga Award
for general manga. The series follows the titular character, a professional assassin for hire.
Golgo 13 is the longest running manga still in publication, and its tankōbon edition has the third highest number of volumes. It has sold over 200 million copies in various formats, including compilation books. It has been adapted into two live-action feature films, two animated
films, a television series and five video games.
.
Duke's alias ("Golgo 13") contains references to the death of Jesus Christ
. Golgo is short for Golgotha, the place of Jesus' crucifixion. The number 13
is considered an unlucky number in Christianity
because there were thirteen participants at Jesus' Last Supper
before his execution. Also, Golgo 13's logo is a skeleton wearing a Crown of Thorns
.
Duke Togo's past is a mystery. Although many episodes of the series have presented speculation about his origin, such episodes always cast doubt on their own theories as well — leaving the readers uncertain whether the information was even true. It is only known that he had a son with ex-PIRA terrorist Catherine McCall named Joey, who was killed in an accidental explosion after he ignited some explosives at a PIRA safehouse.
With respect to the character's age, a large number of stories are dated as they are centered around current events of the time. However, Golgo 13's age has not increased significantly to account for these events. He has also suffered multiple injuries on his body via torture.
published by Shogakukan
and is currently in serialization. The collected volumes of the stories have been published by LEED Publishing since 1989 and are available in tankōbon
and bunkokan editions. As of January 2009, 155 volumes of the tankōbon edition has been published, while the bunkokan edition has 122 volumes.
In 1989 and 1990, LEED and Vic Tokai
published two new Golgo 13 comic books, as part of the promotion for two Golgo 13 video games. The comics were released to the US public via a mail-in offer with the purchase of the games and were later even found packaged with the video games. Each issue contained one complete story and had nothing to do with the storylines of the video games themselves.
In 1991, LEED Publishing and Viz Media
published The Professional: Golgo 13, a three part mini-series. The Professional was a re-printing of "The Argentine Tiger", a story where Golgo is hired by the British Government to assassinate the reportedly dead ex-president of Argentina Juan Perón
.
In 2006, Golgo 13 was brought back by Viz Media
as part of the Viz Signature collection. The stories are picked from the forty-year history of the manga, and do not necessarily represent the original's order of publication. A total of thirteen volumes were published, with the thirteenth volume being published on February 19, 2008. Each volume ends with an editorial commentary on Golgo 13 as a cultural phenomenon in Japan.
produced a live-action film simply titled Golgo 13 in 1973, directed by Junya Sato
and starring Ken Takakura
in the title role. It was followed by Golgo 13: Assignment Kowloon
in 1977, directed by Yukio Noda and starring Sonny Chiba
in the title role.
provided the voice of Golgo 13. As for the english dub, his voice is provided by Greg Snegoff.
provided the voice of Golgo 13 in the Japanese version, while in the English version, he is voiced by John DiMaggio
.
and other stations from April 11, 2008 to March 27, 2009, lasting 50 episodes. Hiroshi Tachi
provided the voice of Golgo 13. The series was licensed by Sentai Filmworks, with the first DVD released on July 13, 2010.
The TV series is currently airing in North America on the Anime Network on Demand channel, and it is also available through instant stream service Netflix (collection 1 episodes 1-13). It is also currently airing on television in the Philippines by TV5 and in South Korea by Animax Korea.
Opening Themes:
Ending Themes:
, The Mafat Conspiracy
and three Japan-only Arcade games, similar to the Silent Scope series, but with a few differences. The rifle only contained a magnifying lens, not a small monitor like Silent Scope. The screen itself would close up on the target only when the sensor on the underside of the rifle base was activated by the player leaning their shoulder into it. Each mission was preceded by a 8-10 panel manga briefing. The first two releases ran on Namco System 12 hardware, with the third on Namco System 10 hardware. A Golgo 13 game, Golgo 13: File G-13 o Oe, was released for the Nintendo DS
on June 18, 2009 by Marvelous Entertainment. From initial reports, the game appears to consist of a large quiz mode, featuring questions spanning the 40 year history of Golgo 13, as well as several mini-games, including the "Don't Stand Behind Me" game, in which the player, as Golgo 13, must punch people who walk up behind him. At the end of each episode of the anime, the tagline was "Don't stand behind him, if you value your life." The game is played holding the DS on its side, also known as "book style" and surprisingly seems to be rated the Japanese equivalent of General/All Ages, which suggests the game won't feature much or any graphic violence or adult/mature subject matter, some of Golgo 13's trademarks.
and Lotte
Black Black
. There was also a radio drama
featuring Masane Tsukayama
as Golgo 13.
An Airsoft
gun has been made by Tokyo Marui
based on the rifle Golgo 13 uses. A figure based on Golgo 13 was released on August 25, 2009.
and Frederick Forsyth
, as the stories are "dark, meticulously constructed [and] painstakingly realistic". The Daily Vanguard
calls Duke "a badass, something like a cross between Dirty Harry and Metal Gear Solid' s Solid Snake"
Jc DuBois of Dragon's Anime has criticized those who say that most of Golgo 13's hits are impossible to do since there are problems that would prevent him from shooting straight such as the wind or with the coriolis effect
, saying that the "whole mystique of Golgo 13 is that he's just that damn good. He CAN make those shots – and he can do it with one shot."
Manga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
series written and illustrated by Takao Saito
Takao Saito
is a Japanese manga and gekiga artist. He is best known for creating the successful series Golgo 13.-Early life and career:Takao Saito was born on November 3, 1936 in Wakayama Prefecture. During his school days in Osaka he was the best in his class in drawing and fighting, and also considered...
, published in Shogakukan
Shogakukan
is a Japanese publisher of dictionaries, literature, manga, non-fiction, DVDs, and other media in Japan.Shogakukan founded Shueisha which founded Hakusensha. These are three separate companies, but are together called the Hitotsubashi Group, one of the largest publishing groups in Japan...
's Big Comic
Big Comic
is a semimonthly seinen manga magazine published since 1968-02-29 by Shogakukan in Japan. It was originally launched as a monthly magazine, but switched to twice monthly on the 10th and 25th beginning in April 1968. It is paired with sister magazine Big Comic Original, going on sale in the weeks...
magazine since January 1969. In 1976, the manga won the 21st Shogakukan Manga Award
Shogakukan Manga Award
The is one of Japan's major manga awards, sponsored by Shogakukan Publishing. It has been awarded annually for serialized manga since 1955 and features candidates from a number of publishers.The current award categories are:...
for general manga. The series follows the titular character, a professional assassin for hire.
Golgo 13 is the longest running manga still in publication, and its tankōbon edition has the third highest number of volumes. It has sold over 200 million copies in various formats, including compilation books. It has been adapted into two live-action feature films, two animated
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
films, a television series and five video games.
Character
Golgo 13, also known by the pseudonym Duke Togo, is a professional assassin. His age and birthplace are unknown and there is no consensus in the worldwide intelligence community as to his true identity. Most of his jobs are completed through the use of a customized, scoped M16 rifleM16 rifle
The M16 is the United States military designation for the AR-15 rifle adapted for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. Colt purchased the rights to the AR-15 from ArmaLite, and currently uses that designation only for semi-automatic versions of the rifle. The M16 fires the 5.56×45mm NATO...
.
Duke's alias ("Golgo 13") contains references to the death of Jesus Christ
Crucifixion of Jesus
The crucifixion of Jesus and his ensuing death is an event that occurred during the 1st century AD. Jesus, who Christians believe is the Son of God as well as the Messiah, was arrested, tried, and sentenced by Pontius Pilate to be scourged, and finally executed on a cross...
. Golgo is short for Golgotha, the place of Jesus' crucifixion. The number 13
13 (number)
13 is the natural number after 12 and before 14. It is the smallest number with eight letters in its name spelled out in English. It is also the first of the teens – the numbers 13 through 19 – the ages of teenagers....
is considered an unlucky number in Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
because there were thirteen participants at Jesus' Last Supper
Last Supper
The Last Supper is the final meal that, according to Christian belief, Jesus shared with his Twelve Apostles in Jerusalem before his crucifixion. The Last Supper provides the scriptural basis for the Eucharist, also known as "communion" or "the Lord's Supper".The First Epistle to the Corinthians is...
before his execution. Also, Golgo 13's logo is a skeleton wearing a Crown of Thorns
Crown of Thorns
In Christianity, the Crown of Thorns, one of the instruments of the Passion, was woven of thorn branches and placed on Jesus Christ before his crucifixion...
.
Duke Togo's past is a mystery. Although many episodes of the series have presented speculation about his origin, such episodes always cast doubt on their own theories as well — leaving the readers uncertain whether the information was even true. It is only known that he had a son with ex-PIRA terrorist Catherine McCall named Joey, who was killed in an accidental explosion after he ignited some explosives at a PIRA safehouse.
- A list of episodes speculating on the origin of Golgo 13:
- Episode 25 "飢餓共和国".
- Episode 56 "潜入ルート G3".
- Episode 64 "モスクワ人形" .
- Episode 68 "日本人·東健作" .
- Episode 100 "芹沢家殺人事件".
- Episode 127 "おろしや間諜伝説".
- Episode 145 "蒼狼漂う果て".
- Episode 155 "モンゴルの鷹".
- Episode 179 "毛沢東の遺言".
- Episode 199 "河豚の季節".
- Episode 277 "すべて人民のもの".
- Episode 293 "禿鷲伝説".
- Episode 357 "血液サンプルG".
- The list of episodes where Golgo 13 calls himself whether he says truth or lied.
- Episode 4 "色あせた紋章".
- Episode 92 "ヒドラ".
- Episode 113 "落日の死影".
- Episode 193 "KING OF BIRDS".
With respect to the character's age, a large number of stories are dated as they are centered around current events of the time. However, Golgo 13's age has not increased significantly to account for these events. He has also suffered multiple injuries on his body via torture.
Japanese
Golgo 13 began serialization in the January 1969 issue of the monthly manga anthology Big ComicBig Comic
is a semimonthly seinen manga magazine published since 1968-02-29 by Shogakukan in Japan. It was originally launched as a monthly magazine, but switched to twice monthly on the 10th and 25th beginning in April 1968. It is paired with sister magazine Big Comic Original, going on sale in the weeks...
published by Shogakukan
Shogakukan
is a Japanese publisher of dictionaries, literature, manga, non-fiction, DVDs, and other media in Japan.Shogakukan founded Shueisha which founded Hakusensha. These are three separate companies, but are together called the Hitotsubashi Group, one of the largest publishing groups in Japan...
and is currently in serialization. The collected volumes of the stories have been published by LEED Publishing since 1989 and are available in tankōbon
Tankobon
, with a literal meaning close to "independently appearing book", is the Japanese term for a book that is complete in itself and is not part of a series , though the manga industry uses it for volumes which may be in a series...
and bunkokan editions. As of January 2009, 155 volumes of the tankōbon edition has been published, while the bunkokan edition has 122 volumes.
English
In 1986, LEED Publishing Company released four Golgo 13 trade paperbacks translated by Patrick Connolly.In 1989 and 1990, LEED and Vic Tokai
Vic Tokai
is a telecommunications company in Japan providing cable and DSL services as well as network solutions. The "Vic" in Vic Tokai's name stands for Valuable Information & Communication while the "Tokai" is simply the name of its parent company TOKAI, a Japanese natural gas utility founded in 1950...
published two new Golgo 13 comic books, as part of the promotion for two Golgo 13 video games. The comics were released to the US public via a mail-in offer with the purchase of the games and were later even found packaged with the video games. Each issue contained one complete story and had nothing to do with the storylines of the video games themselves.
In 1991, LEED Publishing and Viz Media
VIZ Media
VIZ Media, LLC, headquartered in San Francisco, is an anime, manga, and Japanese entertainment company. It was founded in 1986 as VIZ LLC. In 2005, VIZ LLC and ShoPro Entertainment merged to form the current VIZ Media LLC, which is jointly owned by Japanese publishers Shogakukan and Shueisha, and...
published The Professional: Golgo 13, a three part mini-series. The Professional was a re-printing of "The Argentine Tiger", a story where Golgo is hired by the British Government to assassinate the reportedly dead ex-president of Argentina Juan Perón
Juan Perón
Juan Domingo Perón was an Argentine military officer, and politician. Perón was three times elected as President of Argentina though he only managed to serve one full term, after serving in several government positions, including the Secretary of Labor and the Vice Presidency...
.
In 2006, Golgo 13 was brought back by Viz Media
VIZ Media
VIZ Media, LLC, headquartered in San Francisco, is an anime, manga, and Japanese entertainment company. It was founded in 1986 as VIZ LLC. In 2005, VIZ LLC and ShoPro Entertainment merged to form the current VIZ Media LLC, which is jointly owned by Japanese publishers Shogakukan and Shueisha, and...
as part of the Viz Signature collection. The stories are picked from the forty-year history of the manga, and do not necessarily represent the original's order of publication. A total of thirteen volumes were published, with the thirteenth volume being published on February 19, 2008. Each volume ends with an editorial commentary on Golgo 13 as a cultural phenomenon in Japan.
Live-action
Toei CompanyToei Company
is a Japanese film, television production, and distribution corporation. Based in Tokyo, Toei owns and operates thirty-four movie theaters across Japan, a modest vertically-integrated studio system by the standards of the 1930s United States; operates studios at Tokyo and Kyoto; and is a...
produced a live-action film simply titled Golgo 13 in 1973, directed by Junya Sato
Junya Sato
is a Japanese film director.-Career:Born in Tokyo, Sato graduated from the University of Tokyo in 1956 with a degree in French literature. He joined the Toei studio and worked as an assistant to such directors as Tadashi Imai and Miyoji Ieki. He debuted as a director in 1963 with Rikugun zangyaku...
and starring Ken Takakura
Ken Takakura
, born , is a Japanese actor best known for his brooding style and the stoic presence he brings to his roles.Takakura gained his streetwise swagger and tough-guy persona watching yakuza turf battles over the lucrative black market and racketeering in postwar Fukuoka...
in the title role. It was followed by Golgo 13: Assignment Kowloon
Golgo 13: Assignment Kowloon
is a 1977 action movie starring Sonny Chiba as the international assassin Golgo 13. It was the second live-action movie based on the Golgo 13 manga.-Plot:...
in 1977, directed by Yukio Noda and starring Sonny Chiba
Sonny Chiba
, also known as Sonny Chiba, is a Japanese actor, singer, film producer, film director and martial artist.Chiba was one of the first actors to achieve stardom through his skills in martial arts, initially in Japan and later before an international audience.- Early life :Born in Fukuoka, Fukuoka,...
in the title role.
Golgo 13: The Professional
Golgo 13: The Professional, known simply as Golgo 13 in Japan, is a 1983 animated featured film. Tetsurō SagawaTetsurō Sagawa
is a Japanese actor and voice actor from Tateyama, Chiba. He is a graduate of Waseda University.-Film:*Dai Ninjutsu Eiga: Watari *Fūrinkazan *Onmitsu Dōshin Ōedo Sōsamō -Television drama:...
provided the voice of Golgo 13. As for the english dub, his voice is provided by Greg Snegoff.
Golgo 13: Queen Bee
Golgo 13: Queen Bee is Golgo's second animated film, released in 1998. Tesshō GendaTessho Genda
is a Japanese voice actor. He is employed by the talent management firm 81 Produce. When he debuted, he used his real name, . as artist name. Because he had experience with ballet, he was known by the nickname "Pirouette Genda."...
provided the voice of Golgo 13 in the Japanese version, while in the English version, he is voiced by John DiMaggio
John DiMaggio
John William DiMaggio is an American voice actor. A native of North Plainfield, New Jersey, he is known for his gruff, deep voice and New Jersey accent, which he uses to voice mainly villains and anti-heroes.-Filmography:...
.
TV series
The Golgo 13 animated television series was produced by The Answer Studio, which aired on TV TokyoTV Tokyo
is a television station headquartered in Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Also known as , a blend of "terebi" and "Tokyo", it is the key station of TX Network. It is one of the major Tokyo television stations, particularly specializing in anime...
and other stations from April 11, 2008 to March 27, 2009, lasting 50 episodes. Hiroshi Tachi
Hiroshi Tachi
is a Japanese actor and singer. He is probably best known for starring the TV drama series Seibu Keisatsu.He is a dropout of Chiba Institute of Technology.- References :...
provided the voice of Golgo 13. The series was licensed by Sentai Filmworks, with the first DVD released on July 13, 2010.
The TV series is currently airing in North America on the Anime Network on Demand channel, and it is also available through instant stream service Netflix (collection 1 episodes 1-13). It is also currently airing on television in the Philippines by TV5 and in South Korea by Animax Korea.
Theme music
Opening Themes:
- "Take the Wave" by Naifu (eps. 1-25)
- "So Far Away" by Pinc Inc (eps. 26-50)
Ending Themes:
- "Garasu no Haiwei (Highway of Glass)" by doa (eps. 1-12)
- "Yume no Hitotsu" by Garnet CrowGARNET CROWGarnet Crow is a Japanese pop/rock band formed in 1999 and associated with the Giza Studio record label. Members include Yuri Nakamura, Hitoshi Okamoto, Nana Azuki, and Hirohito Furui, with Nakamura leading on vocals...
(eps. 13-25) - "Sono Egao Yo Eien ni" by Kitahara Aiko (eps. 26-38)
- "Mou Kimi wo Hitori ni Sasenai" by U-KA Saegusa in DBU-ka Saegusa in dBwas a Japanese pop band signed to Giza Studio, Formed in 2002 around lead vocalist Yuuka "U-ka" Saegusa, the band's first three singles were all featured in the anime Cheeky Angel. Its first hit single was "Kimi to Yakusoku Shita Yasashii Ano Basho Made", a theme song of the popular anime Detective...
(eps. 39-50)
Video games
Five video games have been released: Golgo 13: Top Secret EpisodeGolgo 13: Top Secret Episode
is an action video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System , which was released in 1988.In this game, based on a popular Japanese manga, the player takes on the role of Golgo 13 , an assassin whose objective is to destroy the leader of the Drek group...
, The Mafat Conspiracy
The Mafat Conspiracy
is a Nintendo Entertainment System video game released in . It is the sequel to Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode.-Plot:A weapons satellite has been snatched out of orbit, and the world is facing nuclear destruction. Behind this act is a group of terrorist known as the Mafat Conspiracy.The terrorists...
and three Japan-only Arcade games, similar to the Silent Scope series, but with a few differences. The rifle only contained a magnifying lens, not a small monitor like Silent Scope. The screen itself would close up on the target only when the sensor on the underside of the rifle base was activated by the player leaning their shoulder into it. Each mission was preceded by a 8-10 panel manga briefing. The first two releases ran on Namco System 12 hardware, with the third on Namco System 10 hardware. A Golgo 13 game, Golgo 13: File G-13 o Oe, was released for the Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...
on June 18, 2009 by Marvelous Entertainment. From initial reports, the game appears to consist of a large quiz mode, featuring questions spanning the 40 year history of Golgo 13, as well as several mini-games, including the "Don't Stand Behind Me" game, in which the player, as Golgo 13, must punch people who walk up behind him. At the end of each episode of the anime, the tagline was "Don't stand behind him, if you value your life." The game is played holding the DS on its side, also known as "book style" and surprisingly seems to be rated the Japanese equivalent of General/All Ages, which suggests the game won't feature much or any graphic violence or adult/mature subject matter, some of Golgo 13's trademarks.
Other media
In addition, the title character has appeared in a number of TV commercials in Japan, including NECNEC
, a Japanese multinational IT company, has its headquarters in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. NEC, part of the Sumitomo Group, provides information technology and network solutions to business enterprises, communications services providers and government....
and Lotte
Lotte (conglomerate)
Lotte Co., Ltd. is a South Korean-Japanese Jaebeol and one of the largest food and shopping groups in South Korea and Japan. Lotte was established in June 1948, in Tokyo, by Japanese-educated, Korean businessman Shin Kyuk-Ho – also known as...
Black Black
Black Black
is a brand of caffeinated chewing gum produced in Japan by Lotte. It has been sold since 1983, and is popular in Japan, partially due to its well-known television commercials that star Jean-Claude Van Damme. It became popular in the United States after being mentioned in Wired Magazine...
. There was also a radio drama
Radio drama
Radio drama is a dramatized, purely acoustic performance, broadcast on radio or published on audio media, such as tape or CD. With no visual component, radio drama depends on dialogue, music and sound effects to help the listener imagine the characters and story...
featuring Masane Tsukayama
Masane Tsukayama
is a Japanese actor, voice actor, and narrator from Naha, Okinawa.-Television animation:*Akagi *Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto *Blocker Gundan 4 Machine Blaster...
as Golgo 13.
An Airsoft
Airsoft
Airsoft is a sport in which participants shoot round non-metallic pellets launched via replica firearms.Gameplay varies in style and composition but often range from short-term skirmishes, organized scenarios, military simulations, historical reenactments, to competition target shooting events...
gun has been made by Tokyo Marui
Tokyo Marui
' is an airsoft gun manufacturer located in Adachi, Tokyo, Japan. Its main market is Japan, but third-party retailers sell in Hong Kong , Taiwan , South Korea, East Asia, and worldwide....
based on the rifle Golgo 13 uses. A figure based on Golgo 13 was released on August 25, 2009.
Reception
Saito's work on the series has been compared to the novels of John le CarréJohn le Carré
David John Moore Cornwell , who writes under the name John le Carré, is an author of espionage novels. During the 1950s and the 1960s, Cornwell worked for MI5 and MI6, and began writing novels under the pseudonym "John le Carré"...
and Frederick Forsyth
Frederick Forsyth
Frederick Forsyth, CBE is an English author and occasional political commentator. He is best known for thrillers such as The Day of the Jackal, The Odessa File, The Fourth Protocol, The Dogs of War, The Devil's Alternative, The Fist of God, Icon, The Veteran, Avenger, The Afghan and The Cobra.-...
, as the stories are "dark, meticulously constructed [and] painstakingly realistic". The Daily Vanguard
Daily Vanguard
The Daily Vanguard is an independent student newspaper for Portland State University. The newspaper is now generally referred to as simply the Vanguard.-Publishing:...
calls Duke "a badass, something like a cross between Dirty Harry and Metal Gear Solid
Jc DuBois of Dragon's Anime has criticized those who say that most of Golgo 13's hits are impossible to do since there are problems that would prevent him from shooting straight such as the wind or with the coriolis effect
Coriolis effect
In physics, the Coriolis effect is a deflection of moving objects when they are viewed in a rotating reference frame. In a reference frame with clockwise rotation, the deflection is to the left of the motion of the object; in one with counter-clockwise rotation, the deflection is to the right...
, saying that the "whole mystique of Golgo 13 is that he's just that damn good. He CAN make those shots – and he can do it with one shot."