Casshern

Casshern is a fictional cyborg superhero and a recurring figure in a media franchise created by Tatsunoko Production. The character first appeared in the 1973-1974 anime series Casshan (known in English releases as Casshern or Kyashan), which established the core concept of a human-turned-cyborg guardian fighting against a rebellion by Neo-Humans.

In the original series, Casshern is drawn into a conflict between humans and the Neo-Humans, a conflict that drives his mission to restore peace. Across adaptations, his origin story and role vary: in some versions he is a scientist’s son transformed into a biotechnological weapon, while in others his backstory is presented with different details. The character is typically portrayed as a determined and morally complex fighter, whose actions raise questions about humanity, identity, and responsibility.

The Casshern franchise has expanded beyond the original TV series to include multiple media. There has been a live-action film adaptation released in 2004, as well as reimaginings in animation such as the 2008-2009 series Casshern Sins, which presents a darker, philosophical take on the character in a post-apocalyptic setting. The property has also appeared in various manga adaptations and video games, contributing to its enduring presence in Japanese pop culture.

Casshern is considered one of the early enduring examples of a cyborg superhero in Japanese animation. Over the decades, the character has been reinterpreted to explore different tones and themes, from straightforward action to more introspective storytelling, while remaining a recognizable symbol within Tatsunoko’s catalog.