Eight Man (1960s cartoon)

[bulldogs1]

Anybody remember him? This was a dude who (very similar to Robocop) was in human form, and smoked a cigarette, turning into a machine. Had a figure 8 on his chest.

I'd like to know if anyone remembers him/it. I'd also like some of what 8-Man was smoking in those cigarettes.

[bulldogs1]

Should have done a search, oops. 1963-64 Japanese cartoon. That figures.

Any memories, anyone?

[crudbucket]

I remember it, pretty stock standard Jap cartoon.

Was called Eight Man because the scientist who "created" him had already had seven previous attempts to create a man/robot die on the operating table .... This was his "eighth man".

[bulldogs1]

Yeah, after reading the web-site (sorry, haven't figured out links, D'oh), this series was definitely the inspiration for RoboCop.

[bulldogs1]

OK, a synopsis. Note the similarities to RoboCop:

Just as the title states this is the origin episode and details how Detective Peter Brady was cruelly run-down by an automobile and killed by Saucer Lips (Mukade) and his gang, and then had his mind restored in the robot body created by Prof. Genius (Tani) but very little is revealed about Prof. Genius at this point.
Brady is at first upset about being placed in a mechanical body against his will, but soon comes to grips with the fact that what's done is done and also that he can be a great force for good in the world. Hardly grown accustomed to his new powers he smashes a table to pieces when he strikes it, Prof. Genius guides him and explains the many things he is capable of because of his superior electronic brain which responds much faster than a human brain. Super-speed and reflexes allow 8th Man/Brady to capture a bat in mid-air. Infrared vision allows him to see in the dark, and special plastic skin gives him the uncanny ability to transform his appearance anyway he desires. It is interesting that in testing his power of disguise 8th Man changes into characters that strongly resemble then world-leaders Khrushchev and John F. Kennedy! He chooses to retain his former appearance of Brady but under the alias of Mr. Tobor. 8th man vows to fight crime and injustice and his first case is to find his own murderer!

Meanwhile, Chief Fumblethumbs of the Metropolitan Crime Prevention Agency vows to avenge his friend, and co-worker, Brady. Fumblethumbs and his men are in hot pursuit of Saucer Lips but he evades capture and hi-jacks the passing car of...you guessed it - Jenny Heartsweet who is in the end rescued by 8th Man and becomes "Detective" Tobor's secretary. Chief Fumblethumbs and Prof. Genius are the only persons who know Tobor is really 8th Man.

[crudbucket]

And of course "Tobor" spelt backwards is .....