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Duke Togo, also known by his codename Golgo 13 is a fictional assassin and is the lead protagonist in his own manga series, also titled Golgo 13, created by Japanese mangaka Saito Takao. The Golgo 13 series is one of the longest running adult manga in Japan and has been adapted into two live action films, two anime movies directed by Osamu Dezaki, and a few video games. Since its debut in 1968, it has sold over 200 million copies in various formats, including compilation books.
Golgo 13 has been compared to a Japanese counterpart to James Bond, except with a darker character, a much harder core attitude towards sex, and without a conscience. Golgo 13 is described as a mystery man of undetermined origin, possibily being at least part Japanese, who takes any assignment for any employer (it has been said he's worked for the CIA and the KGB) as long as it is for the right price (usually around $1 million dollars a hit) and will always fulfill his contracts, even if he has two or more opposing contracts at the same time. He's an uncanny sharpshooter, with near 100% (at least over 99.8% with only two misses, a dud and a missed shot) accuracy and capable of lethal trick shooting, and regularly uses a customized, scoped M-16 rifle in his assassinations. He also is a heavy smoker.
Trivia
- Duke Togo's codename is derived from the hill Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified.
- As the writer did not know if a dark character, almost an anti-hero theme would catch on, Golgo 13 laughed, made funny jokes, and displayed more emotion in earlier episodes.
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