The Humanoid (1979) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Metropolis is a distant future world and peaceful utopia ruled by The Great Brother. It functions as a high-tech civilization where advanced science and space travel coexist with political intrigue. The city represents an ideal society threatened by internal enemies like Graal and external dangers from Kraspin's dangerous experiments.

• metropolis
• future
• utopia
• great brother
• sci-fi world

Noxon is a distant planet that serves as Graal's hidden base and the location of Kraspin's laboratory. It operates under the tyrannical rule of Lady Agatha, who aligns with Graal to expand her power. This harsh, oppressive world contrasts sharply with the peaceful utopian setting of Metropolis.

• noxon
• graal base
• planet
• kraspin laboratory
• lady agatha

The story unfolds in a distant future on a far-flung planet where advanced technology has created a utopian civilization. However, the finale suggests a time-traveling dimension, as Tom Tom departs to a land called Tibet in the ancient past, hinting at a cyclical or multi-temporal nature to the universe.

• distant future
• time period
• time travel
• tibet
• ancient past

The Mutation theme examines the ethical boundaries of scientific power and the dehumanization that comes with weaponizing biology. Kraspin's plan uses Kapitron to mutate ordinary soldiers into unstoppable Humanoids. Barbara's past warns of the consequences of misused discovery, questioning whether humanity should pursue power at any cost.

• mutation
• kapitron
• scientific ethics
• humanoids
• dehumanization

The Resistance theme centers on courage, sacrifice, and collective action against overwhelming odds. A diverse group of heroes challenges tyrannical rule, with The Great Brother and Nick organizing a counter-movement to protect Metropolis. Golob's rampage and Tom Tom's guidance propel the mission to save the city from Graal and Kraspin's destructive plans.

• resistance
• tyranny
• great brother
• nick
• courage
• sacrifice

Friendship theme demonstrates the healing power of trust across unlikely partners. Golob's liberation and alliance with Tom Tom and Barbara bridges species and loyalties. The bond between heroes, aided by Kip the robot dog, strengthens their resolve to resist Kraspin and Graal, emphasizing cooperation as the path to victory.

• friendship
• alliance
• golob
• tom tom
• barbara
• kip
• cooperation

Golob is a behemoth mutated by Dr. Kraspin into a superhuman enforcer using Kapitron serum. Initially controlled through a brain-implant, he becomes a mindless, indestructible automaton with super-human strength. After Tom Tom removes his brain-implant, Golob regains his humanity and becomes Barbara and Tom Tom's ally, using his strength to defend Metropolis.

• golob
• mutant
• humanoid
• superhuman strength
• brain implant
• richard kiel

Barbara Gibson is a scientist who foresaw the dangers of Kapitron and opposed Kraspin's work. Targeted by Graal's raid due to her past involvement with Kraspin, she fights to prevent catastrophe and aids the heroes with crucial knowledge. Her determination anchors the resistance against the tyrannical regime.

• barbara gibson
• scientist
• kapitron
• resistance
• corinne clery

Tom Tom is a mysterious boy with powerful mental abilities who communes with enigmatic travelers. He guides Golob to ally with Barbara and helps calm Golob during his mutation crisis. His arc involves traveling to a distant past called Tibet, playing a pivotal role in the story's resolution through his supernatural powers.

• tom tom
• mental abilities
• traveler
• tibet
• marco yeh
• psychic powers

The Great Brother is the benevolent yet powerful ruler of Metropolis who embodies the utopian ideal that governance should protect its people. He fears collateral damage from rescue efforts, making difficult decisions during Graal's rebellion and Kraspin's schemes. His leadership is tested as he balances protection with the risk of military actions.

• great brother
• ruler
• metropolis
• utopia
• massimo serato

Graal is The Great Brother's treacherous brother who escapes from prison and allies with Kraspin to conquer Metropolis. His alien tactics and brutal ambitions drive the central conflict. Graal seeks to overthrow his brother and establish rule through force, ultimately disappearing after battle with his fate left uncertain.

• graal
• villain
• antagonist
• great brother
• ivan rassimov
• conquest

Dr. Kraspin is a mad scientist bent on mutating humanity to forge an army of Humanoids. He manipulates Kapitron for power and seeks revenge on Barbara, who opposed his dangerous work. His downfall comes when Golob disrupts the launch of a destructive Kapitron weapon, ending his threat to Metropolis.

• dr kraspin
• mad scientist
• kapitron
• humanoid
• arthur kennedy
• mutation

Lady Agatha is the tyrannical queen of Noxon who seeks to expand her power by aligning with Graal. She relies on Kraspin's youth serum to maintain her vitality. Her downfall comes when the serum fails, causing her to age rapidly into a skeleton, embodying the ruthlessness and ultimate decay of tyrannical rule.

• lady agatha
• queen
• noxon
• youth serum
• barbara bach
• tyrant