Big X

Big X (ビッグX) is a science fiction manga series and an anime series by Osamu Tezuka. The series was based on actual experiments conducted by the Nazis to create secret weapons toward the end of World War II.

Storyline
Invited to Nazi Germany during World War II, Dr. Asagumo is asked by Hitler to collaborate with him on the research of the new weapon "Big X". Concerned about the possible effects of the completion of Big X, Dr. Asagumo intentionally delays the progress of the research, conspiring with his co-researcher, the devious Dr. Engel. Immediately before Germany is defeated by the Allies, Dr. Asagumo implants a card inscribed with the secret of Big X in his son, Shigeru, and is then shot to death by the German army. Twenty years later, the card is discovered in the body of Shigeru, who is then living in Tokyo. Soon, an organization claiming alliance with the Nazis appears, steals the card, and completes the Big X project. Dr. Engel's grandson has joined the Nazi Alliance. The completed Big X is then revealed to be a drug that can expand the human body without limitation. Recovering Big X from the enemy, Shigeru's son Akira fearlessly challenges the Nazi Alliance and Hans Engel, who are plotting to conquer the world.

Controversy
In the anime, Akira transforms into Big X by using a magical amulet, since the TV censors thought that the injections from the original manga looked too uncomfortable and similar to drug use for the younger audience.

Other appearances
Big X makes a cameo appearance in the Astro Boy: Omega Factor game for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance released in 2004, along with several other characters created by Osamu Tezuka.