《金肉人》之所以能成為跨越數十年的經典熱血漫畫，很大一部分原因正是來自其角色群像的強烈個性與清楚分明的陣營設定。故事的核心圍繞在主角金肉人（金肉卓）身上，但真正讓世界觀變得立體而厚實的，是他身邊那些來自世界各國、背負不同信念與過去的超人戰友，以及與之對立、卻同樣充滿魅力的反派角色。

金肉人作為系列主角，設定上代表日本，是一名出身平凡、性格搞笑又常常出糗的超人。他平時膽小、貪吃、愛哭，甚至經常被對手壓著打，但在夥伴陷入危機、尊嚴受到踐踏的關鍵時刻，卻總能爆發出驚人這種「廢柴到英雄」的反差，讓金肉人成為極具親和力的主角，也奠定作品「友情、努力、勝利」的王道精神的意志力與潛能。。

在他身邊，聚集一群同樣令人難忘的正義超人。來自美國的泰利人，是金肉人最可靠的摯友之一，性格沉穩、重情重義，擅長關節技與實戰格鬥。他不像金肉人那樣搞笑，反而更像一名成熟的戰士，經常在精神層面支撐著主角。英國代表羅賓假面則象徵騎士精神與榮耀，他嚴格、自律、重視尊嚴，並且是戰爭人的師傅，對後輩抱持著嚴苛卻真誠的期待。

戰爭人是系列中最具悲劇色彩的角色之一。身為俄羅斯代表的機器超人，他表面冷酷無情，實際上內心承受著身為「兵器」而存在的孤獨與痛苦。他在戰鬥中不惜自殘式換取勝利的作風，讓角色充滿殘酷與悲壯感，也使他成為粉絲心中最具深度的角色之一。

拉麵人則是極具代表性的「從邪轉正」角色。身為中國代表，他最初以殘酷冷血的惡魔超人身分登場，後來在一次次戰鬥與犧牲中反省自我，最終轉為正義陣營。他嚴格的修行方式、對武道的執著，以及對弟子布羅肯Jr.亦師亦友的關係，讓他成為精神層面極具重量的角色。布羅肯Jr.作為德國代表，背負著父親布羅肯人戰死的陰影，從一開始的衝動少年逐漸成長為能獨當一面的戰士，象徵著新世代的成長與傳承。

水牛人同樣是由反派轉為正義的重要角色。作為西班牙代表，他原本是殘暴的惡魔超人，力量驚人、戰鬥方式野性十足。在被金肉人感化後，他選擇背負過去的罪孽，轉而守護正義，成為系列中「救贖」主題的最佳寫照。

反派陣營方面，《金肉人》並非單純的臉譜化壞人，而是塑造出一整套完整而有信念的對立體系。惡魔將軍作為完美超人始祖「壹式」，象徵著極端的力量與秩序，是足以動搖整個世界觀的存在。他不只是強敵，更是對「何謂完美」的哲學拷問。惡魔超人陣營中的黑洞、彈簧人、阿修羅人、太陽人等角色，各自擁有鮮明造型與戰鬥理念，尤其惡魔六騎士更是以誇張外型與殘酷規則聞名，成為昭和時代讀者心中最具衝擊力的反派群。

到了後續作品《金肉人二世》，金肉萬太郎作為金肉人的兒子登場，延續父親的搞笑與熱血基因，同時面對更殘酷的新世代戰場，讓系列完成世代交替，也進一步擴展了整個金肉人宇宙。

總體而言，《金肉人》的角色魅力並不只在於誰強誰弱，而在於每一位超人背後所代表的信念、國家形象與人生選擇。正是這些角色之間交織出的友情、背叛、救贖與成長，構成了《金肉人》歷久不衰的靈魂。

One of the main reasons Kinnikuman has endured as a classic hot-blooded manga for decades lies in its rich cast of characters, each with strong personalities and clearly defined factions. The story revolves around the protagonist Kinnikuman (Suguru Kinniku), but what truly gives depth and weight to the world are the fellow Chōjin warriors from around the globe who fight alongside him, as well as the equally memorable antagonists who stand in opposition.

Kinnikuman himself, the central hero, represents Japan. He is portrayed as an ordinary, often clumsy and cowardly Chōjin who loves food, cries easily, and frequently makes a fool of himself. Despite this, whenever his companions are in danger or their dignity is threatened, he unleashes astonishing willpower and hidden strength. This dramatic contrast between weakness and heroism makes Kinnikuman highly relatable and firmly establishes the series’ classic shōnen themes of friendship, effort, and victory.

Surrounding him is a group of unforgettable justice Chōjin. Terryman, representing the United States, is one of Kinnikuman’s most dependable allies and closest friends. Calm, loyal, and principled, he specializes in joint locks and practical combat techniques. Unlike Kinnikuman’s comedic nature, Terryman carries himself like a seasoned warrior and often provides emotional and moral support to the protagonist. Robin Mask, the representative of the United Kingdom, embodies knightly honor and pride. Strict and disciplined, he places great importance on dignity and is also the mentor of Warsman, holding high and demanding expectations for his students.

Warsman is one of the most tragic figures in the series. Representing Russia, he is a mechanical Chōjin who appears cold and merciless on the surface, yet harbors deep loneliness and pain from being treated as a living weapon. His willingness to sacrifice his own body to secure victory gives his battles a brutal, sorrowful tone, making him one of the most emotionally complex and beloved characters among fans.

Ramenman stands out as a powerful example of redemption. As the representative of China, he initially appears as a cruel and ruthless Devil Chōjin. Through repeated battles, sacrifice, and self-reflection, he abandons his dark path and joins the forces of justice. His strict martial discipline, devotion to the way of combat, and his mentor-like yet fraternal relationship with Brocken Jr. give him immense spiritual weight within the story. Brocken Jr., representing Germany, bears the trauma of his father Brockenman’s death and grows from a reckless youth into a capable warrior, symbolizing growth, inheritance, and maturity.

Buffaloman, the representative of Spain, is another key character who transitions from villain to hero. Originally a brutal Devil Chōjin with overwhelming strength and savage fighting style, he is eventually moved by Kinnikuman’s spirit. Choosing to atone for his past sins, he joins the side of justice and becomes a living embodiment of the series’ recurring theme of redemption.

The antagonists of Kinnikuman are far more than simple, one-dimensional villains. The Devil General, revealed as “Type Zero,” the progenitor of the Perfect Chōjin, represents absolute power and rigid order. He is a figure capable of shaking the very foundations of the series’ worldview, challenging the definition of what it truly means to be “perfect.” Other Devil Chōjin such as Black Hole, Springman, Ashuraman, and Sunman are distinguished by their striking designs and unique combat philosophies. The Devil Chōjin Six Knights, in particular, became iconic for their grotesque appearances and merciless rules, leaving a lasting impact on readers of the Shōwa era.

In the sequel series Kinnikuman Nisei, Kinnikuman Mantaro, the son of Kinnikuman, takes center stage. He inherits his father’s comedic tendencies and fiery spirit while facing a harsher, more unforgiving new generation of battles. Through him, the series completes a generational transition and further expands the Kinnikuman universe.

Ultimately, the enduring appeal of Kinnikuman does not lie solely in who is stronger or weaker, but in what each Chōjin represents—their beliefs, national identities, and personal choices. The intertwining stories of friendship, betrayal, redemption, and growth among these characters form the heart and soul of Kinnikuman, allowing it to remain timeless across generations.