The background story of the original novel and the later series is the crash of former astronaut Steve Austin in a “lifting body” craft, shown in the opening credits of the show. Austin is severely injured in the crash and is “rebuilt” in a title-giving operation that costs six million dollars. His right arm, both legs and the left eye are replaced by "bionic" implants that enhance his strength, speed and vision far above human norms: he can run at speeds of 60 miles per hour (100 km/h), and his eye has a 20:1 zoom lens and infrared capabilities. He uses his enhanced abilities to work for the OSI (Office of Scientific Intelligence) as a secret agent, and as a guinea pig for bionics.
Caidin’s novel was a best-seller when it was published in 1972 and was followed by three sequels, Cyborg II: Operation Nuke, Cyborg III: High Crystal, and Cyborg IV (with no subtitle), respectively about a black market in nuclear weapons, a Chariots of the Gods scenario, and fusing Austin's bionics to a space plane.
The first half of the novel details Austin's operation and both his reaction to his original injuries -- he attempts to commit suicide -- and his initially resentful reaction to being rebuilt with bionics. The operation comes with a hefty price tag, and Austin is committed to working for the OSO as a reluctant agent. (1)
The idea of the victim, who becomes resentful of what he becomes is very similar to that of the Cyborg (cartoon character), and many others. There is always a sense of isolation, and anger that comes with the transformation due to that fact, that they have no say in the matter, or they are forced to transform.
Sources used within this post
(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Million_Dollar_Man
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