A thorough review of Black Jack's touching episode, "The Child from the Sky"!

Black Jack: The Child from the Sky - A touching medical drama and family ties

■Overview of the work

"Black Jack: The Child from the Sky" is an OVA produced as part of the "Black Jack BOX" released by Akita Shoten in March 2000. It is based on the masterpiece "Black Jack" by Tezuka Osamu, and is an animated version of the original story's 143rd chapter, "The Child from the Sky." This work was later made into a DVD as a gift for all applicants to "Weekly Shonen Champion," and was loved by many fans.

■ Story

The story begins with Gaganov, a soldier from the Republic of Belad, visiting Black Jack in his state-of-the-art fighter jet, the Repore. Gaganov approaches Black Jack at gunpoint, in an aggressive manner, to ask him to treat his son Andrei. Andrei suffers from an incurable disease called Eisenmenger syndrome, which is accompanied by a ventricular septal defect, making it difficult to treat. At first, Black Jack refuses to treat him, but when he sees Andrei collapse in front of him, his medical instincts kick in and he decides to treat him. This is a moving story that gives hope to Black Jack, as it depicts the bond between Gaganov, a soldier, his wife Miguel, and their son Andrei.

■ Characters

Black Jack (voice: Akio Otsuka)

A brilliant surgeon, he always puts the patient's life first. While he demands high fees, he also has the courage and passion to take on difficult surgeries. In this film, he portrays his sense of duty as a doctor and his kindness as a human being by taking on the treatment of Gaganov's son Andrei.

Pinoko (voiced by Yuko Mizutani)

She is Black Jack's assistant and like a family member. Her cheerfulness and purity are what give Black Jack strength. In this work, she also tenderly watches over Black Jack's struggles with his treatment.

Gaganov (voiced by Masaru Ikeda)

He is a soldier in the Republic of Belad and Andrei's father. He has a strong will and will stop at nothing to save his son's life. Throughout the story, we see his strictness as a soldier and his kindness as a father.

Miguel (voiced by Rio Natsuki)

Gaganov's wife and Andrei's mother. Despite suffering from her son's illness, she is a strong woman who treasures family ties. Her presence touches the hearts of Gaganov and Black Jack.

Andrei (voiced by Yuko Watanabe)

The son of Gaganov and Miguel, a boy suffering from a serious illness, is the central character of the story, and Black Jack's struggle to save his life is depicted.

■ Production staff

Original author: Osamu Tezuka

Director and animation director: Shinji Seya

Producers: Minoru Kubota, Mitsuaki Oishi

Planning: Minoru Kotoku

Art director: Kazuo Okada

Assistant Animation Director: Masateru Yoshimura

Technical Director: Kentaro Takahashi

Director of photography: Kosuke Arakawa

3D Director: Shinji Nasu

Medical supervision: Toshitaka Takeshita

■ Background and significance of production

"Black Jack: The Child from the Sky" is a work that faithfully reproduces the original work by Osamu Tezuka, but is depicted from a new perspective in the form of an OVA. Based on chapter 143 of the original work, it delves deeply into Black Jack's sense of duty as a doctor and his humanity. It also depicts the family love of the Gaganov family, making it a story that gives viewers inspiration and hope.

This work was co-produced by Tezuka Productions and Akita Shoten, and the collaboration between the two companies resulted in high-quality animation. In particular, director Shinji Seya's meticulous drawings and direction realistically recreate the world of Black Jack. In addition, medical supervision by Toshitaka Takeshita has been added to enhance the realism of the medical scenes.

■ Evaluation and impressions

"Black Jack: The Child from the Sky" has been highly praised by fans of the original work. In particular, the story of Black Jack's struggles and growth as a doctor touched many viewers. In addition, the depiction of the family love of the Gaganov family evoked deep emotion and sympathy in viewers.

The voice actors' performances were also superb, and they expressed the emotions of each character realistically, including Akio Otsuka's Black Jack, Yuko Mizutani's Pinoko, Masaru Ikeda's Gaganov, Rio Natsuki's Miguel, and Yuko Watanabe's Andrei. In particular, the scene in which Masaru Ikeda brilliantly portrayed Gaganov's anguish and love as a father deeply touched the hearts of viewers.

The visuals have also been highly praised, with director Shinji Seya's drawings and direction realistically recreating the world of Black Jack. In particular, the realism and tension of the surgery scenes have the power to draw viewers in. Furthermore, the 3D director Shinji Nasu's techniques have also allowed for a realistic depiction of the state-of-the-art fighter plane, the Lepore.

■ Recommendation points

"Black Jack: The Child from the Sky" can be enjoyed not only as a medical drama, but also as a touching story about family love. The story delves deeply into Black Jack's sense of duty as a doctor and his humanity, evoking deep emotion and empathy in viewers. In addition, by depicting the family love of the Gaganov family, it is a work that gives hope and courage to viewers.

This is especially recommended for fans of Black Jack and medical dramas, as well as for those who want a touching story about family love. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy an animation that faithfully reproduces Osamu Tezuka's original work.

■ Related works

"Black Jack: The Child from the Sky" is a work produced as part of Osamu Tezuka's original "Black Jack" series. In addition to the original work, there are other related works such as the following:

Black Jack (TV anime)

A TV anime series that aired from 2004 to 2006. Based on episodes from the original work, the series depicts the exploits of Black Jack.

Black Jack 21 (TV anime)

A TV anime series that aired in 2006. It depicts the new adventures of Black Jack and is based on an episode from the original manga.

Black Jack FINAL (OVA)

An OVA series released in 2011. It depicts the final chapter of Black Jack and is based on an episode from the original work.

■ Summary

"Black Jack: The Child from the Sky" is a moving medical drama that is an animated version of Tezuka Osamu's masterpiece "Black Jack." The story delves deeply into Black Jack's sense of mission as a doctor and his humanity, evoking deep emotion and empathy in viewers. In addition, the depiction of the familial love of the Gaganov family gives viewers hope and courage. Please do experience this moving story for yourself.