The appeal and reviews of Black Jack 21: A thorough explanation of the new developments in this classic

Black Jack 21 - A profound drama of life

Overview

The TV anime series "Black Jack 21," which aired on Yomiuri TV and Nippon TV from April 10 to September 4, 2006, is a new serial story based on Osamu Tezuka's classic manga "Black Jack." It consists of 17 episodes, each 30 minutes long, and tells the story of the genius surgeon Black Jack and the secret behind his birth.

■ Story

One day, the genius surgeon Black Jack suddenly reunites with his mother and father, who abandoned him as a child, for the first time in 21 years. Shortly after, his house is blown up by an unknown assailant, and the shocking truth behind Black Jack's birth is revealed. A huge conspiracy and a battle with his own destiny begin. This story intertwines Black Jack's past and present, delving deeply into his humanity and his sense of mission as a doctor.

■Explanation

"Black Jack 21" is a new continuous story that retains the essence of the original work. As a drama of new life that is needed in the 21st century, it is characterized by crisis, adventure and thrilling developments. The hidden secret of Black Jack's birth is revealed, and an original story is depicted that incorporates his exploits across the world, his interactions with powerful rivals and helpers who help him, and the latest medical technology and knowledge.

■Cast

A stellar cast of voice actors, including Akio Otsuka as Black Jack and Yuko Mizutani as Pinoko, bring the characters to life. In particular, Shinji Ogawa as Black Jack's father, Hazama Kagezo, and Yumi Touma as Benitsagi, give charming performances of unique characters. Additionally, many characters play important roles in each episode, such as Shou Hayami as Dr. Kiriko and Masamichi Matsuyama as Zen Mitsutoku.

■ Main staff

The film is directed by Tezuka Makoto, the son of Tezuka Osamu, who faithfully recreates the worldview of the original work while adding a new interpretation. The series is written by Sumizawa Katsuyuki, with Kuwahara Satoshi as chief director and Kamimura Sachiko as main character designer, bringing together professionals from various fields. Additionally, Matsumoto Akihiko is in charge of the music, with avex entertainment handling the music production. Takeshita Toshitaka is involved as a medical advisor, supporting the realistic portrayal of medical care.

■Subtitle

The subtitles of each episode symbolize Black Jack's exploits and the events surrounding him. For example, there are titles that foreshadow the development of the story, such as "The Day His Medical License Was Returned," "Reunion with BJ's Father," "Sad Pinoko," and "The Black Angel of Northern Europe." There are also episodes with unique settings and themes, such as "The Flying Hospital," "The Promise of a Life Worth Ten Billion Yen," and "Awakening 65 Years Later."

■ Related works

"Black Jack 21" is one of the series of works based on the original "Black Jack" by Osamu Tezuka. Related works include "Black Jack", "Black Jack 2-Hour Special: Four Miracles of Life", "Black Jack: Two Black Doctors", and "Dr. Pinoko's Forest Adventure". Through these works, you can gain a deeper understanding of the world and characters of Black Jack.

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme is Hitomi Shimatani's "Destiny - Flower of the Sun" and the ending theme is "careless breath" by EXILE and "Silence whispers" by TRF. In addition, Janne Da Arc's "Gekkouka -Black Jack Mix-" is used as an insert song in the final episode, livening up the climax of the story. These songs effectively express the theme of the story and the feelings of the characters.

■ Evaluation and recommendation

"Black Jack 21" is a work that can be enjoyed not only by fans of the original work, but also by new viewers. There are many highlights, such as a story that delves deeply into Black Jack's humanity and sense of mission as a doctor, the exploits of unique characters, and a setting that incorporates the latest medical technology and knowledge. In addition, thanks to the efforts of a stellar cast of voice actors and staff, the work faithfully reproduces the worldview of the original work while adding a new interpretation.

The recommended points are as follows:

• By interweaving Black Jack's past and present, we can gain a deeper understanding of his humanity and his sense of mission as a doctor.
• Enjoy a thrilling story filled with danger and adventure
• An original story incorporating the latest medical technology and knowledge is fascinating
• High-quality production by a luxurious cast of voice actors and staff
• Content that can be enjoyed not only by fans of the original work but also by new viewers

"Black Jack 21" is a moving story about the preciousness of life and the sense of duty of a doctor, and it conveys many messages to the viewer. Please experience the world of Black Jack through this work.

■Detailed episode commentary

Below is a detailed explanation of each episode.

Episode 1: The day my medical license was returned (2006/04/10)

Black Jack will take an exam to get his medical license back. However, someone who knows his past is involved in the exam, and the conspiracy behind the exam is revealed. This episode depicts Black Jack's beliefs as a doctor and the relationships that surround him.

Episode 2: BJ's reunion with his father (2006/04/17)

Black Jack reunites with his father for the first time in 21 years. However, this reunion will have a major impact on his life. Through this reunion, the secrets of Black Jack's past and his birth are revealed. This episode depicts Black Jack's relationship with his family and the scars he has suffered.

Episode 3: Pinoko's Sorrow (2006/04/24)

Pinoko becomes embroiled in an incident that occurs during Black Jack's absence. Through this incident, we see Pinoko's growth and her feelings towards Black Jack. This episode delves deeper into Pinoko's character, highlighting her humanity.

Episode 4 / Black Angel of Northern Europe (2006/05/08)

Black Jack ends up working at a hospital in Northern Europe. However, the hospital hides a secret that he does not know. Black Jack struggles to save the lives of patients while uncovering the hospital's secrets. This episode depicts Black Jack's international activities and his sense of mission as a doctor.

Episode 5: Robot Arm (2006/05/15)

Black Jack is assigned to treat a patient with a robotic arm. However, the robotic arm hides a secret that he does not know. Black Jack struggles to save the patient's life while uncovering the secret of the robotic arm. This episode incorporates the latest medical technology and knowledge, putting Black Jack's abilities as a doctor to the test.

Episode 6: Flying Hospital (2006/05/22)

Black Jack ends up working at a flying hospital. However, the hospital hides a secret that he does not know. Black Jack struggles to save the lives of patients while uncovering the secrets of the hospital. This episode depicts Black Jack's sense of adventure and his sense of duty as a doctor.

Episode 7: The Promise of a Life of Ten Billion Yen (2006/05/29)

Black Jack treats a patient who has been promised a reward of 10 billion yen. However, the reward hides a secret that he does not know. Black Jack struggles to save the patient's life while uncovering the secret of the reward. This episode depicts Black Jack's sense of money and his beliefs as a doctor.

Episode 8: Awakening after 65 years (2006/06/05)

Black Jack will be treating a patient from 65 years in the future. However, that future holds a secret that he does not know. Black Jack will struggle to save the patient's life while uncovering the secret of the future. This episode depicts Black Jack's sense of time and his sense of mission as a doctor.

Episode 9: The Mark of the Heart (2006/06/12)

Black Jack is to treat a patient who has a mark on his heart. However, the mark hides a secret that he does not know. Black Jack struggles to save the patient's life while uncovering the secret of the mark. This episode depicts Black Jack's insight and his sense of mission as a doctor.

Episode 10: The Miracle of New York (2006/06/26)

Black Jack performs a miraculous operation in New York. However, the operation hides a secret that he does not know. Black Jack struggles to save the patient's life while uncovering the secret of the operation. This episode depicts Black Jack's international activities and his sense of mission as a doctor.

Episode 11: The Fate of the Black Doctor (2006/07/03)

Black Jack must face his destiny. However, that destiny hides a secret that he does not know. Black Jack struggles to move forward with his life while uncovering the secret of his destiny. This episode portrays Black Jack's humanity and his sense of mission as a doctor.

Episode 12: Beyond the Aurora (2006/07/10)

Black Jack is sent to treat a patient beyond the Aurora. However, the Aurora hides a secret that he does not know. Black Jack struggles to save the patient's life while uncovering the secret of the Aurora. This episode depicts Black Jack's adventurous spirit and his sense of duty as a doctor.

Episode 13: Pinoko, go back to Japan! (2006/07/24)

Pinoko is going back to Japan. However, there is a secret she doesn't know about her return. Pinoko struggles to move forward with her life while uncovering the secret of her return. This episode depicts Pinoko's growth and her feelings towards Black Jack.

Episode 14: The Fear of Phoenix Disease (2006/07/31)

Black Jack is tasked with treating a patient suffering from Phoenix Disease. However, the disease hides a secret that he does not know. Black Jack struggles to uncover the secret and save the patient's life. This episode includes the latest medical technology and knowledge, putting Black Jack's abilities as a doctor to the test.

Episode 15: The truth about BJ's father (2006/08/14)

Black Jack learns the truth about his father. However, that truth hides a secret that he does not know. Black Jack struggles to move forward with his life while uncovering the truth. This episode depicts Black Jack's relationship with his family and his emotional scars.

Episode 16: Challenge to Ruin (2006/08/28)

Black Jack faces a challenge to his own destruction. However, the challenge hides a secret that he does not know. As he uncovers the secret of the challenge, Black Jack struggles to move forward with his life. This episode portrays Black Jack's humanity and his sense of mission as a doctor.

Episode 17: The Dignity of Life (2006/09/04)

Black Jack struggles to protect the dignity of life. However, that dignity hides a secret that he does not know. Black Jack struggles to save his patients' lives while uncovering the secret of dignity. This episode depicts Black Jack's beliefs as a doctor and his humanity.

■Character Analysis

Below you will find a detailed analysis of the main characters.

Black Jack

Black Jack is a genius surgeon, but in a unique position in that he does not have a medical license. His past contains secrets about his relationship with his mother and his father who abandoned him when he was a child, as well as secrets about his own birth. As these secrets are revealed, his humanity and sense of mission as a doctor are explored in greater depth. Black Jack is portrayed as someone who is willing to take any risk to save his patients' lives and always strives to provide the best possible treatment. His sense of money, time, and insight also play important roles in the story.

Pinoko

Pinoko is Black Jack's assistant and is like a family member to him. She grows as she gets caught up in the incidents that occur while Black Jack is away. Pinoko's character is deeply portrayed, as are her feelings towards Black Jack and her own humanity. Her sense of adventure and her support for Black Jack also play important roles in the story.

Ma Kagezo

Hazama Kagezo is Black Jack's father and is deeply connected to his past. Through their reunion after 21 years, the secrets behind Black Jack's birth and his relationship with his family are revealed. Hazama Kagezo's character plays an important role in digging deeper into Black Jack's emotional wounds and his humanity. Through his actions and words, Black Jack's beliefs and sense of mission as a doctor are also put to the test.

Red Lizard

The Benitsagi is a strong rival of Black Jack and an entity that monitors his actions. Her character plays an important role in testing Black Jack's abilities as a doctor and his humanity. Through her actions and words, the secrets of Black Jack's past and his birth are also revealed.

Shirabyoshi Yasuhiko

Shirabyoshi Yasuhiko is one of Black Jack's helpers and supports his actions. His character plays an important role in digging deeper into Black Jack's beliefs as a doctor and his humanity. Through his actions and words, Black Jack's past and the secrets hidden in his birth are also revealed.

■Production background and intent

"Black Jack 21" is a new series based on Tezuka Osamu's classic manga "Black Jack." Director Tezuka Makoto aimed to depict the drama of new life that is needed in the 21st century by faithfully recreating the worldview of the original while adding a new interpretation. In addition, a wide range of professionals from various fields, including series composer Sumizawa Katsuyuki, chief director Kuwahara Satoshi, and main character designer Kamimura Sachiko, came together to achieve a high-quality production. In addition, a diverse range of staff, including music composer Matsumoto Akihiko, avex entertainment's music production team, and medical advisor Takeshita Toshitaka, participated in the production and contributed to deepening the story.

■ Viewer reactions and ratings

"Black Jack 21" has been highly praised not only by fans of the original work, but also by new viewers. In particular, the storyline that delves deeply into Black Jack's humanity and sense of mission as a doctor, the exploits of the unique characters, and the setting that incorporates the latest medical technology and knowledge have all been highly praised. In addition, thanks to the efforts of the stellar voice cast and staff, the series has been praised for faithfully recreating the worldview of the original work while adding a new interpretation. Viewers' reactions have resonated with many people, with the moving story and message depicting the preciousness of life.

■Reasons for recommending

I highly recommend "Black Jack 21" for the following reasons:

• By interweaving Black Jack's past and present, we can gain a deeper understanding of his humanity and his sense of mission as a doctor.
• Enjoy a thrilling story filled with danger and adventure
• An original story incorporating the latest medical technology and knowledge is fascinating
• High-quality production by a luxurious cast of voice actors and staff
• Content that can be enjoyed not only by fans of the original work but also by new viewers

"Black Jack 21" is a moving story about the preciousness of life and the sense of duty of a doctor, and it conveys many messages to the viewer. Please experience the world of Black Jack through this work.