Summary: Intricate, stylish medical drama concerns a baleful and brilliant surgeon's struggle in opposing deadly epidemics, as well as his own haunting past. Appeals to fans of thought-provoking, character-driven dramas with engrossing narratives, taunting suspense.
Title Aka:	N/A
Company/Distributors:	Tezuka Productions;U.S. Manga Corps
Year:	1993
Length:	30 Minutes Per Episode
Rating:
Genres:	Drama
Format:	OAV Series
Content Level:	Violence: Moderate Sex: Mild Nudity: Moderate Profanity: Mild
Comments:	N/A

Synopsis: -In the clandestine depths of the medical profession, there lies a mysterious man named "Black Jack"; a gifted, effervescent surgeon who's service comes at an often exorbitant amount. In a world of often corrupt government manipulation in medicine, as well as the often unmistakable failures in the discoveries of cures for deady diseases. Black Jack is summoned to aid the many victims. Though apparently pretentious and viewed as a self-indulged walking consuetude of money, Black Jack is a man who believes in preserving lives. A warm, and often kind-hearted man lies beneath an array of dark cloaks, a scarred face and a stylishly mercurial figure which hides behind an impeccable reputation as a miracle healer. While being as skilled a physician as any, Black Jack wanders the globe in search of medical discovery, scientific explanation and satisfaction in his professional field. While being rather peculiar in his own little way, Black Jack himself shows little emotion and willingness durring his occurrences in medical study. He travels with a young girl, whom also contains a mysterious past much like Black Jack's. The birth of his profession came as a result of his own painful experiences. While once experiencing a life-threatening condition, and being operated on himself; Black Jack then became his own doctor. Devoting his time and effort to discovering the cures for many illnesses. Hated by the society which created him as an icon, yet appreciated for his skills; Black Jack continues on in his never-ending quest in discovering himself, as well as his dark past which made him what he is. Review: Black Jack is a story coming from someone you may not expect creating a title like this one. The legendary "Tezuka Osamu", king of "Manga" in Japan is responsible for bringing to animated film titles such as "Astro Boy". It is a story which is both well-crafted and told, welded around the development of a highly enigmatic and interesting character. One would not imagine a theme like "Black Jack" coming to animated film, nor would one believe something of this nature would work in animated film. The result is something rather unique and often stunning. Black Jack is an intricate anime drama, which works well as both a thriller and a sort of tribute to "Osamu" himself (Whom actually obtained his own share of medical studies early on in his career). Each part of the story reflects Black Jack's occurrences in his medical studies and treating patients. Though Black Jack is not the kind of doctor you might imagine. The vision of "Osamu's" works comes right out of a dark fairy tale, emanating is the stylish, moody and often dashing image of "Black Jack" himself; which is a cross between "Captain Harlock" & "Vampire Hunter D" (Without the sword and hat of course). BJ's patched-up face makes the story even more mysterious, when we soon learn why he obtained the scars. In a distinct sense, Black Jack is a tragic story of one man's self duty for medicine; becomming something he never imagined for the sake of the human race. Osamu's vision of the story trades off rather nicely in this well-written adaption, which is at the same time suspenseful and entertaining. Many intense thematic elements and imagery surround this dark story, despite the relatively light-hearted presentation; making Black Jack not an anime for the weak of heart at any rate. Animation is cunning and stylish, though often utilizing some frequent "stock", which becomes rather prevalent and annoying; it never distracts from the visual presentation of the series. We have here a rather "classic" anime character, one both complicated and well-presented in this unique story. Often some of the medical procedures in the series seem ridiculous and over-the-top, and they tend to drag over Black Jack's self examination of cause; though they are all rather entertaining and tautingly suspenseful. I enjoyed Black Jack for these many aspects, which succeeded in overshadowing it's many apparent and potential flaws; which all animes contain to some extent. These many aspects of the storyline lean towards some very intricate and human drama, as well as an ongoing storyline which reflects the main character himself. But the series never ceases to overlook it's other supporting characters, which add further depth to this really interesting central character. Get past it's obvious blunder, it's slight blandness in technical aspects, and it's rather graphic moments; "Black Jack" is a real treat for anime fans, as well as adventurous drama devotees not bothered by dated production values and somewhat rough designs. Click Here To See Overview!

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