Black Jack is one of the various characters of the late manga artist Osamu Tezuka, whose works also include Astro Boy, Jungle Emperor Leo (known as Kimba the White Lion in the US), and Phoenix, respectively. Black Jack acts as a skilled mercenary surgeon, performing various surgeries to whomever pays for his skills. He chooses to operate in the shadows without a proper license, free from rules and corrupt bureaucratic corporations and establishments. Although Black Jack has been animated into two OVAs, two television series, and two films, my personal favorite is the OVA released in 1993.
I'm a fan of Tezuka's usual whimsical art style, but the dark themes and style choice used in the Black Jack OVA perfectly complimented the characters, and generally gave the series a fresh atmosphere of drama and suspense. This 12 episode OVA is what made me personally invested into Black Jack as a character, and his way of turning an everyday profession into something heroic.
I greatly recommend this OVA to anyone interested in medical drama, mystery, and vintage anime.
>Watch the OVA!
Akira is a manga series and anime film written by Katsuhiro Otomo. Both the manga series and the film have become really popular with a huge cult following. Akira follows the story of Tetsuo Shima and Kaneda Shōtarō, two members of a Neo-Tokyo street gang that call themselves "The Capsules", and takes place years after a supposed nuclear explosion destroys Tokyo and sets off World War III. Tetsuo and Kaneda find themselves caught up in a government conspiracy involving psychics after Tetsuo gets into an accident with a psychic named Tadashi. He awakens psychic powers within Tetsuo, causing him to become progressively psychotic and aggressive as his psychic abilities further develop at an alarming rate. Kaneda joins an anti-government organization that stages terrorist attacks against the government after catching wind of the secret government project involving psychics and the mysterious figure known as Akira. They restrict Kaneda's movement after he becomes increasingly involved in their activities.
All of this makes for well-written story that has captivated audiences since the early 80's, and has remained a highly influential film and manga series. Recommended for fans of Blade Runner and Sci-fi. Akira is one of my favorite manga because of the intense art and story, and the character development is very well done.
