Young Black Jack

Characters & Voice Actors

Kuroo Hazama MAIN	Yuuichirou Umehara
Dr. Kiriko MAIN	Junichi Suwabe
Maiko Okamoto MAIN	Shizuka Itou
Yabu MAIN	Kouji Yusa

Young Black Jack is a prequel to the classic manga by Osamu Tezuka, featuring a young version of the renegade doctor who practices medicine without a license, Black Jack. Based on the manga of the same name written by Yoshiaki Tabata and illustrated by Yugo Okuma, Young Black Jack revolves around the life of the brilliant doctor when he is still a medical student in the 1960s, before the events of the original Black Jack manga.

The anime follows the adventures and challenges that Hazama faces as he pursues his dream of becoming a surgeon, in a turbulent era marked by student protests, war, and corruption. Hazama is a reserved young man with unusual black-and-white hair, a body covered with scars, and a dark past. Despite only being a medical student, his surgical skills attract attention after he performs a seemingly impossible operation. Along with the spirited and honest intern Maiko Okamoto and Yabu, a close friend with a troubled life, Hazama devotes himself to the world of medicine. However, his path to becoming a respectable surgeon is not easy, as he has to deal with the shady and political aspects of the medical field, as well as historical events and crises that affect the world. Young Black Jack chronicles the story of a man capable of performing unthinkable feats of medicine, and the journey that leads him to become the legend known as Black Jack.

Young Black Jack is a drama, seinen, and historical anime that explores the themes of ethics, morality, and humanism in medicine. The anime also incorporates historical references and settings, such as the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Cold War, to create a realistic and immersive atmosphere. The animation is decent and faithful to the original manga style, with a retro and nostalgic vibe. The soundtracks and voice acting are also well-done, enhancing the emotional and dramatic moments of the anime.

Young Black Jack is an anime that appeals to fans of medical drama, as well as those who are interested in the backstory of one of the most iconic characters in manga history. The anime is not only entertaining but also informative and thought-provoking, as it raises questions about the role and responsibility of doctors in society, and the meaning and value of life. Young Black Jack is a tribute to the legacy of Osamu Tezuka, and a fascinating glimpse into the origins of Black Jack.