Customer Reviews

Black Jack, Vol. 4

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If you're reading this review, you probably already know that Osamu Tezuka is known as the "God of Manga" in Japan. You know that before becoming an artist full-time, Tezuka graduated from medical school. Tezuka's most developed character is "Black Jack," a "super doctor," an un-licensed maverick who is a fantastic surgeon. His exploits are so over-the-top, he must be Tezuka's dream of what a doctor could be. He has his flaws, such as his scarred face, and his greed for money, which at this point in the series we don't really understand.

You may be wondering "does Tezuka keep creating the magic in this volume of Black Jack stories?" The answer is a resounding Yes!

In this volume, we get to know Black Jack on a deeper level of course, but not only that, we get to understand Pinoko. Tezuka has subtly increased Pinoko's role throughout the series. At this point in the series, she is often an integral part of each Black Jack story. By the end of this volume, Pinoko is acting as his assistant in the operating room. Did he teach her this? When did this shift occur? I'm not sure.

Especially touching in this volume is a chapter called "Pinoko Love Story." The character arc from irritating self-centered 2-year-old to her willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice is complete. Pinoko becomes a living, breathing, real character in this book.