Black Jack, Vol. 8

ブラック・ジャック [Black Jack] #8

by Osamu Tezuka

Black Jack is a mysterious and charismatic young genius surgeon who travels the world performing amazing and impossible medical feats. Though a trained physician, he refuses to accept a medical license due to his hatred and mistrust of the medical community's hypocrisy and corruption. This leads Black Jack to occasional run-ins with the authorities, as well as from gangsters and criminals who approach him for illegal operations.Black Jack charges exorbitant fees for his services, the proceeds from which he uses to fund environmental projects and to aid victims of crime and corrupt capitalists. But because Black Jack keeps his true motives secret, his ethics are perceived as questionable and he is considered a selfish, uncaring devil. The Black Jack series is told in short stories. Each volume will contain 16-20 stories, each running approximately 20-24 pages in length. Black Jack is recognized as Osamu Tezuka's third most famous series, after Astro Boy and Kimba, the White Lion .

Genres: Manga, Comics, Graphic Novels, Japan, Fiction, Mystery, Shonen

328 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 1982

About the author

Dr. Osamu Tezuka (手塚治虫) was a Japanese manga artist, animator, producer and medical doctor, although he never practiced medicine. Born in Osaka Prefecture, he is best known as the creator of Astro Boy and Kimba the White Lion. He is often credited as the "Father of Anime", and is often considered the Japanese equivalent to Walt Disney, who served as a major inspiration during his formative years. His prolific output, pioneering techniques, and innovative redefinitions of genres earned him such titles as "the father of manga" and "the God of Manga."

Reviews

[#ReadAllTheBooks]

I have to admit, I'll be a little sad when Vertical stops releasing the Black Jack series when they reach the last volume. I'm familiar with Tekuza's work for the most part, but I've never actually been able to collect & read his books in the past, so this is really eye opening for me. This is one series where every volume has been just as good as the first. (Although I will admit that I have my preferences for specific stories.)

This volume contains several different stories, all of which can be read individually. Just like the previous volumes, you don't have to have read the previous ones to read this one. The stories range from an incident surrounding Pinoko's attempt to spruce up the home she shares with Black Jack to a story that contains the wonderful Dr. Kiriko. (My 2nd favorite character! Pinoko is my most favorite.)

All of the stories include the wonderful artwork & attention to detail that Tekuza is well known for. It's interesting to read some of the stories to see the references to the time period. There's one story about a mysterious person/thing/force/animal (can't elaborate without spoiling the surprise) that ties in with a nearby military compound, which I found incredibly interesting.

At times I really feel like I could just cut & paste the same review for all of the volumes of this manga that I've purchased. I've yet to see a volume where the story or quality lagged. (Of course I won't- that would be cheating!) Bottom line: if you have been collecting the series so far, don't worry. This volume is worth buying. If you haven't bought any of the volumes, I would suggest buying the first volume just because you'll probably want to get the complete set after reading it & will have to buy the 1st volume anyway.

[Judith]

The "god" of Japanese comics delivers. Very human, sensitive stories
and his humor is really something. RIP Tezuka, wherever you are. And
thank you for the books.

[Tuatara]

Tämä ei kyllä petä ikinä: tässäkin osassa tarinat olivat ihan yhtä hyviä kuin kaikissa aikaisemmissakin. Hyvin inhimillistä niin hyvässä kuin pahassakin.

[Oliver Bateman]

a couple real gems in this one, plus the usual filler!

[Wayne]

I should not even review this. Without reading the previous editions, I'm not quite sure what to think. I really didn't like the main character much and I'm not sure why he is doing what he's doing. He's obviously helping people, but I'm not sure why he's doing all these medical procedures. Art is aright but didn't seem as good as his other stuff. I wasn't interested enough that I feel a need to read any more. Probably my loss.

[Mary Goodnight]

Le top du manga. Impossible de décrocher...

[Ruz El]

Another great volume in the series. All the stories were interesting and this one seemed a bit more gross then usual.

[Aurelio Ippandoza]

Love these medical stories from Tezuka.(different subject from him).

[Emmy]

Yet another wonderful piece! I'm not sure how Tezuka managed to write so many great Black Jack stories, but I'm really glad he did :)