Black Jack...
Sometime ago, I picked up the VHS version of Black Jack...
Black Jack was apparently quite popular in Japan in comic book (manga) form, being quite dark and moody. It seemed at first glance and from what I'd heard about the series, that it was worth a certain amount of consideration. Sadly, I wasn't all that impressed. I gave Black Jack a 1 out of 5. In the aftermath of the Ultimate Otaku Fall Cleanup, I decided not to keep it in my archive.
In a world where the Grim Reaper could come for you at any time, one man walks the line between life and death. His name is Black Jack. His past is a mystery, but his medical skills are legendary. Known throughout the world as a mercenary doctor for hire, Black Jack asks no questions. He can keep the dying alive - for the right sum. All you have to do is pay his bill... and he's not cheap.
Volume 1
Iceberg, Man with Kimaira
Lured to a cursed island, Black Jack is curious to see what sort of disease is worth a three million dollar fee. When he gets there, however, he discovers a century old virus that causes the victim to suffer painful spasms as all the water drains from his body - leaving the victim dead from dehydration. But when a frightened mob decides to take matters into their own hands, it'll take all of Black Jack's skill to keep his patient alive.
Volume 2
A funeral, The Procession Game
Fate brought Black Jack into the lives of four teenage girls when they most needed his help. Now, six months later, fate has reunited them. But this time, the prognosis is not good. Two of the girls have already died. One of the girls is alive, but mentally unstable. The last girl is lying on a hospital bed, but her chances are slim. Her only hope is immediate brain surgery. Black Jack must perform the complicated surgical procedure and discover what could've happened in his absence.
Volume 3
The Decoration of Maria and Her Comrades
Black Jack finds himself caught between the political maneuverings of two, rival nations. The rebel leader, recently freed from prison, is near death. Black Jack must keep the rebel alive long enough to fulfill his wish - to return to his own country where he may die in peace. However, there are individuals who would like to put an immediate end to his suffering.
Volume 4
Anorexia, The Two Dark Doctors
It is a perplexing question of faith when Black Jack is hired to keep a female movie star from dying of anorexia. He has run every conceivable test, yet nothing appears to be wrong with her. Unable to hold her food down, the young star has become desperate. Considering suicide to end her torment, she has found a special doctor to help her die. Black Jack must race against time to save her - his only lead: the girl's past and a deadly secret from World War I.
Volume 5
The Owl of San Merida
While on vacation, Black Jack comes across a young man with an unusual - even paranormal - affliction. The young man is haunted by the vision of a woman who beckons him to return to a town he's never visited. He also has vision of being shot in a battle in which he was too young to have possibly fought! Bullet wounds mysteriously appear on his body, bleed, and disappear. Could this have anything to do with an operation performed on the young man many years before by a brilliant but unknown doctor?
Volume 6
Night Time Tale in the Snow "Lovelorn Princess"
In the middle of a strange blizzard, Black Jack finds himself trying to rescue a dying princess. Taking poison to avoid a loveless marriage, she would prefer death to a life where she was forever denied the arms of the man she truly loves. Now, Black Jack is forced to question what is real when he opens up the girl and finds a demon waiting inside...
Black Jack was apparently quite popular in Japan in comic book (manga) form, being quite dark and moody. It seemed at first glance and from what I'd heard about the series, that it was worth a certain amount of consideration. Sadly, I wasn't all that impressed. I gave Black Jack a 1 out of 5. In the aftermath of the Ultimate Otaku Fall Cleanup, I decided not to keep it in my archive.
