Young Black Jack

Young Black Jack, produced in 2015 by Sentai Filmworks, is a medical drama anime that delves into the engaging story of an exceptional med student, Hazama Kuroo, in the era of tumultuous civil unrest in Japan during the 1960s. The anime serves as a prequel to Osamu Tezuka's classic series "Black Jack", providing the rich backstory for the title character.

The series starts with Hazama, a pre-medical student at an unnamed university, who isn't your typical student. He already exhibits a preternatural grasp of medical knowledge and surgical skills marked by precision and passion. Although he initially appears unsociable and aloof, viewers soon realize that he's motivated not by the quest for wealth or power but by a pure and relentless curiosity about the complexities of the medical world.

Hazama's unparalleled skills do not go unnoticed, and he often finds himself entangled in situations that challenge both his abiding principles and his technical expertise. From mass demonstrations stoked by student riots and political upheaval, covert military operations, to life-threatening medical emergencies, Hazama continually finds himself navigating these critical historical moments from a unique vantage point. All the while, he continues to grapple with ethical dilemmas and deals with dilemmas on life and death, often going behind the traditional and legal lines in his quest to save lives.

In these battles, both within operating theaters and beyond, something oddly compelling is forged; the transformation of an ordinary college student into the legendary unlicensed physician known as Black Jack. The pain and turmoil of the times help mould Hazama into a medical prodigy, guiding him to the decision to become a rogue doctor who will challenge the established norms.

Meanwhile, the anime features an eclectic array of supporting characters. Among them are Maiko Okamoto, a young and passionate journalist who documents Hazama's journey, and Dr. Kiriko, a former army medic who served in Vietnam, who becomes Hazama's contemporary and erstwhile antagonist. With this diverse cast, the anime succeeds in enriching the narrative and offering the viewers a deeper understanding of Hazama’s world.

Having been set in turbulent 1960s Japan, Young Black Jack beautifully depicts the social and political challenges of the time with gritty authenticity. It unveils the tensions and emotions of a country burdened by race riots, radical student movements, and political crises, offering viewers a unique perspective into this significant period in Japan's history. Moreover, the anime does a remarkable job of incorporating these historical events into Hazama's personal journey, thereby making them an integral part of the plot.

Artistically, Young Black Jack boasts impressive and detailed animation. The gritty realities of operating rooms are intricately brought to life with a stunning level of detail and realism. Simultaneously, the character designs stay true to Osamu Tezuka's original style while adding a modern flair, and the atmospheric backgrounds and lighting create a tense and immersive atmosphere that perfectly aligns with its serious plot.

And while the series is indeed a medical drama, it manages to beautifully intertwine moments of lightheartedness and humor that provide relief and balance to the show’s seriousness. As such, the story embodies a wide range of moods, from intense suspense to soft introspection, all aimed at painting a vivid and intricate picture of the characters and their circumstances.

The viewership of Young Black Jack does not require prior knowledge or familiarity with Tezuka's original Black Jack series. The prequel can stand firmly by itself while, at the same time, offering existing Black Jack fans something to appreciate with its deeper dive into the protagonist's unique early-years perspective.

All in all, Young Black Jack is a captivating drama that intertwines robust and engaging historical narratives with the compelling personal development of an extraordinary young man. Whether you're a medical drama enthusiast, a history fan, or just someone looking for strong character development and storylines, Young Black Jack is a series that will surely capture your interest.