Black Jack (1993)
A landmark anime OVA series following the brilliant, unlicensed surgeon Black Jack through the dark and morally complex world of underground medicine.
Black Jack - Series Information
- Original Title: ブラック・ジャック
- First Air Year: 1993
- Last Air Year: 2011
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: December 12, 1993 (Canada - 14+), December 12, 1993 (Australia - M)
- Production Companies: Tezuka Productions, Animax Broadcast Japan
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: Black Jack OVA (DE), 怪医黑杰克OVA (CN), 怪醫黑傑克 OVA (TW), ブラック・ジャック FINAL (JP)
Black Jack - Plot
Kuroo Hazama, also known as "Black Jack," is a legend in the medical world. Famous for being one of the best, as well as not having a license, Hazama and his assistant Pinoko save countless lives that other doctors cannot... for a price; an exorbitant price, in fact, which causes many to view the genius as greedy and heartless. Despite these claims, however, none can deny his skill and the lengths that he will go to treat his patients. This dark medical drama tells the story of the ominous and mysterious world of underground medicine as Black Jack risks his life to cure some of the most bizarre diseases imaginable, even if it means breaking every law in the process.
Black Jack - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse into Black Jack's shadowy world of underground surgery.
Where to Watch Black Jack
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Black Jack - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Akio Otsuka
- Yuko Mizutani
- Michio Hazama
- Megumi Hayashibara
- Katsuhisa Houki
- Mugihito
- Naoya Uchida
- Fumiko Orikasa
- Chikao Ohtsuka
- Kikuko Inoue
Writers
- Osamu Dezaki
- Yoshio Takeuchi
- Katsuhiko Koide
- Tomoko Konparu
- Eto Mori
- Kuniaki Yamashita
Executive Producers
- Takayuki Matsutani
Black Jack - FAQs
Is Black Jack based on a manga?
The 1993 OVA series is directly adapted from Osamu Tezuka's iconic manga of the same name, originally serialized in Weekly Shōnen Champion from 1973 to 1983. Tezuka's original work is considered a landmark of Japanese comics, blending medical drama with deep philosophical and ethical questions.
Where can you stream Black Jack?
Black Jack is available to stream on Peacock Premium. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date availability in your region, as streaming libraries can change over time.
Who voices Black Jack in the 1993 OVA?
Akio Otsuka brings the enigmatic unlicensed surgeon to life in the 1993 OVA series. Otsuka's deep, commanding voice perfectly captures Black Jack's brooding intensity and moral complexity. Yuko Mizutani voices his lively assistant Pinoko, providing a warm counterbalance to the protagonist's cold exterior.
How many episodes does Black Jack have?
The 1993 Black Jack OVA series consists of 12 episodes across a single season. Released over several years, each episode functions largely as a self-contained medical case story, making it accessible to new viewers while rewarding those who follow the overarching narrative.
What is Black Jack about?
Black Jack follows Kuroo Hazama, a brilliant but unlicensed surgeon who operates in the shadows of the medical world. Charging astronomical fees, he takes on cases other doctors refuse or cannot handle. The series blends dark medical drama with moral dilemmas, exploring themes of life, death, and the ethics of medicine.
When did the Black Jack OVA first air?
The Black Jack OVA series premiered on December 12, 1993. Produced by Tezuka Productions and directed by Osamu Dezaki, it ran until 2011, spanning nearly two decades of releases and cementing its place as a beloved entry in classic anime history.
Is Black Jack worth watching for anime fans?
Absolutely. The Black Jack OVA is a masterclass in atmospheric anime storytelling, elevated by Osamu Dezaki's distinctive visual style and deeply human narratives. Fans of medical dramas, morally complex protagonists, and classic anime aesthetics will find it compelling, emotionally resonant, and unlike most contemporary series.
What are some shows similar to Black Jack?
If Black Jack appeals to you, Monster (2004) offers a similarly dark and cerebral tone with a doctor protagonist navigating moral extremes. Beautiful Bones: Sakurako's Investigation (2015) and Akudama Drive (2020) also share thematic threads of unconventional protagonists operating outside societal norms.
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