Black Jack 21

Black Jack 21 is an animated Japanese television series sequel to the much-acclaimed classic series known as 'Black Jack'. The show, created by Osamu Tezuka, a prominent figure in anime and manga creation, dives into the thrilling, exhilarating, and fascinating world of medical sciences, embroidered with an action-packed, thrilling storyline that makes it engaging for diverse audiences.

The main character of the series is a rogue genius surgeon named Black Jack, who operates not out of the confines of a well-established hospital but from a makeshift clinic in his abode. Black Jack is not your everyday medical professional - he's an unlicensed surgeon whose skill is virtually unparalleled, performing medical miracles and taking on cases that regular doctors wouldn't dare. However, these feats come with high, often exorbitant fees, making him a sort of wanderer on the edge of medical society.

Black Jack, whose real name is Kuro Hazama, is a serious yet compassionate character. A horrific explosion he survived during his childhood birthed his mastery over the medical field after a life-saving procedure he self-performed. Yet, he maintains an uncompromising principle - all life is precious and deserves saving, irrespective of the patient's status. This significant underlying principle and approach to medicine inject the show with a unique humanitarian perspective, serving profound life lessons to the viewer.

Black Jack 21 keeps viewers on their toes as it combines medical pathos with high-stakes adventure. Beyond his outlaw cosmetic surgeries, the series navigates through thrilling stories of Black Jack's entwinement with dangerous syndicates, mysteries rooted deep within his past, and intense face-offs with rival doctors. These narrative explorations generate palpable tension and provide intriguing character development.

The storyline of the series also digs deep into Black Jack's past. It gradually unravels the evolution of Kuro Hazama into the virtuoso known as Black Jack, and his complex relationship with the enigmatic organization named NOIR, which seems to be linked to his past and father. Mysteries about his origins and family all come to the forefront of the plot as Black Jack confronts numerous attempts on his life.

The dynamism of Black Jack 21's universe is advanced by its array of supporting characters such as Pinoko, Black Jack's devoted assistant. She humanizes the unlicensed super surgeon and adds depth to his character. Other supporting characters like Dr. Kiriko, infamously known as "Death Incarnate", serve as rivals to Black Jack and their conflicting medical philosophies enrich the show's tone with grueling ethical debates.

In terms of animation, Black Jack 21 impresses with an art style that effectively meshes the designs of classic manga art with modern animation techniques. This blending of old and new styles gives the show a distinct identity that matches its narrative themes. The characters are sketchy yet refined, and their movements are fluid and detailed. Also, the anime offers a unique visual representation of Black Jack's marvelous medical procedures, emphasizing his incredible surgical skills.

The sound design of the show further enhances the viewing experience. The soundtrack mostly consists of jazz-infused pieces that work well with the animated sequences. Voice acting, too, is a highlight with actors breathing life into Black Jack's complex and layered personality.

Every episode of Black Jack 21 is more like an edge-of-the-seat thriller, seamlessly blending medical knowledge, ethical reflections, suspense, and adventure. The series is not only visually engaging with its impressive animation aesthetics but also intellectually stimulating with its storytelling flair. Overall, Black Jack 21 is a must-watch for fans of medical dramas and suspenseful anime who are looking for a show that serves suspense, emotion, and thought-provoking content in equal measures.