The Arrival of Osamu Tezuka's Black Jack Missing Pieces Second Operation
The legendary "God of Manga," Osamu Tezuka, continues to surprise us even today. Recently, Rittosha has released a very special collection titled "Black Jack Missing Pieces Second Operation" on February 20th. For fans in India and across the globe who grew up watching or reading these medical adventures, this is really a big deal. The book is priced at 5500 yen, including tax, which is quite a premium amount, but for the history it carries, it is totally worth it.
This latest edition is part of the ongoing "Osamu Tezuka Missing Pieces" series. The main highlight here is that it allows readers to sit and compare the original magazine versions with the later book versions. Many times, Tezuka used to change things after the first release, so seeing the "missing pieces" is like finding hidden treasure. If you are a collector, you already know why this medical manga classic is a must read for every fan of the genre.
What is New in This Collection?
There are so many episodes included in this book for the very first time. It is not just a simple reprint; they have actually put in the effort to include rare versions that were hard to find before. For example, we get to see the beautiful color versions of certain chapters that were only seen in the original magazine run decades ago.
Some of the key episodes featured in this Second Operation are:
- Episode 26 "Captain Park": This one is presented in its full color version.
- Episode 72 "The Irregular Man": A classic tale featuring the rogue doctor’s unique surgical skills.
- Episode 83 "Underground Sewers": One of those gritty stories that shows the dark side of the city.
- Episode 181 "Street Demon": A very intense chapter that explores the ethics of Black Jack.
- Episode 205 "Sea is the Smell of Love": A more emotional story compared to the usual surgical thrillers.
A Glimpse into the Past Versions
Apart from these, the book also contains the original versions of Episode 6 "Snowy Night Story" and Episode 22 "Blood Can't Stop". Reading these specific versions allows us to enjoy Black Jack exactly as he was when the chapters first came out in the 1970s. The raw energy of the original artwork is something else altogether. When you look at the evolution of his character, it becomes clear why this medical manga classic is a must read for every fan who wants to understand the history of shonen manga.
Overall, Rittosha has done a fantastic job with this release. It is quite a thick volume and the paper quality looks very solid. For anyone who loves the work of Osamu Tezuka, this is one book that should definitely be on your shelf. It is not everyday that we get to see such rare archival material being compiled so nicely for the public.
