Tink
A mischievous young angel, while God is handing out the hearts that determine gender, he gives Sapphire a male heart in addition to the female heart she properly receives - and is thus responsible for her gender-bending nature.
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Star System
Tezuka, Osamu
Tezuka often inserted himself into his own work, and the ways in which he did it really spans the entire gambit of roles. Most often he simply plays himself, the manga artist offering the reader a closer-than-usual connection with the author by becoming an active narrator of the story. That can include more in-depth framing at the beginning or ending of a story, providing insight into its development or some of the meta context from the time period it was created that may enhance the reader’s enjoyment.
Tenma, Dr.
Dr. Tenma is clearly one of Osamu Tezuka's most brilliant scientists, however, unlike his peer-group members, such as Dr. Ochanomizu and Dr. Hanamaru, he fits the term "mad scientist" to a tee. It's understandable, given that his only son, Tobio, was killed in an accident that is arguably a result of his neglect and indifference.
Tawashi, Inspector
Another of Tezuka's "long arm of the law" Stars, he is similar to Inspector Geta in that both almost always appear as police investigators, and both are known for their dedication to their job. However, while Geta is known for his honesty and uprightness, Tawashi is mostly known for his suspicion of people.
Skunk Kusai
Skunk Kusai is one of Tezuka's least savoury characters, and often the perfect choice to play any number of thugs, thieves, kidnappers and other criminals. While Kin Sankaku, Acetylene Lamp and Hamegg, each have a certain foolishness that makes them impossible to truly hate, Skunk's slimy expression behaviour is so loathsome it's almost impressive.
Shunsaku Ban [aka Higeoyaji]
Shunsaku Ban is, without a doubt, one of Tezuka's most important Stars. He takes the prize in practically every category, earliest appearances, longest serving, most appearances, etc. However, despite all those appearances, he is, almost without exception, true to his core. Most often cast in the role of a spirited, if not particularly sophisticated, middle-aged man, who is also warm-hearted with a burning sense of justice.
Satan
Amongst the pantheon of evil-doers in the Star System, Satan holds a unique position. He is the very epitome of all the personal characteristics that Osamu Tezuka himself found frightening as a child.
Sasaki, Kojiro
Kojiro Sasaki is a bundle of energy. Given his quick temper, and the skill and constancy with which he handles a (usually bamboo) sword, he’s a specialist at playing the “right-hand man” and/or “closely matched rival” sort of roles. As such, he usually appears as part of a team, gang, or group of henchmen. However, he’s also usually a bit of the loner or outcast.
Saruta [aka Honma, Dr.]
Saruta, like a lot of good character actors, has seen it all. No one else in Tezuka’s Star System has quite been through the wringer like Saruta. He’s a specialist at suffering. In almost every role he’s ever taken, he’s given the task of showing both the darker side of human nature, while at the same time demonstrating the human capacity to persevere and ultimately transcend the suffering that shapes our lives.
