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Star System
Phoenix [aka Hinotori]
Inspired by the music of Stravinsky, in particular of course by "Firebird," the Phoenix is the title character of Tezuka's life work, in which she represents the embodiment of life and all its cycles. She is not always either a protagonist or an antagonist, but is always an important figure, even if the concepts of life, death, and reincarnation appear more strongly in the themes of the chapter than in the action of the story.
Ochanomizu, Dr.
Dr. Ochanomizu is the most beloved of Tezuka’s many mad scientist/doctor characters. While he dabbles with powers beyond his control as much as the next mad scientist, Dr. Ochanomizu is almost unfailingly an ally of mankind and of universal peace and friendship. Sometimes he may be a robotocist, sometimes a medical doctor, sometimes as a simple face in a crowd of scientists, but when he does appear, he is almost always a trusted father figure with the best interests of the world at heart.
Notaarin
Notaarin is one of Tezuka's oldest and most prolific Stars. Unlike some of the other scientists, like Dr. Ochanomizu and Dr. Hanamaru, who are concerned with the betterment of mankind, or Dr. Tenma and Dr. Fooler, who are concerned with the betterment of their own lot in life, Notaarin is mainly interested in hearing the sound of his own voice.
Norse Necktall
Given his slightly odd appearance, you might be forgiven for thinking he's just another goofy comedy relief character, but despite being a bit sloppy, Norse Necktall is actually quite shrewd and usually finds himself playing either administrative or media-related roles.
Mitchy
Mitchy was Tezuka's earliest important female star, and is one of the women who appears in the greatest variety of roles in Tezuka's work. Although she monopolized many of Tezuka's early female roles, she was a true student of her craft and proved early on that she was more than just a pretty face - leaving all the "cutey girl" roles instead for Riiko.
Melmo
Melmo was the trailblazer of the "magical girl" genre, and pioneered the transformation sequence. Orphaned at a young age, Melmo's dead mother begs God for help for her daughter. God decides to grant her wish and bestows upon young Melmo a bottle of magical candy - with the blue ones physically making her grow older, and the red ones making her grow younger, all the while maintaining the innocent mind of a 9-year-old.
Mason
Despite his dashing good looks, Mason never really established himself as a leading man. Instead, he developed into a solid supporting Star, often taking on leadership roles as a captain, commander or some other kind of military officer. While they are usually handsome and quick-witted, they often have questionable intentions.
Marukubi Boon
Modelled after French actor, Lino Ventura, Marukabi Boon is easily recognizable by his thick bull neck, thick black eyebrows and the dark semicircles under his large eyes.
