Alabaster [aka James Block]

Also known as アラバスター (Arabastaa)

Hello, My Name (in English) is…

Alabaster’s name is, of course, an English-derived word which refers to a hard, white calcite mineral which is commonly used to describe all things white, particularly skin.

Distinguishing Features

Visually unique with his translucent skin and vein-striped face, readers will have no trouble at all to spot Alabaster.

Status: Primary Star (★★★)

Although better known by his evil pseudonym, Alabaster, he originally appears as James Block, a handsome, famous and successful young black athlete.  When James is spurned by the lovely Susan, he goes on a murderous rampage and lands in prison.  There he meets and befriends the ignominious Doctor F and gains access to the inventor’s invisibility ray.  Unfortunately the ray only renders him partially invisible, and he is turned into a hideous monster bent on destroying the beauty of the world.

Notable Roles

Although he only appeared in one series, it was a memorable role.  Cast as the main villain in Alabaster (1970-71), he steals the show in what is arguably Tezuka’s darkest manga tale.