Another of Tezuka's academics/scientists, Whisky often takes on the role of the antagonist in Tezuka's stories. Rather than being truly evil, Whisky is simply overly proud, often self-serving, and generally unwilling to heed advice or warnings. While he does on occasion aid others, it usually comes at a price.
One of Tezuka's earliest scientists, he was originally one half of a slightly comedic duo with his partner, Dr. Mangetsu - first played by Chiruchiru and then, later by Mokusan.
Squarely in the "don't blink or you'll miss her" category of Tezuka's supporting characters, Mittsun and Yottsun are a husband-and-wife duo who specialize in fading into the background.
With his completely bald head, round, beady eyes' and small "O-shaped" snout, Tako is the spitting image of his namesake - the Japanese word for "octopus" (tako). Besides his face, he is sometimes depicted as having octopus legs threaded through his sleeves instead of his hands.
Squarely in the "don't blink or you'll miss him" category of Tezuka's supporting characters, Yottsun and his wife Mittsun are a husband-and-wife duo who specialize in fading into the background.
Nonki Megane is a career minor role player, usually cast as "one of the sailors/soldiers/staff members" or someone else's assistant. Assumed to be based on Yutaka Aso, one of manga's pioneers and creator of a popular strip known as Nonki na Tousan (1923) ['Easygoing Daddy'], his own easy-going demeanour as a well-intentioned bumbler seem a good match.
His uniquely dull character makes him perfect for middle-of-the-road roles. When he's a good guy, you don't care too much, and when he's a bad guy, you don't hate him too much. This usually means he's relegated to bit parts as servants, police officers, reporters or simply just men in the crowd.
Ol' Man Tetsuno may be a minor star, but he is a specialist in anonymous comic relief roles. He is almost universally cast as a henchman, assistant, or just some guy standing (and smoking) in the background.
Murai is another one Osamu Tezuka's go-to Stars for playing the long arm of the law. Unlike his more buttoned-down colleagues, such as the stoic Inspector Geta and the hot-headed Inspector Tawashi, Murai is more of a loose cannon. In many ways he's a poster-child for the stereotypical grim and gritty cops of the 1970s - in the hard-drinking-wife-left-him-down-on-his-luck mold.
Named after a popular soft-drink in Japan, Ramune is one half of the comedic duo Ramune & Calpis (also commonly known as Tick & Tuck) modeled after classic American comedians Abbott & Costello. Usually depicted as happy-go-lucky, but bumbling, henchmen or assistants.
Ongoing Serial: a series of episodes, published over a span of weeks/months/years where the story plot is connected from chapter to chapter and must be read in chronological order for it to be understood properly.
Chapter Serial: a series of episodes, published over a span of weeks/months/years where the story plot is self-contained to a single chapter. There may be an overarching plot, but the stories can generally be read in any order and be understood
Book: an all-in-one self contained story published as a one-off.
Supplement: an an all-in-one self contained story published as a stand-alone supplement to a regular weekly/monthly periodical.
Short Story: an all-in-one, self contained story that was published in a regular weekly/monthly periodical
Anthology: a collection of all-in-one, self contained stories that were published in a regular weekly/monthly periodical but are generally grouped together.
