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.
Dr. Fooler is another of Tezuka's mad scientists. Childish, both in his appearance and in his behavior, he is nosy and pushy and often worms his way into business he should not be part of, or pushes forward ill-conceived scientific projects against the better judgment of wiser scientists.
With his distinctive look, with a large scar across his face and a streak of white running through his jet black hair, Black Jack has a rather ominous appearance. However, this gruff and heartless exterior conceals a heart of gold.
Biwamaru is a blind travelling hermit whose humble appearance belies his considerable hidden skills. As a member of the supporting cast, he usually offers the protagonist advice or assistance, but it comes in the form of a lesson... and not always an easy one.
Types of Tezuka Manga
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.