Hyakkimaru is the very definition of a fighter. Having survived a childhood of disability - missing the 48 body parts that his father sold to a cadre of demons at his birth - Hyakkimaru has had to fight every inch of the way. This has made him hard and grim, the perfect Star to be cast in a samurai period adventure featuring supernatural monsters of all sort.
The child star of his own samurai-era drama, Dororo is best known for his titular role as Hyakkimaru's side-kick during his long quest to retrieve his 48 missing body parts from the demons which possess them, in Dororo (1967-69).
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.