Gratin is one of Tezuka's Star crooks who seems more to have simply fallen in with a rough crowd due to his odd appearance. He was likely looking for acceptance amongst his peer group - specifically Kao Sekken and Afill who often appear alongside him. He acts tough to hide his own insecurities and is often cast in the role of a thug, a henchman, or some other sort of servant.
Impulsive and brash yet loyal to a fault, Oba is a specialist in small supporting roles that pack a punch. As such, he usually finds himself cast as an assistant, where his good-intentioned but head-first charge into action can sometimes have unintended conseequences for his companions.
One of Tezuka's oldest Stars, Kao Sekken is more of a crook than a true villain. He usually appears alongside his co-conspirators Afill and Gratin, and might show up as a member of a secret society, religious fanatic, a kidnapper, or some other kind of thug.
Afil is a career bit player. Although he has had a few roles as a key antagonist - primarily with his co-conspirators Kao Sekken and Gratin - he is generally known for throw-away roles, cast as a servant, a henchman, a passenger, a customer, or simply a man-in-the-crowd.
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.
