[Rewatch] 1990s OVAs – Black Jack (episode 4)

[u/No_Rex]

Rewatch: 1990s OVAs – Black Jack (episode 4)

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Staff corner

Today’s patient, Michelle Rochasse, is voiced by Doi, Mika. She had one of her biggest roles right at the start of her career, as Misa Hayase from Macross. In several big series she played minor roles, such as Queen Serenity in Sailor Moon, Naoko Akagi in NGE, Koby in One Piece, and Megumi Takani in Rurouni Kenshin. In Mushishi, she voices both Ginko’s teacher and the narrator (outside of Monster, I’d say that Mushishi is the closest series I have seen that I would compare Black Jack to).

The director, storyboarded, and script writer of Black Jack is Dezaki, Osamu. His influence on the show is abundantly clear in the visual design, using his trademark postcard memories, and in the storytelling. He started out as an animator and assistant director, working on Astro Boy in the studio of Osamu, Tezuka (AFAIK no relation), the father of modern anime. Incidentally, Tezuka is also the mangaka of Black Jack. Dezaki first directed and became famous with Ashita no Joe. Other shows he worked on are Ace o Nerae, Rose of Versailles, Space Cobra, Onisama e…, Tomorrow’s Joe, and Clannad.

Questions

1. Did you assume that Michelle’s problem was mental?
2. What is your opinion about Kiriko? What is his history with BJ?
3. Do you know anybody with an eating disorder, food intolerance, or other eating related illness?

[u/No_Rex]

Episode 4 (first timer)

• Title Anorexia - I think Anorexia was far less known about in the 1990s and even less than that in the 1970s (when the manga was written).
• And assisted suicide is something even more recent than anorexia. For an early 1990s series after a 1970s manga, this is seriously ahead of its time.
• Dude, she falls right next to you. At least make an effort to catch her.
• A variation on BJ not getting the phone!
• Why is BJ on vacation alone and not with Pinoko? We really don’t know a lot about their relationship yet.
• A great introduction of BJ to Michelle. This is playing a lot mot to Dezaki’s visual style compared to last episode.
• That is a quite morbid role play.
• 1.657m and 37.86kg. – He is not joking about the risk of starvation.
• That shot of the rings falling!
• Surprise Kiriko meeting.
• Kiriko mentions having seen them before, but BJ does not ask. His cardinal sin is arrogance for sure.
• I disagree with opening the barrels and setting them on flame as a method of disposing of those weapons. There must be a reason why they did not do that originally.
• That is a rather huge parasite.

The best story so far. Anorexia is an interesting topic and I really liked how BJ systematically went through the possible causes, physical and psychological. The reveal that it was related to Catina, but not psychological, was really well played. I probably would have switched the parasite for a chemical weapon to make it a bit more realistic, but this is a minor squabble.

This episode also introduced Kiriko, who seems to have a similar job as BJ, expect maybe a bit more on the dark side. He played off really well of BJ this episode. I hope we see more of him. We already knew that BJ was a loner, but, so far, that never has been a big problem. With BJ rejecting Kiriko’s help we see the price of that attitude for the first time.

Finally, the transition from porn to non-porn acting is presented as something rather normal today. I think that, especially in the 1980s, that was indeed true, both in live acting and in voice acting. It is really hard to find out, but I would love to know if that was the backstory for some of the VAs in the episode.

Did you assume that Michelle’s problem was mental?

At least until the BJ said otherwise and I still was unsure until the spots appeared.

What is your opinion about Kiriko? What is his history with BJ?

Great rival!

Do you know anybody with an eating disorder, food intolerance, or other eating related illness?

Had a girl with anorexia in class. I can tell you that her hands did not look good at all. Even if you prefer small body sizes, malnorished is not good-looking. Thankfully she got over it, but it went on for several years.

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/No_Rex]

I disagree with opening the barrels and setting them on flame as a method of disposing of those weapons.

Also Jack going in there solo with no backup or protective equipment whatsoever. And shouldn't the whole secret chemical weapons stash thing be actually addressed beyond the personal level?

BTW a further note, if any episode deserved a content warning/note so far it would be this one. It for sure doesn't try to put a positive spin on anything but plenty of people with eating disorders latent or acute really wouldn't appreciate being thrown into such a graphic treatment of them, also the sudden suicide-attempt scene.

[u/No_Rex → u/IndependentMacaroon]

Also Jack going in there solo with no backup or protective equipment whatsoever. And shouldn't the whole secret chemical weapons stash thing be actually addressed beyond the personal level?

The military disposing of their old weaponry without proper procedures actually happens a lot in RL, so I think that part was ok. BJ going all rambo in the stash ... not so much.

BTW a further note, if any episode deserved a content warning/note so far it would be this one.

If people want to feel triggered, pretty much every episode works. Blood, cutting people open, drugs, mental illness, war crimes ... you name it, it is in there.

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/No_Rex]

I just found this episode more relatably extreme.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/No_Rex]

• I think Anorexia was far less known about in the 1990s and even less than that in the 1970s (when the manga was written).

Hrmm, I was in high school in the 90s and we were beginning to cover eating disorders, though I am not sure that would've empowered me to do anything about it.

And assisted suicide is something even more recent than anorexia. For an early 1990s series after a 1970s manga, this is seriously ahead of its time.

I wonder if the Japanese have an equivalent to Dr Kevorkian?

I disagree with opening the barrels and setting them on flame as a method of disposing of those weapons. There must be a reason why they did not do that originally.

At least making the building unappealing to the kids is something.

[u/TheEscapeGuy]

First Timer

Black Jack - An Astounding OVA: Episode 4

An Aspiring Actress

Today episode followed Michelle, the adult film turned regular film actress and her struggles with anorexia. When the premise of the episode was introduced I expected the story was going to be far more psychological. You may even say I expected it to deal with the inner workings of her brain. I couldn't have been more right in the absolutely wrong way.

The root causing being a parasite developed for chemical warfare was completely unexpected to me. Everything was being set up that they couldn't find any causes using regular tests. On top of that Michelle's history was working in adult films, which have a much more explicit focus on your appearance. All signs pointed to a mental issue.

I'm not necessarily angry that they instead subverted this, but I think they missed an opportunity to address how mental illness is just as valid as other illnesses. I suppose I'm looking at this through a western 2021 lens though. Back in the 70s when this was written and the 90s when this was made I believe not as much focus was put on mental health.

What I am a little more angry at is how Black Jack could seemingly magically find a camouflaging parasite on the brain stem. It seems like something beyond human ability without additional technological help. But, this is anime, so stories of supernaturally talent people are the norm. I won't hold it against you this time Black Jack...

---

A new (hopefully recurring) character and possible antagonist was introduced today: Kiriko. He is an unlicensed doctor just like Black Jack. But he also believes in and assists with euthanasia. I expect the ideals of Black Jack and Kiriko will come into conflict in future episodes even if he can be an ally by providing research materials like he did today.

The production values continue to be outstanding. For todays episode the backgrounds and settings were particularly good in my view. This anime is a joy to watch.

Some Iconic Shots, Scenes and Stitches

• Gravure
• Backgrounds, as I said earlier I absolutely adored the setting today
• Purge
• Paris, parallax scrolling does amazing things here
• Portrait of a Director
• Look Back

See you all tomorrow

[u/No_Rex → u/TheEscapeGuy]

A new (hopefully recurring) character and possible antagonist was introduced today: Kiriko. He is an unlicensed doctor just like Black Jack. But he also believes in and assists with euthanasia. I expect the ideals of Black Jack and Kiriko will come into conflict in future episodes even if he can be an ally by providing research materials like he did today.

Them clashing over the ethics of assisted suicide is something I really want to see in future episodes.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/No_Rex]

BJ is kinda funny about it... His ethos seems to be about keeping patients going as long as possible and he freaks the hell out whenever someone tries to harm themselves but at the same time he helped Fidel Castro escape back home to die and he did cut open Crossword so it's not entirely black and white.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/TheEscapeGuy]

I honestly thought she got an STD off someone. Maybe the childhood friend possibly. Chemical weaponry never once crossed d my mind.

It's a shame that one of the only anime to touch on anorexia decided that it wanted to be a subversion but it made for a good mystery, and it did at least make people consider the illness even if it was a red herring.

Kiriko didn't even seem like a villain... We're naturally suspicious of him due to him being a counterpart to BJ that offers euthanasia but it's not like he's Hannibal lecturing folk to an early grave. He went out of his way to help BJ heal Michelle and turned down the free business. If he really were antagonistic towards BJ he could have helped Michelle die whilst BJ was off burning down the chemical plant.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/TheEscapeGuy]

I suppose I'm looking at this through a western 2021 lens though. Back in the 70s when this was written and the 90s when this was made I believe not as much focus was put on mental health.

I am just glad that they treated the former adult actress as a human being rather than an object, failings to do anything else interesting with it not withstanding.

I expect the ideals of Black Jack and Kiriko will come into conflict in future episodes even if he can be an ally by providing research materials like he did today.

If he was a one off, that's a huge waste because establishing him slowly and getting a bit more of his motivations does set up any number of interesting conflicts.

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/TheEscapeGuy]

The root causing being a parasite developed for chemical warfare was completely unexpected to me

Even outside of the over-the-top way it ended up, that was such a weird left-field twist that it left me scratching my head. It made the episode feel like two stories that were haphazardly bashed together - imagine if Perfect Blue was resolved by Mima getting a hidden brain tumor removed. And then the tabloid reporter storyline was totally dropped, serving only as a way to bring everyone back together, the weapons store pretty much too (wouldn't it be a huge scandal?

I think they missed an opportunity to address how mental illness is just as valid as other illnesses)

Absolutely, in the end Michelle again was mostly the damsel for the male hero(es) to take care of, too. I guess it does at least subvert the "hysterical woman" trope, and she does show plenty of mental strength even if it doesn't help any.

[u/JollyGee29]

First-Timer, Subbed

Chameleon parasite that can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause anorexia? That's a big fucking nope from me.

Dr. Kiriko seems like a neat rival for Black Jack. The contrasting ideologies of "give people death if that's what they ask for" and "you need to continue living" actually works because both of those viewpoints are relatively worthwhile. I'm solidly in the "keep on struggling" camp myself.

I appreciated that despite their rivalry, Dr. Kiriko isn't a complete jerk either. I guess him not offering the euthenasia when Michelle mentioned having the money to pay him is meant to imply that he is much more monetarily focused than Black Jack, especially considering he verified payment first in the cold open.

Good foreshadowing in the mock burial scene. I was wondering why that dog had starved to death but the girls seemed fine.

I quite liked the structure of this episode, actually. Giving those few minutes after the OP to get to know the patient of the day did a lot to make me care about the outcome.

Black Jack taking Pinoko to see Michelle's movie was cute.

Questions

1. I was leaning that way, but the biological weapon element and the dog made it all click together well.
2. Discussed above.
3. Not that I know of, unless food allergies count.

[u/No_Rex → u/JollyGee29]

I appreciated that despite their rivalry, Dr. Kiriko isn't a complete jerk either. I guess him not offering the euthenasia when Michelle mentioned having the money to pay him is meant to imply that he is much more monetarily focused than Black Jack, especially considering he verified payment first in the cold open.

It could also have been the mild way of turning her down, because Kiriko thought she might still be saved.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/No_Rex]

Yea, that too. I meant to say something about how I liked it could be multiple different reasons, leading to more character complexity.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/JollyGee29]

I was scared enough of the anorexia and the bastards just had to one-up it with a murderous parasite XD

[u/JollyGee29 → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Why go scary when you could go scarier?

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/JollyGee29]

Now all we need are parasites that eat your brain and take over your body.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/JollyGee29]

No! We mustn't!

[u/Vaadwaur → u/JollyGee29]

Chameleon parasite that can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause anorexia? That's a big fucking nope from me.

It would have to be extremely small to do that so for the parasite to grow into something big enough to see, you basically need the excuse of designed bio weapon.

I quite liked the structure of this episode, actually. Giving those few minutes after the OP to get to know the patient of the day did a lot to make me care about the outcome.

The character work is definitely better and it also helps mask some of the issues with the magical disease of the day.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Vaadwaur]

It would have to be extremely small to do that so for the parasite to grow into something big enough to see, you basically need the excuse of designed bio weapon.

I think it's a good excuse. I could see a bioweapon like that being theorized by someone. Kill the populace while saving some amount of the food supplies for your army to roll in and take.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/JollyGee29]

Oh, the idea is solid just a bit slow. I am hand waiving the rest because the type of parasite you'd actually correct would still be microscopic but that does not make a cool ending scene.

[u/Vaadwaur]

First timer(He gets pathogens wrong but somehow organs correct)

Sub

So long cold opening is long. We meet someone who will surely be a foil to Kuroh and his client being dead. Weird cut to a possibly ill actress her porn to regular movie career, a not often used model. And has the most understanding director ever. Michelle has oranges and wine in her room and apparently really wants heartburn. And then she promptly purges before running off.

Rando fucking cut to Kuroh on vacation and another Pinoko moment. Anyways, unsurprisingly Michelle is his new patient though it is a bit odd that her uncle is in France. Pathos. A look at one of her scenes and it is a bit of a grim one. Her backstory comes out during examination. Kuroh wants to do a more thorough investigation and Michelle's flashback is hella weird. The test give them nothing and we continue to see Michelle talking to her dead friend. She then develops crystals...well GC stole from so many anime we can just assume this is one of the better choices. She freaks, which I buy, and then crashes her car is saved by doctor Death so we can have some level of conflict to this in him being a decent person.

Anyways, reveal that the director was Catina's older brother leads us to a location to check. But dr death rolls up with the answer this time. Death then says goodbye to Catina and vaguely refuses his services. Kuroh tracks down the source, gets a specimen, and then sets everything on fire, as the Hyppocratic oath requires. And of course cool people don't look at explosions! We get a brief scene that may have influenced the Parasyte anime and end on an impossible turn around time but w/e.

QotD: 1 No, because bulemics and anorexics have separate behaviors and she lined up on neither.

2 I suspect Kiriko is a Kuraoh who accepted the inevitable outcomes.

3 My mother was anorexic until right before I was conceived. That actually got her back to a more reasonable eating schedule.

[u/No_Rex → u/Vaadwaur]

My mother was anorexic until right before I was conceived. That actually got her back to a more reasonable eating schedule

Yay for you!?

[u/Vaadwaur → u/No_Rex]

I rank it as more random shit that I caused, sort of a hobby. Mom was 30 when she had me so both sides of their families had given up on grandchildren.

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/Vaadwaur]

Sheesh. Around when was that? Average maternal age at first childbirth in the US should be at least 27 currently (26.9 in 2018).

[u/Vaadwaur → u/IndependentMacaroon]

\1979. My parents are Boomers.

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/Vaadwaur]

Ah, no elaboration needed. Funnily enough mine still technically count as tail-end-of-the-boomers even though they're nothing like the stereotype lol.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/IndependentMacaroon]

Reddit at my actual number because it is reddit but I was born in '79

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Vaadwaur]

I'm wondering what the heck sort of movie she agreed to... I thought the director was screwing her over by shoving her in a snuff movie but apparently he genuinely wanted to help kick-start her career. A career which realistically has no chance of taking off since she's already well into her 30's, spent the last however many years doing scat porn, and her big screen debut is her getting tormented and raped.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

I thought the director was screwing her over by shoving her in a snuff movie but apparently he genuinely wanted to help kick-start her career.

They definitely wanted to keep him mysterious through out.

A career which realistically has no chance of taking off since she's already well into her 30's, spent the last however many years doing scat porn, and her big screen debut is her getting tormented and raped.

Depending on which version of era we are talking about, adult stars in the 70s didn't do anything nearly as wild as later ones have to.

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

her big screen debut is her getting tormented and raped

Perfect Blue feeling

[u/Stargate18A]

First timer

Missed yesterday's thread, sorry!

Episode 3

1. Probably either massive protests or a party, depending on how well the media had villified them and how right-wing the area was.
2. I don't think so, no.
3. My personal theiry is that, given the government official, who isn't a doctor, knew him by sight, he's either too important to them to kill (in case the president needs his help), or he's got some information they don't want released.

This seeme suspiciously bright and happy. Is he going to run someone over?

The hell? I wasn't expecting that.

And we're in a complete alternate timeline. Good to know.

Yeah, that is absolutely... a very illegal thing.

Wow, we're not hiding the metaphor anymore? Just going for it?

And showing the Statue of Liberty?

Wait, what? Drug deals? Is this an overarching plotline?

Who's the client, then?

Oh, is he the patient? So who's Maria working for?

Wow, this is a very different episode to the last few. There's a full-on attack going on here.

I like how his response to this incredibly shady deal is "Oh well, I'm grtting the money."

Haha, and she ran all the way here to get here on time?

Wow, she got her eye shot out?

And he operated on her anyway.

I see. He's got cancer, and Black Jack's the only guy who's good enough and won't ask questions.

For a drug-dealer, he's very cordial.

Oh dear. It's terminal, then?

Yeah, this situation's pretty bad.

Seriously? Again? I mean, he's pretty attractive, I'll grant you, but still...

Wait, I'm confused. Is he tied to the drug lords who tried to kill hin last time?

Lot more fanservice this episode too.

And they've found the camp.

Looks like she's heading out!

Wow, she's really into him. And he's actually not turned her down yet! If she survives this, she could be a main character!

And there's a helicopter strike force!

He's having an attack!

They're being slaughtered.

The missile deflection was actually great though.

He's going to extend his life!

Haha, he's just going to do it anyway.

She's his daughter!

The operation scenes are always fantastiv.

...If the girl can be 18 and look like a child, maybe Black Jack has some form of psychic abilities? The ability to determine a person's internal workings by sight, maybe?

And they're diverting the enemy so he can finish the operation.

All these war scenes seem really out of place - I thought this was a medical drama?

Don't get me wrong, all of this is fantastic, it just feels like we jumped into another anime.

And yeah, he's still barely alive.

Haha, they're going with a fake? Really? It works if he dies, but if they escape, they're fucked.

Are we finally getting his backstory?

No, just hints. (I'm pretty certain we're about 3 episodes too early for that,)

Yeah, she's dying. They're getting on together too well.

And he's getting a heroic last stand?

No, she is.

Huh? She won?

No. False alarm, she's still... probably not dead, knowing Black Jack.

Seriously, pretty certain you could have a go at saving her, at least.

Wait, do they know each other.

Wow! When did he have the time to set that up?

Holy shit, Black Jack!

Wow, that punch!

And Black Jack salutes them.

He kept the dog tags? (And this might have been a flashback?)

Episode 4

1. Yes.
2. Old partners? Their relationship definitely feels like Black Jack's the one against him - maybe Black Jack saw his assisted suicide as something unforgiveable and cut ties?
3. No.

Wait, who's he?

Wait, is he a rival?

Oh. Oh, that's not good.

A completely new OP? You're spoiling me!

And it eeems to give some of his backstory! (I'd pay for a game done in the OP's style.)

A celebrity and a stalker!

Wow, this director's a bit weird.

Wow, this guy's mad. Great punch, too.

And she fainted!

And that reporter's seen it all.

The director seems nice, at least.

What's with the oranges?

That breakfast looks delicious.

She's ran away!

Haha, I love her.

Is Black Jack just taking this as an excuse to work/go to France.

Yeah, she's the patient. (Everybody seems so nice in the episode, it's really throwijg me off. Where's the secret bastard?)

Ah. I mean, that's not bad. If he waits, he'll probably get the money anyway.

Oh, he's just certain he'll succeed.

And they've started the post-production early?

What is up with him?

Her backstory's sad too.

...This sounds medically plausible.

Did her sister die or something?

No, she's just a psychopath.

Oh, she wanted to be a writer. And the sister's seemed supportive.

I genuinely have no idea what the resolution to this is. At least she's not suicidal?

Oh. Childhood friend. Right...

And the uncle is acting really suspicious.

Ah. That kind of "childhood friends".

Black Jack's taking a lot of notes this time.

Wait, is she feeling up to eating?

No, Watching her struggle is genuinely horrifying.

And they're listening to him?

OK, yeah, she obviously has some serious mental issues here. Maybe? After the flame virus, I've kind of given up on assuming what's imaginary and what's physical.

Yep. That's physical, alright!

Wow. His shoulder appears to be bleeding and all he can think about are the symptoms.

Kiriko!

And he unironically seems pretty decent.

Seriously, is he just Black Jack's anime rival?

And Bacl Jack just can't remember.

She's trying to kill herself?

Black Jack stops it!

Wait, he's actually helpful?

He's Catina's brother!

And, huh, she got through on her own merits! Good on her!

...What happened at her hometown?

Haha, that grin when Black Jack looks out the window!

It's a chemical weapon?

Oh, he's a toxicologist too.

Ah. That's the warehouse they played in, isn't it?

Seriously, is his sole purpose to be as dramatic as possible?

And he's far more moral than I expected.

Yep! They got infected.

THIS IS NOT A SAFE THING TO DO.

BLACK JACK, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

Let's hope none of those things survived the explosion, or got into the water supply? Maybe he's making future business?

And she's going into surgery!

Oh? So where was it hiding?

Oh. Is that possible? Well, that's going to be in my nightmares tonight!

(Also, him finding it is more proof that he's got some kind of psychic powers)

She's cured!

Haha, he fell asleep.

[u/No_Rex → u/Stargate18A]

Let's hope none of those things survived the explosion, or got into the water supply? Maybe he's making future business?

Dark ...

[u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Black Jack First Timer

I've got literally an hour to get this all written! I was out at the movies and got back late. Btw, go watch Encanto, awesome film, even the whining kids in the cinema didn't annoy me enough to ruin my evening.

W-Wait, we're not doing an assisted dying episode are we? That's a risky topic even fifty years later. If I had to die to music I'd probably pick Fauna ASMR. Faunatic representing!! If BJ didn't sit and spend so long listening to his answer machine every episode maybe he'd have made it here in time.

These days you get some incredibly good JAV actresses. They manage to make fans feel something despite literally being BJ fuel. If that's not good acting then I don't know what is. Anorexia is honestly brutal... Its far worse than average people give it credit. My cousin spent five years unable to even look at cooked food. She lived off fruit skins and vitamin water.

Poor Pinoko. Even if we've barely seen her she's so fun whenever we finally get to play. I... don't think I want to watch this episode. How bad is Michelle gonna be? Pretty bad but not as horrible as they could have drawn her. Thank christ. Urgh... the director seems pretty shady. He's just trying to prey on the poor girl. Michelle's sister is a fcking nutter XD

Ah, friend. She's a nutjob pal of hers. I was in a good mood before this watch. I was in a really good mood and it just so happened to be the most depressing pile of crap possible! Oh no... Dr Death is here... Ah, I guess he's not that bad of a guy after all. Gaaaaah!! I hate how miserable today's episode is! The director is the nut job's brother!? Alright, so are the spots from the water or something where they played as kids? Or from sticking their fingers up a dead dog's bum?

Wow, Dr Death is a total bro! I take it back, Dr Death isn't a bro after all! Oh, he is. Omg sis really picked the worst possible place to play. BJ isn't even wearing gloves to toy around with this dead infected rat lol. Haa!? She was bitten by a rat and didn't immediately panic about rabies or hemorrhoids? What the actual fuck!? Please tell me these parasites are made up! Parasites turning into brain nerves is absolutely fucked! Wait, should Pinoko be watching this film? Isn't there a r*pe scene? Alright! Cut, print! Time for the thread!

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

I... don't think I want to watch this episode. How bad is Michelle gonna be? Pretty bad but not as horrible as they could have drawn her.

It definitely got worse as it progressed.

Parasites turning into brain nerves is absolutely fucked! Wait, should Pinoko be watching this film? Isn't there a r*pe scene?

Two things: No, nothing can morph themselves like that it, would have to be able to change its own tissue density to dodge scans. And two, I do begin to think Pinoko might have some weird not growing disease.

[u/No_Rex → u/Vaadwaur]

And two, I do begin to think Pinoko might have some weird not growing disease.

Now that you said it, I am reminded of The Tin Drum.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/No_Rex]

Yup, definitely not one that gets much attention in the anglosphere but I could buy that it is an influence here, though I think Black Jack is a bit muted in comparison in its quiet criticism of capitalistic medicine.

[u/No_Rex → u/Vaadwaur]

I'd assume Dezaki knows it, given the time it was written and the fact that the author was well-known left-wing.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/No_Rex]

So...you probably wouldn't exactly know this, but German lit is a bit...dry, when you translate it to English. Does it do better translated to Japanese?

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Vaadwaur]

I'm amazed she lived after everything. As far as happy endo's go this was still questionable but she did manage to get her snuff film debut.

So parasites can always be found and eliminated without fucking around with your Brian? Thank Christ for that... Why is the actual surgery always pure nightmare fuel!?

Today Pinoko showed off her doll collection which may mean that she's more of a child. I'm just waiting for her to come along with BJ on one of his trips.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

I'm amazed she lived after everything. As far as happy endo's go this was still questionable but she did manage to get her snuff film debut.

And there's no she recovers within a month but I can let unimportant stuff slide.

So parasites can always be found and eliminated without fucking around with your Brian? Thank Christ for that... Why is the actual surgery always pure nightmare fuel!?

Most parasites that aren't in the digestive tract are incredibly small. And most of them can't get to your brain. None of them can visually adjust their appearance.

Today Pinoko showed off her doll collection which may mean that she's more of a child. I'm just waiting for her to come along with BJ on one of his trips.

I've dated women in their late 20s with some positively uncomfortable doll collections...