The DLE, famous for its short-form content, has revealed Black Jack Yanen, a new anime series based on the iconic manga by Osamu Tezuka. This release, happening in January 2026, brings an unexpected twist: a comedy adaptation of the serious and genius underground doctor. The first episode of the series is already available, with new chapters premiering every Thursday from now on. The decision to reimagine a dramatic classic with humor aims to win over both new fans and nostalgic ones, showing that even the most serious characters have their funny side.
The project is under the creative direction of Sorotani, who also takes on the roles of screenwriter and sole voice actor for the anime. Meanwhile, Yūki Nonaka serves as line director, ensuring the visual quality of the shorts. In this way, the production maintains a lean team, focused on delivering quick jokes and a fast pace, perfect for current digital consumption. The original manga, which narrates the adventures of the brilliant doctor who operates without a license, was published between 1973 and 1984 and has already inspired several serious adaptations. However, this is the first official foray into humor, proving that Tezuka’s legacy remains surprising more than four decades later.
The Legacy of Black Jack and Its Adaptations
Despite the new comedic approach, the essence of the character remains. Black Jack, who lives in seclusion with his assistant Pinoko, is known for accepting cases considered impossible by traditional medicine. That is, he represents the last hope for many patients. Since its creation, this powerful premise has generated countless versions, including dramatic anime, live-action series, and even a movie. The most recent serious adaptation, a live-action series, premiered in June 2024, demonstrating that interest in the character remains strong. Therefore, Black Jack Yanen arrives not to replace, but to expand the universe of the doctor, offering a light and funny break in its normally tense mythology.
With the popularity of short-form content on social media, DLE’s bet seems spot-on. The production may attract an audience that consumes quick content on their phones, serving as a gateway to the vast world of Osamu Tezuka. Thus, in 2026, Brazilian anime fans have a double reason to celebrate: the depth of classic adaptations and the innovative lightness of this new version. The success of Black Jack Yanen may, in the future, inspire other humorous reinterpretations of manga classics, opening a new creative niche within the industry.
