The popular anime "Cells at Work!" aired previously and became a hot topic for its comical anthropomorphization of the cells that work tirelessly inside the body. A spin-off of "Cells at Work!", "Cells at Work! BLACK," has now been chosen for an anime adaptation, scheduled to air in 2021. It's a little different from the original "Cells at Work!", with a serious plot aimed at adults. The characters that appear in "Cells at Work! BLACK" are also different from those in the original. In this article, we'll introduce you to the main character, "Red Blood Cell," who appears in "Cells at Work! BLACK"! Unlike the original, he's a male character, but what kind of personality does he have?
Red Blood Cell is the Story's Protagonist
Red Blood Cell (specifically, Red Blood Cell AA2153) is the protagonist of this story. His appearance, with his red hair, red hat, and ahoge, is the same as in the original, but he wears glasses. As in the original, his job as a red blood cell is to transport oxygen throughout the body, collect carbon dioxide, and transport nutrients. He's a rookie red blood cell, and despite being frequently scolded and discouraged, he works hard and strives to achieve his goals. Incidentally, the way his ahoge bounces changes depending on his mental state. His identification number is sewn onto the inside of his hat, and there are other red blood cells. While red blood cells can ingest sugar, since it is their only source of nutrition, they are able to ingest it. However, excessive intake poses the risk of oxidation and catching fire.
Red Blood Cells in "Cells at Work! BLACK"
In "Cells at Work! BLACK," red blood cells often face painful situations, such as being attacked by bacteria or suffering from hemolysis in a harsh working environment. "Cells at Work! BLACK" is set in the body of a man working for a "black company." In other words, he drinks and smokes to cope with the daily stress that builds up. On top of that, he's also suffering from sleep deprivation, alopecia areata, sexually transmitted diseases, and other extremely harsh conditions. The extent of the negative impact these conditions have on his blood is clear when you watch the series.
It's Not Just the Protagonist! Other Red Blood Cells Appear in the Series
The protagonist is not the only red blood cell in the series. Here, we'll introduce the red blood cells that surround him and have a deep connection with him.
Red Blood Cell AC1677
This red blood cell is a contemporary of the protagonist, AA2153. He's the complete opposite of the protagonist's earnest personality, but he's very resourceful. He once taught the protagonist how to slack off. However, he also ends up helping the protagonist out somehow. He has distinctive narrow eyes. However, in Chapter 7 of the original manga, while saving the protagonist, he falls into a sea of stomach acid and dies. The loss of a valued colleague was a very shocking event for the protagonist, and this caused him to lose motivation to work for a while, even abandoning his job.
Red Blood Cell NC8429
He is the protagonist's junior. As mentioned above, the protagonist abandoned his job due to the shock of losing his teammate, Red Blood Cell AC1677. However, he returned to work in Chapter 9 of the original manga. He was with the protagonist at the time. He was nearly caught up in the collapse of the plaque, but was saved at the last moment. He has distinctive red cheeks.
Red Blood Cell BD7599
This red blood cell is the protagonist's senior. Although he has a rough personality, he also has a surprisingly kind side, and warmly welcomes Red Blood Cell back to work.
Will the protagonist receive a blood transfusion?!
In fact, a rather surprising development awaits in "Cells at Work! BLACK." In the new chapter, Part 2, the protagonist is transfused into another body, resulting in a change of setting. This is something that only blood can do. Incidentally, the protagonist is becoming a leader in the recipient's body.
What about the recipient's red blood cells?
The red blood cells in the recipient's body wear slightly different uniforms and refer to energy drinks as "divine blessings" (apparently drowsing in them energizes them). Furthermore, the interpersonal relationships (with cells) were not particularly good to begin with, and the relationship between the original blood cells and the transfused blood cells was strained. The protagonist was often burdened with tedious tasks, but by suppressing his frustration and taking the initiative to complete the tasks, his relationships gradually improved. He also encountered red blood cells, such as DA490, who he befriended.
The recipient's body is also in a harsh state!
Since his original body was in a very corporate-like environment, you might think that being transferred to a different body in the new chapter would make things a little better, but it wasn't so easy. He will end up working in an even harsher environment, suffering from diabetes and caffeine addiction.
Does the white blood cell like the protagonist, the red blood cell?
The heroine of "Cells at Work! BLACK" is undoubtedly the white blood cell. Unlike the main story, the genders are reversed in "BLACK," with the red blood cell being the male character and the white blood cell being the female character. The white blood cell in "BLACK" is generally white with one eye hidden by hair, but she is a sexy woman whose trademark is her large breasts, so big that the buttons on her uniform never stop. She usually fights with a Japanese sword.
Does she like the protagonist?
White Blood Cell 1196 has feelings for the protagonist, Red Blood Cell 2153. She usually calls the protagonist "rookie" and has a cool, beautiful demeanor, but she is portrayed as protecting and encouraging the protagonist. This is similar to the main story, "Cells at Work!" Because she likes the protagonist, she makes a displeased face when the protagonist gets into a friendly atmosphere with the liver cells.
They're Together at the Transfusion Recipient
In Part 2, the protagonist's red blood cells are transfused into another body. However, the white blood cells are also transfused. This body is suffering from a dangerous disease called sepsis, in which various bacteria have invaded the bloodstream, causing inflammation throughout the body. This is an extremely dangerous disease that can even lead to death. In this harsh situation, the protagonist fights alongside the red blood cells. It will be interesting to see what happens to the protagonist and the white blood cells!
The voice of the main character, Red Blood Cell, is played by Junya Enoki.
With the anime scheduled to air in 2021, the voice actor playing the main character, Red Blood Cell, has been announced. Junya Enoki is a popular voice actor. He was born on October 19, 1988, in Tokyo. He is affiliated with the agency Atomic Monkey. He decided to pursue a career as a voice actor after being moved by the anime "Gurren Lagann." His hobbies and special skills are kendo and boxing. Incidentally, fellow voice actress Chika Anzai is Enoki's cousin.
What are his major roles?
Enoki's major roles include Shion Kiba in "Cardfight!! Vanguard G," Shotaro Tatewaki in "There's a Corpse Buried Under Sakurako's Feet," AΩ Nova in "Space Patrol Luluco," Kunihiro Horikawa in "Touken Ranbu," Masami Saotome in "Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh," Musashi Kurata in "Stop This Sound!", and Jotaro (Jota) in "The Wind Rises." With his appearances in a variety of popular works, it's no exaggeration to say he's a voice actor with a lot of momentum right now.
[Cells at Work! BLACK] Summary of the Main Characters!
That concludes our summary of the protagonist of "Cells at Work! BLACK." As a rookie, the protagonist, Red Blood Cell, faces various incidents every day, but we see him steadily growing under these harsh conditions. After facing the death of a colleague, he is so shocked that he abandons his job, but he returns to work and shows even greater maturity. In Chapter 2, he takes a surprising turn of events, receiving a blood transfusion into another body, but he is able to develop the perseverance to endure even in more difficult situations. We can't wait to see the adventures of this reliable protagonist, Red Blood Cell, in the anime!
