Lamp, Acetylene

アセチレン・ランプ

Acetylene Lamp is widely recognized for the running gag involving a candle that appears in the dent at the back of his head. This feature originated from an image of one of Tezuka's childhood friends, who shares similarities with the character. Acetylene Lamp is one of Tezuka's most frequently used villains. He generally assumes more significant roles, such as Inspector Tomobiki, a part in Black Jack, and what is widely considered his best role, Acetylene Lampe in Adolf, as well as Drake Lamp in the 2003 Astro Boy. He also takes on less prominent parts, such as the conductor of the Marine Express in Undersea Super Train Marine Express.
In his earlier years, Lamp was generally identified by his long face and large round eyes; he was later fitted with thick round glasses, which added to his now signature appearance. Although considered a villain, Lamp has played nearly every kind of role, ranging from minor assistant to major propaganda activist.