“Based on the manga series written and illustrated by Naoki Urasawa, Monster is a psychological thriller anime that was adapted for television. Originally published by Shogakukan in their seinen manga magazine Big Comic Original from 1994 to 2001, the manga quickly gained international recognition and sold over 20 million copies. This success led to numerous accolades, including the prestigious Japan Median Arts Festival award.”
The critically acclaimed psycho-thriller manga was quickly adapted into an equally exceptional anime by Madhouse in 2004. The anime garnered a strong following and achieved cult classic status. It remains one of the top-rated anime on both IMDb and Myanimelist, with ratings of 8.7 and 8.8 stars respectively.
The success of any anime depends on various factors, and Monster fulfills most of these requirements with its realistic storyline, well-developed supporting characters, memorable antagonist, virtuous main character, and haunting music that adds to the eerie atmosphere of the show.
Note: The article contains significant spoilers from the anime and reflects the author’s personal views.
Monster: A Psycho-Thriller Masterpiece
1) The Plot and Pacing
The anime centers on Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a Japanese neurosurgeon residing and practicing in Germany. Known as one of the most skilled surgeons in the country, Dr. Tenma’s future looks bright until a life-changing event occurs. During a fateful day, he performs a successful operation on a young boy named Johan Liebert, who was shot in the head. However, what should have been a major achievement for Dr. Tenma ends up becoming his greatest regret.
The child was a monstrous individual who murdered the hospital staff and then vanished. After several years, Johan resurfaces and torments Tenma, making his life a nightmare. In order to seek revenge and put an end to Johan’s reign of terror, Dr. Tenma embarks on a journey to find and kill him. Along the way, he meets Dieter and Wolfgang Grimmer, who become his companions.
The anime consists of 74 episodes and is considered a single-season show. The initial episodes effectively introduce the main characters and the plot progresses smoothly. However, some viewers may find the pace to be slightly uneven. As the anime nears its conclusion, various subplots become increasingly significant. These include Eva’s redemption arc, Lunge’s investigation into different subplots, the exploration of Anna Leibert’s family history, and Grimmer’s role, all of which are expertly crafted and followed throughout the series.
Music
Although not particularly catchy or memorable, the music in Monster perfectly complements the situation and story of the 74-episode-long anime. The majority of the soundtracks adhere to the dark theme of the show, effectively conveying the creepiness and heightening the impact of the fear and terror instilled by the villain.
The opening and ending themes remain consistent throughout the 74 episodes. Grain, the opening theme, remains the most memorable music piece in the anime, while For the Love of Life, the ending theme, smoothly plays towards the end of each episode.
3) Well-developed supporting characters
It is essential for any anime to have well-developed side characters in order to keep the series engaging and dynamic. In Monster, there is a diverse group of significant side characters, such as the child, Deiter, Eva Heinemann, Wolfgang Grimmer, Inspector Lunge, and numerous others.
Throughout the anime, Eva Heinemann undergoes a remarkable transformation in terms of her personality. Initially portrayed as the fiancée of Dr. Kenzo Tenma, she is depicted as a cruel, fixated, and callous individual. However, her search for Tenma and the hardships she faces along the way ultimately lead to her shedding her cruel and status-driven demeanor, revealing a more humble and compassionate side. The author’s exceptional writing truly captures Eva’s character development.
Despite also being a victim of cruel experiments, Wolfgang Grimmer, a close friend of Tenma, remains a fan favorite in the dark-themed anime. He is widely regarded as the most joyful and likable character. Like Johan, Grimmer also developed a split personality known as The Magnificent Steiner. However, instead of succumbing to darkness, Grimmer chose to see the brighter side and became a good person, dedicating himself to securing Germany in his own ways.
With his kind and gentle demeanor, Grimmer easily formed connections with others. As the anime came to a close, he became a valuable assistant to Tenma. However, the most captivating character in Monster is Inspector Lunge, known for his distinctive work ethic and mannerisms that never fail to capture the viewer’s attention.
Despite the damage it caused to his personal life, Lunge’s dedication to his work remained unwavering. His unwavering pursuit of the truth and determination to solve the case did not falter. From initially suspecting Tenma to ultimately aiding in his capture of the Monster, Lunge’s character development was expertly portrayed.
A growing protagonist in Dr. Tenma
Dr. Kenza Tenma, the main character, is a virtuous individual and an exceptionally skilled surgeon practicing in Germany. As a medical professional, Tenma is dedicated and committed to his work. In the initial episode, his strong moral code and principles are highlighted when he prioritizes operating on Johan, who requires immediate surgery, over the Mayor.
Despite their contrasting natures, Tenma and Johan have one thing in common: their actions towards saving or taking a life. While Tenma would risk everything to save a life, Johan couldn’t care less about taking one. Even after Tenma saved Johan’s life, his own suffering only began. The events that followed Johan’s disappearance halted Tenma’s life, as his sole focus became seeking revenge on the monster. Despite not being the most well-developed character in the anime, it is Tenma who drives the story forward with his determination.
5) Johan, the Monster
One of the highlights of the show is Johan’s portrayal as a flawless antagonist. Considered by many as the most manipulative, cunning, and ruthless villain, his character is adored by viewers for its exceptional writing and depiction in the anime.
Despite constant debate over whether he is truly evil or a tragic villain, fans are always divided on the topic of Johan. He remains one of the most twisted antagonists in anime history, thanks to his role as a subject of numerous experiments and his eventual adoption of the persona of the nameless monster.
Despite having a manipulative attitude and only caring about his sibling, the kid’s high IQ, similar to Johan’s, allowed him to easily climb to the top and manipulate others like pawns.
Summary
Monster is undoubtedly one of the top Psychological-thriller anime, if not the absolute best. Its portrayal of psychological and emotional depth is unparalleled. Despite its length, the anime successfully creates a strong emotional connection with its characters. The storytelling in Monster may at times feel slower compared to other psycho-thriller anime, but this deliberate pace adds to the suspense and allows for unexpected plot twists to captivate the viewers.
The show’s characters and their complex personalities, brought to life by the monster, linger in your mind, constantly provoking thought and reflection. Unlike most other anime, the characters are portrayed in a realistic and relatable manner, making them stand out. The show stays grounded in reality, a crucial element that contributes to its success. The anime’s theme has also attracted non-anime viewers, showcasing its brilliance and wide appeal.
Is Monster considered the top psychological thriller anime? If not, what is your preferred one? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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