When you hear the word ‘monster,’ what slithers into your mind? Is it a creature lurking under your bed, or perhaps the unblinking eyes peering from your closet? Well, we’re about to dissect the kind of monster that doesn’t just haunt your dreams—it haunts your very soul. Welcome to my Monster anime review, where we will peel back the layers of one of the most chilling and masterfully crafted psychological thrillers in the anime universe. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill horror anime; it’s a cerebral journey through the darkest alleys of the human psyche.
Monster Anime Plot
Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a surgeon with a heart of gold, is on the fast track to a life drenched in success and surgical spirit—until his morals crash headlong into his career ambitions.
In a twist of fate, Tenma is faced with a decision that would leave anyone sweating—a choice between saving the town’s mayor or a little boy with a bullet in his brain.
The boy survives, but the mayor kicks the bucket, and Tenma’s life spirals like a leaf in a typhoon. He’s demoted, shunned and his fiancée leaves him.
But wait, there’s a catch. That little boy Tenma saved? He’s not just any boy. Oh no, he’s the kind of ‘monster’ that gives our anime its name—a sociopath with a face of an angel and the heart of a chilling abyss. As bodies pile up, Tenma is sucked into a cat-and-mouse game that spans continents and tests the limits of his sanity.
Story Progression
First up for this Monster anime review, let’s look at the progression of the story that is some of the best story progression I’ve ever seen!
From the get-go, Monster sets a pace that is deliberate, meticulous, and utterly unapologetic. It doesn’t rush to spill its secrets. Instead, it simmers, stews, and marries flavors of suspense and intrigue with just the right patience. Each episode is a slice of narrative that builds upon the last, ensuring that your appetite for the mystery is whetted but never quite satiated until the perfect moment.
The plot thickens as Dr. Tenma, our protagonist, descends from the heavens of his medical career into the purgatory of his own making. The story weaves through his internal battle and the external chaos that the ‘monster’—Johan Liebert—leaves in his wake. It’s a slow burn, yes, but one that’s addictive.
Art Style & Animation
As I peel back the layers of this masterpiece in my Monster anime review, it’s impossible not to marvel at the art style and animation that bring this chilling narrative to life. Crafted by the skilled hands at Madhouse, the studio renowned for its ability to bring some of the best stories to life.
The mangaka, Naoki Urasawa, is a true genius! In Monster, his characters are crafted with realism in mind. They don’t possess the exaggerated features often found in the anime universe. It’s this realism that makes Monster all the more terrifying; the devil, after all, is in the details.
Characters
In Monster, the characters you meet are not mere players on a stage; they are the very essence of the drama, the soul of the narrative. Here are the main characters:
Dr. Kenzo Tenma
At the heart of Monster is Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a man whose scalpel is as sharp as his sense of ethics. Tenma is the embodiment of the classic hero—brilliant, compassionate, and morally unyielding. Yet, it’s his very humanity that ensnares him in a web of horror. His character is a fascinating study in the duality of man; he is both savior and pariah, hunter and hunted, a man whose ideals are both his armor and his Achilles’ heel. Tenma’s journey is the thread that weaves through the narrative, a red line that binds every twist and turn of the story.
Johan Liebert
If Tenma is the light, then Johan Liebert is the darkness. As the monster, Johan is an enigma wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in darkness. His angelic appearance and calm demeanor are a stark contrast to the chaos he orchestrates, making him one of the most chilling villains in anime. Johan doesn’t just add to the story; he is the catalyst that propels it forward.
Nina Fortner
Nina Fortner, or Anna Liebert, is the counterbalance to the scales that Johan tips with his malevolence. She is the twin sister of the so-called monster, yet her luminosity is the opposite of Johan’s darkness. Nina’s quest for identity and truth is a poignant narrative that runs parallel to Tenma’s, and her strength and vulnerability make her a character that resonates deeply with the audience. She adds a layer of emotional complexity to Monster, embodying the themes of redemption and the search for self amidst the turmoil of the past.
Inspector Heinrich Lunge
A relentless pursuer of truth, Inspector Heinrich Lunge of the BKA is a character who could give Sherlock Holmes a run for his money. His analytical mind and obsessive nature make him a formidable detective, but they also blur the lines of his humanity. Lunge’s interactions with Tenma add a thrilling cat-and-mouse dynamic to the series, as he grapples with the concept of justice in a world where the lines between good and evil are smudged.
Final Verdict
For its masterful blend of suspense, character depth, and philosophical undertones, Monster earns a resounding 9/10. It’s a series that doesn’t shy away from the big questions, nor does it flinch in the face of the abyss. If you’re craving an anime that will challenge your mind, tug at your heartstrings, and genuinely leave you terrified, look no further—Monster is the answer.
Monster Anime Merch
If you are a big fan of Monster anime then you definitely need to show it off by getting some merch items. Not only does it help the creators, but it will also let you connect with other fans of this classic.
Cover Your Walls with Creepy Art
Where to Watch Monster Anime
Did we inspire you to dive right in after reading this Monster anime review? Continue here to watch Monster online.
