Anime Review: Monster (2004) – A Psychological Masterpiece by Naoki Urasawa

 

source image: imdb.com

    Few anime manage to capture the essence of human morality, guilt, and obsession as perfectly as Monster (2004). This anime is adapted from a manga series by Naoki Urasawa with the same title, Monster and animated by the legendary Madhouse studio, this anime is one of the most haunting and intellectually stimulating psychological thrillers in anime history. It’s a slow-burn story that trades flashy battles for moral complexity, challenging viewers to question what it truly means to be “good” or “evil.”

The Story: A Doctor’s Dillema

    At the beginning, Monster tells the story of Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant Japanese neurosurgeon practicing in West Germany in the late 1980s. Tenma's life changed forever when he makes an ethical decision that contradicts hospital politics: he saves the life of a little child called Johan Liebert rather than the town's mayor. That single decision triggers a devastating sequence of events. Years later, Johan grows up to be a ruthless serial killer, and Tenma, consumed with guilt, embarks on a quest across Europe to stop the "monster" he once saved.

    What follows is more than simply a manhunt, but a thorough examination of the human psyche. Each episode exposes another layer of darkness, revealing how trauma, deception, and moral choices influence people's lives. Monster asks not only who the monster is, but also what defines a monster.

Themes: Morality, Guilt, and the Value of a Life

    Monster's moral ambiguity is one of its most intriguing qualities. Tenma's choice to save a child over a strong politician appears honorable, yet it indirectly causes countless lives. The show consistently blurs the distinction between good and wrong. Johan, despite being the essence of evil, is the result of a terrible system of experiment to create a "perfect" human devoid of empathy.

    Along the series, Tenma meets characters who reflect his own struggles: unscrupulous officials, desperate parents, and youngsters who have lost their innocence. Each narrative underscores the notion that morality is not absolute. Every decision carries weight. Every life, no matter how small, counts.

Characters: Deep, Flawed, and Real

source: Monster (2004)

    Kenzo Tenma is an uncommon anime protagonist, defined by compassion and conviction rather than strength or supernatural power. His character arc is truly human. He begins as an idealist, becomes a fugitive, and eventually matures into a man willing to face the consequences of his own moral decisions.

    On the other hand, Johan Liebert is one of the most terrifying villains ever created. He's a charismatic, intelligent, and terrifyingly calm individual who can persuade others to commit atrocities with a few words. What fascinates Johan is that he is not a monster by birth; rather, he serves as a mirror for humanity's capacity for evil.

    Supporting characters such as Nina Fortner (Johan's twin sister), Inspector Lunge, and Eva Heinemann lend dimension to the plot, each with their own take on justice, love, and passion.

Madhouse’s Direction: Subtle Yet Powerful

    Madhouse's Monster adaption is extremely close to Urasawa's manga. The pace of the story is slow, the tone is gloomy, and the atmosphere is charged with suspense. There are no showy fight sequences or over-the-top animation, but the series relies on calm dialogue, important silences, and realistic landscapes that beautifully depict post-Cold War Europe.

    The soundtrack perfectly suits the mood, which is eerie, quiet and frightening. Every note adds to the plot, drawing you further into its moral maze.

    Monster is not an anime for everyone. It requires patience, attention, and reflection from its audience. However, for those who appreciate deep narratives and moral complexity, it is an unforgettable experience. This masterpiece by Naoki Urasawa, adapted by Madhouse, proves that anime can be as serious and triggering as any great novel or film.

    This is not just a thriller anime, but a lesson about humanity itself. Monster reminds us that evil does not always have a terrifying face. Sometimes, it smiles like us. So what do you think about this show? leave your thought in comment section below! Thank you