An Introduction to Naoki Urasawa’s “Monster”
Monster, written by and illustrated by Naoki Urasawa is a psychological thriller manga, serialized in Shogakukan’s Big Comic Original from 1994 to 2001. The long form nature of it allows Urasawa to explore themes about morality, evil and what it takes to make someone a “Monster”. 1/7
Set in Post Cold war Germany, the story follows neurosurgeon Dr. Kenzo Tenma, who is torn between 2 ends of his life, ambition and prestige on one hand, ethics and morality on the other. Throughout his career trajectory, he increasingly notices how politics and class gave some patients preferential treatment over others. 2/7
His values get put to the test when 2 sets of patients come in, Johan and Anna Liebert, and the mayor. Defying hospital orders, he chooses his morals by choosing to save the young twins over the mayor. With that decision, he sees the consequence of his career and engagement falling apart. 3/7
Years later, Tenma found out that Johan, who he saved, became a remorseless serial killer. Upon that realization, Tenma is consumed by guilt and responsibility over the people Johan has killed. He thus abandons the life and career that he carefully rebuilt to “stop” Johan. 4/7
During Tenmas’s journey, Urasawa explores the themes of good and evil, the value of life, nature vs. nurture and more. He carefully navigates those concepts through parallels between characters such as Johan vs Anna/Nina. All while being set in the political and historical context of 1980s Germany. 5/7
Monster is lauded for its storytelling and unique illustration style. Urasawa combines Disney reminiscent features with realistic proportions and features, making the illustration closer to gekiga (realistic manga) rather than a traditional shonen. Urasawa’s use of cinematic framing further brings the story to life. 6/7
After its publication, Monster became critically acclaimed, winning multiple awards and nominations. It also became a 74 episode anime series, aired from 2004 to 2005, known to be one of the most faithful and well reviewed adaptations. 7/7