I've just finished Monster. I would've posted this in the Other Favorite Anime thread except I realized it deserved a new topic on its own. It grabbed me right from the first episode until the last one (74th). Unbelievable. And I found out just now that it's a Madhouse production - it made more sense for me only because of their other riveting title, Death Note. But then, you can't even compare the two.
If I had to give it a shot, then I'd say:
Spoiler:
While Death Note draws you with epic cinematography of, ahem, eating potato chips and apples as well as the brainy rivalry, Monster stirs something inside of you. It is so much powerful.
Best of all, it never forces lumps of philosophical crap down your throat. There's no excessive drama. Every scene is important. I was always amazed at how each episode ended without me being impatient enough to look at the elapsed time.
I wanted to cut off Inspector Lunge's fingers at first but then he grew into a respectable character well beyond his title. And before this spoiler post seem more like a biased review than a simple shot at relating two great but unequal titles, I'm stopping right here.
As for the ending, well, it wasn't as wrapped up as I thought I wanted it to be. I certainly don't think they could have ended it better. It left me with a calm discontent - an entirely new phrase I've invented for anime that makes me crave for more but having no more of it doesn't really taint its viewing experience.
SO, FOR THOSE WHO'VE WATCHED IT - HELP ME OUT:
Spoiler:
Where did the revelation at the end come from? You know, when Johan was sitting up in bed-insert revelation here-Tenma got agitated and then he looked at Johan, whom he found out to be still in coma.
I've been searching around online for answers and that's what it's called- the revelation - because it gives light to Johan's actions.
How did Tenma recall a memory, which must have been shared only by the mom, the twins, Bonaparta and his cronies? Did one of them tell it to him? Like Nina?
Also, did Tenma just imagine Johan asking him that final question? Or did Johan play some sort of manipulation like hypnosis on Tenma? As we know from the last scene, Johan has awaken and escaped afterall.
@ Akonyl: Thanks again for the links - I think I'm gonna remember you along with this anime until I become senile.
Re: Monster
Posted: October 29th, 2009, 11:13 pm
by kkslider5552000
nanilola wrote:
Best of all, it never forces lumps of philosophical crap down your throat. There's no excessive drama.
I'm glad someone agrees that philosophical drama bull is lame.
I've been somewhat interested in watching or reading this (as I am a fan of the author's later work, 20th Century Boys) but considering the amount of anime to watch and manga to read...probably not.
Re: Monster
Posted: October 29th, 2009, 11:52 pm
by nanilola
quick question: does the 20th century boys movie follow the manga strictly?
Re: Monster
Posted: October 29th, 2009, 11:55 pm
by kkslider5552000
nanilola wrote:
quick question: does the 20th century boys movie follow the manga strictly?
The movie goes from the beginning to the 2nd time skip (including showing the entire battle before Kenji died) but skips the entire Kenji meets Friend for the first time and the store gets destroyed scenes. It's the same besides that though.
Re: Monster
Posted: October 29th, 2009, 11:59 pm
by nanilola
ah. just what i needed to decide whether to read it or to watch it. thanks.
Re: Monster
Posted: October 29th, 2009, 11:59 pm
by Gamer1104
nanilola wrote:
quick question: does the 20th century boys movie follow the manga strictly?
It's about 8-12 volumes of the manga made into a 1.5-2 hour movie. Three times. From what I hear, they're pretty well done, but you're much better off reading the manga for the full effect since it does skip A LOT. And you'll get to see exactly how awesome it is by reading the manga.
kkslider5552000 wrote:
I've been somewhat interested in watching or reading this (as I am a fan of the author's later work, 20th Century Boys) but considering the amount of anime to watch and manga to read...probably not.
You watched Detective Conan, a 550 and going anime series. Trust me, this one is far shorter and far more worth it. Both great series. It's worth the 74 episodes or 18 volumes of the manga.
Re: Monster
Posted: October 30th, 2009, 12:02 am
by kkslider5552000
Gamer1104 wrote:
You watched Detective Conan, a 550 and going anime series. Trust me, this one is far shorter and far more worth it. Both great series. It's worth the 74 episodes or 18 volumes of the manga.
yeah, but I really need to stop since I have so many to read and watch.
Re: Monster
Posted: October 30th, 2009, 12:08 am
by Gamer1104
kkslider5552000 wrote:
Gamer1104 wrote:
You watched Detective Conan, a 550 and going anime series. Trust me, this one is far shorter and far more worth it. Both great series. It's worth the 74 episodes or 18 volumes of the manga.
yeah, but I really need to stop since I have so many to read and watch.
First four episodes. Go watch them and I dare you to say you don't want more 8)
Re: Monster
Posted: October 30th, 2009, 12:34 am
by kirite
Monster and 20th, I feel he has a tendency to drag like crazy at the end.
Still awesome though! I loooveee this stuff.
Anyone here read PLUTO? That one is short~
Spoiler:
The history with the twins he got from Nina and the mother I think. If not exactly then he filled in the blank spots by himself (he can guess from knowing them for so long). As for the end I think he imagined it. Like something his inner self is asking him that question.
Re: Monster
Posted: October 30th, 2009, 7:21 am
by Mizzicco
kirite wrote:
Monster and 20th, I feel he has a tendency to drag like crazy at the end.
Still awesome though! I loooveee this stuff.
Anyone here read PLUTO? That one is short~
Spoiler:
The history with the twins he got from Nina and the mother I think. If not exactly then he filled in the blank spots by himself (he can guess from knowing them for so long). As for the end I think he imagined it. Like something his inner self is asking him that question.
Is Monster really that good? Do you recommend reading/watching it?
Re: Monster
Posted: October 30th, 2009, 11:00 am
by Gamer1104
kirite wrote:
Anyone here read PLUTO? That one is short~
I'm reading it! ...as it comes out in America though, so I'm a little behind. I love Urasawas stuff and Viz's releases are freakin amazing for this and 20th Century boys
Re: Monster
Posted: November 1st, 2009, 5:08 pm
by Kite
Mizzicco wrote:
kirite wrote:
Monster and 20th, I feel he has a tendency to drag like crazy at the end.
Still awesome though! I loooveee this stuff.
Anyone here read PLUTO? That one is short~
Spoiler:
The history with the twins he got from Nina and the mother I think. If not exactly then he filled in the blank spots by himself (he can guess from knowing them for so long). As for the end I think he imagined it. Like something his inner self is asking him that question.
Is Monster really that good? Do you recommend reading/watching it?
3 words: best manga ever. Read now!
(if you like serious mangas of course. I'm more into action-comedy, so I only read it when I'm in the mood for serious business, mind boggling plot twists and brain damage due to overuse. Same with 20th Century boys and sequels)
Re: Monster
Posted: November 1st, 2009, 10:19 pm
by nanilola
kirite wrote:
Spoiler:
The history with the twins he got from Nina and the mother I think. If not exactly then he filled in the blank spots by himself (he can guess from knowing them for so long). As for the end I think he imagined it. Like something his inner self is asking him that question.
Spoiler:
Probably. We didn't hear the rest of his conversation with the mom. I would've loved to know the real names.
I'm thinking Johan has already awaken during that visit of Tenma. Mizunashi Rena-esque.
Re: Monster
Posted: December 27th, 2009, 9:05 pm
by CoolKid3
I'm about to finish this series... I'm down to the last 4 episodes... This series is full of realizations in life...
Here's my list among other things...
(1) Are people lives really equal?
(2) The importance of a role model in a child's life (as depicted by Dieter and Tenma & Wim & the old Klaus Poppe - to some extent)
(3) The importance of one's identity - has been shown all throughout the series... Not only in the case of Johan but also other characters like Gen. Wolf
(4) The existence of a monster deep within one's self - each and everyone of us does have a darker side... It's up for us to decide if we'll be taken over by darkness...
Re: Monster
Posted: December 27th, 2009, 9:44 pm
by ranger
I watched like the first four episodes...maybe it's just me, but in the beginning of the anime, it's soooo sloooow. Does it pick up? or what?
thanks.