Monster is one of the best anime that can be classified into the famous "anime for non-anime watchers" category. Set predominantly in Germany, it follows a genius doctor Kenzo Tenma as he tries to uncover the past of a serial killer named Johan.
Monster prides itself with Johan, as he is amongst the most interesting antagonists in fiction. But the rest of the cast isn't far behind in quality, making the cast the greatest part of Monster. Every character is written with care, be it a character that is present from the start till the end or someone that appears at the midpoint and is killed off shortly after. Secondly, each and every character represents an important piece of the puzzle of Monster.
The quality of writing and pacing makes this a 74 episode anime with few below average episodes and keeps the anime consistent from start to finish. However, having 74 episodes also has its downsides and some might find the slower pace too tiring after 20/30 episodes. There are stretches of episodes that are great, however the stagnation of plot in the same episodes impacts the entertainment of the show.
Animation and art style could drive away some watchers as it could come off as bland and uninspiring. Similarly, music can get repetitive over the course of the series. Furthermore, it does sometimes feel out of place and off-putting. In the grand scheme of things it doesn't hurt the anime too much as it is a deep philosophical anime focused mainly on exploring themes of equality and human nature.
The anime can be seen as a buildup of an enormous mystery leading to a revelation at the end. Therefore, the ending (which is remarkably executed) can make or break the anime for many. It can range from a masterpiece to an above average series with "wasted buildup" depending on how satisfied you are with the conclusion.
If you like slower series that are not action packed but focus on the themes, plot and the characters, then I think you will certainly enjoy what Monster offers.
Monster prides itself with Johan, as he is amongst the most interesting antagonists in fiction. But the rest of the cast isn't far behind in quality, making the cast the greatest part of Monster. Every character is written with care, be it a character that is present from the start till the end or someone that appears at the midpoint and is killed off shortly after. Secondly, each and every character represents an important piece of the puzzle of Monster.
The quality of writing and pacing makes this a 74 episode anime with few below average episodes and keeps the anime consistent from start to finish. However, having 74 episodes also has its downsides and some might find the slower pace too tiring after 20/30 episodes. There are stretches of episodes that are great, however the stagnation of plot in the same episodes impacts the entertainment of the show.
Animation and art style could drive away some watchers as it could come off as bland and uninspiring. Similarly, music can get repetitive over the course of the series. Furthermore, it does sometimes feel out of place and off-putting. In the grand scheme of things it doesn't hurt the anime too much as it is a deep philosophical anime focused mainly on exploring themes of equality and human nature.
The anime can be seen as a buildup of an enormous mystery leading to a revelation at the end. Therefore, the ending (which is remarkably executed) can make or break the anime for many. It can range from a masterpiece to an above average series with "wasted buildup" depending on how satisfied you are with the conclusion.
If you like slower series that are not action packed but focus on the themes, plot and the characters, then I think you will certainly enjoy what Monster offers.
Tell Your Friends