Monster Anime Review: Why Naoki Urasawa’s Thriller Still Shocks Audiences Today

Synopsis

Monster is one of those rare anime series that transcends its medium, blurring the line between psychological drama, moral philosophy, and thriller fiction. Based on Naoki Urasawa’s critically acclaimed manga, the story spans 74 episodes and takes viewers on a slow-burning yet relentless exploration of human darkness.

At its heart is Dr. Kenzou Tenma, a brilliant Japanese neurosurgeon working in Germany. Early in his career, he faces a life-defining choice: operate on an influential political figure to please the hospital board, or save the life of a young boy, Johan Liebert, brought in at the same time with a critical head injury. Choosing the child over the politician costs Tenma his career advancement, but it restores his personal sense of morality—at least temporarily.

Years later, that very boy reemerges—not as an innocent child saved from death, but as a calculating, charismatic, and terrifying serial killer. Tenma becomes entangled in the shocking realization that by saving Johan, he may have unleashed a monster upon the world. Struggling with guilt and responsibility, Tenma sets out on a harrowing journey across Europe to stop Johan and uncover the truth behind his horrifying transformation.

The story unfolds like a carefully woven tapestry, drawing audiences into themes of morality, justice, and the very nature of evil. Each arc introduces new characters whose lives have been touched or destroyed by Johan’s manipulations. From children’s orphanages to corrupt government agencies, the anime explores how darkness seeps into every level of society.

Unlike traditional anime thrillers, Monster is methodical, even unsettlingly quiet at times. It thrives not on action spectacles but on psychological tension, dialogue, and the chilling unpredictability of human behavior. Viewers are left questioning not only Johan’s true motives but also the fragile line separating good from evil within themselves. It’s this moral ambiguity, paired with Naoki Urasawa’s storytelling genius and Madhouse’s atmospheric adaptation, that has kept Monster timelessly relevant.

Anime Title

Monster is a psychological thriller masterpiece that follows Dr. Kenzou Tenma, a brilliant Japanese brain surgeon working in Germany, whose life changes forever after he chooses to save the life of a young boy instead of an influential political figure. This decision leads to a chain of horrifying events as the boy grows up to become a dangerous serial killer, and Tenma finds himself entangled in a dark web of morality, guilt, and the pursuit of truth. The story explores themes of good and evil, the value of human life, and the complexity of human psychology.

• Episodes: 74
• Genre(s): Drama, Mystery, Psychological, Seinen, Thriller
• Author: Naoki Urasawa
• Studio(s): Madhouse
• Legal Streaming Platform(s): Netflix (limited regions), Crunchyroll (availability may vary)
• Rating: 8.8/10 (MyAnimeList)

Pros and Cons

Even a masterpiece has elements that may not resonate with every viewer. Below is a balanced look at the strengths and limitations of Monster.

Pros

• Unmatched Psychological Depth

  The series dissects morality and human psychology with a precision rarely seen in anime. Johan’s character study is chilling, and Tenma’s ethical dilemmas force the audience to question what they would do in his shoes.

• Rich, Mature Storytelling

  With 74 episodes, the anime takes its time to develop complex characters and interwoven plots. Every subplot connects back to the central narrative, rewarding patient viewers with deep immersion.

• Atmospheric Realism

  Set in post-Cold War Germany, the series captures the unease and social instability of the time. Its realistic settings, from quiet towns to decaying institutions, heighten the thriller’s sense of dread.

• Complex Antagonist

  Johan Liebert is often cited as one of the greatest anime villains of all time. His calm demeanor, manipulative genius, and mysterious motives make him both terrifying and fascinating.

• Universal Themes

  Questions of morality, guilt, and the nature of evil transcend cultural boundaries. This is an anime that resonates with international audiences, not just anime fans, but lovers of crime dramas and thrillers.

Cons

• Slow Pacing

  The deliberate storytelling may feel drawn out to viewers accustomed to fast-paced anime. Some episodes prioritize atmosphere over immediate plot progression.

• Minimal Action

  While intense, the anime is not action-heavy. Those expecting fights or high-energy sequences may find it subdued.

• Lengthy Commitment

  At 74 episodes, Monster demands significant time and patience. This can be daunting for casual viewers.

• Open Interpretations

  Certain aspects of Johan’s motives are intentionally left ambiguous. For some viewers, this unresolved mystery is frustrating rather than thought-provoking.

• Limited Accessibility

  Legal streaming availability can be inconsistent across regions, making it harder for newcomers to access without searching multiple platforms.

Main Characters

• Dr. Kenzou Tenma

  The protagonist, a brilliant neurosurgeon whose moral choice to save Johan shapes the series. His journey is defined by guilt, determination, and an unwavering search for justice.

• Johan Liebert

  The titular “monster,” Johan is Tenma’s former patient turned master manipulator and killer. Charismatic yet terrifying, he embodies the duality of charm and evil.

• Nina Fortner (Anna Liebert)

  Johan’s twin sister, who shares a complicated and traumatic past with him. She becomes both a target and a key figure in unraveling Johan’s psychological origins.

• Inspector Lunge

  A skilled but obsessive investigator for the BKA (German Federal Criminal Police). His relentless pursuit of the case often blinds him to emotional truths, creating conflict with Tenma.

• Eva Heinemann

  Tenma’s former fiancée, whose bitterness and self-destructive tendencies make her one of the most complicated side characters. Her evolution adds layers to the narrative.

• Dieter

  A young boy rescued by Tenma from Johan’s manipulations. Dieter becomes a symbol of hope and innocence amidst the story’s darkness, reminding Tenma why he continues his mission.

Episode List

Number	Episode Title (English)	Date
1	Herr Dr. Tenma	Apr 7, 2004
2	Downfall	Apr 14, 2004
3	A Murder	Apr 21, 2004
4	Night of the Execution	Apr 28, 2004
5	The Girl of Heidelberg	May 5, 2004
6	Disappearance Report	May 12, 2004
7	Mansion of Tragedy	May 19, 2004
8	The Fugitive	May 26, 2004
9	The Girl and the Seasoned Soldier	Jun 2, 2004
10	A Past Erased	Jun 9, 2004
11	511 Kinderheim	Jun 16, 2004
12	A Little Experiment	Jun 23, 2004
13	Petra and Schumann	Jun 30, 2004
14	Left Behind	Jul 7, 2004
15	Be My Baby	Jul 14, 2004
16	Wolf's Confession	Jul 21, 2004
17	Reunion	Jul 28, 2004
18	The Fifth Spoonful of Sugar	Aug 4, 2004
19	The Monster's Abyss	Aug 11, 2004
20	Journey to Freiham	Aug 18, 2004
21	A Wonderful Holiday	Aug 25, 2004
22	Lunge's Trap	Sep 1, 2004
23	Eva's Confession	Sep 8, 2004
24	The Men's Dining Table	Sep 15, 2004
25	The Thursday Boy	Sep 29, 2004
26	The Secret Woods	Oct 6, 2004
27	Pieces of Evidence	Oct 13, 2004
28	Just One Case	Oct 20, 2004
29	Execution	Oct 27, 2004
30	A Certain Decision	Nov 3, 2004
31	Under Broad Daylight	Nov 10, 2004
32	Sanctuary	Nov 17, 2004
33	Scene of a Child	Dec 1, 2004
34	At the End of the Darkness	Dec 8, 2004
35	A Hero With No Name	Dec 15, 2004
36	A Monster of Chaos	Dec 22, 2004
37	A Monster Without a Name	Jan 12, 2005
38	The Demon in Our Eyes	Jan 19, 2005
39	The Hell in His Eyes	Jan 26, 2005
40	Grimmer	Feb 2, 2005
41	The Ghost of 511	Feb 9, 2005
42	The Adventures of the Magnificent Steiner	Feb 16, 2005
43	Detective Suk	Feb 23, 2005
44	The Two Darkness	Mar 2, 2005
45	The Afterimage of a Monster	Mar 9, 2005
46	The Point of Contact	Mar 16, 2005
47	The Door to a Nightmare	Mar 23, 2005
48	The Most Frightening Thing	Mar 30, 2005
49	The Cruelest Thing	Apr 6, 2005
50	The Rose Mansion	Apr 13, 2005
51	A Monster's Love Letter	Apr 20, 2005
52	Lawyer	Apr 27, 2005
53	Determination	May 4, 2005
54	Escape	May 11, 2005
55	Room Number 402	May 18, 2005
56	The Unending Journey	May 25, 2005
57	That Night	Jun 1, 2005
58	Unwanted Job	Jun 8, 2005
59	The Man Who Saw the Devil	Jun 15, 2005
60	The Man Who Knew Too Much	Jun 22, 2005
61	The Door of Memory	Jun 29, 2005
62	A Fun Dining Table	Jul 6, 2005
63	An Unrelated Murder	Jul 13, 2005
64	The Baby's Depression	Jul 20, 2005
65	Johan's Footprints	Jul 27, 2005
66	Welcome Back	Aug 3, 2005
67	I'm Home	Aug 10, 2005
68	Ruhenheim	Aug 17, 2005
69	A Peaceful Home	Aug 24, 2005
70	The Town of Slaughter	Aug 31, 2005
71	The Magnificent Steiner's Rage	Sep 7, 2005
72	Man Without A Name	Sep 14, 2005
73	The Landscape of the End	Sep 21, 2005
74	The Real Monster	Sep 28, 2005

Legal Streaming Platforms

Finding Monster can be challenging due to regional restrictions, but there are still legal options available:

1. Netflix – Available in select regions, offering all 74 episodes with high-quality subtitles and dubs.
   Watch on Netflix
2. Crunchyroll – Offers the series depending on licensing agreements in your country. Provides subtitles and consistent HD quality.
   Watch on Crunchyroll
3. Amazon Prime Video (Limited Availability) – In some territories, Monster can be purchased digitally by season or episode, allowing ownership.
   Watch on Amazon Prime Video

Reasons Why You Should Watch

• It’s a Psychological Masterpiece – Few anime delve as deeply into the moral conflicts of saving lives, guilt, and responsibility.
• Johan Liebert’s Legacy – Widely regarded as one of anime’s greatest villains, his presence alone is reason enough to watch.
• Realistic European Setting – The grounded, authentic depiction of Germany and its history sets it apart from typical anime settings.
• Thought-Provoking Themes – Explores whether evil is born or made, and whether redemption is truly possible.
• Perfect for Crime Drama Fans – If you enjoy Western series like Mindhunter or True Detective, Monster will captivate you.
• Critically Acclaimed Worldwide – With an 8.8/10 on MyAnimeList, it remains one of the most respected seinen anime ever created.
• Timeless Storytelling – Even decades after release, its themes remain hauntingly relevant.

Eight Reviews from International Viewers

1. Miguel Herrera (Mexico)

   “A gripping story that kept me on edge for weeks. Johan is easily the most terrifying villain I’ve ever seen in anime.”

2. Laura Schmidt (Germany)

   “Watching this as a German viewer felt surreal—the setting was so authentic. It’s rare to see anime capture European cities so well.”

3. Patrick O’Connor (Ireland)

   “Monster reminded me of watching a live-action crime drama, but with sharper writing. Brilliant, suspenseful, unforgettable.”

4. Camila Rojas (Chile)

   “I didn’t expect to binge all 74 episodes, but the story is that addictive. The psychological tension never lets go.”

5. Henrik Olsen (Denmark)

   “The pacing is slow but perfect for the story. Every scene builds suspense. Johan’s smile still haunts me.”

6. Isabella Costa (Brazil)

   “A masterpiece. It makes you think about morality and justice in ways most shows never dare to.”

7. Oliver Bennett (UK)

   “Tenma’s journey is heartbreaking and inspiring. By the end, I felt emotionally exhausted—in the best possible way.”

8. Anya Petrov (Russia)

   “Dark, intelligent, and beautifully written. This isn’t just anime, it’s one of the best thrillers I’ve ever seen.”