𝙏𝙊𝙋 7 𝙎𝙃𝙊𝙒 𝙊𝘼𝙏
- 𝙼𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚞𝚖/𝙷𝚒𝚐𝚑 𝟻 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 -

Monster is one of those series that left me completely engrossed from beginning to end. With a gripping narrative and deeply complex characters, it stands out as one of the best stories ever told in any medium. I will try to dissect this masterpiece in all its aspects, from the story to the complexity of the characters, with a special focus on Johan, who is the true dark heart of the series.

𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮, 𝙋𝙡𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩
Monster's story is incredibly well structured. The plot revolves around Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant Japanese neurosurgeon who works at a hospital in Germany. He makes the fateful decision to save the life of a young boy named Johan Liebert instead of the town's mayor. This seemingly moral and altruistic decision triggers a series of devastating events that change Tenma's life forever. It's fascinating to see how Tenma's initial choice plays out and how he ends up taking responsibility for the monstrous acts of Johan, who grows to become a frighteningly enigmatic figure.

The plot is a spiral of mystery, horror and psychological thriller. The series develops gradually, sometimes slowly, but never loses pace. Each episode adds layers to the story and characters, keeping me constantly engaged. Monster's development is meticulous, with a narrative that unfolds like a complex puzzle. Each piece of the story is revealed at the right time, creating constant suspense.

𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙩𝙮
The depth and complexity of Monster is on another level. It's not just a story about a doctor hunting a killer; is a deep exploration of human morality, what makes us monsters, and the impact of the choices we make. The series makes a point of constantly questioning those watching about what is right and wrong, and whether there is such a thing as absolute evil.

The characters are all three-dimensional, with complex and often conflicting motivations. Tenma, for example, is a man who starts out as an idealist but is forced to confront the darkness within himself as he pursues Johan. He transforms throughout the series, and this transformation is handled very realistically and gradually. The series does an incredible job of exploring Tenma's internal conflicts, especially when he begins to question whether killing Johan is really the solution.

𝘼𝙩𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙥𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙀𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣
Monster's atmosphere is dense and full of tension and, for me, the best in fiction. Post-Cold War Germany serves as a perfect setting, with its dark cities full of history. Each scene is imbued with a sense of foreboding, as if something terrible is always about to happen. The cinematography contributes greatly to this, with carefully chosen camera angles, moody lighting and an effective use of silence to create a sense of unease.

In terms of excitement, Monster is a rollercoaster. The series manages to balance moments of pure tension with more introspective and emotional scenes. Each episode makes you feel the anguish of the characters, especially Tenma, who is constantly struggling with guilt and despair. The emotional journey the series provides is intense, and the most impactful moments stay with you long after you finish watching.

𝘾𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙝𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙮
The cinematography in Monster is exceptional, especially for an anime. The series makes masterful use of light and shadow to create an atmosphere that is both oppressive and fascinating. Scenes like Johan's first appearance, where he is almost completely in shadow, leave a lasting impression. The visual consistency throughout the series is remarkable, and this helps maintain the dark, realistic tone that is crucial to the story.

Furthermore, Monster stands out for its narrative consistency. Even with so many characters and subplots, the series never loses focus. Each episode contributes to the larger plot, without unnecessary plots or filler episodes. The series is incredibly well tied together, with every detail carefully planned and executed. Of course, there are episodes that don't seem to add anything, but in fact everything is well prepared for you to understand everything when you finish.

𝙋𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝘿𝙮𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘𝙨
Monster has several peaks throughout its narrative, moments that really stand out and elevate the series to another level. One of the highest peaks, for me, was the revelation about Johan's past and his connection to 511 Kinderheim. This revelation not only further deepens the mystery surrounding Johan, but also solidifies his position as one of fiction's most fascinating and terrifying antagonists.

The main dynamic of the series, between Tenma and Johan, is the beating heart of the story. It's a chase that goes beyond a simple game of cat and mouse. Tenma and Johan are linked in a deep and symbolic way, and this relationship is explored brilliantly throughout the series. Tenma sees Johan as his responsibility, almost as if he's hunting for a part of himself that he let slip away. This dynamic is full of tension and symbolism, and is what keeps the series so captivating.

𝙎𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝘾𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜
Although Tenma and Johan are the focus, Monster's supporting cast is impressive. Characters like Nina Fortner, Lunge, and Grimmer are incredibly well developed and add additional layers to the story. Each of them has their own journey and connection to the main plot, and their stories intertwine in ways that enrich the overall narrative. Nina, in particular, is a strong and determined character, whose relationship with Johan is central to the plot.

Monster's pacing is deliberately slow, but this only adds to the tension building. The series is in no rush to reveal its secrets, which allows us to become completely involved in the story and characters. This slow, thoughtful approach may not be to everyone's taste, but for me, it was perfect for the atmosphere and tone of the series.

𝑱𝒐𝒉𝒂𝒏: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒎
Now, speaking of Johan Liebert, it is impossible not to marvel at the complexity of this character. Johan is, without a doubt, one of the most enigmatic and terrifying villains I've ever seen. He is a force of nature, a character who transcends the concept of good and evil. From the moment he's introduced, it's clear that we're dealing with something very different from any other antagonist.

What makes Johan so fascinating is his ambiguity. He's both a victim and a monster, and the series does an incredible job of exploring both facets. Johan's past, especially the horrors he faced at 511 Kinderheim, helps explain, but not justify, the person he has become. Johan is a product of his environment, but he is also someone who chose to embrace the darkness within himself.

Johan manipulates the people around him with frightening ease. He is a master of psychology, capable of making people destroy themselves or kill themselves with just words. This ability is shown in several scenes throughout the series, such as when he induces a man to commit suicide in a bar with just a casual conversation. The way Johan plays on people's weaknesses and fears is disturbing, and that's what makes him so dangerous.

The symbolism surrounding Johan is rich and multifaceted. He is often associated with monsters and beasts, but is also compared to an angel of death. The series plays with these images to create an almost supernatural aura around Johan, which only increases his mystery and power. Its connection to the children's book "The Nameless Monster" is especially significant, as it reflects his own journey of self-discovery and destruction.

One of the most terrifying things about Johan is that he rarely resorts to direct physical violence. He is the archetypal manipulator, who prefers to use people as pawns in his sadistic game. This is exemplified in how he destroys the lives of those around him, not just through actions, but through suggestions and words. His ability to induce chaos without lifting a finger is what makes him truly monstrous.

Another interesting aspect of Johan is his relationship with his twin sister, Nina. The series suggests an almost telepathic link between them, something that is both fascinating and disturbing. Nina, unlike Johan, chooses the path of light, which creates a striking contrast between the two. The fact that Johan continues to haunt her even when he's not present adds an extra layer of psychological horror to the series.

The highlight of the series, for me, is the revelation that Johan was trying to erase his own identity, as if he wanted to free himself from the weight of being a "monster". This quest for the annihilation of the self is a deeply disturbing concept, and the series handles it brilliantly. Johan isn't just a villain; he is a tragic character, someone who, in some ways, is trying to free himself from himself.

Finally, the final confrontation between Johan and Tenma is one of the most intense and emotional moments in the series. It is not just a fight between good and evil, but between two philosophies of life. Johan, who sees the world as a meaningless place, and Tenma, who still believes in redemption. The tension in this confrontation is almost unbearable, and the outcome is both satisfying and unsettling.

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣
Monster is a series that goes far beyond being just a psychological thriller. It's a deep exploration of the human condition, morality and what makes us who we are. The story is rich and well developed, the characters are complex and captivating, and the atmosphere is dense and charged with emotion. Johan Liebert, in particular, is one of the most fascinating and frightening characters I've ever seen, and his presence elevates the series to a completely different level.

If you're looking for a series that challenges your perceptions and leaves you thinking long after the end credits, Monster is that series. It's not just a story about hunting a killer; It's a meditation on good and evil, and how sometimes the real monsters are the ones we least expect.

Tell me, I was poetic haha.

𝙏𝙤𝙥 8 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨:
1 - Johan Liebert - 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟏 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐀𝐓
2 - Kenzo Tenma - 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟏𝟎 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐀𝐓
3 - Wolfgang Grimmer - 𝐎𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟓 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐀𝐓
4 - Nina Fortner (Anna Liebert) - 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟏𝟐 𝐃𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐀𝐓
5 - Inspector Heinrich Lunge - 𝐎𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟐𝟎 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐀𝐓
6 - Eva Heinemann
7 - Roberto
8 - Dr. Reichwein

𝙏𝙤𝙥 14 𝙀𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙨:
1 - S01 E73 · Scenery for a Doomsday [Mid 10/10] - 𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝟏𝟔 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄
2 - S01 E74 · The Real Monster [Low 10/10] - 𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝟐𝟐 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄
3 - S01 E71 · The Wrath of the Magnificent Steiner - High 9.9/10
4 - S01 E49 · The Cruelest Thing - 9.8/10
5 - S01 E67 · I'm Back - 9.7/10
6 - S01 E37 · A Nameless Monster - 9.6/10
7 - S01 E38 · The Demon in My Eyes - 9.5/10
8 - S01 E66 · Welcome Home - 9.5/10
9 - S01 E72 · A Nameless Man - 9.4/10
10 - S01 E04 · Night of the Execution - 9.3/10
11 - S01 E29 · Execution - 9.3/10
12 - S01 E59 · The Man Who Saw the Devil - 9.2/10
13 - S01 E70 · The Town Massacre - 9.2/10
14 - S01 E56 · The Neverending Journey - 9.1/10

𝙏𝙤𝙥 7 𝙈𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨:
1 - "𝓓𝓸𝓬𝓽𝓸𝓻 𝓣𝓮𝓷𝓶𝓪, 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓮𝓺𝓾𝓪𝓵, 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽'𝓼 𝔀𝓱𝔂 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓽𝓸 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾'𝓿𝓮 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓲𝔃𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮𝓷'𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾? 𝓞𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓼 𝓮𝓺𝓾𝓪𝓵 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓵𝓵, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓲𝓼 𝓭𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱." - Scenery for a Doomsday
2 - 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧'𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 - The Wrath of the Magnificent Steiner
3 - 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 - The Real Monster
4 - 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 - The Cruelest Thing
5 - 𝑷𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅 - The Demon in My Eyes
6 - "𝓗𝓸𝔀 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓪 𝓭𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓡𝓲𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓭?" - Execution
7 - 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗻'𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 - Night of the Execution