Review of Monster
Monster is a masterclass in storytelling, from Episode 1 to Episode 74. Story & Characters (10/10, 10/10) ----------------------------- So much inspiration can be derived from this anime's story and characters, whether from the main character's unconditional kindness, the main character's moral principle, or the overall message and theme that a child needs love in his/her life. I can safely say that Doctor Tenma is one of my favorite protagonists of all time, along with Inspector Lunge and Wolfgang Grimmer. Although I wish Tenma's back-backstory was a little more fleshed out than just a quick flashback, I can't help but think that it served to focus more onthe primary backstory of the antagonist and another protagonist. Lunge is another character that was infinitely interesting to me, especially due to his vast change throughout his arc. Grimmer, although more of a side character, was a critical, yet enjoyable character that states one of the most revealing lines of the antagonist's narrative and motive, which I won't spoil here. I found myself truly interested in the motives of not only these three characters, but every single one that was presented. Just one other thing, though. I couldn't help but feel a little bit taken out of the story when Nina, Dieter, and the son of a main antagonist were gleefully having a good time, after a main turning point in the story. I thought about this for a while, and it actually does a very good job of symbolizing the turning point that just took place, so no worries there.
Art & Sound (6/10, 7/10)
----------------------
A pretty bland color palette and duplicated character models led me to not particularly enjoying the art of Monster. The art, however, never felt distracting from the storytelling and character development, though. The soundtrack presented throughout Monster was always very fitting, although as I'm currently listening to the OST while I write this, I can't help but feel that a bit more variety could've been used for different interactions and storytelling moments, such as moments of romance or restaurant scenarios.
Overall/Enjoyment (8/10, 8/10)
---------------------------
I watched this anime without too much break, and I will once again state that it was a masterclass in storytelling. If I may be honest, strangely enough, I began to feel a little bit of boredom throughout Chapters 60-69, perhaps as a result of being confused with how the anime could possibly have a good ending, after fleshing so much out. This was pretty quickly mediated with the final episodes, though, which are often confusing, from an interpretation standpoint. I highly recommend that if you feel a bit lost at the end of this anime, that you go watch an explanation or analysis on the ending of Monster. It makes the anime that much more inspiring.