Monster is a Japanese anime series created by Naoki Urasawa and aired between 2004 and 2005. Adapted into 74 episodes by Madhouse Studio, the story follows Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a successful neurosurgeon whose life takes a dark turn after the child he once saved reappears years later as the perpetrator of a series of murders across Europe. Combining elements of thriller, crime, and psychological drama, the series delves into philosophical and moral questions about the darker aspects of human nature.
Monster Opening (oaf)
Plot
Monster is a psychological thriller set in Germany during the late 1980s, built around moral dilemmas and the darker sides of human nature. At the center of the story is Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a Japanese neurosurgeon working at Eisler Memorial Hospital in Düsseldorf. One day, when two severely injured children are brought to the hospital, Tenma chooses to operate on a young boy instead of the city’s mayor, defying political pressure. This decision costs him his career and his fiancée. However, the real tragedy begins years later, when the boy he saved—Johan Liebert—is linked to a series of murders. Burdened by his conscience, Tenma travels across Germany, retracing the past in a desperate attempt to stop Johan and atone for his own choices.
Themes
Monster presents a complex thematic structure centered on individual morality, the nature of evil, and the question of identity. At its core is a doctor guided by the principle that “all life is equal,” who must face the devastating consequences of that belief. The story continually challenges the boundaries between good and evil, asking whether evil is innate or shaped by environment. Through the character of Johan Liebert, the series explores both the abstract and tangible manifestations of pure evil, while Tenma’s journey delves deeply into ideas of conscience, justice, and redemption. Set against Europe’s historical and sociopolitical backdrop, the narrative also highlights the societal repercussions of individual actions.
Episodes
Monster consists of 74 episodes, which aired in Japan from April 6, 2004, to September 27, 2005. Each episode runs approximately 24 minutes. The series is adapted from Naoki Urasawa’s manga of the same name and covers the complete story.
The episodes function both as self-contained narratives and as parts of a larger overarching structure, each contributing to character development and the deepening of the plot. As the story unfolds across various European cities, tension and psychological insight intertwine to create a rich and compelling narrative experience.
Characters and Voice Actors
Character | Voice Actor | Description |
Dr. Kenzo Tenma | Hidenobu Kiuchi | A Japanese-born genius neurosurgeon who has devoted his entire life to his patients. Once an idealistic doctor, he loses his career and personal life due to a moral decision. Over time, as he pursues the crimes committed by the boy he once saved, he embarks on a journey seeking justice and redemption. |
Johan Liebert | Nozomu Sasaki | A brilliant individual saved by Tenma as a child. As an adult, he becomes a dark and enigmatic figure representing the evil within human nature, leaving a trail of murders and psychological devastation in his wake. |
Nina Fortner / Anna Liebert | Mamiko Noto | Johan’s twin sister. Haunted by the traumas of her childhood, she seeks to rediscover her true identity. Determined to confront her brother, she follows a path parallel to Tenma’s quest. |
Heinrich Lunge | Tsutomu Isobe | An inspector from the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). A highly analytical and obsessive detective, he initially views Tenma as the prime suspect for much of the investigation. |
Eva Heinemann | Mami Koyama | Tenma’s former fiancée and the daughter of the hospital director. After her father’s death, she harbors deep resentment toward Tenma and is driven by a desire for revenge, while also struggling to suppress her inner vulnerabilities. |
Dieter | Junko Takeuchi | A young boy rescued by Tenma from Johan’s influence. His honesty and innocence help Tenma maintain his faith in humanity, and he becomes a loyal companion throughout Tenma’s journey. |
Dr. Julius Reichwein | Ichirō Nagai | A psychiatrist and academic who studies the psychological effects caused by Johan. He provides Tenma with psychological support and contributes to the intellectual understanding of the events. |
Franz Bonaparta / Klaus Poppe | Michael McConnohie | A pivotal figure from Johan’s past, central to an experimental child-rearing project. He plays a crucial role in shaping Johan’s identity, and his mysterious past is gradually revealed throughout the series. |
