The anime plot is frankly, SHEER GENIUS. The entire 74 episodes explore what it means to be human - is humanity something innate and good or is it base and vile and corrupt. The anime has multiple death scenes but while there are numerous deaths and sordid plots taking place throughout the anime, the scenes are not violent. I would never categorize the anime as 'action'. I like the doubts and the confusion and growth in the characters. The plot is however, extremely slow. It is not until episode 38 onwards that I was seriously taken in by the plot. Most episodes are unrelated to the main story but are nevertheless interesting and stimulating.

I honestly reccommend this anime to those with patience, looking for something different, that isn't too demanding on the audience. If you like something dark, mysterious and interested in questions in regards to human nature, you will certainly enjoy this anime. (show less)

This anime almost have everything to be a perfect one. Characters and story developments are deep and intriguing with a shocking twists and many conspiracies. Monster shows a strong relationship between protagonist and antagonist and they are not the only one who are interesting characters. Others, minor characters have also kept my attention. Story is very complex, serious and it is aimed at a mature audience. Some episodes are really gloomy in view of human nature, and his evil side. Musical themes are perfect match for a dark, tense and tragically atmosphere. Someone will complain how it's 74 episodes long but they are all necessary to bring a full potencial of the plot and chararcters. Monster is one of the few examples of how a great great psychological drama should look like. I don't want to repeat myself, everyone esle are already said similar thoughts about this rear piece of anime art. (show less)

Now here's a long series well worth its hype and reputation. Well known for its build up of suspense, exposure into the limits of human morality, and surprising developments with plot and characters, Monster's 70+ episode length is quite a commitment considering the two months it took me to complete the series. But if you're willing to endure the show's length and shocking elements, then Monster will keep you hooked to the very end as I could seriously consider to be one of the best titles I've seen this decade.

Monster is an anime that goes into plenty of detail on its plot and character developments. The show takes its time developing its plot exposing more hints to the true nature of the "monster" that Tenma is hunting down in the form of Johan. And as more is revealed about the origins of Johan, you come to realize that Tenma and others who are helping him in his search are entering into some pretty dangerous territory with hints of deadly like things government brainwashing and extremism looming about. The characters know they are further putting themselves at risk digging into the past of Johan, but do so to unmask the truths of a past regime that tried burying those truths once they lost their power.

Character development is quite complex in the world of Monster. You get plenty of depth into the past of many of the characters, their thoughts, morality, and their psychological state. Many find themselves facing hard decisions that they can't easily find the answers for and even find their own beliefs put to the test. Tenma regularly finds his belief of "all life being equal" put to the test where he questions whether or not killing Johan would create a hypocrisy in his moral beliefs, especially with those who admire the man's humanitarian acts wondering why he wants to walk such a dark path. In Johan's case, you may even find yourself wondering what he is thinking as he drives people into facing the very limits of their psychological condition that they aren't prepared to endure. Beyond Johan and Tenma, other characters that are introduced are just as well-rounded in their developments and personality.

As explained above, Monster also delves into the limits of morality which many of the characters find themselves enduring from Johan and the government experiments that caused some of the characters to suffer. The show makes a point of mentioning that in the worst possible situations the human psyche endures will lead one to have a "monster" burst out of them that can be just as cruel and deadly as Johan. If we find ourselves unable to accept the darkest parts of our psyche, then we are prone to madness if someone were to exploit these deep flaws. And Johan regularly exploits the deepest problems facing those he encounters to either make use of them as pawns for his plans or kill them if they are an obstacle. The show doesn't preach over whether or not any of the characters are right or wrong in their mentalities as what they had to endure could happen to others in real life as well. And for that much depth, I have to give Monster kudos.

In terms of visuals, Monster features a diverse number of realistic European settings creating nice diversity in the scenery. Large cities, forests, and small towns are just some of the settings you can find yourself seeing. While much of the show takes place in Germany, you can also expect Monster to show off some locations in France, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Character designs were quite diverse as their various looks and clothing attires did well to complement the personalities of the characters. Johan's appearance as a young, handsome man goes especially well with his cruel and deceptive nature. The soundtrack also does well to complement the mood of the series with suspenseful and chilling music used during the show's intense moments such as confrontations or tense scenes and serene, mellow music during the more calmer moments of the series.

Monster's complex character and plot developments, as well as it's clever elements of suspense and morality depth, made this quite a thrilling ride for me over the past two months. If you have the urge to see a good, long suspense title, then Monster will fit the bill for you perfectly. (show less)