Monster

[JaQuais J.]

I just saw the first episode of monster the other day and I'm not sure I want to continue watching it because of the graphic sences, I know I sound like a bitch but I just dont like that kind of stuff. Is it like this all the time??

[RainyRainy]

Inferiority complex? Anyway, I digress...
I would rather think you should continue this gripping series as it is one of the best shows came to being. And don't worry about violence, since a lot of it is implied. To give a concret example: shadows of murder is being shown instead of the actual gory stuff.
And just want to be helpful: to extract a rar file, download winrar at www.rarlab.com. After you installed the software, click on the file you wish to extract and tada~ there you go.

[Tremolo]

Monster's not really all that graphic, just realistic in its depiction of violence. As RainyRainy says, a lot of it is implied (which makes it more disturbing in some ways), but it is an anime with a slightly older target audience: adult characters doing adult things with a complicated storyline. It's also very, very good and highly atmospheric. Viz's release of the manga should be out soon if we're lucky, so keep your eyes peeled.

[Agawa]

I just saw the first episode of monster the other day and I'm not sure I want to continue watching it because of the graphic sences, I know I sound like a bitch but I just dont like that kind of stuff. Is it like this all the time??
If you're worried about the medical stuff, it's really not very graphic at all. (Neither is anything else. )

Besides, if you don't see it, you'll be missing the best anime I've seen all year, and I'm not kidding.

EDIT: There's nothing wrong with being worried about graphic violance. Don't worry about it.

[JaQuais J.]

Thanks a lot, I guess I will watch it, it seems like a good anime. I dont mind gore violence in action anime, but when theres no type of action, its just eerie to me, I guess because it seem more realistic.

[Lupin the 3rd]

Monster gets better later on! Keep watching it! ^_-

[hekikuu]

I don't find Monster to be particularly violent. There are a few episodes that have violence and even some torture, but this is not peculiar to Monster. It's definitely not targeted to teens, but that doesn't mean that you won't enjoy it. The characters are interesting and the protagonist and his allies are certainly likable. I think it's been licensed, but I'm not sure.

[Zushio]

The manga has, not the anime.

Although for some reason the film rights have also been. (unrelated to the movie named Monster that came out recently.

[evilredmenace]

Whenever I come across one of those whackjobs who associate anime with pokemon, I like to bring up Monster as the antithesis of what they expect. Here is perhaps the best example of tension, pacing, and thoroughly engrossing characters. It's smart, it's disturbing, and it doesn't flinch from taking its sweet time.

I think I've seen up to episode 67 currently, and it's slowly leading to what I hope will be a very satisfying conclusion. I've followed Tenma and the rest of his support network through 60+ episodes, and seen that damn creepy storybook ending an equal number of times. Some of my predictions didn't pan out, but so much the better. I kept thinking there was going to be some sort of sexual tension between Tenma and Anna Liebert, but such was not the case. On principle, I usually detest child characters (and this is amplified with child actors) but I found myself liking Dieter.

One of the best elements of this particular series is that A.) even minor characters are of significance, and B.) moral ambiguity is dealt with in a non condescending manner.

I'm routing for Tenma. I loved watching his progression from being helpless and overwhelmed to brooding and conflicted. And I think he's damn sexy.

[Perrin]

This is a little out of the context of the thread but I was just wondering if Monster was still airing? I have up to episode 67 but have not seen any new ones in almost two months. Just curious if anyone knows the story I am anxiously awaiting the conclusion to this stellar anime.

[Tremolo]

It's done. 74 episodes. The subs are slow. But they'll get there soon.

And then I can start watching it again. :D

[Lupin the 3rd]

i wish i can watch more of monster (it's one of my favorites now) but there other anime i have to watch first.

[Ghostmaster]

I heard its a creepy anime and I'm not a huge fan of medical stuff.

[DarkKanti]

Me = Naoki Urasawa fanboy.

Monster has been my most recent anime passion and I've just recently watched up to episode 64 over the past week or so. Overall, I have to say I love it and I can't wait until they finish subbing it. I also hope that Naoki Urasawa's next epic 20th Century Boys gets animated soon. Now, that would be cool. :D

[Lupin the 3rd]

Well i just got done withe eps 46 and holy crap!

In eps 45 or 45 (i can't remember) Johan was disguising himself as Anna, that was really creep me out (especially when he took off the wig and was grinning)

*shivers* lol

[Kagome654]

Indeed, I was surprised he was able to pull that off (nice legs on that guy)

[DarkKanti]

That was creepy and all, but I thought something was up with Anna anyways. It's not just the fact that she killed three people, but her skin looked a bit more pale than usual. I honestly, didn't think they looked all that alike until Johan started crossdressing though.

[JPaikman]

Ditto to 20th Century Boys (its not over yet!)

Anna Liebert = Endo Kanna? :D

[fugupinkeye]

Monster is one of those things. I watched the first 14 eps, and was completely enthralled. Then... I don't know what happened. Did other things grab my attention? Maybe. I honestly don't know why I stopped watching. I shall probably pick it up, but at this point I may wait till the last few are subbed.

There was violence, a bit. But it was part and parcel to the story, not gratuitous gore.

[Lupin the 3rd]

eps 49-52

This anime just gets better and better.

Eps 49 was distrubing for me. Milos gets disturbed while watching that german dude have sex with the prostitue while searching for his mom. Also for the first time Mr. Grimmer cries!

The last few eps are intreasting enough. After Dr. Tenma got arrested alot of people are supporting him and this is very good for him (and it makes me happy! lol). ONe thing im very suprised at is how that one assassin that Tenma apparently killed during the fire in that university library is still alived and he now planes to kill Eva Heinsman.

[DarkKanti]

:eek:

The fansubs finally came out and finished the series!

F*cking awesome ending. The whole ordeal in Ruhenheim was amazingly well done and carried an air of tension that left me on the edge of my seat the entire time. There were alot of big moments in the last six episodes so I'll attack them each one at a time.

First off, probably one of the biggest moments in the show, at least for me, was Grimmer's death. He was probably one of the most well developed characters and was just as likable as just about anybody else. The entire scene where Tenma found him in the building up until the point they had laid him down on the couch in the hotel was so tastefully done. This was seriously one of the best death scenes I've ever seen. When Grimmer started crying for the loss of his child years after it happened I got choked up. It was an extremely powerful and moving moment.

After Grimmer died the next big plot twist was that the man known as Roberto came from Kinderheim 511 as well where he actually met Grimmer and told him his name. During his run-in with Inspector Lung, I was totally unsure of who would come out victorious in that fight and when he finally shot Klaus Poppe, I had honestly believed that Lung had died.

Ok, lastly (I know I'm skipping a lot, but I'm not really giving a summary here) in the final scene where Tenma has a dream where he's talking to Johan (who is now in a coma) Johan asks him if his mother was trying to save him or if he just had him mistaken with his sister. Now, what I still want to know is if that happened as it did in Tenma's dream or if it was just a dream and nothing else? I mean, it made perfect sense and it could be a clue as to Johan's motivation. Either way, it was a beautiful ending.

[Zushio]

Ok, lastly (I know I'm skipping a lot, but I'm not really giving a summary here) in the final scene where Tenma has a dream where he's talking to Johan (who is now in a coma) Johan asks him if his mother was trying to save him or if he just had him mistaken with his sister. Now, what I still want to know is if that happened as it did in Tenma's dream or if it was just a dream and nothing else? I mean, it made perfect sense and it could be a clue as to Johan's motivation. Either way, it was a beautiful ending.

I have a few questions for those who have finished the anime (I've read the manga).

1.
In the final scenes does it still show Doctor Tenma talking to Johan's mother? In the manga Tenma ask her what Johan's name really is, but we never hear it as the scene changes.

2.
Is the final shot still the empty bed where Johan was? I thought that was an excellent end to the manga and it was certainly another thought provoking moment.

I'm actually reading Another Monster right now, which is a sorta sequel to Monster. It's actually a novel and is being translated very, very, slowly...

Not as slowly as My Name Is Zushio, but still slow. Anyway, I'd love to know, cause it will be awhile till I watch the show.

[DarkKanti]

]Yes to both questions. I was also a little dissapointed I didn't get to hear the Twin's real names, but in the long run their names weren't all that important.

Is Another Monster by Naoki Urasawa as well? If so (hell even if its not) I'm going to have to check it out.

[Lupin the 3rd]

*starts downloading the rest of the series*
:computer:

My only problem is when am i going to get the time to watch the rest of it! V_V

[Perrin]

This was an amazing series I just got done watching the last six episodes and Monster has shot straight to the number one spot on my Top Ten List. The ending was perfect IMO. There was action, twists, and tons of tension. There were times in these final episodes my heart actually started beating faster and that has never happened in an anime before. A must see!!!!

[Lupin the 3rd]

I just finished the series and i have to say i was very pleased with the shows ending. Although i would have loved to know what the twins actual names were, it still was a solid ending. This is now in my top 10 list of anime!

[Mumei]

On principle, I usually detest child characters (and this is amplified with child actors) but I found myself liking Dieter.

Well, part of that might be that an adult woman is playing him. ;)

And Monster is my favorite anime ever, Johan's my favorite anime character... <3

[Knives]

if ure gonna continue with it, be prepared to deal with the storyline's slow pacing, i like this anime [im on ep 43] but it can be quite boring at times and a lot of the episodes are just melodramatic filler dealing with tenma being a goodhearted ex neuro surgeon that travels around germany helping random people... that said, the anime is engaging, and like everyone else has mentioned, complex. im deep into it and a lot of threads have yet to be resolved. its definitely not graphic, if anything id reather it be more violent, but maybe thats just my pallet; ive been hardened by anime that has been far more bloody...

[4aantjai]

anyone know this anime,about a japanese doctor who works in germany?
is it any good, coz i know someone who has this anime, and he could let me borrow it. i cant ask him coz he hasnt watched it yet.

[soundchazer]

It is a GREAT anime. Highly recommended.

[RuKiAsShAdOw]

Whats the name of it? I, and others, might wanna check it out...
EDIT:
o whoops didnt see the title sorry. Thx for the recommendation

[Pachinko]

I like this title lots. <3

If I were you, I'd steal it. Never return this sucka.

[Lupin the 3rd]

Its probably one of the best damn anime to come out in the last 5 years. Its on my top ten list!

[Daravon]

I haven't seen it all yet (-53), but what I have has been amazing. One of the best things I've watched in years, anime or not.

[ant]

It is a GREAT anime. Highly recommended.

That's all you need to watch this.

[Kagome654]

I'll just add my voice to the mob, I loved Monster, both anime and manga. In fact it's probably in my top five favourite anime. Now if only I could get ahold of 20th Century Boys...

[4aantjai]

is it the story that made this anime good? or the action ? coz i dont know anything about this anime, but anyway i will check it out, thnx for ur replies!

[Rove]

is it the story that made this anime good? or the action ? coz i dont know anything about this anime, but anyway i will check it out, thnx for ur replies!

A complex plot that stands for 74 episodes without losing focus, deep characters that evolve during the series, the thriller atmosphere that always works, a fiting musical score, interesting character designs and constant quality animation. And Doctor Tenma will become a new member of your family in no time. His motivations, actions, responses, everything is handled appropiately, he is a drawn human, with all the implications that come with it.

I haven't read any reviews of the Monster anime yet, but you can read a review for the manga here (http://www.mangareviewer.com/?page_id=70). Both anime and manga are very similar, so that review will help you get an idea of what the anime is about and how good it is.

[Knives]

A complex plot that stands for 74 episodes without losing focus, deep characters that evolve during the series, the thriller atmosphere that always works, a fiting musical score, interesting character designs and constant quality animation.

agreed agreed,

but i gotta say this series coulda been wrapped up in half the episodes; i think a lot of the episodes.. mostly in between 20-40... were melodramatic filler... yeh a lot the people tenma helped along the way come back to support him but most of the feel good episodes were taxing

[Jygoro]

agreed agreed,

but i gotta say this series coulda been wrapped up in half the episodes; i think a lot of the episodes.. mostly in between 20-40... were melodramatic filler... yeh a lot the people tenma helped along the way come back to support him but most of the feel good episodes were taxing
hi,
I disagree. In fact episodes 25-38 are the Munich arch, the best one of the entire series. Episode 20 is the only one you can say it's a "filler", but is a good episode that develops Tenma's and Dieter's relation nonetheless.

IMO this series can't be wrapped up in less episodes because every episode of this series add something to the entire picture, and without all the pieces you can't finish the puzzle. :D

regards

[icelava]

is it any goodGiven your age, you'd probably appreciate this incredible production that leaves nothing for kids to love about that other anime typically offers. (read: grounded in reality) That is, if you like psycho mysteries and conspiracy theories in European politics.

[Psiknight]

I'm only on episode 10 but I can tell you that, so far, it's fantastic. The art leaves a bit to be desired, IMO, but the story is excellent.

[mistress #9]

Hey all I found imports of this, and I am thinking bout picking it up. I am sure they are not bootlegs, since they have the usual copyright stuff plastered all over the dvd case and this includes warnings. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone could tell me how many eppy's Monster has, I think it has something like 56, but I ve heard that it has even higher, someone told me it had 64 and is still on the air. So yes, I want to know how many Eppy's because then I will be able to figure out if the box sets that the store has will include all or most of the eppys. I do not really want to buy anime that I can't get the rest of, that just sucks when that happens. I usually would wait till it was released commerically but well I don't know if they will do that. So I am thinking Imports are the way to go.

Thanks for all your help.

[Zushio]

yes, of course the thing you found is a bootleg, as the Monster anime isn't available in Canada, or anywhere other than Japan.

It's 74 episodes for the record and has in fact ended, like a few months ago. The only place that would have an English subtitled version of Monster for sale is a bootleg seller. So don't buy it.

[ant]

Unless there are 2 extra episodes that I don't know about this series is 74 episodes.

[Zushio]

Unless there are 2 extra episodes that I don't know about this series is 74 episodes.

My bad, 74, was thinking of something else.

[ant]

There's an extra on the site we don't mention but indirectly do. Will post after I watch it.

[Lupin the 3rd]

The extra is basically a summary of the first 24 eps. Its just highlights the major events of episodes 1-24.

[4aantjai]

yes, of course the thing you found is a bootleg, as the Monster anime isn't available in Canada, or anywhere other than Japan.

It's 74 episodes for the record and has in fact ended, like a few months ago. The only place that would have an English subtitled version of Monster for sale is a bootleg seller. So don't buy it.

thats not true, coz monster was broadcasted on a local tv channel in Hong Kong, when i was on vacation there two months ago.

btw, i finished watching this serie, one word WOW. one of the best anime i ever seen.

[loner]

I'm not sure if the DVD is out in HK, but I can certify that it was broadcasted at late hours on Saturdays in Hong Kong.

[mistress #9]

Ah thanks for the warnings, all though I so want to see this I do not want to support the evil people who make bootlegs and try and pass them off as imports. This is just wrong. I think something needs to be done, I already bought lots of stuff that I thought was imports and proabalby isn't. I so hope they hurry up and realise this in North america. I loving the Manga and really want to see Monster the anime. If it't half as good as the Manga then I will love it. So sorry people and Thanks again for the warning. I just can't believe they would stump so low to put the acutal copyright things onto the dvd's.

[Daravon]

Bootlegs are evil.

Can we start talking about the anime now? Would that be hijacking? Last time I made a seperate thread they were merged anyway.

THERE MAY BE SPOILERS FOR MONSTER FROM THIS POST ON

[Daravon]

SPOILERS

One thing I would like to discuss, is whether Nina and Tenma got together at the end...she's pretty young but she seemed pretty happy to see him at the end.

I expected to hate both Runge and Tenma's ex-fiance, but I actually didn't, by the end.

Oh yeah and at the end, when Runge shot the guy through the green chair....I totally called that one.

The show was really great. Slow, but great. I especially liked the race issues that cropped up every now and then, and whole post-WWII nazish stuff. I always thought it amazing that Hitler got enough people to follow him and carry out his evil ways, and I was fascinated by how Johann and some of his followers were able to bend people toward their will.

Someone said they didn't like the art...to each his own, but have very few complaints. For a 74 episode show, the art and animation seemed top notch to me. One thing I remember in particular is the blood on EVA during the episode where she was going to kill Tenma in the woods. Great detail.

The only thing that I didn't like about the production is the weapon noises. A lot of animation studios do a more realistic job of weapon modeling than hollywood in general, but they still seem to think that guns make clacking and clicking sounds whenever they are moved or brandished. I find this extremely annoying and a blemish on some otherwise great direction.

Oh, is this show set on a real timeline, or just approximately late 20th century?

[loner]

Starts at 1986, then moves nine years forward to 1995.

Whatever you may say about the character designs and such, but the effort put into the details of the cities and towns that the show is set in is incredible. I've visited Heidelberg Castle before, and the one in the show looked almost entirely the same as the real one. I felt like I was in the castle when I watched that part of the show.

[4aantjai]

i have a question about the last episode

the last episode and a couple of episodes b4, u can see that johann was dressed as a girl, why he did that?

[Rowsdower]

i have a question about the last episode

the last episode and a couple of episodes b4, u can see that johann was dressed as a girl, why he did that?

I registered just to answer this question, because I love Monster THAT much. Ha.

Anyway, to answer your question:

When Johan's mother was trying to hide herself and her children from Franz Bonaparta, she decided to make it look like she only had one child. So, she dressed Anna and Johan in the same girls' clothes (it is never stated why she chose to disguise them as a girl instead of a boy) and never allowed them both to go out at the same time.

Unfortunately, Franz Bonaparta found them and Johan's mother was forced to give up one of her children for the project. She chose Anna, and the fact that Johan wasn't sure if his mother was willingly giving up his twin sister or if she had wanted to give HIM up but had mistaken him for Anna tortured his young mind until he utterly snapped. By the time Anna escaped the Mansion of Red Roses and came home to the Three Frogs to find him there, still disguised as her, Johan was a monster.

I thought the series portrayed all of this pretty clearly. But then again I paid an almost absurd level of attention to the series because it was just so fantastic.

[etane]

Nina, I think, is the hottest babe in anime-dom. Bare none.

Well, Johann looks good in drag too.

[Mumei]

if ure gonna continue with it, be prepared to deal with the storyline's slow pacing, i like this anime [im on ep 43] but it can be quite boring at times and a lot of the episodes are just melodramatic filler dealing with tenma being a goodhearted ex neuro surgeon that travels around germany helping random people... that said, the anime is engaging, and like everyone else has mentioned, complex. im deep into it and a lot of threads have yet to be resolved. its definitely not graphic, if anything id reather it be more violent, but maybe thats just my pallet; ive been hardened by anime that has been far more bloody...

There are really only a few episodes that are "filler" like that (I disagree that they are filler at all, but by your definition), and most of them occur between 13 and 24, and even in that span of episodes the story progresses nicely, with the majority of the episodes having to do with the series. Really, only 3 - 4 episodes in the entire 74 are truly skippable, and I can't imagine wanting to.

[4aantjai]

I registered just to answer this question, because I love Monster THAT much. Ha.

Anyway, to answer your question:

When Johan's mother was trying to hide herself and her children from Franz Bonaparta, she decided to make it look like she only had one child. So, she dressed Anna and Johan in the same girls' clothes (it is never stated why she chose to disguise them as a girl instead of a boy) and never allowed them both to go out at the same time.

Unfortunately, Franz Bonaparta found them and Johan's mother was forced to give up one of her children for the project. She chose Anna, and the fact that Johan wasn't sure if his mother was willingly giving up his twin sister or if she had wanted to give HIM up but had mistaken him for Anna tortured his young mind until he utterly snapped. By the time Anna escaped the Mansion of Red Roses and came home to the Three Frogs to find him there, still disguised as her, Johan was a monster.

I thought the series portrayed all of this pretty clearly. But then again I paid an almost absurd level of attention to the series because it was just so fantastic.

thnx a lot!!!, pherhaps i should rewatch it when i have the change, i had to finish this serie within 2 weeks, coz i have to give it back to that friend.
well now that ur registered can u (or others) help me aswer me some more questions, coz there are some things i dont completely understand


1)why did johann kill everyone who know him? and why he killed all the people who knows that general who found johann and his sister (cant remember his name)
2)at end of the serie they talk about ''the landscape of the end" does it mean the end of the world?
3) why does johann want to be dead(or want to get killed by tenma?)

[AqueousMessage]

I haven't been checking in with the anime world as often as I should be. With everyone praising this one, I might have to take some time out and watch it.

[Rowsdower]

thnx a lot!!!, pherhaps i should rewatch it when i have the change, i had to finish this serie within 2 weeks, coz i have to give it back to that friend.
well now that ur registered can u (or others) help me aswer me some more questions, coz there are some things i dont completely understand

I really do suggest you watch it again sometime, because Monster's one of those shows that reveals even more depth and connections upon repeated viewings.

Anyway, now to answer your questions.


1)why did johann kill everyone who know him? and why he killed all the people who knows that general who found johann and his sister (cant remember his name)

Short answer: Johan is crazy, so killing people doesn't have the same impact on him as it would on a sane person.

Long answer: Johan, in his madness, identifies with the monster that went east in the children's book/propaganda "The Monster Without a Name" that he and Anna (and other children) were read as part of Franz Bonaparta's experiments. As it was shown in that story (episode 37), the monster that went east eventually wound up killing everyone he came across as he jumped into their bodies in attempts gain an identity. And even when he DID have a name, he still eventually killed everyone who could call him by it because he was such a destructive force, until he was all alone in the world. Johan is reinacting this story in real life, whether he is conscious of the fact or not.

This can be proven by the messages Johan occasionally leaves for Tenma (i.e. "Look at me! Look at me! The monster within me has grown this big!", a direct part of the book, and "Help me! The monster within me is about to explode!"), Johan's name itself ("Even though he now had a name, there was no one left to call him by it. Johan. It is a wonderful name.", the last lines of the storybook), and the way Johan reacted when he found the book in the university's library.

And "General Wolf" was the name of the person who found them. If I remember correctly, he also was the one who sent Johan to Kinderheim 511. Johan killed everyone around Wolf because he particularly resented that man (probably second only to Franz Bonaparta and Petr Capek) and wanted Wolf to feel the trauma, misery, and heartache of isolation.

2)at end of the serie they talk about ''the landscape of the end" does it mean the end of the world?

Yes, but not necessarily the end of the ENTIRE world, and certainly not the stereotypical "Here come the 4 horsemen, oh noes" apocalypse. As I said in the last question, Johan's life links up with the east-bound monster from "The Monster Without a Name". The fate of the monster who went east was that he was all alone after killing everyone else who knew him. Everyone Johan meets, Johan kills (or, if not killing them, he inflicts severe trauma upon them).

This is not to say that Johan wants to kill everyone in the world. It's pretty hard to follow Johan's line of thought, given how monumentally broken he is psychologically. His motivations and actions are occasionally quite inconsistant because of his severe psychosis.

However, Johan's actions during the Ruhenheim arc makes it pretty clear that he was bringing the bleak, murderous chaos of "the landscape at the end of the world" into reality, only localized in Ruhenheim. He got pretty close to it, too. I'd also say that young Johan's actions during the incident at Kinderheim 511 was another example of him bringing the landscape into reality.

3) why does johann want to be dead(or want to get killed by tenma?)

Heh, I don't know how many times I can play the "Johan's totally nuts" card. JK. ;)

Anyway. Johan was trying to commit a perfect suicide in Ruhenheim by trying to get Franz Bonaparta and himself killed (and possibly Anna too) and the entire town of Ruhenheim reduced to the horrifying landscape at the end of the world. Why? Because Johan is crazy, crazy, crazy.

As to why he wanted Tenma to kill him, it was probably some circular thinking. Tenma brought him back into the world by saving him from nearly getting killed, so it's only appropriate that Tenma take him out of the world for good. Again, Johan is craaaaaazy.

Darn, I don't think I did a very good job illustrating the (awesome, awesome) intricacies behind Monster. I've never been very good at explaining things. But... I hope I helped you with your questions anyway.

[Erigion]

Don't be confused, I just merged the two threads about Monster on the front page. Use the quote feature to keep discussions separate.

[Daravon]

Ok I'm really bad with names. Sorry.

So there was that guy that was escorting Eva around to those parties. Martin? She kind of liked him I think. But I'm not talking about him.

Anyway, he ended up dieing, after talking to that one guy in the hotel room that pretty much read his mind. That same guy got his ear shot off by somone later I think. THAT's the guy I'm talking about. Anyway, what was his deal? He seemed to be like an apprentice to Johann, but I never really understood the point, of why Johann would tolerate him or keep him around...but I guess Johann is crazy.

[Mumei]

Yes, but not necessarily the end of the ENTIRE world, and certainly not the stereotypical "Here come the 4 horsemen, oh noes" apocalypse. As I said in the last question, Johan's life links up with the east-bound monster from "The Monster Without a Name". The fate of the monster who went east was that he was all alone after killing everyone else who knew him. Everyone Johan meets, Johan kills (or, if not killing them, he inflicts severe trauma upon them).

This is not to say that Johan wants to kill everyone in the world. It's pretty hard to follow Johan's line of thought, given how monumentally broken he is psychologically. His motivations and actions are occasionally quite inconsistant because of his severe psychosis.

However, Johan's actions during the Ruhenheim arc makes it pretty clear that he was bringing the bleak, murderous chaos of "the landscape at the end of the world" into reality, only localized in Ruhenheim. He got pretty close to it, too. I'd also say that young Johan's actions during the incident at Kinderheim 511 was another example of him bringing the landscape into reality.

I believe that his motivations actually changed, rather than being completely inconsistent:

Johan worked for years isolating Schuwald, to the point where he was on the cusp of effectively taking over the most powerful conglomerate in Europe. Yet he gave all that away because of the library fire. It seems odd, until you realize that not too long before, he had fainted due to viewing, purely by chance, the Monster Without a Name book. I believe that Johan had largely forgotten about that book, because of Kinderheim's experiments further screwing up his memory, and that a mere picture book causing him to faint was something that he found unsettling. Johan was nothing if not calm, cool, and collected, and for something to effect him in such a visceral way and him being unaware as to why was probably a catalyst for what he did. At that moment, the recovery of his past became a primary goal, because he must have realized that not all that he remembered was accurate.

Heh, I don't know how many times I can play the "Johan's totally nuts" card. JK. ;)

Anyway. Johan was trying to commit a perfect suicide in Ruhenheim by trying to get Franz Bonaparta and himself killed (and possibly Anna too) and the entire town of Ruhenheim reduced to the horrifying landscape at the end of the world. Why? Because Johan is crazy, crazy, crazy.

As to why he wanted Tenma to kill him, it was probably some circular thinking. Tenma brought him back into the world by saving him from nearly getting killed, so it's only appropriate that Tenma take him out of the world for good. Again, Johan is craaaaaazy.

That is one [good] interpretation, but a few others I like include:

His perfect suicide could have been an attempt to make himself a "fictional" character, which he would he could achieve by killing everyone that knows him and then killing himself. He could also have been simply broken and been trying to erase the Monster experiment completely, and by killing those connected to it and finally killing himself, he was commiting the "perfect suicide" of the Monster.

Darn, I don't think I did a very good job illustrating the (awesome, awesome) intricacies behind Monster. I've never been very good at explaining things. But... I hope I helped you with your questions anyway.

You did great. =)

[4aantjai]

thanx a lot Rowsdower

[etane]

Spoiler warning-----


So yah I finished watching this a few nights ago.

So Johann wasn't the one who was experimented with. It was actually Nina...

Bonapart demanded one kid from the twin's mom, and the mom gave up Nina. And, Johann thought since they were wearing the same clothing, the mom actually intended on giving up Johann but accidentally gave Nina up.

Atleast this is what I got out of the last episode which totally isn't congruent with the rest of the story.

[A-R@D]

Spoiler warning-----
So Johann wasn't the one who was experimented with. It was actually Nina...


I think it was Nina that was taken to the house of roses and treated like some sort of superior child, but it was Johan who went to kinderheim 511 and got experimented on, if I'm not mistaken. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

[ant]

Nope you are right.

[LoS]

hi all...just finished watching this anime and i am not sure i've got all that it was trying to say...

need some help here...sorry but i dont know how to do the 'spoilers' highlight thing so for those who have not finished this series...do not read on...

thanks in advance




*****SPOILERS starts here*****





so the whole thing started because the czech(or german?)secret government agency wanted to do human experiements by creating the 'perfect' human...the future of human race...

targets selected were johan's and nina's parents...and the end products were the twins...

however the twin's mother escaped before the children were borned and hide herself and the children(whom she tried to create the illusion that there was only a girl)...however bonaparta found them and took nina back to the red rose mansion...which was actually a place where brainwashing experiments were carried out all along...

bonaparta then found that he had fallen for the twins' mother and thus decided to kill all involved there...ending the experiment...poisoning them...and nina escaped back to johan...

1. ok so here are some questions...what happened to johan and his mother after nina was taken away?

2. so johan supposedly snapped as he was not sure who his mother wanted to sacrifice for the 'experiement'?

3. why was the 'monster without a name' picture book with johan when nina escaped back from the mansion?

4. so they supposedly left that house after that(after nina told johan her experiences and messed up his head further) and travelled alone until general wolf found them...then what happened? johan was sent to 511 kinderhiem? then where was nina at that time? after that why did they end up together with the lieberts and why did johan ask nina to shoot him in the head?

5. what was with johan wanting to meet up with nina when she was 20 yrs old or something?

6.ok so tenma saved johan and the story begins...and all the while johan was killing(or getting others to)people who knew him and such? with syndicates along the way trying to get hold of johan to lead them for political reasons?

that seems to be quite some questions already and i have some theories and other questions:

a. nina was captured by bonaparta just for 'show'...however the real experiment was carried out on johan at the same time until bonaparta fell in love with the twins' mother(i draw this from the fact of johan holding the picture book when nina returned...and why johan was crazy but nina was not)...and because of this his head is even more messed up after his mother 'gave up' nina to bonaparta...

b. johan is controlled somehow by an evil force(or desire) after he snapped...he aims to destroy everything around him and create mayhem(taken from how he controlled and mess up the economy and underworld)...but he is also aware of this evil force and thus wanted someone to kill him to end it all(but i dont understand why it was always nina and tenma...because nina is his sister and tenma saved him?)

c. so in the end all was like back to normal with johan in coma while others lead a happy life...but johan awakens and disappeared...signifying? that the monster is out again and tenma has made history repeat itself? to bring out a theme of the story?(one which i cannot truly grasp but i feel has got something to do with the fact that tenma saved johan...twice...although the first time he did not know johan was a monster and a second time he did know and it was after he vowed to kill him?)

d. so all johan seeked for all along was to find out about his own past and kill all those who made him the monster that he is and at the same time self destruct in a twisted way(one he calls the 'perfect suicide')?





*****SPOILERS ends here*****

ok sorry for the long post but this is such an intriguing story i just need to find out more...(and those might not even be all the questions i have!)

for those who have finished the series please leave your comments or answers if any...:thumbup:

[animanic_critic]

I couldn't agree more... Monster is definitely one of those disturbing ones... The revelations are one of the most riveting I've seen to date.