Title : Monster
Written by : Naoki Urasawa
Published by : Shogakukan
Magazine : Big Comic Original
Original run : 1994 – 2001
Volumes : 18
Who is the monster?
Synopsis
One day in 1986, Kenzo Tenma, a doctor working in Germany, performed an operation on a seriously injured Johann Liebert. Although the operation was successful, he was removed from the career track because he ignored the orders of the director to perform the surgery. Later, the director and others are suddenly murdered by Johann. When Kenzo realizes that Johann is involved in many more murders, he feels a strong sense of responsibility and wonders in anguish if, by saving Johann’s life, he has unleashed a heinous criminal on the world. Kenzo then decides to quit his job as a doctor and pursue Johan alone.
Review
Set in Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall, this mystery manga exposes human sins hidden in the darkest corners of history. The story is highly accomplished, with an unpredictable and brilliant storyline, and a unique manga style that cannot be achieved in movies or novels. Who is the monster? What is a monster? The interpretation is left to the reader.