2 replies to this topic

[clamzoopa]

So I've just started reading this. I started with Billy Bat, then read 20th/21st Century boys and love the works of Urasawa, but I'm having trouble getting into this.

Spoiler

Is this really going to be ANOTHER story where the antagonist has connections in law enforcement agencies? I can't take that. i was hoping this would be different and he was just going to go after Johan and would quasi-work with Lunge (can't quite recall his name, but type-writer head), not have to deal with interference, again. Without too many spoilers, will it mostly get back to the one-on-one battle between doctor and patient? Are there more interesting elements to come in to the story so corrupt authorities don't matter so much, or am I stuck reading the same sotry with different characters and motivation?

[Ozen]

I wouldn't give up just yet. It gets pretty interesting.

I mostly just like the storytelling aesthetic. There are lots of characters, all of whom are interesting and lifelike, if a little archetypal. Johan's the best villain I've read in years, if ever. To answer your question, no, Monster isn't focused on just Tenma and Johan. Apparently I'm not very well-versed in manga, but, for what it's worth, I was impressed.

[clamzoopa]

Yeah, I said screw it and kept reading, and was glad that I did. I think it's more critcally acclaimed, but I think I might have like 20th Century Boys a little more.