Monster

[Rukida]

... 'coz it's so underappreciated, but so awesome. I can hardly find fanworks or offical images beside the manga covers for it ;___;.

Any speculations or stuff on it?

[Vicious]

Monster is one of my favorite mangas. I agree that it's underappreciated.

People should really check out this manga.

Anyways, I don't know why it's so unpopular.

[Rukida]

*looks wistfully at it* Mebbe it's 'coz it doesn't have kick-butt action like Naruto...

... but Death Note doesn't have kick-butt action, and it's really popular....

DUDE!! We must promote the coolness known as Monster!!

[Alexzyuy]

Yes, I agree. I finally got the first volume of it after months of waiting. I thought it was going to be out in November... *waves banner in support of Monster* :D

[hagekure]

Monster is one of my favorite mangas. I agree that it's underappreciated.

People should really check out this manga.

Anyways, I don't know why it's so unpopular.

It's not unpopular, but it's an adult title. Many adult title isn't going to have the same fanbased as the shonen Jump title like Naruto, Bleach or even Death Note.

Monster been getting all high score from every reviewers, but people rather read something lame like School Rumble. Viz also ran an ad for it on G4 TV. I can say there are a lot of adult title like Planetes and Dead End that are underappreciate in this day when shonen and shoujo title are dominient.

[Vicious]

It's not unpopular, but it's an adult title. Many adult title isn't going to have the same fanbased as the shonen Jump title like Naruto, Bleach or even Death Note.

Monster been getting all high score from every reviewers, but people rather read something lame like School Rumble. Viz also ran an ad for it on G4 TV. I can say there are a lot of adult title like Planetes and Dead End that are underappreciate in this day when shonen and shoujo title are dominient.
*shudder* I'm sorry I have to disagree with you there. I know this is all a matter of opinion but School Rumble is not lame. It's a hilarious and cute series that I've grown very fond of. I mean it's right next to my Monster manga.

But uh, anyways, like Rukida said, "We must promote the coolness known as Monster."

[Libby]

It's not unpopular, but it's an adult title. Many adult title isn't going to have the same fanbased as the shonen Jump title like Naruto, Bleach or even Death Note.

Agreed. It's like how you don't get fanfic for Shindler's List. ^_^

[nikitia]

i like the magna too, but the med language hurts my head, i may have to keep that medical dictonary close by when i read the next one

[SweetNymph]

Where is it unpopular? In America? You have to remember that in these backwards Western cultures, comics are considered childish by most, and many adults who aren't collectors or long-time manga readers wouldn't even touch a comic, even if it IS meant for adults.

[crispy]

Monster has an awesome plot -- it's one of the fewer, more original pieces to come out of Japan in recent years.

[nikitia]

canada just started releasing them again back in i think febuary, it just had vol 2 out, it just need more time, and more time for people to hear about it. i only picked it up cause i read anime insider and they mentioned it, and that it was great.

[petermilko]

i must agree. monster is very intelligent. im looking for series similar to this one. something thought-provoking and geared towards a more mature or dark audience. any ideas?

[chriswithchrist]

I haven't heard of it, but it does sound interesting.:cool:

[Iblis]

i must agree. monster is very intelligent. im looking for series similar to this one. something thought-provoking and geared towards a more mature or dark audience. any ideas?

20th Century Boys, by the same author. :D It's not due until 2007 though, so you'll be waiting a while.

[hagekure]

20th Century Boys, by the same author. :D It's not due until 2007 though, so you'll be waiting a while.

Actually it's been solicited Oct 3.2006 in Amazon.


Basically Monster is an seinen manga, so it has an even more limited appeal. For a seinen manga, it doesn't have a lot of action like berserk so most adults might pass on these type comic. Monster doesn't really appeal to kids either - no cool looking spikey hair japanese character or super power with crazy weapon and techniques.

On the other hand, a similar title like Death Note target both kids and adult, and with the "shonen jump" label, it has a much broader appeal. It's just annoying that all these DH fanboy keep screming that DH is the most intelligent book ever when it seem like Ohba is making the rules as he go online.

i must agree. monster is very intelligent. im looking for series similar to this one. something thought-provoking and geared towards a more mature or dark audience. any ideas?

If you're looking for intelligent thought-provoking seinen manga, than I recommend 2 title from Tokyopop: Dragon Head and Telepathic Wanderer.

[SaiRong]

I love Monster. With it's grounding in the real world and slow-burn thriller atmosphere, I think it's one of those titles that would appeal to non-manga fans if they gave it a chance. Hopefully it will pick up in popularity as more volumes are released.

[bleachedgantz]

I love monster the manga, the anime it is done very well too.

[nikitia]

i didn't know there was an anime, i gotta keep an eye out for that

[hagekure]

Well hopefully people here will support the manga so Viz will release all 18 volume of it. Can't wait for 20th Century Boy.

[mangaguy]

Monster is kickass.
So is 20th Century Boy, as Iblis mentions.

They're both the best "mystery" manga and drama filled manga I've ever read.

[shadowmose]

I just read the first three volumes and wow, it is so good. I picked up at the bookstore to see what the fuss is about and it blew me away. What Dr.Tenma's girlfriend said "Human life isn't equal", I was like damn, that's cold.
When the parents of the twins got killed, I thought it Nina who killed them. I was thinking that she was programmed to kill her parents if they defected to the west. Boy, I was wrong. I am curious in how Johan knew the doctors were going to eat the poisoned candies? I liked in how Johan was messed up before even arriving at the special orphanage. The scene of Johan on the chair watching the mayham happening reminded me of Akira, when the Akira was on a throne. I can't wait to read the next volume. :D

[Vicious]

I just picked up Vol. 3 of Mosnter and Inspector Lunge really does kick ass! I mean it COULD be true, that Dr. Tenma might be Johan (with a split personality and all). So yeah Lunge is my favorite character. Sadly, we don't get to see Johan or his sister in this Vol. >_<

EDIT: Heh then again I know I'm wrong. Dr. Tenma surely doesn't have a split personality but I would probably have thought the same thing if I was in Lunge's shoes. o_o yeah.

[ddr tatsujin]

I'd say that this is the best manga out there right now. It's the only one that I waited until it was translated by TP for.

[petermilko]

just got volume 3. i think its great, and the pacing is dead on.

i also have a pet peeve against manga volumes coming out 3-4 months paart. thats quite ridiuclous to see 3 new issues released a whole year, like the pace of Beck and samurai deeper kyo right now.

anyways, ive seen 3 volumes of monster come out in 4-5 months. pretty quick release, probably due to the fact that the series is complete.

yet why is a new volume of "naruto" coming out every 3 months. volume 11 will be out in september?! ridiculous.

[Iblis]

We wouldn't want to catch up with Naruto's current volume now, would we? Note that in Japan it's released at a rate of 1 volume every 3-4 months. No exceptions for less space between releases.

[Shizu-san]

Darn these Monster volumes, making me despertately want to know what happens next. Ugh. Waiting for volume 4 now... anyone know its release date?

[shadowmose]

I think its coming out in Aug. because I think it's being released every two months.

According to Amazon, Vol.5 is coming out in Oct and vol. 6 in Dec.

Vol.1 Feb
Vol.2 Apr
Vol.3 June
Vol.4 Aug ???
Vol.5 Oct
Vol. 6 Dec

[hagekure]

just got volume 3. i think its great, and the pacing is dead on.

i also have a pet peeve against manga volumes coming out 3-4 months paart. thats quite ridiuclous to see 3 new issues released a whole year, like the pace of Beck and samurai deeper kyo right now.

anyways, ive seen 3 volumes of monster come out in 4-5 months. pretty quick release, probably due to the fact that the series is complete.

yet why is a new volume of "naruto" coming out every 3 months. volume 11 will be out in september?! ridiculous.

It's easy, blame it on the market (demand). If not enough people are buying BECK, they have no reason to release it faster. Putting 3 or 4 month in between give it time to sell. Nothing worst than releasing it too fast, losing money and canceling the title all together. Companies need to pace themself, especially for slow seller. From a fan perspective, of course you want to get all the title as fast as possible---it's human nature. From a business perpsective, they have to market their title correctly and think about long term for its survival and profitability.

And Naruto is serialized in Shonen Jump Magazine. Manga are collected once all the chapter are release. Naruto sells really well and is actually help promoting Shonen Jump Magazine subscription. Unless Naruto stop being seralized in SJ, it won't get a faster release.

And if you think about it, most manga in Japan are relase in a 3-4 month span anyways, so we really got nothing to complain about. Just be happy that some title are bi-monthly.

[EvilTim]

I agree with hagekure, altough my i'd be lying if I said I don't desperatly want to read them now (which I do!). Though I do find it kind of offensive that naruto ( which in my opinion was okay-sub par) is released faster than a masterpiece like Monster.







"Now farewell to kindness, humanity, gratitude," said he. "Farewell to all the sentiments which rejoice in the heart. I have played the part of Providence in recompensing the good, may the god of vengeance now permit me to punish the wicked!"
-Le Comte De Monte Cristo

[shadowmose]

A guy over at Animenewsnetwork has posted an in-depth analysis and summary of Monster. It's long but makes for good reading. Check it out here (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/bbs/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=26118)

[takethebackseat]

Pardon the joke, but Monster is scary good.

._.

[Cowboychamploo44]

I like Monster. Makes my brain a little wierded out but it's still a good manga.

[elisegrey]

I loved Monster - I missed out on a whole night's sleep to finish it in the two days before I had to go on hoiday. :D

The way Urasawa raises the tension throughout . . . just gave me the shivers. It's a pity the ending didn't really live up to the preceding volumes' promise. Although after such a build-up, any ending would have seemed anti-climactic, I suppose.

[Cowboychamploo44]

I have the first 4 volumes and i'm lovin' it so far...

[Iblis]

It's a pity the ending didn't really live up to the preceding volumes' promise. Although after such a build-up, any ending would have seemed anti-climactic, I suppose.

I thought the ending was a bit of a letdown as well, but it was still great. I guess that's what the novel(s?) are for. Still haven't read them, but I'll get around to it someday.

[elisegrey]

I thought the ending was a bit of a letdown as well, but it was still great. I guess that's what the novel(s?) are for. Still haven't read them, but I'll get around to it someday.
That dream sequence with Johann, when he suddenly sat up asdflsajk... freaked me out something rotten, even though it was such a cliche.

That whole 'Another Monster' thing? Did that get licensed as well, or is it still just the online translation for now?

Yeah, weirdly, once I finished Monster and noticed the whole text-continuation (/fictionalised case-files) thing, I just never got around to actually reading it. Perhaps I'm just all Monster-ed out, after so many volumes, and such an emotional roller-coaster . . .

[Shizu-san]

Wait, the fourth volume is already out? I've been looking in my local bookstores and haven't found any copies. When was it released?

[Vicious]

I haven't seen the 4th volume out at my local Borders. o_o Lucky people getting early shipment of mangas. >_>

Anyways, I feel like checking out the anime so I'm just going to buy the imported complete colletion of this series. Up to 72 episodes eh? Wow. For merely $20 (on ebay) Double wow.

[Iblis]

Yeah, and it's a bootleg. If you're going to do that, do yourself (and the fansubbers who don't want their work sold) a favor and save yourself $20 by finding somewhere to download it.

[nikitia]

the 4th is due the end of august i think every 2 months i think a new one is relesased here. i'm moody about it right now, i can't buy more manga until november (saving) and the third one is impossible to find in bookstores lately (and i usually buy them the day they release too.)

[SaiRong]

I am trying to par down the amount of manga I buy. Right now there are only two series I buy as soon as they come out: Monster and Kare Kano. But at least they are both really good series. Can't wait for volume four. I hope we get to see Nina, I like her.