Monster モンスター Fantastic!

I started Monster モンスター by URASAWA Naoki 浦沢直樹.  I was riveted and can’t wait for the rest of the series.  Unfortunately, VIZ Signature isn’t putting out these kanzenban in a timely manner, so it may take several years to get out the 9 kanzenban. 

Monster takes place in Germany – both before and after the Berlin wall is dismantled and is about twins, a serial killer, a genius doctor, a BKA detective, and others.  Of course, they all think the serial killer is the monster.  And because the serial killer is someone no one expects, but some know, those in the know are either killed, except for two, and one of the two in the know is blamed for the killings.  The two that know who it is and aren’t killed may turn into monsters themselves by hunting him down, and the detective is also becoming a monster in a way with his closed mind, maybe by the end of the series it will show society as one of the monsters.  So, the monster seems to be making other monsters, but this is just a first impression from the first volume.

This is a great, classic and award winner by an important history making mangaka.

 

Nijigahara Holograph 虹ケ原ホログラフ

Nijigahara Holograph 虹ケ原ホログラフ by ASANO Inio 浅野いにお published by Quick Japan (Ohta Shuppan) & Fantagraphics – definitely worth a read – if you don’t mind the unusual (at least for manga published in English in the US) and not a happy ending.  It’s more philosophy and impressions creating an interesting story.

Butterflies                 symbology                  murder                                          incest            cycle of violence               abusive families                Zhuangzi  莊子                 butterflies                  Mental Illness           coma              circling                                      spiraling            rape                                                seinen               bullying             Plato            monster               tunnel                   urban legend     thrown down a well                                           painting               dreams                 butterflies                  more butterflies                          school                          real meaning of Nijigahara confused and revealed                                  hospital       stars                    blood                                                                 non-linear                        darkness           violence                                  magic box                                                         end of world                                                                                                    glowing butterflies                    moonlight                               rain                   Hana Ichi Monme 花一匁                                                                                                                                            We’re so happy we won, hana ichi monme
We’re so upset we lost, hana ichi monme                                                         suicide                     butterflies                 sunset                 cyclical    kudan (cow with human face)