The Man Behind the Scalpel: Kenzo Tenma’s Surgeon Journey
Monster is a masterpiece in the manga world that has been penned by the exceptionally talented Naoki Urasawa. It dives deep into the life of Kenzo Tenma, a rising star in the field of surgery. However, his life takes a dark turn when he prioritizes a young boy over a VIP patient, a decision that has dire consequences. While Monster enjoys a significant following, it’s not quite as massive as some other seinen manga. For this reason, many intriguing details about the series are not widely known.
“This decision costs Tenma everything, and slowly he starts to lose all his assets, but more importantly, it leads to the beginning of something much more sinister.”
The High Cost of Creativity: Naoki Urasawa’s Balancing Act
Working in the world of manga can be exhausting, and that’s putting it mildly. Manga artists or ‘mangaka’ often have to deal with health issues due to the relentless pace of the industry. But Naoki Urasawa didn’t let this deter him.
“When Naoki Urasawa started working on Monster, he was already writing Happy! Once Happy! ended, Urasawa began another project; this time it was 20th Century Boys.”
It’s no small feat to juggle two projects simultaneously, especially with one being a weekly manga and the other semi-monthly. The challenge took its toll; Urasawa was eventually hospitalized from exhaustion. Nonetheless, the ability to manage both commitments is a testament to his unparalleled talent.
The Screenplay That Never Was: Guillermo del Toro’s Lost Opportunity
Monster seemed destined for the silver screen, or at least your home screen. Guillermo del Toro, a stalwart in the world of cinema, was set to direct the live-action adaptation for HBO. But dreams were shattered when the project came to a halt.
“Guillermo del Toro revealed that HBO had given up on the project and was sending it to other studios.”
The cancellation was a hard pill to swallow, considering del Toro’s reputation for crafting unique stories would have been an excellent fit for bringing Monster to life.
A New Lens: ‘Another Monster’ and The Tale Through a Reporter’s Eye
Monster primarily focuses on Kenzo Tenma and Johan Liebert, limiting the perspective to the main characters. But did you know that there’s a different angle to the story? Naoki Urasawa created a novel called ‘Another Monster.’
“The novel was published in 2002, and it allowed fans to see the story of the manga from the perspective of an investigative reporter.”
For ardent fans of the series, this is a must-read to gain additional insights into the lives and psyche of the characters.
The Prestige: ‘Monster’s’ Shelf Full of Awards
It’s not just the fan community that has lauded Monster; the manga has been recognized in various esteemed circles. Among its accomplishments are the Excellence Prize in the Manga Division, the 46th Shokugan Manga Award, and Best Series at the Lucca Comics Awards.
“Monster being one of them makes it truly special.”
The Price of Popularity: Limited Reach Despite High Sales
While Monster has sold over 20 million copies, making it one of the most popular manga series, there’s a catch. It hasn’t reached the heights of other manga like One Piece, Naruto, or My Hero Academia. Several reasons contribute to this, from its higher retail price to limited social media presence.
“The high price is off-putting for many people, and thus many people prefer not to buy it.”
What’s In an Idea? The Birth of ‘Monster’
Urasawa’s inspiration for Monster came from an unexpected source: an American TV show called ‘The Fugitive.’ The idea was initially shot down by his editor, but Urasawa, convinced of its potential, persisted.
“Naoki Urasawa’s inspiration for Monster was an American television series called The Fugitive.”
The result? A manga that not only captivated its audience but also earned critical acclaim, proving the editor wrong.
The Takeaway
The tale of Naoki Urasawa’s Monster is filled with dramatic turns, both within its pages and its real-life backstory. From juggling multiple projects to a shelved Hollywood adaptation, the saga behind Monster is as intriguing as the series itself. It remains an essential read, not just for manga enthusiasts but for anyone who appreciates a gripping narrative.
