Yeah I agree somewhat with that criticism, the production design and art style looked pretty dated. Madhouse has a weakness for character designs, but they’re always great with backgrounds - the bustling cityscape of Germany was at times amazing (for being a few years old). I expected the overall production values to be higher though, to be honest. Eva Heinemann with her glazed and strange looking eyes looked like one of those creepy dolls - The designs and colors in some cases were drab and not very authentic.
Still, the Hitchcock-ian drama (now I know why slow was so interested in the manga) and with the morality elements of the storyline as another layer was extremely interesting. Can’t wait to see how the storyline and drama elements will unfold.
This may become the best Anime on TV perhaps, but that remains to be seen with more episodes. So far, so good though. Easily the best Anime Syfy has had.
I wasn’t to worried about the art design. It was made almost 20 years ago, so I expected it to be less than perfect. I really enjoyed the first 2 episodes. It really got to the heart of how money, for some, trumps all. It should be interesting to see what happens next week. I didn’t expect to see that ending.
Slick
Oops, so it started in 2004, sorry. I must have been looking at the manga start date. So, maybe the design doesn’t reflect the times. Perhaps they did this on purpose, because it certainly looks like it was made many years ago. I still don’t mind the art. The story started out strong.
Slick
I was reminded a little of Hell Girl as well. I like the story so far. Enjoyed the struggle of Tenma’s conscience and morals vs. the greed and disregard for life that the Director and his daughter display. I love how the backgrounds were done as well, but I am not crazy about the character style. However, I think that the story will more than make up for it. Both episodes ended on a note of suspense, which I agree is very much like Hitchcock. I’m intrigued by the mystery of the children and can’t wait to see how it plays out.
Dragoon – I agree with your description of Eva as a creepy doll. But, for me, it almost felt intentional. It made her seem even more cold and unfeeling – just like an image of a rich society doll that you can dress in pretty clothes and take to parties. She is more interested in wealth and position than anything else. She was arrogant, stuck-up and more concerned with a dress than the Hungarian man’s life. And as soon as Tenma lost his position, she dropped him and moved on very quickly, proving that she never had any feelings for Tenma. Just like a plastic doll.
The same goes for the Director and Dr. Becker. The way the Director is drawn reminds me of the way a greedy, lazy person that is only concerned with his own position should look. And Dr. Becker looks like the slimy yes-man that just goes with the flow.
Oh yeah, it’s intentional - I don’t remember saying otherwise - which to me is the problem… Well not really a problem as much as a commentary on, could’ve been better aesthetically.
Dude not even close to the best series SyFy had. Let us not forget the masterpeice that is Now and Then, Here and There. So far I rank that much higher then this. It’s such a powerful, moving story, with some great themes and statements, and makes you question your own morals. That show is perfect, or at least nearly perfect. This is a very good show, so far though, but I can’t tell too much more from just the first few episodes and first volume of the manga. 20th Century Boys feels much less forced then this did, although that took longer to get the meat then this does. That did feel very personal for Urasawa and more natural though. So far I think I like that more then this, just because of the way the story is told with all the time skips and how everything is still kep together nicely, and it has a great mystery.
As for the character designs, I thought they were great. I like the style. As for the overall art and animation I do agree it didn’t live up to what I had imagined, it’s still quite good, especially the backgrounds (Germany looks amazing!). There was one scene (at the party I think) where everything looked overly simple and really bad looking for a second or two. But overall it’s quite nice.
Well 2 epidsodes down, 72 to go. So far not really very suspenseful… I like it, but where’s that suspense I hear about?
NTHT was and is very good but it’s not my favorite. I do agree though so far, NTHT is far more potent in the drama aspect, so far Monster is nowhere as gripping as say Death Note, which was oft-cited as twins in terms of the suspense.
I read it. I’d prefer to wait til a few more episodes to comment on the dub though, often the first episodes are VAs getting used to their roles. It had some great elements and some not so great elements in that regard.
Well NTHT is a favorite of mine hehe. It’s the true masterpeice SyFy aired. And yes the suspense in Death Note is much better by this time. I was already on the edge of my seat by the end of episode 2. Perhaps this is taking more time to set everything up or something? Because so far Death Note is much more thrilling and gripping. This does however have some good drama, and I always like a kick ass doctor.
As for the dub, like I said before I have a few slight problems with it, but I thought it was top notch. Not nearly as good as say Death Note, Black Lagoon, or Nana though (at least yet. Like you said it takes time for the actors to get used to their roles). I was expecting a dub much like those, or perhaps something more like Paranoia Agent or Ergo Proxy. So far all those were better, but this is still very strong. Some minor actors seem to be under-acting at times though, which is a little problem. Nothing big tho…
As far as the suspense goes, I really think some Death Note in-your-face music would have really done wonders here. But we will see. Perhaps the plot alone will carry it, although that will be a bit tough, especially at the rate we are going. But the show it’s self is quite good. No suspense, but quite good as a regular show.
Yeah Death Note’s music was fantastic in both quality and evoking emotions. I spoke a great deal about that when we all were watching Death Note in this forum during the AS broadcast. The production values of that were just through the roof.
This one seems a bit more atmospheric so far, but we’ll see.
It’s already coming out that Viz edited (for the worse) and changed music stuff up, so I have no idea if our disappointments may be due to that or not ( I have not seen the original nor do I have the original soundtrack to Monster)… but geez, when will Viz stop doing their recent mangling of their titles.
I have to agree with you on NTHN Prede. It was a true masterpiece. Also, TTGL was awesome. I loved that show. Monster has some true potential. I’m already hooked, after just one episode.
Slick
Ah I’m glad you agree with me on that Dragoon. You are right, production values were through the roof on Death Note, which is surprising considering it’s a bit longer then your average show. This show is much more atmospheric that is correct.
As for the edits, the only reason I can find for it happening, is they couldn’t get the rights to all the background music, so they had to change things around. Rights for music can be quite confuseing, complicated and expensive at times. If this was a rights issue, I’d be ok with it, but be nice if they told us. Same with Nana. It’s anoying, but I’ll live. Although it wouldn’t surprise me if part of my problem with the background music in this show was due to the changes Viz made.
Slick: Ah glad you agree with me about NTHT. That’s a true masterpeice. One of a kind kinda title in my eyes.Monster does have some real potential though.
Prede I’m putting you in charge of the NTHT fanclub of Anime Network. Your mission is to get people to buy the ADV DVD! Only like 2 people here bought it. (and not because they had the CPM release) ;(
Haha thank you . I own the CPM release and bought the ADV release anyway. Did you buy it? It’s my second favorite series, right up there with Kino’s Journey, FLCL and NGE IMO.
It’s a 2004-2005 anime.
