[Categories: Manga Reviews]
Monster volume 2: Tragedy in Heidelberg
The second volume of Monster introduces more of the series’ immensely varied supporting cast, most notably Johan’s twin sister.The story shifts to the town of Heidelberg, where Tenma is convinced that Johan is trying to contact her. She turns out to be a bright young law student who has grown up as Nina Fortner, living with adoptive parents and unaware of her past.
It is clear very early on that behind the outward appearances of normality Nina feels the effects of the severe trauma that happened years previously: she is seeking counselling for terrifying nightmares and even a seemingly innocent lecture concerning certain criminal case studies brings about unpleasant flashbacks. For all this, Nina is a pleasant, intelligent and engaging character who is very unlike the calculating, psychopathic twin brother that she can scarcely remember. Considering the significance she has later on, Nina’s character is introduced very well and the reader can quickly build an impression of what sort of person she is.
Johan’s mechanations behind the scenes are also evident, as we see the extent of his influence on the actions of those around him. It appears that he can manipulate other people as he sees fit: not even the police are immune from his mysteriously persuasive nature. What is not at all clear however is the larger plan that he has in store. Like a skilled chess player, seemingly random moves on Johan’s part give no indication on the big picture beyond the fact that he is both evil to the core and frighteningly adept at everything he does.
Following Johan as always is Tenma, who will need every ounce of the determination he shows in this volume in order to get closer to the truth. Lunge is following him with an equal amount of tenacity, his conviction of Tenma’s alleged guilt blinding him to any other possible explantations for the strange events that are unfolding. Urasawa once again shows his ability to spin a twisting yarn that delivers dark, frightening shocks and a meticulously crafted story. It’s just a shame that there isn’t anything else around right now that can compare with Monster’s realism, moral questioning and all-round intelligence.
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