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Naoki Urasawa's Monster #3
Naoki Urasawa's Monster, Volume 3: 511 Kinderheim
人の命を助けるはずのメスが、怪物を産み出すことになろうとは!! 激動のヨーロッパを舞台にした、戦慄のサイコ・サスペンスいよいよ発進。
204 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1996
36 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Naoki Urasawa
356 books2,800 followersUrasawa Naoki (浦沢直樹) is a Japanese mangaka. He is perhaps best known for Monster (which drew praise from Junot Díaz, the 2008 Pulitzer Prize winner) and 20th Century Boys.
Urasawa's work often concentrates on intricate plotting, interweaving narratives, a deep focus on character development and psychological complexity. Urasawa has won the Shogakukan Manga Award, the Japan Media Arts Festival excellence award, the Kodansha Manga Award and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize. In 2008 Urasawa accepted a guest teaching post at Nagoya Zokei University.
Series list (not including short stories collections):
- Pineapple ARMY (パイナップルARMY) 1985-1988, written by Kazuya Kudo;
- YAWARA! 1986-1993;
- Master Keaton (MASTERキートン) 1988-1994, written by Hokusei Katsushika;
- Happy! 1993-1999
- MONSTER 1994-2001
- 20th Century Boys (20世紀少年) 1999-2006
- 21st Century Boys (21世紀少年) 2007
- PLUTO 2003-2009, based on Tezuka Osamu's Tetsuwan Atom
- BILLY BAT 2008-2016
- Master Keaton Remaster (MASTERキートン Reマスター) 2012-2014
- Mujirushi (夢印-MUJIRUSHI-) 2017-2018, collaboration with Musée du Louvre
- Asadora! (連続漫画小説 あさドラ!) 2018-ongoing
Urasawa's work often concentrates on intricate plotting, interweaving narratives, a deep focus on character development and psychological complexity. Urasawa has won the Shogakukan Manga Award, the Japan Media Arts Festival excellence award, the Kodansha Manga Award and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize. In 2008 Urasawa accepted a guest teaching post at Nagoya Zokei University.
Series list (not including short stories collections):
- Pineapple ARMY (パイナップルARMY) 1985-1988, written by Kazuya Kudo;
- YAWARA! 1986-1993;
- Master Keaton (MASTERキートン) 1988-1994, written by Hokusei Katsushika;
- Happy! 1993-1999
- MONSTER 1994-2001
- 20th Century Boys (20世紀少年) 1999-2006
- 21st Century Boys (21世紀少年) 2007
- PLUTO 2003-2009, based on Tezuka Osamu's Tetsuwan Atom
- BILLY BAT 2008-2016
- Master Keaton Remaster (MASTERキートン Reマスター) 2012-2014
- Mujirushi (夢印-MUJIRUSHI-) 2017-2018, collaboration with Musée du Louvre
- Asadora! (連続漫画小説 あさドラ!) 2018-ongoing
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
March 31, 2025
Bueno, aquí finalmente hace aparición una de las figuras más importantes que empiezan a escarbar en el pasado de Johan: el Kinderheim 511, un orfanato en el que pasaron muchas cosas.
Y aparece uno de mis personajes preferidos y más queridos. El pequeño Dieter.🤍
Y aparece uno de mis personajes preferidos y más queridos. El pequeño Dieter.🤍
September 30, 2019
Whew! This volume was the emotional most intense so far. I don't want to think about this ' Kinderheim', but I can't stop it and I'm shivering.
On a side note: I adore the distinct and clean face drawings of Urasawa. His characters are so lively.
On a side note: I adore the distinct and clean face drawings of Urasawa. His characters are so lively.
August 31, 2024
This volume explores the origins of Johan becoming a Monster, starting from his time at the 511 Kinderheim orphanage.
Dr. Tenma then sets out on his journey with a young boy named Dieter, similar to a samurai story like Vagabond, where the master travels with his disciple.
Dr. Tenma then sets out on his journey with a young boy named Dieter, similar to a samurai story like Vagabond, where the master travels with his disciple.
February 12, 2016
Thrilling and intense action. I had to stay up past my bedtime to finish.
June 12, 2024
3.5 stars
We see Johan's early years and his time spent in the orphanage in volume 3. I have read a few stories where the protagonist is a demented orphan, and I always find it interesting to watch how they turn out or are saved. These kinds of people are conceited, thus it's interesting to observe the underlying ideologies.
This volume also revealed that Dr. Temma has a cute little friend in the form of a young boy, who allows us to see the happier and more upbeat side of Dr. Temma.
Detective Lunge is undoubtedly an intriguing guy, particularly in the scene where his family leaves him and he reacts blankly. It makes me question if individuals like this ever find happiness.
We see Johan's early years and his time spent in the orphanage in volume 3. I have read a few stories where the protagonist is a demented orphan, and I always find it interesting to watch how they turn out or are saved. These kinds of people are conceited, thus it's interesting to observe the underlying ideologies.
This volume also revealed that Dr. Temma has a cute little friend in the form of a young boy, who allows us to see the happier and more upbeat side of Dr. Temma.
Detective Lunge is undoubtedly an intriguing guy, particularly in the scene where his family leaves him and he reacts blankly. It makes me question if individuals like this ever find happiness.
December 12, 2022
I really like the direction this manga is going! All the new things we learn about Johan's past, about the orphanage he grew up in and what went on there? They were revealed in such a slow and ominous way. I also like Tenma's character arc. He's becoming less naive and more hardened, yet he's still compassionate and wants to see the best in people.
Really glad to have found this older manga series!
Really glad to have found this older manga series!
December 6, 2021
4.5 stars
July 31, 2018
Doing marathon on this captivating thriler.
August 27, 2023
best volume yet... I'm speechless it's just sooo good
July 9, 2021
An Erased Past (ch 17) was interesting enough, I suppose. Otto was such a fun, shady character, and I want to entertain his idea of Tenma becoming an underground doctor.
The exchange between Tenma and the sunflower man suggested that Johan did not only hire people to carry out his murder plans, but also actors who can play the role of a rich couple's son. Tenma also mentioned that he did not believe that a person's past can be erased. In chapter 7, Tenma told Junkers he believed in second chances. It is comforting to know that he believed in rehabilitation and restorative justice.
I am also confused by Johan now. I thought he killed "just because", but now it seems that it was a game to him.
I loved Lawyer's Law (ch 18). It was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Tenma initially refusing to treat the Lawyer worried me since he always stated that all lives were equal. He was afraid of saving another Johan- a monster with no regard for human lives. I was surprised he was not affected by the Lawyer saying that their cause was justified; I thought that the latter's line about viewing things from their perspective would lead Tenma to realize that he wanted to try to understand Johan and his motives. Anyway, I loved the moment when the Lawyer finally reached Tenma, and the latter emphasized the weight of his actions. I am briefly reminded of Mr. Bernhardt making a similar point regarding having the power to kill someone. This manga did an amazing job of weaving the difference between the power to kill (or failing to save a life) and the capacity to take a life into the story. (As exhibited by Mauler ramblings to Tenma in chapter 12.)
Other stuff of note in this chapter: I wished that the terrorism was alluded to before the terrorists were introduced similar to how the Lieberts were shown in the news at the beginning of the first chapter. Tenma's conviction and compassion were as admirable was ever. It was so sexy of him to be so unflinching in the face of death. I loved the image of the Lawyer resting under the tree (I wonder if Isayama wanted to paid homage to this when he drew Kenny's death). The ending seemed to be the start of a fun little partnership, and I am already dreading to see how it would end.
511 Kinderheim (ch 19) was fucking terrifying because of Hartmann. Not gonna lie, he was an even worse person than Johan Liebert to me because 1) it's people like him who raise children who grow up to be inhumane, and 2) he even put on a mask.
Fortunately for Mr. Hartmann's poor foster child Dieter, sweet Tenma was there. This man must be so loaded to be able to easily buy clocks and balls for his patients. Anyway, I need to know what happened with him and Heckel. And if he really did become a freelance journalist or if that was just a cover.
Assuming Mr. Hartmann's words were reliable, I am super intrigued by the revolution Johan led. The concept of genius orphans vaguely remind me of Zankyou no Terror and Death Note.
Project (ch 20) was interesting to say the least. I could hardly suspend my disbelief right now, but the idea of a battle royale-esque event occuring at 511 Kinderheim was indeed twisted, and I need to know more about Johan's and Hartmann's respective roles in it.
I am terrified for Dieter, and a part of me wants him to live happily ever after with Tenma once this is all over. There were so much dramatic panels with eerie close ups and shading here, but I am not complaining.
A Little Experiment (ch 21) had my heart pounding and breaking for Dieter. Fear was used to raise him, yet he was able to overcome it and found hope when Tenma showed him genuine compassion. I really did not expect Monster to be about the different lives he touched and changed. I thought I would see Tenma would take a life for the first time ever here and become a parallel of sorts to Mr. Bernhardt. It might be that he spared Hartmann's life (in spite knowing what he was capable of). Funnily and pathetically enough, it was Hartmann who needed Dieter after all.
I did not think that Monster would give me some cutesy fluff. Petra and Schumann (ch 22) was quite wholesome what with the generous Dr. Schumann who offered his services without expecting anything in return, and the precious bond developing between Tenma and Dieter.
Goddamn. I really enjoyed this storyline starring Dr. Schumann; I hope I'll see more of him later on. Petra and Heinz (ch 23) had some heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. The theme of second chances and perhaps preventive action persist. I loved the final scene and the last panels so so much!
The Only Man Left (ch 24) was definitely interesting. Although admittedly, I am not too sure what to make of it. Inspector Lunge felt hard to figure out, and the case with Boltzmann and the prostitute was confusing. I did get the sense that Lunge fixated on his cases and regarded them as puzzles to solve; however, he not so much tried to figure out the mystery as desperately tried to prove why his conjecture was correct through underhanded means. I almost felt for him and his declining career and home life, but the man was too unfazed.
I wonder about his theory that Johan Liebert was just someone that Tenma made up. It seems plausible enough to me since Tenma said some stuff that felt like non-truths prior to this: he said he was a freelance journalist, and that Anna Liebert was thriving in Hiedelberg. That made him unreliable, right?
This whole volume felt so episodic. It was quite strange for a story that revolved around a neurosurgeon who revived a monster to have mini arcs revolving around acts of kindness and moments of softness. I think I like it though because the storylines here highlighted the kinder side of human nature, the value of "nurture", and the possibility of redemption/atonement and forgiveness. Also, Naoki Urasawa's dramatic zooms and close-ups are so good.
The exchange between Tenma and the sunflower man suggested that Johan did not only hire people to carry out his murder plans, but also actors who can play the role of a rich couple's son. Tenma also mentioned that he did not believe that a person's past can be erased. In chapter 7, Tenma told Junkers he believed in second chances. It is comforting to know that he believed in rehabilitation and restorative justice.
I am also confused by Johan now. I thought he killed "just because", but now it seems that it was a game to him.
I loved Lawyer's Law (ch 18). It was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Tenma initially refusing to treat the Lawyer worried me since he always stated that all lives were equal. He was afraid of saving another Johan- a monster with no regard for human lives. I was surprised he was not affected by the Lawyer saying that their cause was justified; I thought that the latter's line about viewing things from their perspective would lead Tenma to realize that he wanted to try to understand Johan and his motives. Anyway, I loved the moment when the Lawyer finally reached Tenma, and the latter emphasized the weight of his actions. I am briefly reminded of Mr. Bernhardt making a similar point regarding having the power to kill someone. This manga did an amazing job of weaving the difference between the power to kill (or failing to save a life) and the capacity to take a life into the story. (As exhibited by Mauler ramblings to Tenma in chapter 12.)
Other stuff of note in this chapter: I wished that the terrorism was alluded to before the terrorists were introduced similar to how the Lieberts were shown in the news at the beginning of the first chapter. Tenma's conviction and compassion were as admirable was ever. It was so sexy of him to be so unflinching in the face of death. I loved the image of the Lawyer resting under the tree (I wonder if Isayama wanted to paid homage to this when he drew Kenny's death). The ending seemed to be the start of a fun little partnership, and I am already dreading to see how it would end.
511 Kinderheim (ch 19) was fucking terrifying because of Hartmann. Not gonna lie, he was an even worse person than Johan Liebert to me because 1) it's people like him who raise children who grow up to be inhumane, and 2) he even put on a mask.
Fortunately for Mr. Hartmann's poor foster child Dieter, sweet Tenma was there. This man must be so loaded to be able to easily buy clocks and balls for his patients. Anyway, I need to know what happened with him and Heckel. And if he really did become a freelance journalist or if that was just a cover.
Assuming Mr. Hartmann's words were reliable, I am super intrigued by the revolution Johan led. The concept of genius orphans vaguely remind me of Zankyou no Terror and Death Note.
Project (ch 20) was interesting to say the least. I could hardly suspend my disbelief right now, but the idea of a battle royale-esque event occuring at 511 Kinderheim was indeed twisted, and I need to know more about Johan's and Hartmann's respective roles in it.
I am terrified for Dieter, and a part of me wants him to live happily ever after with Tenma once this is all over. There were so much dramatic panels with eerie close ups and shading here, but I am not complaining.
A Little Experiment (ch 21) had my heart pounding and breaking for Dieter. Fear was used to raise him, yet he was able to overcome it and found hope when Tenma showed him genuine compassion. I really did not expect Monster to be about the different lives he touched and changed. I thought I would see Tenma would take a life for the first time ever here and become a parallel of sorts to Mr. Bernhardt. It might be that he spared Hartmann's life (in spite knowing what he was capable of). Funnily and pathetically enough, it was Hartmann who needed Dieter after all.
I did not think that Monster would give me some cutesy fluff. Petra and Schumann (ch 22) was quite wholesome what with the generous Dr. Schumann who offered his services without expecting anything in return, and the precious bond developing between Tenma and Dieter.
Goddamn. I really enjoyed this storyline starring Dr. Schumann; I hope I'll see more of him later on. Petra and Heinz (ch 23) had some heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. The theme of second chances and perhaps preventive action persist. I loved the final scene and the last panels so so much!
The Only Man Left (ch 24) was definitely interesting. Although admittedly, I am not too sure what to make of it. Inspector Lunge felt hard to figure out, and the case with Boltzmann and the prostitute was confusing. I did get the sense that Lunge fixated on his cases and regarded them as puzzles to solve; however, he not so much tried to figure out the mystery as desperately tried to prove why his conjecture was correct through underhanded means. I almost felt for him and his declining career and home life, but the man was too unfazed.
I wonder about his theory that Johan Liebert was just someone that Tenma made up. It seems plausible enough to me since Tenma said some stuff that felt like non-truths prior to this: he said he was a freelance journalist, and that Anna Liebert was thriving in Hiedelberg. That made him unreliable, right?
This whole volume felt so episodic. It was quite strange for a story that revolved around a neurosurgeon who revived a monster to have mini arcs revolving around acts of kindness and moments of softness. I think I like it though because the storylines here highlighted the kinder side of human nature, the value of "nurture", and the possibility of redemption/atonement and forgiveness. Also, Naoki Urasawa's dramatic zooms and close-ups are so good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2020
4.5'tan 5.
cidden çok iyi ilerliyor, hayran kaldım.
cidden çok iyi ilerliyor, hayran kaldım.
January 12, 2023
in a world where suffering and pain is all there is.. there is a tiny speck of hope ✨😔🙏🏻
July 10, 2023
We learn alot about Johan's past here, and get more characters and side plots. I'm interested to see more about Anna/Nina and her arc.
Check out my YouTube channel for bookish videos and monthly wrap ups!
Check out my YouTube channel for bookish videos and monthly wrap ups!
July 30, 2019
Man this is getting more and more complex. Another great volume. Dr. Tenma and Dieter move forward in their journey to find Johan aka The Monster.
April 2, 2015
Deep backstory now as a natural consequence of the good doctor's snooping in east germany, and now we're getting into the really creepy shit and imagery that is so uniquely japanese. You know, a little kid with a delighted smile sitting on a throne at the top of the stairs at an orphanage, watching how he had convinced 50 kids in an orphanage to rip each other apart. Classy stuff. Quite sick, but tastefully done. If such a thing can be done, of course.
We as readers were given the courtesy to see it at a distance of 15 years further down the line, only being brought up during an emotionally tense moment. It was perfect.
We as readers were given the courtesy to see it at a distance of 15 years further down the line, only being brought up during an emotionally tense moment. It was perfect.
June 16, 2024
نرى السنوات الأولى ليوهان والوقت الذي قضاه في دار الأيتام في المجلد الثالث.
لقد قرأت بعض ال��صص حيث يكون بطل الرواية يتيمًا مجنونًا، وأجد دائمًا أنه من المثير للاهتمام مشاهدة كيف يتحولون أو يتم إنقاذهم. هذا النوع من الناس مغرور، لذلك من المثير للاهتمام ملاحظة الأيديولوجيات الأساسية.
كشف هذا المجلد أيضًا أن الدكتور تينما لديه صديق صغير لطيف، صبي صغير، مما يسمح لنا برؤية الجانب الأكثر سعادة وتفاؤلًا للدكتور تينما.
المحقق لونج هو بلا شك رجل مثير للاهتمام، خاصة في المشهد الذي تتركه فيه عائلته ويتفاعل بشكل فارغ. يجعلني أتساءل عما إذا كان الاشخاص الذين مثله يجدون السعادة على الإطلاق؟؟!!
لقد قرأت بعض ال��صص حيث يكون بطل الرواية يتيمًا مجنونًا، وأجد دائمًا أنه من المثير للاهتمام مشاهدة كيف يتحولون أو يتم إنقاذهم. هذا النوع من الناس مغرور، لذلك من المثير للاهتمام ملاحظة الأيديولوجيات الأساسية.
كشف هذا المجلد أيضًا أن الدكتور تينما لديه صديق صغير لطيف، صبي صغير، مما يسمح لنا برؤية الجانب الأكثر سعادة وتفاؤلًا للدكتور تينما.
المحقق لونج هو بلا شك رجل مثير للاهتمام، خاصة في المشهد الذي تتركه فيه عائلته ويتفاعل بشكل فارغ. يجعلني أتساءل عما إذا كان الاشخاص الذين مثله يجدون السعادة على الإطلاق؟؟!!
April 30, 2025
2025 Reread:
I'd say this is the perfect example of a manga... but not only that - it's the perfect example of a thriller. Yes it's told in pictures but it's so compelling, intricately plotted and paced. Bone-chilling and creepy, compelling, twisty, and with real moments of humanity. The real deal.
2017 Reread:
A lot of really good developments and big reveals in this one.
I'd say this is the perfect example of a manga... but not only that - it's the perfect example of a thriller. Yes it's told in pictures but it's so compelling, intricately plotted and paced. Bone-chilling and creepy, compelling, twisty, and with real moments of humanity. The real deal.
2017 Reread:
A lot of really good developments and big reveals in this one.
February 8, 2016
Another fun fast read of Dr. Tenma's silly to have checked out one at a time from the library
June 3, 2017
Still a plot I'm not convinced with, but I found this volume really interesting. We learned more things about the twins' pasts and I enjoyed to follow Tenma in his investigation. As usual, some parts were uncomfortable to read, with evil characters, but the village doctor and the boy were a nice addition who balanced the whole.
September 9, 2023
September 2023. The first volumes of a famous thriller manga series about a doctor who performs lifesaving brain surgery on a child, only to later find out he’s grown up to be a serial killer. The doctor feels responsible for him living to become what he has and tries to find him to stop him.
This was excellent! Highly recommend! I’ve read Vol 1-4 and am waiting to get more from the library. Absolutely has earned its classic status from what I’ve read so far. I’m done with 4/18 so far so I’m very excited to see what twists and turns are coming down the road for it.
Naoki Urasawa’s Monster (Vol 1-4).
This was excellent! Highly recommend! I’ve read Vol 1-4 and am waiting to get more from the library. Absolutely has earned its classic status from what I’ve read so far. I’m done with 4/18 so far so I’m very excited to see what twists and turns are coming down the road for it.
Naoki Urasawa’s Monster (Vol 1-4).
June 14, 2018
Meh...…...not as crazy about this one...……..it has deviated so far from the first book. I'm sure everything gets tied together in the next 15 books but it just seems a bit excessive. Doubt I'll keep reading.
August 22, 2022
Ku di une.
Kenma great doctor.
Ai kalamani pat pat.
Detektivi shume boss, e tradhetoi gruaja, cupa me barr, e se rruajti fare kur iken, kinda gay fakti qe eshte fiksuar aq shume me Kenmen, but who am I to judge.
Kenma great doctor.
Ai kalamani pat pat.
Detektivi shume boss, e tradhetoi gruaja, cupa me barr, e se rruajti fare kur iken, kinda gay fakti qe eshte fiksuar aq shume me Kenmen, but who am I to judge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2017
Todo se pone cada vez más complejo e interesante. Creo que la única fora de no quedarte con las ganas de seguir leyendo es comprarse todos los tomos de una 😭
May 12, 2020
Very captivating and the story is developing. Dieter and Tenma are a good duo.
January 2, 2021
Love it
June 25, 2022
4,5 ⭐️
July 12, 2022
4.5
Dr. Tenma’s shaping up to be one of my favorite characters in manga.
Dr. Tenma’s shaping up to be one of my favorite characters in manga.
August 9, 2022
muito bom
February 1, 2023
dieter is the cutest
March 8, 2023
Wow this is such an interesting manga…it’s getting so good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews