Naoki Urasawa is a genius behind the script as he is capable of coming up with great stories coupled with amazing twists and well rounded characters that draw the audience into the worlds created. His anime adaptations are well known to build tension, suspense and, added psychological aspect which can make them the best watch for any anime lover. In this article, some of Urasawa’s most intense stories are highlighted so that one would feel thrilled just reading the synopsis.
1. Monster: A Psychological Thriller Like No Other
Of all the titles that Naoki Urasawa has worked on “Monster” is undoubtedly the pinnacle of it. This is a psychological thriller which revolves around the life of Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon who has only five hours of operating experience when he faces what is going to become one of the most crucial choices in the course of his life. Tenma decides to save a little boy named Johan Liebert against the mayor of the town and as it turns out the young man is not only not an ordinary child, but a murderer who committed a number of most gruesome crimes.
The strength in that program [Monster] is in its long, detailed, measured pacing, which constructs it over 74 parts. This work of Urasawa is as thought-provoking as it is eerie; the author unplumbs the subjects of morality, guilt and true nature of evil through the characters intricately developed and the premise as complex as it is fascinating. Tenma’s chase of Johan and the reverse is fascinating and this coupled with an unpredictable script, keeps the audience at the edge of their seats. “Monster” is not just an anime show but it is a fascinating look inside the monster all of us have within. You can watch Monster on Netflix Right Now!
2. 20th Century Boys: A Legendary Epic That Captivates and Thrills
While there is no anime adaption of “20th Century Boys” it would be a great shame not to include this legendary work of Naoki Urasawa into the discussion. “20th Century Boys” is a story, which takes place in different years, and its heroes, who once the friends, find out that some cult called “Friend” is planning the apocalypse.
As far as the plot, Mr Urasawa succeeds in using different components based on concepts such as post-modern nostalgia, conspiracy theories, and psychological thriller, which makes ‘20th Century Boys’ not only an interesting social and political parable, but also a pretty captivating read. Dark storyline, deep character growth, the size of the story component has placed the manga in a list of the best manga series. Despite the absence of an anime series for 20th Century Boys, this work is, without doubt, one of the best reads especially for people who have been following Urasawa’s narratives.
3. Pluto: A Futuristic Mystery with a Human Touch
“Pluto” could easily be another one of the best Naoki Urasawa anime where he adapt Osamu Tezuka’s “Astro Boy” story “The Greatest Robot on Earth. ” Here, Urasawa personalizes the story transforming it to a murder mystery that occurs in the context of a world where robots and human beings live together.
The story revolves around the character Gesicht who is a Europol detective that is trying to solve the recent murders of some robots and humans who share something in common and that is the development of the most sophisticated robots to date. With details emerging about the conspiracy Gesicht realizes that the very essence of humanity is at stake.
“Pluto” is equally a sci-fi series and at the same time incorporates elements of emotional and philosophical theme setting it apart from other works by Urasawa. An aspect that most people can identify with is the feelings that the anime creates for the robot characters, and I believe it has a rather complicated storyline that keeps the audience at the edge of their seats up to the final scenes. Watch Pluto on Netflix right now!
4. Master Keaton: The Adventurous Side of Urasawa
While ‘Master Keaton’ may also be somewhat lighter than other stories created by Urasawa, this series is also equally as engaging. This anime is based around Taichi Hiraga-Keaton, who at present an archaeology professor as well as an ex SAS operative who goes on adventures across the world to unearth secrets and hidden histories.
“Master Keaton” is an episodic anime series and indeed every episode is complete on its own but all the episodes collectively are a portrayal of the life of Keaton. The anime contains the elements of action, adventure and the drama of human beings, which reveals the versatility of Urasawa. Still, it is not as much of an excitement as you would get from “Monster” or “Pluto,” but “Master Keaton” is as exciting in its own way.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Naoki Urasawa’s Works
Naoki Urasawa with the series of anime adaptions is the perfect instance of how he comes with incredible stories that are not just exciting but thought-provoking as well. Monster, Pluto, or even Master Keaton – anyone who became a fan of the author’s thrilling psychological drama will never come across a boring work of Urasawa.
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