Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation – A Safe but Lackluster Adaptation
Read our review of Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation, an anime adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s manga. Despite its connection to One Piece, the anime falls short in terms of visuals, pacing, and creativity.
Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation – A Safe but Lackluster Adaptation
Eiichiro Oda, the mastermind behind the immensely popular One Piece franchise, has expanded his creative reach into various forms of media. From manga to TV adaptations and games, Oda’s work has captivated audiences worldwide. It’s no wonder that studios, networks, streamers, and publishers are eager to tap into the success of his creations. Enter Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation, an adaptation based on a story Oda wrote prior to One Piece. While this anime attempts to bridge the gap between Monsters and One Piece, it falls short in several aspects.
( Credit to: Ign )
Visual Disappointments and Lackluster Direction
Despite the notable creative team behind Monsters, the anime suffers visually. Director Sunghoo Park, known for his dynamic and action-packed sequences in Tower of God and the first season of Jujutsu Kaisen, fails to bring the same level of excitement to Monsters. The characters, redesigned by One Piece animator Takashi Kojima, remain static for much of the runtime, lacking the unique composition and fast-paced action for which Park is known. Even the climactic fights are disappointingly brief, leaving much to be desired. While there are a few standout moments, such as striking black-and-white impact shots and a psychedelic image of laughing villains reminiscent of Jujutsu Kaisen, the overall direction lacks distinction.
Mixed Bag of Character Designs
Takashi Kojima’s character designs in Monsters are a mixed bag. While he successfully brings Ryuma closer to his One Piece appearance, the villainous character D.R. receives an impressive upgrade. However, some of Oda’s signature stylistic features get lost in translation. The background characters appear flattened, lacking the distinctiveness that makes One Piece’s art so charming.
Breakneck Pace and Lack of Creativity
One of the biggest drawbacks of Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation is its breakneck pace. Unlike reading a manga, where readers have natural breaks to absorb the story, the anime rushes through the plot without allowing room for surprise or reflection. The supposed twists in the story leave viewers grappling with how they were reached, as the adaptation fails to fully utilize movement and sound to enhance the source material. Instead, it becomes a checklist-like adaptation, solely focused on faithfully retelling Oda’s original manga. This hasty approach feels more like a rushed brand extension than a thoughtful adaptation.
A Disappointingly Safe Adaptation
While it is exciting to see the story of Monsters animated, the adaptation falls short of expectations. Takashi Kojima’s character designs and Sunghoo Park’s directorial choices occasionally shine but often leave viewers wanting more. Without the vague connection to the One Piece brand, it is difficult to understand why this special was created. Simply animating a comic because it hasn’t been animated before does not necessarily justify its existence.
Conclusion: Lackluster Impact on the Franchise
In conclusion, Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation is a disappointingly safe adaptation of Oda Eiichiro’s 1994 manga. While it has its moments, the lack of creativity and rushed storytelling hinder its overall impact. Fans of One Piece may find some enjoyment in the anime, but for others, it may not offer much beyond the extension of the franchise.