Humanoid Monster Bem

Humanoid Monster Bem is a popular anime television series that was created by Daiji Kazumine and originally aired on Japan's Fuji Television from October 1968 to March 1969. Produced by Daichi Doga, it is a fascinating amalgamation of a wide range of themes including horror, social commentary, fantasy, and melodrama.

The series centers around three youkai, otherworldly beings hailing from Japanese folklore, who possess the distinctive ability to shape-shift into horrifying humanoid creatures with superior supernatural abilities. These three extraordinary monsters — Bem, Bero, and Bera — share a deep compassion and sympathy for the human race, living out their lives disguised as humans in order to protect humanity against malevolent youkai and a host of nefarious entities who constantly threaten mankind.

Bem is the de facto leader of the trio, a stoic pillar of strength who manifests as a tall hat-wearing man with a cane. Bero, the youngest and most immature of the trio, takes on the form of a young boy, struggling with the trials and tribulations of coming of age while also trying to reconcile with his secret monstrous identity. Bera, the only female of the group, is complex and kind of heart, ever the empathetic figure looking out for the welfare of their charges in her guise as a kind-hearted woman.

Their compelling and tragic human disguises perfectly contrast with their horrifying monster forms that echo the classic aesthetic of American horror movies in the 1950s and 1960s. The stark duality between their monstrous exterior and their noble hearts forms the central premise of the show, driving much of the drama and emotional resonance.

Each episode of Humanoid Monster Bem acts as a standalone story, with 26 episodes totaling the entire series. Every episode introduces new characters - witnesses, victims, or conduits of youkai-inflicted misfortune that the protagonists encounter in their quest to protect humanity. However, throughout the series, the threads tie together to ensure an enduring continuity and a greater narrative progression. These episodic tales manage to weave together into a masterful narrative that explores themes of identity, humanity, moral dilemmas, and existential horror.

Notably, Humanoid Monster Bem was known for its stark, often grim narrative direction for its time period. It posed challenging moral questions, inviting viewers to re-examine their concepts of monstrousness, inhumanity, good, and evil. The trio's perpetual outsider status, and the social alienation that arises from them being neither fully human nor youkai, further enhances the series' intense themes and draws parallels to societal issues.

The animation style of the series is profoundly influenced by the youkai-themed artwork of Shigeru Mizuki, a fact which is evident in the detailed and imaginative monster designs. The atmosphere of the series is subtly eerie and stark, with the art and ambiance paying homage to vintage horror and fantasy tropes while incorporating traditional Japanese aesthetics. Despite its dark tones, the series maintains a balance with occasional light humor and heartwarming moments that add depth and nuance to its storytelling.

The voice acting team, led by Hiroshi Otake as Bem, emits excellent performances that lend a unique cadence and soul to each character, both in their human and monstrous forms. The music composed by Takeo Watanabe sets the perfect tone for the series, ranging from melancholic tunes to upbeat, jazzy numbers, all perfectly in sync with the overall theme of the series.

Overall, Humanoid Monster Bem offers viewers an engaging blend of fantasy and horror, complemented by a solid narrative progression and emotionally complex characters. Its morals and themes are thoughtful, and its presentation is stylish, thus ensuring that the series stands the test of time. Whether viewers are fans of classic anime series or enthusiasts of supernatural horror, Humanoid Monster Bem is sure to stand on their must-watch list.