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| “ | You have to calmly dissect and scrutinize everything. Dig up the truth as rationally as you can, even if you have to sacrifice your own happiness in the process. | „ |
| ~ Lunge explaining what it takes to be a detective. |
Inspector Heinrich Lunge is a major character of the anime/manga series Monster.
He is a calm and stoic officer from the BKA who fully dedicated to his profession. He takes immense pride in declaring that every case he has ever tackled has been successfully resolved. With exceptional analytical skills and an impeccable memory, he is truly a force to be reckoned with. Driven by an obsessive belief, he firmly believes that the renowned Dr. Kenzo Tenma is the mastermind behind a series of heinous murders and criminal activities plaguing Germany. Little does he know that the true culprit behind these atrocities is actually Johan Liebert. Undeterred, he relentlessly pursues Tenma, firmly convinced of his guilt, until he stumbles upon the shocking truth that Tenma is innocent and Johan is the real perpetrator.
He was voiced by Tsutomu Isobe in the Japanese version, and by Richard Epcar in the English Dub.
Personality[]
Lunge is characterized by his unwavering coldness, ruthlessness, efficiency, and exceptional ability to calculate, which often leads him into precarious situations. In fact, his relentless pursuit of justice has caused some of his suspects to resort to extreme measures, even taking their own lives. Dedication to his job consumes Lunge's entire existence, as any misstep in his eyes is deemed more dreadful than death itself. His sole purpose in life is to apprehend criminals, and he dismisses all other aspects of existence, including personal connections, recreational activities like chess, and even the necessity of sleep, as mundane and unproductive distractions from his investigative endeavors.
Lunge's unwavering determination and calculated demeanor are vividly displayed in episode 22 when he confronts the copycat killer. He cleverly manipulates the situation by deliberately spreading false information through the local newspaper, luring Tenma to the crime scene. During his interrogation with the real culprit, Lunge toys with him, sarcastically suggesting that he will easily escape punishment due to the incompetence of the local police force. Lunge makes it clear that he is solely focused on capturing Tenma and shows this when he becomes the target of the copycat murderer's attack. Despite being stabbed unexpectedly, Lunge retaliates by shooting both of the suspect's kneecaps and relentlessly pursues Tenma to his getaway vehicle, all while battling the effects of severe blood loss. Even after losing consciousness, Lunge's determination remains unyielding. Upon regaining consciousness, he immediately restrains and incapacitates Tenma, disregarding his own desperate need for medical attention. This unequivocally demonstrates Lunge's unwavering commitment and ruthless dedication to apprehending criminals, even if it means sacrificing his own life.
While the series primarily focuses on other aspects of his life, it becomes evident from his honest admission that he doesn't have a harmonious relationship with his family, indicating his reluctance to forge meaningful connections with others and his lack of enthusiasm towards maintaining communication with them. However, as the series progresses and reaches its conclusion, a noteworthy transformation occurs in his mindset as he actively strives to establish contact with his daughter, showcasing a newfound willingness to mend and nurture their bond.
Heinrich's habit of pretending to type with his hand as a way to help him remember things.
Lunge possesses a consistent and ingrained habit of rhythmically tapping his fingers, resembling the motions of typing. He firmly believes that this peculiar behavior serves as a mnemonic device, allowing him to effectively input information into his brain. Comparable to the act of typing and subsequently saving a file on a computer, this unique method of his aids in the retention of intricate details pertaining to his investigations and the individuals he encounters. Remarkably, this technique empowers him to vividly recall these significant aspects, even as time elapses and years go by.
Forensic psychologist Rudy Gillen raises doubts about the validity of his method, arguing that by relying on his memory alone, he risks distorting the information with his own biases and subjective viewpoints. In stark contrast, Gillen advocates for the use of a cassette recorder, which he believes to be a more reliable tool for accurately capturing the words and nuances of individuals crucial to investigations or diagnoses.
Lunge possesses a unique ability to delve deep into the psyche of killers, enabling him to accurately anticipate their motives, execution techniques, and even their next moves. Through an intricate process of psychological immersion, he immerses himself in the killer's mind, effectively assuming their identity and thought processes. This profound level of empathy allows him to comprehensively simulate the killer's behavior, providing invaluable insights into their motivations and shedding light on the reasons behind their actions. Consequently, Lunge's uncanny ability to "become" the killer grants him an unparalleled advantage in understanding their twisted logic, ultimately empowering him to stay one step ahead in the pursuit of justice.
When Lunge attempts to understand Johan Liebert, he ultimately arrives at the realization that he himself lacks significance or a true existence, as Johan's intentions and motivations are utterly incomprehensible to him. In Lunge's perspective, Johan possesses an intangible essence that renders him almost like a character from a work of fiction.
History[]
Meeting Tenma[]
In 1986, Lunge enters the scene shortly after the somber funeral of Udo Heinemann. Lunge's purpose is to delve deep into the investigation of the perplexing murders of both the esteemed director, Dr. Eisen, and Doctor Boyer. To kickstart his inquiry, Lunge arranges a meeting with Dr. Kenzō Tenma. During their intense interrogation, Lunge develops a theory that points directly at Tenma as the potential culprit. This conclusion is based on the fact that Tenma is the sole individual who stands to benefit from these deaths, coupled with a plausible motive, his demotion following a surgery performed on Johan Liebert. Despite Lunge's unwavering conviction that Tenma is the perpetrator, the case hits a roadblock due to the lack of concrete evidence. However, Lunge's steadfast belief in Tenma's guilt remains unshaken, leaving an air of suspense and intrigue lingering over the investigation.
Middle-aged couple murders[]
Ten years have passed, and now he finds himself immersed in the investigation of a series of gruesome murders targeting middle-aged couples. After thorough examination, he comes to the conclusion that a man named Adolf Junkers is deeply involved in these heinous acts. However, just as Junkers narrowly escapes death at the hands of Johan, fate deals him another cruel blow when he is struck by a speeding car. In a desperate bid to save his life, Junkers is rushed to Doctor Tenma for immediate medical attention. Meanwhile, Lunge, unwavering in his belief that Tenma was responsible for the deaths of three doctors a decade ago, anxiously awaits the opportunity to interrogate Junkers. To ensure Junkers doesn't escape or withhold vital information, Lunge assigns a guard to keep a close watch on him until the time is right for a confession. In the midst of all this, Johan finally catches up with Junkers. As if to add to the already mounting tension, Junkers discovers his guard mysteriously poisoned, prompting him to flee from the confines of the hospital. Tenma, driven by a relentless pursuit of justice, gives chase and the pursuit ultimately leads them to an abandoned building. It is here that Junkers meets his tragic demise, while Tenma, in a twist of fate, reunites with his former patient Johan. It is in this moment that Johan, enigmatic and haunting, reveals the truth behind the multitude of deaths that have plagued Tenma's life.
The day after, Tenma provides his account to Lunge, but the narrative he presents is incredibly implausible, serving only to reinforce the notion that he is mentally unstable. Lunge constructs a hypothesis that Johan Liebert is merely a figment of Tenma's imagination, suggesting that Tenma suffers from dissociative identity disorder; the compassionate and benevolent doctor coexists with the ruthless and merciless murderer within him. According to Lunge's theory, Tenma finds himself trapped in an eternal pursuit of Johan, unaware that his own "other" identity resides within him, sharing his physical vessel.
During this period, he is simultaneously handling another investigation, however, he becomes overly engrossed and crosses a line, resulting in a crucial witness tragically taking their own life. This incident prompts his superiors to urge him to take a break and clear his mind. Consequently, he is taken off all cases except for one - the case involving Doctor Tenma. Subsequently, he returns home only to discover that his wife and daughter are leaving him. They accuse him of being so consumed by his work that he failed to notice his wife's affair or his daughter's pregnancy. At this juncture, Lunge finds himself utterly alone and without any ongoing assignments. Nevertheless, he seizes this opportunity to dedicate himself entirely to pursuing Tenma.
Chasing Tenma[]
Lunge, once a highly respected detective, became consumed by bias and obsession when the doctors at Eisler Memorial Hospital died. He was determined to find evidence that Dr. Tenma was guilty of the murders, refusing to accept any alternative. Unfortunately, this tunnel vision delayed the resolution of the case, as Lunge only realizes his mistake at the end of the series. Meanwhile, Tenma has embarked on a mission to hunt down the infamous "monster" Johan Liebert, but finds himself on the wanted list as a murder suspect. Throughout their pursuit, Tenma and Lunge engage in a cat-and-mouse game, with occasional encounters that always result in Tenma's escape. Interestingly, there is a moment when Tenma actually saves Lunge's life, stepping in just in time to prevent him from succumbing to a fatal stab wound inflicted by a disturbed murderer. Despite this, Lunge remains steadfast in his belief of Tenma's guilt. It is not until Dr. Rudy Gillen, a former colleague and renowned criminal psychologist, presents Lunge with a compelling case for Johan's involvement and Tenma's innocence that doubt begins to creep into Lunge's mind. This doubt intensifies when Lunge arrives in Munich and investigates a young man named Johan Liebert, who is attending university. In his research, Lunge discovers sketches of twins drawn by Franz Bonaparta in the archives of Moravia Publishing Company, solidifying his suspicion that he may have been wrong all along. Finally, after Tenma is apprehended with the assistance of Tomas Zobak, he cryptically whispers to Lunge in the police station, suggesting that the most challenging individuals to interrogate are those who remain silent. This signifies that Lunge now believes in Tenma's claims of innocence.
Ruhenheim[]
Eventually, Tenma stumbles upon the small town of Ruhenheim, which remarkably resembles the painting he received. Realizing that he may be getting closer to the truth, he joins forces with a fellow investigator named Wolfgang Grimmer. Together, they form an unlikely alliance in an attempt to prevent an impending massacre orchestrated by the elusive Johan. After Tenma manages to escape from prison, he becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the enigmatic individual known as Franz Bonaparta. In his quest for answers, he is unexpectedly sent a painting depicting his own residence by Bonaparta's son, Jaromír Lipsky. Intrigued by this connection, Tenma embarks on a journey through southern Germany, tirelessly searching for clues that will lead him to Bonaparta. In this tangled web of mystery, danger, and regret, the paths of various characters converge, each grappling with their own demons and haunted by the consequences of their actions. With Tenma's determination unyielding and Lunge's newfound realization, the stage is set for a gripping and suspenseful continuation of their intertwined destinies. Meanwhile, Tenma's relentless pursuit has not gone unnoticed. Inspector Lunge, who had previously doubted Tenma's claims about the existence of a real-life "monster," finally comes face to face with the fugitive doctor. Overwhelmed by the weight of his mistaken judgment, Lunge admits his error and acknowledges that the fairy tale-like creature Tenma had described truly exists. However, despite their best efforts, Tenma and Grimmer are unable to intervene in time to stop the horrific events from unfolding. As a result, the once peaceful town of Ruhenheim descends into a state of fear, paranoia, and unbridled violence, all thanks to Johan's cunning manipulations. Following the devastating outcome, Tenma and Grimmer reluctantly part ways, both harboring a deep sense of guilt and remorse for their inability to prevent the tragedy. In a moment of solidarity and hope, they promise each other that once the chaos has subsided, they will come together to share a much-needed moment of solace over a few beers.
After that, Lunge encounters Roberto at the Hotel Bergbach, leading to a brutal confrontation that results in both of them suffering severe injuries. Roberto attempts to provoke Lunge by belittling him and revealing that his sole purpose in life is to pursue Tenma. He goes even further by mocking Lunge's personal life, causing Lunge to finally lose his composure for the first time in a while. Their intense shootout quickly escalates into a fierce hand-to-hand combat. In a fit of rage, Lunge forcefully puts a gun in Roberto's mouth, demanding to know his true identity and the whereabouts of Johan.
Eventually, Lunge succumbs to unconsciousness, allowing Roberto to escape. Unfortunately, Roberto's injuries prove fatal after his request to witness the "Scenery for a Doomsday" is rejected. Subsequently, Lunge finds himself testifying in court, fervently advocating for Tenma's innocence, highlighting the fact that Tenma's presence in their lives was the only glimmer of hope they had in their darkest hour.
The End[]
After several months had passed since the incident, Lunge made the decision to retire from his position as an officer of the BKA. He sought a new career path as a professor at a prestigious police academy. This career change provided him with a significant amount of free time, allowing him to dedicate more moments to spending quality time with his beloved daughter and grandson. However, due to the constraints of distance, most of their contact occurred through email exchanges. In the final scene, Lunge was depicted alongside Fritz Verdemann and Jan Suk, standing solemnly near Grimmer's grave. It was a poignant moment as Lunge carefully placed a bottle of beer on the tombstone. Deep in thought, he pondered the intricacies of human communication throughout one's lifetime. He expressed his curiosity about the extent to which people truly connect and communicate with one another. Lunge believed that there were likely countless topics and conversations that Grimmer would have loved to engage in, all while enjoying a refreshing and ice-cold beer.
Abilities[]
- Genius-level intelligence: Lunge's exceptional intelligence is evident through his genius-level abilities, which include advanced problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and a remarkable capacity for learning and comprehending complex concepts. His police training has equipped him with invaluable knowledge and skills in law enforcement procedures, crime scene management, evidence collection, and adherence to legal protocols. Additionally, Lunge possesses a wide range of investigation skills, enabling him to proficiently gather and analyze evidence, conduct thorough interviews and interrogations, create intricate profiles of suspects, and develop leads to solve intricate cases. His cunning nature allows him to cleverly outmaneuver adversaries, foresee their actions, and devise innovative solutions to perplexing problems. In his role as a detective, Lunge showcases a plethora of competencies, such as crime scene analysis, meticulous evidence collection and preservation, effective witness interviewing techniques, and proficient suspect profiling. His keen observational skills enable him to meticulously observe details that others may overlook, providing invaluable insights into the circumstances surrounding a crime. Lunge's ability to analyze information sets him apart as an exceptional investigator. Whether examining forensic evidence, scrutinizing witness statements, or reviewing intricate data, he possesses the exceptional ability to identify patterns, anomalies, and connections that lead to significant breakthroughs in his investigations. His analytical prowess allows him to piece together seemingly unrelated clues, forming a comprehensive picture of events and aiding in the identification of suspects and the unraveling of complex criminal schemes. Lunge's deductive skills are unparalleled, as he can draw logical conclusions based on evidence and reasoning. By systematically eliminating possibilities and following logical chains of thought, he consistently arrives at accurate hypotheses about the motives, methods, and identities of perpetrators. Moreover, his deductive reasoning enables him to anticipate the actions of suspects, allowing him to devise effective strategies for apprehending them.
- Strategic mindset: Lunge possesses a strategic mindset that sets him apart from others. He has the ability to assess a situation from a long-term perspective, carefully considering the potential consequences and outcomes before taking any action. This skill allows him to develop effective plans and adjust them as circumstances change, greatly increasing his chances of success in complex investigations or tactical operations. In addition to his strategic mindset, Lunge also excels in strategy and planning. He is able to create detailed plans and contingencies that are specifically tailored to the unique challenges he faces. Lunge's knack for anticipating obstacles and thinking outside the box allows him to outsmart his adversaries, whether they are cunning criminals, hostile organizations, or elusive suspects. By utilizing careful strategy and planning, Lunge is able to make the most of his resources, minimize risks, and achieve his objectives with utmost precision and efficiency.
- Extreme intuition: Lunge's extreme intuition grants him insights and instincts that often go beyond rational analysis. This intuitive understanding of people and situations allows him to make quick, accurate decisions even in the absence of complete information. His intuition serves as a valuable asset in rapidly changing or high-pressure environments, helping him anticipate threats, identify opportunities, and navigate uncertain terrain.
- Charisma: Lunge possesses an innate and powerful charisma that enables him to effortlessly establish trust and cooperation with an extensive range of individuals, including allies, informants, and even suspects. This invaluable trait serves as a significant advantage for Lunge, aiding him in navigating through challenging scenarios and unlocking valuable insights. Moreover, Lunge demonstrates a remarkable proficiency in the art of manipulation, showcasing his ability to effectively influence others through various tactics such as persuasion, deception, and other strategic approaches. This exceptional skill set allows him to skillfully manipulate both circumstances and individuals, proving to be an indispensable asset in his pursuit of gathering pertinent information, extracting crucial confessions, and successfully accomplishing his objectives amidst intricate investigations.
- High metabolism: Lunge's high metabolism provides him with abundant energy and stamina, allowing him to sustain prolonged periods of intense mental and physical activity without experiencing fatigue. This trait enhances his effectiveness in demanding situations, enabling him to maintain focus, agility, and resilience over extended periods, whether during stakeouts, pursuit operations, or marathon investigative sessions.
- Multilingualism: Heinrich Lunge's ability to speak multiple languages enhances his versatility and effectiveness as an investigator and law enforcement officer. Lunge is skilled in interacting with diverse communities, being able to effectively communicate with people from various cultural backgrounds and linguistic groups. This is beneficial during investigations as it helps build rapport and cooperation, especially in multicultural or international settings where language barriers may hinder communication. Being able to speak multiple languages allows Lunge to access a greater variety of information, including documents, witnesses, and suspects, which may only be available in certain languages. This skill allows him to understand and analyze these sources directly, leading to the discovery of important insights and evidence that would otherwise be difficult to obtain. When dealing with transnational crime, it is important to work with law enforcement agencies from different countries. Lunge's skill in speaking multiple languages helps him effectively work together with international partners, making it easier to share information, coordinate operations, and conduct joint investigations. The ability to speak someone's native language can help Lunge build trust and cooperation by showing respect for their culture and creating a sense of understanding and connection. This is especially beneficial during interviews with witnesses or suspects, as it can encourage them to be more open and cooperative.
Quotes[]
| “ | "Someone was here, and nobody can do anything without leaving some sort of trace of themselves. If there were such a person, he could hardly be considered human." | „ |
| “ | "You're a detective, aren't you? Act like it. You have to calmly dissect and scrutinize everything. Dig up the truth as rationally as you can, even if you have to sacrifice your own happiness in the process" | „ |
| “ | "If you don't want to be betrayed anymore, then start by doubting the person you want to doubt the least." | „ |
| “ | "Even a child that receives one bit of praise has the ability to excel in a single talent, and those who receive regular encouragement can feel confidence, achieve success, and become leading members of society. Because they don’t believe they are worthless, they don’t need to raise a fist and have vengeance against fate or the world at large..." | „ |
Trivia[]
- Lunge approached his investigation into the case involving Dr. Tenma from three distinct perspectives or stages:
- Tenma is a murderer who fabricated the existence of Johan in order to divert suspicion away from himself and avoid being caught for his crimes.
- Tenma, without his knowledge, experiences the existence of a split personality named Johan, and is earnestly endeavoring to locate this elusive persona, completely oblivious to the fact that he himself is Johan.
- Johan's existence is undeniably real, and all along, Tenma has been telling nothing but the truth about him.
- Lunge had always maintained his calm demeanor, never allowing himself to lose control or raise his voice in any situation. However, there was one incident that pushed him over the edge, causing him to break his composed facade and unleash his pent-up emotions. It all happened when Roberto, his acquaintance, decided to mock Lunge about the unfortunate state of his family, particularly highlighting the fact that Lunge had failed to be a part of his own grandson's life. This hurtful comment struck a nerve deep within Lunge's heart, causing a surge of anger and frustration to consume him, leading to an outburst that resonated with the intensity of his suppressed emotions.
- Looking at things from a different perspective, Grimmee served as a source of inspiration for Lunge, motivating him to place an increased emphasis on building meaningful connections with others and enhancing his communication skills. This valuable lesson deeply resonated with Lunge, leaving a lasting impact on his approach to interacting with people.
- Just like Inspector Javert from Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, Lunge shares a similar level of dedication and obsession when it comes to his pursuit of the truth. In the first half of the series, Lunge firmly believes that Tenma is the culprit behind the murders of the esteemed doctors at Eisler Memorial and Adolf Junkers. This unwavering conviction mirrors Javert's relentless pursuit of Jean Valjean throughout the novel. Just as Javert refuses to let go of his belief in Valjean's guilt, Lunge remains steadfast in his belief that Tenma is responsible for these heinous crimes. This parallel between Lunge and Javert showcases the depth of Lunge's character and the extent to which he will go to uncover the truth.
- In one of its editions, Casa Brutus magazine dedicated a special feature to showcase the exceptional talent of Naoki Urasawa. Within this issue, Urasawa's remarkable work was highlighted, and among his creations, Lunge stood out as a shining example of unsentimentalism and maturity, ranking an impressive 4 out of 5 in both categories.
External Link[]
- Heinrich Lunge on the Monster Wiki
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 Heroes
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Kenzo Tenma | Nina Fortner | Heinrich Lunge | Dieter | Eva Heinemann | Rudy Gillen | Otto Heckel | Karl Neuman | Lotte Frank | Wolfgang Grimmer | Hugo Bernhardt | Jacob Maurer | Richard Braun | Julius Reichwein | Dr. Schumann | Rung | Hans Georg Schuwald | Jan Suk | Jaromír Lipský | ||