Monogatari Series Novel Review
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By nisio isin, 西尾 維新
29 volumes
2006
Description
The Monogatari series centers on Koyomi Araragi, a third year high school student who is almost human again after briefly becoming a vampire. One day, a classmate named Hitagi Senjōgahara, who infamously never talks to anyone, falls down the stairs into Koyomi’s arms. He discovers that Hitagi weighs next to nothing, in defiance of physics. Despite being threatened by her, Koyomi offers his help, and introduces her to Meme Oshino, a middle-aged homeless man who helped him stop being a vampire. Some volumes are split into multiple stories which are identified by the ‘s1,2,3…’ in the releases. Volumes 1-2: Bakemonogatari, 3: Kizumonogatari, 4-5: Nisemonogatari, 6-7: Nekomonogatari, 8: Kabukimonogatari , 9: Hanamonogatari, 10: Otorimonogatari, 11: Onimonogatari, 12: Koimonogatari, 13: Tsukimonogatari, 14: Koyomimonogatari, 15-17: Owarimonogatari, 18: Zokuowarimonogatari, 19: Orokamonogatari, 20: Wazamonogatari, 21: Nademonogatari The author has also split the volumes into various seasons: First Season: Volumes 1-6, Second Season: Volumes 7-12, Final Season: Volumes 13-18, Off Season: Volumes 19-21
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- kodansha
- English Publisher
- vertical
- Original Language
- japanese
- Type
- Light Novel
Monogatari Series Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on Monogatari Series
First Impressions
Alright, let's dive into the world of Monogatari Series. Going in, I knew this was a bit of a cult classic, famous for its unique style and blend of genres. I was prepared for a ride, and "a ride" is definitely what I got. My first impression was that this series is dense. There's a lot of dialogue, a lot of introspection, and a whole lot of stuff happening. It's not something you can passively consume.
What Works Well
The biggest strength of Monogatari Series is undoubtedly its characters. They're quirky, flawed, and incredibly engaging. The way they interact, the witty banter, and the slow unveiling of their backstories kept me hooked. I found myself genuinely invested in Araragi's growth and his relationships with the various girls he encounters. The series also shines in its exploration of psychological themes. It delves into the characters' traumas, insecurities, and the burdens they carry. This adds a layer of depth that elevates it beyond a simple supernatural harem. The blend of comedy, mystery, and supernatural elements is also well-executed, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. I found myself laughing one moment, then pondering a deeper philosophical question the next.
Areas of Concern
While I appreciate the series' unique style, I can also see how it might not be for everyone. The pacing can be slow at times, with long stretches of dialogue that some might find tedious. Also, the ecchi elements, while not overwhelming, can feel somewhat out of place and distracting at times. I also feel that the series sometimes gets bogged down in its own complexity, with the pseudo-psychological discussions becoming a bit too convoluted for their own good.
Final Verdict
Overall, I found Monogatari Series to be a worthwhile read. It's a series that challenges you, makes you think, and leaves a lasting impression. While it has its flaws, its strengths, particularly its characters and exploration of psychological themes, outweigh them. If you're looking for a unique and engaging series that's not afraid to be different, then I highly recommend giving Monogatari Series a try. Just be prepared for a dense and sometimes challenging experience.
