Monogatari anime series is one of the most popular series out there. Here are some of the many reasons why you should watch the series.
Monogatari is a general name for the list of light novel series written by Nisio Isin and illustrated by Vofan. The series is very popular in the anime community. The series comprises of anime adaptation, light novels, movie trilogy and a manga adaptation titled, Oh! great which started its serialization in Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine from 2018. For any new anime fan, the name itself is enough to prevent them from starting the series. The word “Monogatari” means story in English and the series really does that. Tells stories about Koyomi and his interactions with the heroines. Many people skip this series because it’s kind of confusing and feels daunting where to start and which season should they watch first. Here in this article, we will help people, who skipped the series, to develop an interest in the series and watch it.
Monogatari Anime Series Overview
The series is based on different events that show- the relationship of the main character Koyomi Araragi with other main and supporting characters of the series. Koyomi is a third-year high school student who is almost human again after briefly becoming a vampire. One day after catching Hitagi Senjogahara from the stairs. After solving the cast of Hitagi he starts to involve other girls from the series and each season represents Koyomi’s interaction with other heroines and hence there are multiple Monogatari series. The show incorporates different genres like, horror, comedy, action the main focus of the series is the conversation between Koyomi and each heroine including parodies and word plays which I believe is the soul of the series.
Reasons You Should Watch Monogatari Anime Series
The series is divided into three main seasons with the first season consists of 30 episodes released from 2009 to 2012. The second season contains 28 episodes released between 2013 and 2014. The final season contains 42 episodes released from 2014 to 2019. Without any further ado let’s talk about one of many reasons which make this show really stand out from others.
The Plot
This goes without saying the main thing which makes an anime interesting or makes it stand out from the rest is the plot. The plot of this anime is very unique and focused on the boy Koyomi Araragi who is a third-year high school student. Instead of a linear and generic plot, the series focuses mainly on the conversations of Koyomi with other heroines like Hitagi Senjogahara, Tsubasa Hanekawa, Shinobu Oshino and many more. Out of all Shinobu Oshino is probably the most popular character besides Hitagi.
As mentioned earlier the show integrates elements of horror, supernatural, thrill, comedy, action and yet the main focus is on the conversations. The conversations are a combination of seriousness, wordplay, and comedy which catches the attention of the person watching the show very strongly.
The anime does not comprise on censorship and you will see gore, blood and even guts in some parts of the anime. Koyomi helps every heroin in each season with supernatural problems even making him a vampire in the process. I cannot explain or summarize the plot because it is not linear rest assured if you’re a person who likes slice of life, thriller, suspense type of stuff this series you should definitely watch.
The characters are very unique and complex that you will ever see in any anime.
The Soundtrack and Audio
This series has one of the best OSTs I’ve ever heard. Check out one of the most popular opening songs by the Monogatari series.
Yes, this is the song you often hear in meme videos.
The OST isn’t too dramatic or intense since the series does not focus much on action but the usual upbeat sounds really set the mood and enhance the conversations making them more engaging and interesting. The music is produced in such a way that it swells and fades without the viewer noticing anything.
The voice acting in this show is really something else. Not a single character feels out of place with their voices and all of them sound perfect as if the voice actors were born to play the specific character.
The Art
The main reason which makes this series really shine is its outstanding art. All of the seasons are produced by Shaft (Nisekoi, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica, 3-gatsu no Lion and so on). The animation in the Monogatari series is just a visual aid to enhance the conversations. The unconventional cuts, the abstract backgrounds really make the characters stand out. The anime has also animations that totally stunned the fans. The anime isn’t just a series of still abstract art. The fights are there but in are very less however they are on point. The animation just feels really crisp and beautiful. Check out some of the screencaps I took from the shows.
Think about any abstract background without many details but is of high quality. Now put greatly designed characters onto the background. This is the art of the Monogatari series summed up in two lines. If you’re a fan of abstract art you will definitely enjoy this show.
The Characters
The show’s main focus is on the conversations between Koyomi Araragi and the heroines. The character development of this series feels on point and not a single character feels awkward or useless. In the most majority of the anime is a plot but for this series is its character development. Every character has its own charm. Even the main character Koyomi is not a sassy, wimpy, cringy character but he is someone you will like. We have the tsundere princess Hitagi Senjogahara, the cute little Mayoi Hachikuji, the tomboy Suruga Kanbaru, the adorable girl with huge assets Tsubasa Hanekawa, the cute loli Nadeko Sengoku, the lovely fire sisters, the living doll Yotsugi Ononoki.
Enjoyment
This series is one of the few which you can rewatch any time and you will not get bored. These anime seasons provide excellent entertainment values. If you’re a fan of reading you will love this series. If you’re a fan of abstract art you will love this series. If you’re looking for a laid back show which you can enjoy while having tea, coffee this is the show for you. If you like romance anime this series is for you. If you want a show with mild gore, blood, horror, thriller elements this is definitely the show for you. Want some fanservice you will not disappointed with this series as it has a lot of ecchi and fanservice moments. Compared to other anime this do have a lot of text to read if you watch anime subbed. You don’t really have to read all of the text however, they provide good information and foreshadowing.
I could go on and on writing how great the show really is but I think I’ve explained enough.
Monogatari Anime Series Order To Watch
This is the most confusing part. Most of the people who are kind of interested in the series skip it because of the order. There is no specific order to Monogatari series as each part focuses on the interaction of Koyomi Araragi with each heroin. However, it is not recommended also to watch the seasons in any order. Here is the recommended order to watch the Monogatari series.
First Season
- Bakemonogatari (2009)
- Kizumonogatari Part 1: Tekketsu (2016)
- Kizumonogatari Part 2: Nekketsu (2016)
- Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu (2017)
- Nisemonogatari (2012)
- Nekomonogatari Black (2012)
Second Season
- Monogatari Series Second Season (2013)
- Hanamonogatari (2014)
Final Season
- Tsukimonogatari (2014)
- Owarimonogatari (2015)
- Kizumonogatari Part 1: Tekketsu (2016) [Alternative placing]
- Kizumonogatari Part 2: Nekketsu (2016) [Alternative placing]
- Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu (2017) [Alternative placing]
- Koyomimonogatari (2016)
- Owarimonogatari (Part 2) (2017)
- Zoku Owarimonogatari (2018)
So, what do you think you’ve developed an interest in Monogatari anime series? Let us know down in the comments down below.