DESCRIPTION

CAST

ANIME ComedyNisemonogatari
NOVEL ComedyNekomonogatari: Shiro
ONA ComedyKoyomimonogatari
OVA ComedyKoyomi History
ANIME DramaOwarimonogatari
NOVEL ComedyKabukimonogatari
NOVEL ComedyOtorimonogatari
NOVEL ActionOnimonogatari
NOVEL ActionKoimonogatari

REVIEWS

• 

  RedComet

  100/100
  The greatest entry in the Monogatari franchise, and the fruition of protagonist Koyomi's growth into maturity.

  Here we are, my pick for the greatest entry in the Monogatari series. While Bakemonogatari and Nisemonogatari introduce each of the characters and gives viewers a charmingly bizarre introduction to Koyomi and his group of supernatural friends, Second Season pushes these previously established relationships to their emotional brink, digging into what makes each of the fascinating women in Koyomi’s life tick and analyzing what life would be like without some of them, all the while reiterating the magnitude of their impact on Koyomi’s personality and character growth.

  If Bakemonogatari is introducing Koyomi as the troubled young perverted protagonist we come to know and love, Second Season is about forcing him into adulthood. Koyomi’s existence as a half-vampire has given him a confidence he can utilize to erase any potentially problematic stakes when solving the woes of his friends in the past few series, but now the stakes are unavoidable. Major villains make themselves present in Second Season and unexpected allies rise up to assist Koyomi in his battles and endeavors. None of the stories go where you expect them to, and the production values are, like always, incredible.

  As far as individual story arcs are concerned, there are certainly those that are stronger than others here, but each arc is precariously placed to tell the overarching story of recurring antagonist Nadeko. Many future storylines are set up within Second Season, and each thread is carefully chosen to build towards the expansive future of the franchise. This series more than any other in my opinion fleshes out the supporting cast of the franchise, showcasing the wild characters who exist alongside our own Koyomi Araragi and demonstrating how they affect him and help him to become the person he ultimately needs to be to save the various girls who seek him out for help. My personal favorite arc in the franchise is the final one in this series, Hitagi End, and it cements both Senjougahara and Kaiki as some of the most well-crafted anime characters I've ever encountered.

  Simply put, Second Season is Monogatari at its very best. While Bakemonogatari and a few later entries come close, I still to this day hold Monogatari Second Season as the greatest set of stories the series has to offer.

  Score: 10/10

  Continue on AniList
• 

  tomservo

  100/100
  A fantastic entry in the series. Nisio outdoes himself by utilizing First Season's foundations to their fullest.

  Spoilers ahead for all of Second Season

  A prime example of how imaginative and unique Nisio can really be with his writing. All the concepts and characters built up within the first season come to a head, each going some different, bizarre direction that the viewer may have never expected. A shift in perspective becomes a common aspect for the rest of the season - Koyomi's viewpoint is only used for two arcs, so he's hardly the focus, yet the effects of this season shape his attitude and personality just as much as everyone else's. The variety of narrators and almost absurd quality of the writing in Second Season is incredible; so much so that each arc within this season really deserves its own review. However, this review intends to keep things brief.

  Neko White starts everything off, and, although it re-treads a few things in a shorter manner, it focuses wholly on Tsubasa's perspective and thoughts. Hitagi is great in this arc as well, as the first episode focuses on the two main girls finally breaking the ice between them and befriending one another. Tsubasa’s efforts to reconcile with herself via Black Hanekawa and accept the imperfect, ugly parts of her personality bring a very satisfying, emotional end to one of the best girls in the cast. Kabuki allows more time for Shinobu to interact with Koyomi, strengthening and deepening the strange relationship between the two. The guilt Shinobu expresses for eradicating the world shows just how far she’s come from being an aloof, ancient being who couldn’t bother to learn Koyomi’s name. Not only this, but the alternate Kiss-Shot’s final scene gives us an insight into how early on Shinobu had developed an actual, emotional bond with the protagonist, giving further credence to the fact that what Kiss-Shot truly desired was a genuine human connection with someone after 400 years of isolation and regret. In conclusion, a very solid start to the season, but it suffers from the prior Tsubasa-focused arcs that have already presented us with what was essentially the entirety of Tsubasa’s character, whereas Kabuki expands on Shinobu's character dramatically.

  The middle of Second Season spikes dramatically in quality – though that isn’t to say the first two arcs are poorly written. Otori just happens to be one of my favorites. It gives a unique perspective on a character that was previously presented as a simple, cute girl. Conversely, Nadeko turns out to be anything but that, yet she isn’t written in a way that simply stops at subverting that adorable appearance. Instead, she's a girl who's wholly unstable in almost every aspect, hiding and shirking around the reality of who she is to just get by and live "normally" as best she can. The progression and inversion of Nadeko’s inward hatred for her outward self is very interesting to watch. The change from an internal monologue acknowledging her own faults and discontentment to outbursts of raw feelings and emotion towards her teacher and classmates showcases the contrasting sides of Nadeko’s rapidly deteriorating psyche. The final rejection of Koyomi’s pleading almost feels satisfying to watch, considering that, in truth, Nadeko is as much a victim as she is the perpetrator. Her insanity is made even more potent for the viewer when she breaks the fourth wall and offers her fantasized version of the final confrontation in the after-credits scene. Overall, the perspective shift to such a deranged, untrustworthy narrator is a very welcome, very fascinating one, easily cementing Otorimonogatari as one of the best arcs in the entire series.

  Moving on to the later arcs: Oni, although a weaker arc in comparison to everything else in SS, is more about building up some aspects of the world and the rules for apparitions and monstrosities for later stories. It falls short due to some lengthy portions of exposition dumping, which, obviously, are never pleasant for any viewer. Even more egregious is the fact that half of the information is prior knowledge. Still, the final episodes that focus more on Mayoi are very heartfelt and touching. Shinobu, although having a more minor role, lets more of her real personality spill out, although it’s nothing as significant as in Kabuki. Ultimately, it really doesn’t hold up to the rest of this season, but its brevity and finale keep it afloat among the other parts.

  Finally, Koimonogatari. Like all good sequels, Koi builds off everything set up in Otori. One completes the other, making a single, coherent story about a mentally unstable girl and an underhanded, yet caring, swindler. Kaiki's perspective is the most unique yet, offering insight into the inner workings of what was previously the only antagonist of the series. His methodology, half-truths, lies, excuses, and not-so-shady history with Hitagi are explored in full alongside his efforts to save his "hated rivals" from Nadeko. Kaiki goes from a previously minor, albeit rather foreboding, antagonist in Nise to a rich, fully realized character. Six episodes of characterization and development are enough to propel him to the very top of almost every tier list I have seen, a fact owed entirely to Nisio’s phenomenal writing within this arc. In fact, it’s safe to say every episode in this arc is practically perfect. Hitagi herself has some very genuine moments as she reconciles her past with Kaiki, entrusting everything she holds dear to the man she thought she hated, thus proving her affection and loyalty towards Koyomi. An overall excellent performance from most everyone involved in this portion.

  Overall, Second Season reiterates just how skilled Nisio is in writing exciting, intriguing characters and storylines. Bakemonogatari may have been slow for a first viewing, but the payoff in Second Season is so immense that it easily affects one’s opinion of the beginning. There is something within this section of Monogatari for everyone, regardless of whether you’re a fan of Tsubasa, Hitagi, Hachikuji, or otherwise. Characters that hardly seemed important are thrust forwards and given some of the best development seen yet, placing them easily among the likes of Tsubasa or Hitagi. Not only this, but these previously uninteresting individuals carry their respective arcs on their backs with their unique, unreliable take on the world and people around them. It’s safe to say that such a near-perfect season deserves all the acclaim and praise that it receives – and it definitely earns its spot among my favorites.

  Of course, the events of Second Season affect more than just those contained within it. Ougi is introduced abruptly and shown to be a very strange, mysterious actor within the story, seeding the minds of viewers with that uncomfortable feeling that something is off about her self-alleged role. Even more worrying, Ougi is revealed as the one who leaked the location of Kuchinawa’s body to Nadeko during Otorimonogatari, muddying her true goal even further and deepening the mystery surrounding her. Izuko is also given more screen time within Oni, showcasing her more serious, admittedly merciless side in her handling of the Mayoi situation. Neko White specifically foreshadows and hints at some particularly exciting situations that are revealed in Kabuki and, later, in Shinobu Mail. The finale of Koi even ends with the very first true death, creating an appropriately pathetic end for one of the best characters.

  But that might not be the whole truth.

  Continue on AniList
• 

  walker

  100/100
  this review contains my OPINION on monogatari second season

  hello, my name is ritchie biscuit...

  
  
  </center>now for the review.
  <center>
  
  # </center>___REVIEW___~~~
  this series is very good - specifically episode 12 at 12:02 because <span class='markdown_spoiler'><span>that is the first time <div class='youtube' id='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48ongw_2gKk&feature=emb_title'></div> shows up</span></span>
  
  i really liked the development that <span class='markdown_spoiler'><span>nadeko, araragi, senjougahara, mayoi, hanekawa, karen, tsukihi, kuchinawa, ogie, kanbaru, shinobu, and yotsugi</span></span> had in this season. namely kuchinawa, as he is very important and i think he is the epitome of the monogatari experience - clever writing... etc.
  
  if i had to pick one favorite character it would be kuchinawa <span class='markdown_spoiler'><span><div class='youtube' id='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48ongw_2gKk&feature=emb_title'></div></span></span> because he is really cool.
  
  ~~im sorry for my joke review earlier~~ i think everyone should give this series a shot. it was very fun to watch and even better because my parents were always cheering on araragi. this is why i think this show deserves to be watched in a group
  
  another reason why ~~kuchinawa is the best character~~ i love this show is because of the clever dialogue and writing. many people have said this
  
  # <center>___THE PROBLEMS___</center>
  
  there are many problems with this ~~review~~ series. namely... <span class='markdown_spoiler'><span>kuchinawa</span></span> doesn't get enough screen time. i dont know why because i think that his character was really cool and kind of the bad boy ascthetic (i dont know how to spell that word) was so intriguing.  
  - araragi just cannot die. this is a problem because he has so much plot armors.
  - he also wants to ~!do things with his sisters which i ~~like~~ find horrifying !~
  - senjougahara and araragi are never seen together in this season. this could be indicative of a deeper relationship problem between the two. i am anxiously awaiting the next one.
  
  <center># ____FINAL THOUGHTS____</center>
  hehehe i want a lolipop....
  heheheh i am going insane
  ehasdhoh hahaha LOL
  LMAO hehahah ehah
  
  you were scared werent you... you see... this is the kind of horror that monogatari shows us. this is representative of <span class='markdown_spoiler'><span>nadekos descent into madness</span></span> this idea by me was so deep im glad i could portray nadekos mental state in a review surprising many readers.
  
  # ___<center>THANK YOU! - this is my first real review so make sure you drop a thumbs up!</center>___
  
  i would love to talk about this show with everyone so come to my page and discuss!! please. 
  this is my first review so i understand the formatting may be off, im extremely sorry. 
  please tell me if there are any things i could do better in my next review of.... <span class='markdown_spoiler'><span>KIDS ON THE SLOPE</span></span> kids on the slope is very good and i cant wait to review it. it is very good. now that i am thinking about it. araragi and mayoi's relationship is similar to that of sentaro and richie. i will cover this is in greater detail at a future date.

  Continue on AniList

SIMILAR ANIMES YOU MAY LIKE

• OVA

  DramaKubikiri Cycle: Aoiro Savant to Zaregotozukai
• ANIME

  ActionKatanagatari
• MOVIE

  DramaSeishun Buta Yarou wa Yumemiru Shoujo no Yume wo Minai
• ANIME

  ActionRe:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu
• ANIME

  ComedySeishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai
• ANIME

  ActionRe:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 2nd Season
• ANIME

  DramaHanamonogatari
• ANIME

  DramaSteins;Gate
• ANIME

  ComedyJinrui wa Suitai Shimashita
• ANIME

  ActionMahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica
• ANIME

  Drama3-gatsu no Lion 2
• ANIME

  ComedyYofukashi no Uta