DESCRIPTION

CAST

ANIME ComedyBakemonogatari
ANIME ComedyMonogatari Series: Second Season
ONA ComedyKoyomimonogatari
NOVEL ComedyNisemonogatari Anime Complete Guidebook
MUSICNaisho no Hanashi
NOVEL ActionNisemonogatari

REVIEWS

• 

  planetJane

  83/100
  *Nisemonogatari* continues the spectacularly jumbled visual storytelling of its predecessor to great effect.

  The following assumes familiarity with the reviewed material. Spoilers below.

  ---

  The Bakemonogatari ("Ghostory" or "Monstory") franchise is a weird one. Equally unique within its medium as without, and really undefinable by any criteria but its own. Let's recap a bit: the Monogatari series is the story of high school student and demi-vampire Koyomi Araragi. The franchise began life as a series of short stories (and not long later, light novels) published by the utterly singular Nisio Isin, a pseudonymous novelist and enigma of a man whose prolific and unique work ranks him with mangaka Douman Seiman and musician/video game developer ZUN as some of the most instantly identifiable purveyors of peculiar Japanese pop-culture. An anime adaptation of the first of these novels--Bakemonogatari itself--was begun by SHAFT Inc. in 2009. It was immensely popular and of course a second anime--Nisemonogatari, followed.

  Nisemonogatari has two narrative arcs, the longer "Karen Bee" arc with seven episodes and the shorter "Tsukihi Phoenix" arc with just four to close out the series. A lot happens within each of these but their structure itself is interesting in its own right. In both cases, the primary narrative conflicts are resolved in ways that most would deem anticlimactic. Kaiki, a conman who scams middle schoolers by selling fake spells and inflicts Araragi's older younger sister (not a typo) Karen with a pseudo-magical illness.

  It takes quite a while for the arc to even get to that point, as a good amount of Nisemonogatari (and from what this reviewer has seen, this is true of the franchise in general) devotes itself not to advancing the main narrative plotline which in many shows would be solved in a single episode or two at most, but rather to what are essentially tangents. In the first two episodes of the series, the main thrust of the arc is barely touched on at all, instead the first episode begins with what is essentially a narrative feint, Araragi has been kidnapped by his girlfriend Senjougahara, but, this isn't the main plotline of the arc. Kaiki, the conman mentioned earlier, only even shows up in the third episode, and the equivalent of a rug-pull is done to the audience, with the "Senjougahara kidnaps Araragi" plotline essentially being folded into the real main plot. And that is without mentioning Araragi's visits to the homes of Nadeko and Suruga (two returning Bakemonogatari characters), which consume a good chunk of an episode apiece and serve even less overall narrative point than the kidnapping subplot. The Kaiki plot itself of course, is resolved with nothing more than an extended conversation! He is not, in any real sense, "fought". He is not defeated, and really is not made to pay for his actions at all. He leaves town, and is out of our heroes' lives. So it goes.

  This may sound like a criticism but it's genuinely not. It's these strange asides that make Nisemonogatari worth watching in the first place. Other shows may do plot twists, but Nisemonogatari is completely unafraid to simply yank the existing narrative out from under the audience and swerve into a different direction entirely, for minutes or even entire episodes at a time. All of this, of course, is beautifully depicted. Nise, like its predecessor, is not traditionally animated. There are no background characters--at all--and much of the scenery is CG rendered, giving even mundane spaces a bizarre otherworldly feel. Characters' conversations are filled to the brim with rapid visual cuts--closeups of faces, shots visually depicting metaphors for and puns based on what is being said, miniature flashbacks, and more. These are, if not the most dynamic visual depictions of conversations ever animated, certainly in the running.

  Of course it is impossible to talk about these asides without mentioning the other asides. Which is to say, yes, Nisemonogatari like its predecessor and like its successors, often veers straight into "fetish porn minus the sex" territory. This is, to an extent, what you sign up for, as the series is marketed as an ecchi among its many other genres (truly the franchise contains multitudes), and it is genuinely quite hard to blame anyone for avoiding the series simply because it, say, has no qualms about depicting a hundreds-of-years-old vampire with the body of a little girl bathing in the nude with Araragi as the two talk. At the same time, unlike a lot of works that pull similar tricks, Nise is more or less inseparable from these scenes. It is a part of the show's identity as much as the easier sells discussed above, and while I would not really go so far as to call these scenes defensible, I think that again, to a degree you get what you sign up for, and criticizing Nise to too heavy a degree for its strange preoccupation with fanservice almost feels disingenuous given the amount of western work that exists that juggles a similar mixture of experimentation with medium and form and, frankly, crassness. It can indeed feel a bit like explaining the appeal of gangsta rap or grindhouse films to someone who's not sold on either, and it's equally tempting to explain these scenes away as "symbolic" or decry them as unnecessary to the show's character, but I feel that both approaches are equally flawed. The fetish material exists, is present, and must be by every individual viewer, reckoned with differently.

  And look at that, a paragraph apiece to the story, the visuals, and the fanservice(!), and only now do we get to the aural element. Nonetheless! The sound design in Nise remains fantastic. Both in terms of its soundtrack (the use of multiple opening themes is one of the franchise's best characteristics) and indeed its lack of it in places. The Monogatari series does more with voice acting on its own than most anime. Individual lines are doubled up, reverbed, echoed, or distorted for emphasis, sometimes to the backdrop of complete silence. Few anime show this much restraint in their sound design, and it must be applauded.

  So what to make of Nisemonogatari? Well, it lacks the emotional heights of Bakemonogatari itself, so it is perhaps not an improvement, but it's a refinement of the formula, and anyone who liked what Bake had to offer will find more of it here. To neophytes, start at the franchise's beginning with Bake, but make this your second stop.

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• 

  Grassman

  80/100
  An unorthodox representation of relationships, justice, fakes, and sex.

  Nisemonogatari picks up right after the events of Bakemonogatari. With Oshino gone, Araragi is left to deal with the various aberrations that posses those around him, alone. He takes a more leading role in protecting those he most cares about, his sisters being the focus of the two arcs (Karen Bee and Tsukihi Phoenix). Instead of being an assistant of Oshino, he becomes a more active protagonist. This will propel Araragi to question his philosophy and relationships with his friends and family.

  

  Story and Characters

  Whereas Bakemonogatari utilizes most of its run time to introduce and develop its characters and their distinct motivations and personalities, Nisemonogatari introduces philosophical concepts and explores the reactions of its established cast of characters towards these adversarial situations.

  The Karen Bee act focuses on the topic of justice and the relationship of Karen Araragi and Koyomi Araragi. Deishu Kaiki works as the main antagonist throughout the first part of the series, but we soon realize its just a matter of perspective, a recurrent theme throughout the series. Kaiki is introduced to us in a menacing tone with demonic visuals, but we later meet him casually eating at a doughnut restaurant. Araragi's real struggle in the Karen Bee arc is mending his relationship with Karen, finding conviction in his new purpose in life, and understanding his feelings for Senjougahara.

  Araragi doesn't exactly loves his sisters. Even if he would do anything to protect them, it is because he believes its his duty to do so, and not because he loves them. He constantly criticizes her self-destructive nature and black-white (yellow-black if you will) view on the world. Even when Araragi utilizes similar methods to solve his problems. However through learning about each other's views on justice they come to a mutual understanding of each other, culminating in the infamous toothbrush scene (more on that later). Apart from developing their relationship further, each character grows individually. Both learning how to approach adversity with new methods. Araragi learns from Senjougahara to not be vengeful and to be more level headed. On the other hand Karen will continue to be a vigilante of justice, but she has a newly founded conviction that is more realistic (and less heroic); and will be sure to take care of herself to not hurt those around her.

  Araragi and Senjougahara's confrontation with Kaiki is an important step for their relationship and their individual views on the world. Araragi learns that sometimes you do not have get yourself killed to solve a problem, and address the situation internally. Senjougahara forgives Kaiki for all of the misfortune he has caused her and is ready to move on, she decides not to dwell on the past and appreciate the present, one where she can live happily with Araragi. This marks the complete transition of a reserved and aggressive Senjougahara, into a more kindhearted one (even if she remains a tsundure).

  Kaiki is the first to introduce us into the concept of fakes. This presents a question that bugs the minds of our characters throughout both arcs, but the Tsukihi Phoenix explores it more deeply. Is it better to be real or fake? Or is there even a difference? What are the positives and negatives of being fake? Kaiki, being the cynic that he is, takes pride in being a fake con man. In his eyes that doesn't invalidates his motivation of gaining wealth, it empowers him because he has aspirations (to be real) instead of being a natural born "real con man". Kagenui, another character knowledgable in the supernatural and ex-companion of Oshino and Kaiki, presents a different point of view. Her view on fakes is similar to that of Karen at the beginning of the series, fakes are evil and should be stopped. This is her motivation to kill Tsukihi Araragi, a fake human that is in reality an immortal phoenix. Araragi's becomes uncertain if he should accept his other little sister after this revelation. Just as he learn to accept Karen's fake sense of justice, Araragi learns to accept her immortal sister as a fake human but real sister. Even if he despises Kaiki for being a fake, he still loves his sister.

  

  "The fake is of far greater value. In its deliberate attempt to be real, it's more real than the real thing."

  Animation and Sound

  Nisemonogatari is a less outgoing with its visual directing compared to Bakemonogatari. It has a lot less abstract imagery and experimental sequences. However, it maintains that trademark Monogatari aesthetic. It utilizes clever visual and sound editing to deliver its jokes, it has fantastic and aesthetically pleasing shot compositions, and constantly utilizes symbolism and color to transmit information through its visuals rather than its dialogue.The most notable uses of symbolism (in my opinion) are the introduction of Kaiki, the bee outfit of Karen, and Tsukihi's egg. Even if Tsukihi's origin is that of a phoenix she is still molded by her family and is more than just a fake sister, the same way an egg is cooked by a flame, she is who she is because of the Fire Sisters. Might I also add that Platinum Disco is the best.

  There is nothing much to criticize here apart from the increase in "fan-service" and decrease in the surreal stylistic direction of Bakemonogatari. The explicit sexual imagery and near incestuous relationships can disturb some viewers, but it serves a purpose, at least most of the time. Sexuality is a medium used by the creators to define the relationships Araragi has with the girls around him. Hanekawa being glorified for its body, Sengoku trying to seduce Araragi but failing, Kanbaru having a more dominant role over Araragi, Senjougahara being uncertain of having a more intimate relationship with Araragi as expressed by her in the last episodes of Bake but finally giving in during Nise. However the most important uses of sexuality in Nise are the relationships between Araragi with his sisters, and Shinobu. Araragi finally loves his sisters as represented by the toothbrush scene and the kiss that Araragi gave Tsukihi. Just the way Tsukihi and Karen have a strong bond between each other (and sleep together naked), Araragi uses his sexuality to demonstrate his new feelings for his sisters. In the same way Shinobu and Araragi forgive each other, at least a little bit, with one another through a very intimate bath scene.

  

  Conclusion

  Nisemonogatari suffers from slow pacing, cryptic dialogue, less astounding visuals, excessive fan-service, and a lack of a reason for the audience to care about what is happening on screen. It can feel tiring at times to have to watch Nisemonogatari, as scenes often go for longer than they should without much happening. However with all of these flaws, upon further inspection there is a lot to appreciate here. If you are new to the franchise (start with Bakemonogatari), and when you reach Nise try not to pay much attention to the fan-service if you are not into stuff like this. If you are a fan of the Monogatari series and dislike Nise, I would like you to re-watch it with a different perspective.

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• 

  Vollerei

  88/100
  A very comedic sequel to the series that still maintains its supernatural touch, you wont see toothbrushes the same way

  “The first requirement of being a hero isn’t being right. It’s being strong. That’s why the hero always wins.” -Araragi Koyomi

  Within moments of starting this sequel in the Monogatari series, I realized that I was in for something entirely unexpected. Both the storytelling and character development throughout this entry was clearly defined with the goal of building up the characters of Araragi’s sisters. Even still, none of the previous characters in the past were neglected at all. Rather, they too received some kind of development during the storyline that was entertaining to say the least. One of the key elements that had set this installment apart from the rest was its use of indirect comedy. If nothing crazy was happening at the moment, you could count on some hilarious moments that would soon make the situation look crazy enough. Just the pure energy of this sequel was far different than before, but in the best way possible. While still staying true to its supernatural oddities that we all first fell in love with, Nisemonogatari manages to create an even more unique experience that sets itself apart from the rest of the series. You’re sure to enjoy every moment you spend with the Araragi Fire Sisters!

  Art and Animation: 9.3/10

  • While still keeping the same art style, this entry takes it one step further and adds more color to the world than ever before! The camera shots are far less aggressive as well, which makes for a more enjoyable viewing experience for those with sensitive eyes. This installment definitely felt like an upgraded version of the signature art style we all came to love. The color palette was a lot more diverse, and it gave scenes more impact or energy when it was needed. When it came down to animation, there was never a major flaw to be seen. Fluid movements and solid character designs were all present, which all paid off when the time came for these aspects to be put to full use.

  Storyline and Character Progression: 8.9/10

  • Not the deepest or darkest of storylines, but entertaining till the end. Both the pace and execution of the overall premise was almost perfect, with nothing ever feeling too rushed or left with unanswered gaps. The incorporation of comedy was almost too good to even put into words. In parts where comedy didn’t seem like it would fit the situation, Nisemonogatari proved that comedy was JUST the thing to make the moment more memorable. As a result, there was never a dull moment where you felt the story drag on without any real progress. When it came to the ecchi in this season, it had a more “teasing” feel to it. Both the ecchi and comedy were used in just the right amount, especially when they were used in unison. Character progression was more focused this time around to just a select few, these mainly being the Araragi sisters. The development that they had received turned them from occasional side characters to full blown supporting roles whose existence couldn’t be ignored anymore. Even Kiss-shot had received some much needed development that reaffirmed her as one of the main roles with an interesting and complicated attachment to Araragi. When it came to the rest of the cast, none had received any groundbreaking development as much as Senjougahara. We were able to get a little more insight into her dark and sufferable past as new information came to light. So while the storyline itself had a solid foundation that never provided a dull moment, the character progression wasn’t as deep or to the same degree as its previous entry.

  Soundtrack and Audio: 8.3/10

  • The soundtrack of this season wasn’t its strong suit, but it was by no means anything bad. While it did have a soundtrack that was very memorable in itself (especially that second OP), the message and storytelling behind each song wasn’t as strong. The soundtrack throughout the storyline was definitely used at the right moments, never ruining the mood or taking away from an important moment. In regards to audio, the same high quality performance was still in effect this time around even with the introduction of new faces.

  In conclusion, when it came down to pure entertainment and enjoyment, I really did enjoy all this season had to offer. Whenever the storyline was progressing, comedy was able to be implemented without hindering it. The character development was both informative and entertaining, with a little more backstory being added to some characters you may be more interested in. And the best part? No one felt neglected, with everyone being given a chance to contribute to the hilarious mood of Nisemonogatari. Both the pacing and overall feel of everything was very comfortable, making for one definitely enjoyable binge session if you’re up for it. This season definitely deserves its overall score of 8.8/10. With even more characters being added to bring depth to the storyline, this series is far from being over. Until the next one, see y’all later!

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