Monogatari Is Back and in Top Form

Highlights

Monogatari Off & Monster Season premieres strong, with an intriguing narrative and unique character growth.
Orokamonogatari showcases Nadeko’s evolution from a simplistic archetype to a complex character.
New director, Midori Yoshizawa, brings fresh energy and stunning visuals to elevate the Monogatari Series.

As someone who has been a devoted fan of the Monogatari series for years, I was beyond excited to finally watch the premiere of Monogatari Off & Monster Season. Nostalgia might have played a part in my heightened expectations, but this new entry truly surpassed them. Title	Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season
Director	Midori Yoshizawa, Akiyuki Shinbo (Chief Director)
Studio	Shaft
Episode Air Date	7/6/2024

Caution: The ensuing discussion may reveal limited spoilers for the first episode of Monogatari Series Off & Monster, titled “OROKAMONOGATARI Tsukihi Undo,” which is currently available on Crunchyroll.

The Monogatari series is intriguing in its own right. Although it may not receive as much attention as other popular shows, it remains one of the top-selling anime TV series of the 21st century. Five years after the release of Zoku Owarimonogatari, Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season has stepped up to fill the gap left by the previous installment with an exceptional premiere, reminiscent of Bakemonogatari’s best moments.

In simpler terms, “Monogatari,” created by Nisio Isin, is a mystery/drama with a supernatural twist. It mainly focuses on young women who are haunted by spirits that feed off their past wounds and fears. Even after the series’ protagonist, Koyomi Araragi, graduates from high school and moves on to college, the lives of the women he touched are still at the heart of each new season’s story.

An Instantly Fascinating Premiere

Monogatari Has Never Had Such A Strong Start

How Monogatari Excels From The First Frame

The allure of this franchise pulls you in within the initial sixty seconds, leaving you in awe. In essence, Yotsugi Ononoki’s introductory monologue serves as a recap of her assignment to observe Tsukihi Araragi while disguised as a lifelike doll. However, thanks to Nisio Isin’s masterful writing, as brought to life on screen by Akiyuki Shinbo and Fuyashi Tou, this narration transcends mere exposition. Even when delivered in a flat and mechanical tone by Yotsugi, the dialogue resonates with poetic depth.

I’ve come across an intriguing being, one I’d describe as Tsukihi – a young woman apparition who acts on impulse and does as she pleases, defying expectations and rules. Her unpredictability is both alluring and perilous to me and those in authority, reminiscent of a chaotic entity that stirs up turmoil. Conversely, I position myself as an apparition following learned behaviors, one whose existence hinges on mimicking human norms.

“My Plushie Is Eating Ice Cream!?”

Just like Monogatari meticulously crafts each shot to captivate, every spoken line carries significance towards a theme, which is typically introduced in the opening monologue. This intricate web of dialogue, though seemingly complex, contains a core concept that even newcomers can grasp. For instance, in “Tsukihi Undo,” the narrative explores the contrasting natures of its main characters to impart a valuable lesson about life.

When the erratic Tsukihi chooses not to attend school one day, she comes back home to discover Yotsugi, whom she believes is just a lifeless doll, consuming ice cream that Araragi had given her as a gift. Unable to explain this away as a mere hallucination, Yotsugi invents a story that she is a magical girl and uses Tsukihi’s doll as her alter ego to vanquish a mythical creature. However, when Tsukihi becomes insistent on joining the endeavor, Yotsugi enlists the assistance of Sengoku Nadeko in order to make this increasingly complex deception more believable.

This Is Peak Monogatari

Orokamonogatari Emphasizes How Much Nadeko Has Changed

From as early as “Bakemonogatari,” Nadeko didn’t develop into a complex character, which seemed intentional as the series progressed. She embodied the stereotype of a young girl infatuated with an older man. However, it wasn’t until “Monogatari Series: Second Season” that the story started exploring her true identity. Witnessing her transformation in “Orokamonogatari” is delightful as she has blossomed by pursuing her interests.

In the captivating world of Monogatari, details hidden within the settings hold profound significance, none more so than the girls’ bedrooms. Among them, Nadeko’s room underwent an extraordinary transformation. Bursting at the seams with bookshelves, a cluttered floor, and a snug workspace, her space speaks volumes about her dreams as a manga artist, brimming with character. Although her screen time in this storyline may be limited, Nadeko leaves a lasting impact in this episode, teaching us a crucial lesson: the power of passionately pursuing one’s dreams.

I’m very glad that this world is not such an easy place to live in.

Title “Tsukihi Undo” misleads with its name as Yotsugi encounters an irrevocable mistake, leading to significant struggles despite her cautiousness and intelligence. The hardships serve as essential lessons in the human journey, shaping characters through their encounters with uncertainty and suffering. A thought-provoking narrative that offers fresh perspectives on each character.

Is It Better than Ever? Or Has It Just Been a While?

We’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of a new “Monogatari” entry like no other since the franchise began. The excitement this time around might be due to the extended wait for a fresh addition, but there was an undeniable sense of something new and captivating in this premiere. The storyline was endearing and highlighted the characters’ best traits. However, what truly set it apart was its ability to deliver a substantial impact in just one episode without compromising on depth.

In Monogatari, the series isn’t averse to fast-paced storytelling. Its vibrant visuals and sharp dialogue keep lengthy monologues and banter engaging. However, “Tsukihi Undo” stood out as particularly well-balanced. This is mainly due to its extended runtime compared to standard TV episodes.

An equally plausible explanation for this invigorating feeling is the arrival of the new series director, Midori Yoshizawa, who gained recognition for Season 1 of “Magia Record,” a spin-off of “Madoka Magica.” Every Monogatari director brings their unique touches to the table, and though it may take some effort to identify what distinguishes Yoshizawa’s approach, her talent is evident right away.

The show is stunningly beautiful, as anticipated. Animators such as Hiroto Nagata, who brought the most breathtaking sequence of the premiere to life, demonstrate that there are still new heights for “Monogatari Off & Monster Season” and Studio Shaft to reach. Although it’s only just started, this series is living up to the franchise’s reputation, and with potential for even greater depth in the future.

2024-07-15 20:04