Koyomi Araragi, a third-year high school student, manages to survive a vampire attack with the help of Meme Oshino, a strange man residing in an abandoned building. Though being saved from vampirism and now a human again, several side effects such as superhuman healing abilities and enhanced vision still remain. Regardless, Araragi tries to live the life of a normal student, with the help of his friend and the class president, Tsubasa Hanekawa.
When fellow classmate Hitagi Senjougahara falls down the stairs and is caught by Araragi, the boy realizes that the girl is unnaturally weightless. Despite Senjougahara's protests, Araragi insists he help her, deciding to enlist the aid of Oshino, the very man who had once helped him with his own predicament.
Through several tales involving demons and gods, Bakemonogatari follows Araragi as he attempts to help those who suffer from supernatural maladies.
Welcome, manga and anime enthusiasts! Once again, it’s time for a fresh review from The Anime Critic and today, we are shining the spotlight on the well-received anime, “Bakemonogatari”. But before we scrutinize every corner of this anime masterpiece, here’s a brief synopsis for those who are unfamiliar with it.
“Bakemonogatari”, a mashup of the words “bakemono” meaning ghost or monster, and “monogatari” meaning stories, excellently captures the essence of this supernatural masterpiece. This anime revolves around the main character, Araragi Koyomi, a high school student who survives a vampire attack and develops the ability to see ‘oddities,’ – a term used for supernatural beings that exist in the shadows of humanity. Aided by legendary vampire, Oshino Meme, Araragi attempts to help those who are suffering from supernatural maladies.
Now that we have a brief idea about Bakemonogatari, let’s dive deep into this review, and don’t worry, no major spoilers ahead!
Anime Elements:
Bakemonogatari’s most noticeable trait is its unique blend of surrealism and realism. The on-point animation by Studio Shaft, coupled with the top-notch direction by Akiyuki Shinbo, creates a milieu that’s a heartfelt tribute to urban legends and folklore. The visually arresting art style and the imaginative storytelling are unlike anything in the realm of anime.
Character Development:
The characters in Bakemonogatari are carefully written, each having a well-detailed backstory that compels viewers to connect emotionally to them. The witty dialogue and the gripping narrative give each character a distinct identity, making the character development a standout element of the anime.
Sound and Music:
Sound design and music are integral parts of Bakemonogatari, not just adjuncts. The OST perfectly accentuates the theme of the series, making every scene deeply immersive. From the shift between serene to eerie atmospheres, the music never once falters, enhancing the entire viewing experience tremendously.
Final Verdict:
Bakemonogatari is a marvelous gem in the world of anime that doesn’t adhere to conventional plot movement. Rather, it takes you on a thought-provoking journey amidst the supernatural events stitched with real-world elements. Its distinct art style, engaging narrative, and well-conceived characters make it a must-watch for every anime lover. Whether you want to rent, buy, or stream, Bakemonogatari deserves a spot on your watch list.
This concludes our review for today. Always remember, each anime is a portal into a new world, so don’t hesitate to explore! Stay tuned for more reviews, and happy anime watching!
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