Review of Bakemonogatari

"Captivating"...transitive verb... meaning "to influence and dominate by some special charm, art, or trait and with an irresistible appeal". And probably the most fitting word for the Bakemonogatari series. Bakemonogatari has this strange, alluring effect, that once you start watching, you can't stop. It invites one in with superb art, fitting music, and a story-line that has a delectable mixture of mystery and action, to comedy and romance (often coming together in pairs). As a fan of nisioisin's work, I initially welcomed Bakemonogatari with open arms, and watched it from end to end (in impressive time I might add). But for a normal otaku, one mightfind the series initially vexing and hard to take in. There will be times that one might even get tired of the series just because of the difficulty. But that doesn't mean that this is immediately a bad anime. It's probable because of it's unconventionality that it leads one into strange and unrequited waters. Never have I seen an anime that is, although not perfectly balanced, but as close to perfection as Bakemonogatari.

The story in itself is relatively deep, as there are different scenarios for each heroine. Although it may be deep, it is delivered in a surprisingly light way. But I have to say that there are time that the environment that was initially intended to keep that lightheartedness in check, turns the atmosphere into a rather tense and heavy one. Perhaps it is another idea of nisioisin? I do not know. But I must say that it is this exact element that entices the viewer to want more.

Character development is also taken into consideration in Bakemonogatari. It leaves one with a satisfying feeling when you know what that character's background is when you go through her story. It really shows its form as a light novel in character development.

Another astounding thing is the art. The art is amazing. Although it may be strange most of the time, it is this dash of strangeness that immediately sets the environment and the atmosphere of the story. The art is also another element of Bakemonogatari that sets it apart from other anime.

And lastly, the sound. With multiple OPs and EDs, I would be lying if I said that their weakness lied in the sound department. Each OP and ED gives off a totally different depth at the same time though, keeps the lightness of the anime at a constant level. The sound effects also fit perfectly in the anime, from footsteps to cute little growls, it's in there.

All in all, Bakemonogatari is an anime that would definitely satisfy a story hungry otaku. Although it may be difficult and heavy at times, it's no reason to flap it away. Bakemonogatari is definitely going in my "favorites" section, and will be staying there for a long time.