Scan barcode
sampauwels's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
themorbidcorvid's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
wextra's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The first two stories of NISIOISIN's Bakemonogatari series make up this collection and they're the perfect introduction to the writer and this world. Part comedy, part supernatural mystery and all about the eccentric characters of this world, both "Hitagi Crab" and "Mayoi Snail" are the perfect introduction to the character of Araragi Koyomi and his view of people and the world around him while also foreshadowing the mysteries of Hanekawa Tsubasa, which comes to a head in the third volume. Both Senjogahara Hitagi and Hachikuji Mayoi are very different but fascinating central characters in their respective stories and you'll be hard pressed not to fall in love with them in the end. There's no better place to start with the Monogatari franchise or NISIOISIN.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexual violence, Abandonment, and Sexual assault
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Car accident, and Child death
ithzalumbra's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
mrdent's review
4.0
December 31st.
New Year’s Eve.
A winter holiday spent typically with friends or with family.
I turned down making plans with friends, so that I could spend the holiday with my family.
Funny thing, that.
The Epilogue, or punchline to my story.
I’d read Bakemonogatari before, along with a ton of other Nisioisin works that were translated. I think Vertical does a great job pairing his works with translators who really get his punchy, playful style. The first time I read Bakemonogatari, I didn’t enjoy it as fully as I really could have. I don’t know, I just wasn’t in the right stage of my life for it.
Nisioisin’s style is punchy and it’s fun but it’s very stream of consciousness and super dialogue heavy, and at the time I really struggled visualizing the characters and story, even if I had fun with the playful language. You really have to be an active reader to get the most out of this series, and I definitely enjoyed it a lot more this time.
The characters are fun but there’s substance too them, and I found myself unexpectedly touched and emotional during parts of the story, even when I knew they were coming.
The fanservice element is kind of off putting at parts. I think that’s a genuine complaint, but I found the stories compelling and engaging enough to make it a fun and valuable read.
The illustrations are wonderful but minimal. I’m grateful for Vertical for more or less doubling the amount of illustrations that come with the books.
New Year’s Eve.
A winter holiday spent typically with friends or with family.
I turned down making plans with friends, so that I could spend the holiday with my family.
Funny thing, that.
The Epilogue, or punchline to my story.
I’d read Bakemonogatari before, along with a ton of other Nisioisin works that were translated. I think Vertical does a great job pairing his works with translators who really get his punchy, playful style. The first time I read Bakemonogatari, I didn’t enjoy it as fully as I really could have. I don’t know, I just wasn’t in the right stage of my life for it.
Nisioisin’s style is punchy and it’s fun but it’s very stream of consciousness and super dialogue heavy, and at the time I really struggled visualizing the characters and story, even if I had fun with the playful language. You really have to be an active reader to get the most out of this series, and I definitely enjoyed it a lot more this time.
The characters are fun but there’s substance too them, and I found myself unexpectedly touched and emotional during parts of the story, even when I knew they were coming.
The fanservice element is kind of off putting at parts. I think that’s a genuine complaint, but I found the stories compelling and engaging enough to make it a fun and valuable read.
The illustrations are wonderful but minimal. I’m grateful for Vertical for more or less doubling the amount of illustrations that come with the books.
l0ttenj's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25