Bakemonogatari

Yeah, yeah, the fall season has started already, but since I've only recently started watching anime again there will be more then a fair couple of entries on this blog from older series. Actually, I'm getting this series from Koharubi who are lagging a little behind with this as it's actually already finished, but I have high hopes that they'll release the rest of it shortly. So Bakemonogatari it is.

First of all I like to remark that this anime is a classic example that great graphics are not needed to make a great series. Oh, don't worry, the characters are done well enough, but all the rest is strictly CG. Easy and repetitive CG at that. I don't know if this was because of lack of funds or because they wanted you to focus on the characters, and more particular, their conversations, but either way for eyecandy you'll have to look elsewhere.



It's not only the background, but the whole animation concept is a sure winner in the weird department as it employs split second text messages which you only can read by pausing, sudden stops, odd color schemes (I like the red/orange glow of the one above though), some cardboard stuff here and there with a little sprinkle of RL pictures. So this is definitely one odd anime animation wise, but I'd recommend sitting through the entire first episode anyway as not to judge it on looks alone.

So, on with the plot then.

Our male lead is Araragi Koyomi a 3thd year high schooler is late for school and running up the stairs as he notices a girl from his class (Senjougahara Hitagi) falling down and he catches her.



Much to his surpise Senjougahara almost weighs next to nothing and after being threatened (and trust me, this is not your typical girl threatens boy anime threat and bonus points for this scene alone) by her not to reveal her secret Araragi offers his help. Or rather, he offers to take her to someone that can help. This person is Oshino Meme, but honestly, the name aside he is about as japanese as I'm native American, but never mind that. The main thing is that he somewhat specializes in dealing with 'other world' situations.

In the first 1,5 minute of the first episode you'll be told in a machinegun fire like way how Araragi became acquainted with Meme, but you'll need to pause a lot to be able to get all this. It's not entirely necessary though as later on in the episode (and series) you'll be told about this in bits and pieces as well. Looks like we don't get to see this part animated for real though which imho is a real shame.

There is no major story and this series is setup in a such a way that it takes 2 to 3 episodes to handle a case. It reminds me a lot about Mushishi in the pacing and presentation of the supernatural.

The main attraction of this series is the interaction between Araragi and the people he meets and helps, but especially the interaction between him and Senjougahara is, to me at least, a delight to follow.

As for the comedy and romance tags to this post. You can guess, but you're going to have to watch this series in order to whether or not they're justified.

Temporarily verdict: 8,5 out of 10.