Anime Review – Nisemonogatari (2012)

Koyomi Araragi, the pseudo-vampire turned therapist for the harem of characters that stumble into his life, is back. In both Kizumonogatari, the acts of bravery he performs are for the friends he has made along the way, leading the first two instalments to range from great to good. In this instalment, however, Araragi must face spirits that hit a little closer to home, as this time, he must assist his sisters. Nisemonogatari feels like a return to form for the series, though it still has underlying issues that make my skin crawl.

While it’s not the Fire Sisters’ first appearance—they are briefly seen in Bakemonogatari when they shake Araragi’s bed—Nisemonogatari is the first time they take centre stage as the main girls of the show.

Araragi is a changed man when the show begins, trying to focus on his studies so he can graduate and continue being hopelessly in love with Senjougahara. However, his plans are put on hold when the love of his life kidnaps him and chains him down in an abandoned school. The reason is simple: a shady con artist from her past has reappeared, and she wants to ensure Araragi’s safety. While Senjougahara is the community’s favourite girl, the connection between them never feels entirely genuine. Whether this is something lost in translation from the light novel to the anime is a possibility, but the relationships he forms with other characters feel far more enticing and believable.

Fan service is, unfortunately, unavoidable in Monogatari. However, it becomes uncomfortable when very young female characters either deliberately try to entice Araragi in overt ways or when Araragi outright assaults them. For someone who claims to be loyal, Araragi can’t seem to keep his perverted hands off Mayoi Hachikuji—who may look twelve but is actually 22 years old. There are multiple scenes of Araragi attempting to lay his hands on this unsuspecting, innocent character. This contrasts with a scene involving Nadeko Sengoku that works narratively. First crushes are something everyone experiences, and they sometimes involve people older than us. Shaft explores this through shots that convey how Sengoku wants Araragi to perceive her. The camera lingers on a falling shoulder strap or the gap between her socks and skirt. Conceptually, it works, but seeing a 15-year-old animated in suggestive ways is still unappealing.

Over the 11 episodes, these scenes are too few and far between to be a major hindrance, but they do cause the show to stumble. The Fire Sisters are the focus of this series. Consisting of two story arcs, Karen Bee and Tsukihi Phoenix, the majority of the show focuses on the Karen Bee arc, which spans seven episodes. This arc is genuinely entertaining and highlights what I love about the series. Araragi is introduced to a potential spirit affecting someone he knows, and he must solve the issue. However, the story arc has an abrupt conclusion that feels like it just ends. In hindsight, though, this abruptness ties into the meaning of Nisemonogatari. Translating to “Fake Story,” the title thematically connects both arcs. In Karen Bee, things are not really what they seem, and in Tsukihi Phoenix, the foundation of Araragi’s life is revealed to be fake.

Nisemonogatari concludes on a thrilling note that leaves you wanting more. It can be perverted—there’s no sugarcoating that aspect of the show. However, the core story being told is fascinating and spellbinding. The series has its hooks deep in me, and I definitely want more.

★★★1/2

Available to stream on Crunchyroll / Hiroshi Kamiya, Eri Kitamura, Yuka Iguchi, Maaya Sakamoto, Emiri Katou / Dir: Tomoyuki Itamura / Aniplex / 18