What a way to cap off the year of 2014. Tsukimonogatari may be only 4 episodes but these captures the point of the series quite well. In retrospect, we get Araragi with his presence in this show that is well felt in the beginning. To top things off, these four episodes captures the very essence of what the Monogatari franchise should be. Produced with Shaft at the steering wheel and a mission to adapt the novel, Tsukimonogatari is quite something that ought to be remembered.
Of course, any fan familiar with the Monogatari franchise should know its unorthodox style. Tsukimonogatari is no different despite being just
...
four episodes; or to be more precisely called ‘Yotsugi Doll’. Why? Well a particular character going by the name Yotsugi Ononoki with no real personality could be described as such. A doll is after all without any real feelings although they can be a symbolism for innocence, playfulness, and youth. Taking a few steps back though, the first episode of Tsukimonogatari introduces Araragi who is in his college years. However, he is more busy with his sisters especially Tsukihi who he has a rather peculiar “battle” in the baths. All seems silly at first until Araragi discovers something wrong at the glance of himself in the mirror. By no doubt, the first episode sets the stage for the remainder of this series and in a fashionable way at that.
What follows is the ingenious dialogues of what Monogatari is all about as well as the overall tone of the story. It’s both well directed and a pleasure to relieve another chance at the stages of the final season. Here, we are also introduced to Shinobu once again. For those who don’t remember her, she is the vampire girl that sucks on his blood daily. The reason for this is explained and also creates the theory of Araragi’s newfound problem in the second episode. It gets to the point where characters such as Kagenui Yozuru is involved along with her familiar. While they seem like characters (and even described by Kagenui as actors on the stage), it’s their stellar performance that makes them worthwhile to remember. It helps bring to life the story that crafts the style of Monogatari. Through word plays and clever dialogues along with effective comedy timing, the series becomes fine calibrated entertainment. Not only does it create appealing entrances and exits but the character interactions are first class with their expressions. There’s not a dull moment with timing and precision being part of the formula of success. This is even emphasized with the soundtrack and OST that specifically markets its creativity. At the same time, there’s clear intelligence to the writing with every dialogue that fits to the story’s purpose.
Another aspect of the series is its ability to command attention. One event leads to another that creates a thrilling feel for the audience to anticipate what’s to come next. It’s through the appealing setup that makes the series stands out with dangerous adversaries with their motives. While it seems stereotypical at first, there’s still no doubt about complex performance of the characters. Not only does it shine through their roles, but the show also explains the story fairly well through unique ways. Like I mentioned before, Tsukimonogatari is about storytelling and no story is complete without a background. In this series, that background is not just thrown into the audience face like an auto-pilot info dump. Instead, it mixes unique word plays and engrossing scenarios to tell the story. And true to its style, the series also delivers its conclusion through with everything it has set up. The finale of the series sparks the climax but not before we get even more nicely textured dialogues. Some of these evokes various feelings such as fear, angry, and hatred. At the same time, there’s a moving experience that can be felt through these episodes and in particular with the finale. Everything comes together and even Araragi realizes what has happened that leaves him a bit stunned. Indeed, the series tells the anti-thesis of a doll and what it’s truly like for someone without a real personality; perhaps something as Ononoki is far from a human.
Despite with all the events going on in these four episodes, I still find it interesting how it’s able to squeeze in comedy. While this may be a mixed bag for is some, I have no doubt about the way the series is handled in an attempt to exaggerate Araragi’s relationship with his sister. There’s honesty there too with how Araragi’s emotions becomes evident after realizing the danger they are in. Furthermore, these episodes also has bits of lighthearted moments at the end to give the audience a bit of ease.
Anyone familiar with Daiki Konno would also easily recognize his artistic talents which is clearly shown in the first episode. The surrealistic backgrounds along with Shaft’s zany and idiosyncratic style is also hard to miss. Along with the background symbolism, this series’ artwork is a testament of what unorthodox is all about; and I do say that in a good way. Character designs also gives off a feeling of fresh air especially with Ononoki’s doll-like appearance and behavior. Similarly, Araragi returns in full force with not 1, 3, 6, but an 8-pack! It’s hard to miss any of the fan service since they are all over the screen to be quite honest. Half of the first episode takes place in the bathroom with Araragi and his sister being nearly fully naked. Not to mention the rest, we also have other suggestive camera angles that will raise some eyebrows. Still, this shouldn’t be new or a surprise at all given the way Shaft handles this adaptation.
What may surprise you though is the powerful soundtrack. Each scene in every episode has a bit of it to keep up the momentum. Somehow, the soundtrack is also able to carry through this whole series wherever it goes. Regardless where the setting is or what event takes place, it tells of a cinematic grace with a pensive style to convey the story. It’s also hard to not let yourself be indulged by the dialogues of this series as the words spoken are wild, perspective to the point, yet able to remain intact all the way through. Finally, the OP and ED songs are cleverly decorated. The opening song “Orange Mint” has a catchy tone and in all respects decently coordinated by its illustrative tones. Similarly, ClariS returns with their performance that although isn’t groundbreaking still has an attractive appeal.
Looking back at these four episodes, I have no shadow of a doubt that the Final Season will be an upcoming saga of the coming ages. These four episodes tells more than just a story. It’s the kind of uncompromising adaptation that we don’t see too often these days. Tsukimonogatari may be only four episodes but is richly imaginative with brilliant characters and a well-developed story. Director Shinbou Akiyuki once again shows the world his talent with this adaptation and the future is looking brighter than ever.
Alternative Titles
Synonyms: Tsukimonogatari: Yotsugi Doll, Monogatari Final Season
Japanese: 憑物語
More titlesInformation
Type:
TV Special
Episodes:
4
Status:
Finished Airing
Aired:
Dec 31, 2014
Producers:
Aniplex
Licensors:
Aniplex of America
Studios:
Shaft
Source:
Light novel
Duration:
26 min. per ep.
Rating:
R - 17+ (violence & profanity)
Statistics
Ranked:
#5092
2
based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity:
#552
Members:
417,980
Favorites:
939
Available AtResourcesStreaming Platforms | Reviews
Filtered Results: 22 / 26
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Your Feelings Categories Dec 31, 2014
What a way to cap off the year of 2014. Tsukimonogatari may be only 4 episodes but these captures the point of the series quite well. In retrospect, we get Araragi with his presence in this show that is well felt in the beginning. To top things off, these four episodes captures the very essence of what the Monogatari franchise should be. Produced with Shaft at the steering wheel and a mission to adapt the novel, Tsukimonogatari is quite something that ought to be remembered.
Of course, any fan familiar with the Monogatari franchise should know its unorthodox style. Tsukimonogatari is no different despite being just ... Dec 31, 2014
Wow coming into Tsukimonogatari i knew i was gonna get a different vibe from Hana from the start. The reason i liked tsuki more than hana is because hana seemed liked a conclusion and conclusions aren't really "fun" per say, they are just to wrap everything up. With Tsuki we are getting more plot progression and ALOT of foreshadowing. Honestly for those who don't know even the littlest hints of spoilers these foreshadowing will go over your head. When Oshino Ouji states that "the more u lose the more you mature" it just gave me chills cuz after seeing hana (which is the last part
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Dec 31, 2014
Much like with western entertainment, there are certain TV series and movies that stand out not just as promising installments of new or existing franchises, but also as popular events that a large portion of the community with wait in massive anticipation for. In the world of anime, the "events" that captures the most attention are new additions to the Monogatari series, an anime that began back in 2009 and is continuously pumping out sequels to this day. However, during the past year, the formula for how new entries into this franchise are premiered has
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Jan 29, 2015
Ill just make a simple, subtle and sweet review for Tsukimonogatari.
For those who wanna watch 4 episodes special, please watch all the previously made monogatari series first..or else you will very confused. The events for tsukimonogatari takes place between the ending for Monogatari series season 2 and another 4 episodes special, Hanamonogatari. For this arc, it will centre around the cute yet emotionless and monotone girl, ononoki. During this post-climax arc, Araragi slowly adapts to his old lifestyle once again and starts going for a new beginning in his life with a new twist i guess. Inside this arc, you will see that brilliant animation sequence ... Jan 14, 2015
(This has been adapted from my reddit thread)
"To err is human" is a famous proverb that helps to explain the mistakes that people often make. It's only natural that, as humans, we trip up, we cause trouble, and we otherwise make life more difficult for ourselves and those around us. Making mistakes is common, but is only one facet to what makes us human. Personalities, actions, ideas, thoughts, emotions, understanding; these and many more complex areas form the basis for what it means to not only be considered a person but to also reveal just what being human actually entails. And for Tsukimonogatari, this delving ... Sep 6, 2020
Long reviews may contain spoiler!!!
Short Review: (free spoiler) Tsukimonogatari is a wonderful anime. It's a continuation of Monogatari 2nd, so I think all of you who see this anime knows the story's overall. The story revolves around Araragi and Ononoki, basically, with others will support the entire anime. Well, It's just 4 episodes with a combination of mystery, vampire, and ecchi (well, of course, especially that man of culture). However, I feel, also at least as good as their predecessor. If you are fans of the Ononoki Yotsugi, you most likely will love this OVA. Anyway, in any case, you may think you will dislike it, I ... Nov 29, 2015
I was a bit disappointed with Hanamonogatari so I thought long and hard (Yea, Yea..long and hard..so funny..hurr durr) on whether I should watch the next Monogatari series or not which was Tsukimonogatari. I'm pleased to say that Tsuki did not disappoint.
(There will be SPOILERS in my review) [Story]: (8.5/10) (SPOILERS) Tsukimonogatari is a sequel to Hanamonogatari but it does not take place after Hana. Tsuki chronologically takes place during the events of Monogatari Series: Second Season. Something weird is going on with Koyomi's body and he must find out why this is happening. After watching Hanamonogatari, I didn't have it in me to watch Tsukimonogatari because ... Feb 2, 2015
The anime is very colourful and the colours are vibrant.
The characters have good character development and the characters are interesting. However, Shinobu did not have enough screen time which makes me sad. My favourite seen has to been the Arcade Scene because it was funny. Other people might say the shower scene was the best as it was Ecchi. The music was very good as it was very well played. I don't like the fact that the entire show was played out at once like one movie. Overall, I give Tsukimonogatari a 9.69/10! (Which rounds up to 10/10) Apr 26, 2021
tl;dr: A solid Monogatari arc with especially good Araragi moments that feels like it’s the set up right before things get really moving.
Tsukimonogatari is an adaptation of the first novel of what is called the final season of Monogatari novels. Tsukimonogatari takes place in between Koimonogatari and Hanamonogatari, and as such while it doesn’t fill in the gaps left in the Monogatari Second Season, it’s very much right in the middle of things. The character that’s supposed to be focused on in this arc is Ononoki and she does have a reasonably prominent role in that we get background on her and some insight into ... Dec 31, 2014
"This is the story of the beginning of my end."
-Araragi Koyomi Prequel Story: Kizumonogatari First Story: Bakemonogatari Second Story: Nisemonogatari Third Story: Nekomonogatari Kuro Fourth Story: Nekomonogatari Shiro Fifth Story: Kabukimonogatari Sixth Story: Otorimonogatari ... Aug 7, 2016
(8.5/10)
With the beginning of its third season, Monogatari takes on the task of giving a lot of the lesser known characters more... character. With this one, we see the return of our favorite deadpan Loli, Ononoki and her minion Kagenui. Overall, I was pleased to see them get spotlighted in this challenging and entertaining episode. __________________________________________ Story: 7 ... Apr 26, 2019
Tsukimonogatari is the doll arc of the Monogatari Series that once again features Koyomi Araragi, but revolves around Yotsugi Ononoki and Yozuru Kagenui. As with every arc, Tsukimonogatari builds these two characters masterfully.
I should mention that if you believe any amount of incest is too much incest; first of all, how did you make it this far? But, secondly, this is beyond that. The first episode is basically incestmonogatari, and it’s weird because it doesn’t do much for the story this time. Just a passing thought. Yotsugi Ononoki is perhaps the most unrelatable character in the series, and it is obvious now that it ... Mar 28, 2015
Tsukimonogatari - 8/10
Tsukimonogatari is a sequel of Hanamonogatari, even though it takes place before it chronologically. This one is a lot more typical Monogatari than Hana, but it's all presented in such a way that aside from the pseudo-psychological dialogue and all that stuff, the normal dialogue between the characters shows you just how much did they change, and how much they were forced to change, for example Araragi through not being able to use his Vampire abilities anymore. The art is kinda...cheaper i guess? Can't judge until we get that sweet Blu-Ray edit like usual. The story kinda fails to focus on Yotsugi, even though it's ... Oct 5, 2020
Tsukimonogatari is the "Beginning of the End" to Monogatari. :(
While a short season, it was very delectable. Finally our favorite walking corpse girl gets some much needed focus, and as per tradition, she sings her own opening, which is very reminiscent of the Portal songs, in my opinion. This time of round, the story isn't at all hard to understand, and it's rather straightforward. We move backwards again in the timeline, just after Hitagi End from Second Season. Since this is the start of Final Season, it provides more insight into how Araragi developed to the person we see him as in Hanamonogatari. To sum up, this ... Feb 23, 2021
Tsukimonogatari is the start of the third season of the Monogatari and features Ononoki in the main role for the first time. This arc is among the better arcs in Monogatari and helps to build a relationship between Ononoki and Araragi while he tries to save his sisters from Tadatsuru Teori, an oddity hunter, after slowly transforming more and more into a vampire.
The arc begins with Araragi awaking to his sisters who now wake him up because he refuses to use alarm clocks. They demand he spends February thirteenth studying for his college entrance exams. While Araragi is setting up a bath for Karen, he ... Jun 15, 2016
Now you might think that I am overrating this particular "monogatari" with a prefix of "tsuki" that states the premise of the story of what this "monogatari" (monogatari means story) will be about in the anime. Well because this anime, or to be as condescending as possible, "THIS FUCKING JAPANESE CARTOON!" is a mix of the uses of art, animation, a big references of literature work collections, logic (fallacy of red herring, valid argument etc. that was mentioned in the anime) and philosophy (human nature, chinese philsopher on the idea of human is good in nature or bad etc.) and so forth. But ofc, dont
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Jul 6, 2022
I was excited to start this chapter of the Monogatari series because Araragi was once again the protagonist, but unfortunately, my interest wasn't kept quite as much as I would've liked. I think what put the nail in that coffin was that these four episodes seem to only exist to provide a new plot point for Araragi. Of course, going forward, I'm sure these episodes are going to matter a lot and make a big difference, but just watching the development of this one plot point wasn't all that interesting.
The tone of these four episodes was nice, though, because of Araragi leading the narration once ... Jan 20, 2022
Tsukimonogatari is another enjoyable story arc in the Monogatari series. As usual, there's plenty of humor, fanservice and dialogue. The focus is mainly on Koyomi and Ononoki, although Tsukihi and Shinobu also get their fair share of screentime. Tsukimonogatari's opening is one of my absolute favorite anime openings of all time. Not only is the song catchy, the animation is very eye-catching and creative. I also love the ending theme.
My only complaint about this story arc is the ending. It's not a bad ending in a story-sense, but from an animation perspective it's nowhere near as dramatic as the final conflicts in some of the ... Mar 20, 2022
8.5/10. Classic puns, smooth conversation and underlying plot of seriousness with all the wild hijinks chucked in like usual. An all-round very enjoyable experience with good story structure and a very satisfying resolution. I really enjoyed all the same idiosyncrasies that I so fell in love with: Araragi’s unforgiveable but so entertaining and somehow tasteful plot-relevant perversion, the humanization and more/reinforced development of characters, and just a generally hooking plot.
The use of peculiar imagery is the usual – that is the usual odd, bizarre stuff – and the classic Shaft animation and art style are always a treat to watch. Vey glad that they ... Jun 10, 2021
Tsukimonogatari is the first piece of the final season of Monogatari. The Yotsugi Doll arc told by this show obviously focuses on Ononoki, a character I've grown more fond of as Monogatari progressed. I don't think that Tsukimonogatari is the best of what Monogatari has to offer, but it still delivers a good time, albeit a short one. I personally found Hanamonogatari, which was a similar length and format to Tsukimonogatari to be a better and more interesting arc, but I still enjoyed Tsukimonogatari. I can't name something specific, but the pacing of this arc felt a bit off to me, I wish I could
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