So, if I seem like I'm just acting out my part to spearhead the opinion of the fanbase, don't hold it against me. I will do my best to be as unbiased as possible. You have been warned.
Story [9]
To be honest, I thought the highlight of the Monogatari series in terms of story was found in Kizumonogatari. Nisemonogatari was slightly weaker, but this is a personal opinion. Usually, I would give it 10 and be done with it, but I will stamp it on with a 9 because of the fact that it's the second season of Bakemonogatari.It's not because I think sequels suck, I just feel that Nisemonogatari should've taken the liberty of introducing the setting of the series to potential newcomers.
I've met many people who saw Nisemonogatari a watch, and couldn't enjoy it nearly as much because they didn't understand the story. I feel that some time could've been spent in easing the viewer into the idea of Nisemonogatari. If I were to fix it, I would've introduced Kanbaru and Shinobu, or at least give them mention. Maybe I might've missed them somewhere, but I doubt I did.
Art [10]
Nisemonogatari has the same art style as Bakemonogatari, except a lot cleaner. I don't have much more to add. The art fits the spirit of the series, and to be honest, if comical art was more fitting to a series than a beautiful art, the comical would get a 10 in my book and the beautiful would get maybe an 8. Art's important to set the mood, in my opinion, and Nisemonogatari succeeded on that. Feel free to disagree on my thought in regards to how I grade art.
Sound [9]
Again, this series has always been great in regards to making elements outside of the plot fitting. Art works, and so does the music. My only complaint is the OP. It's terrific, but I feel like it was recycled from "Staple Stable", even though it totally isn't.
My take is that the OP is just to get into the musical style Bakemonogatari displayed, so it's not too much of a problem. I'm just going to tack on a 9 there though, but it will probably change in the future.
Character [10]
I will not write anything outside of these three statements, including this one. I cannot effectively review this section because I'm too much in love with the eccentric characters that the Monogatari series has displayed, and although I shall miss Oshino Meme, the characters in the series have never appeared flat to me, and if anything, the characters really makes Nisio's invention shine through.
Dialogue is key, and I shall not comment further, for this is the third statement.
Enjoyment [10]
Read the above if you haven't already, please.
...
Did you now? Sorry...and if you just read it after reading the message above the ellipses above this statement, then thank you for following my directions.
To summarize, Nisemonogatari displays the same strengths that made Bakemonogatari one of my favorite anime series of all times. It could be kinder in setting the mood for newcomers, or doing something new with the effective mood element. Hell, anything with the word "new" tagged in it could be improved on, but it's not going to detract me from waiting for new episodes every week.
Recommend? Very much so.
...And with that all done and typed, my first review on an anime series is done. I shall click this pretty blue button that says "Submit Review" now.
