I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review.
This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review.
Series: Bakemonogatari #1 Published by Vertical Comics on October 1, 2019
Demographic: Shōnen
Genres: Paranormal
Source: NetGalley
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One day, high-school student Koyomi Araragi catches a girl named Hitagi Senjougahara when she trips. But—much to his surprise—she doesn't weigh anything. At all. She says an encounter with a so-called "crab" took away all her weight . . .
Monsters have been here since the beginning.
Always. Everywhere.
I went through this manga without having previously read the light novels that kicked off the Monogatari series, nor I watched the anime adaptation, so I didn’t have a proper knowledge of what this was all about. However, a look at the gorgeous cover, the catchy synopsis, and NisiOisiN’s name—also known for his literary adaptation of the Death Note manga—made me grab this volume without hesitation. And wasn’t my instinct right?
The artwork is mesmerizing and makes the reading experience even more fascinating—Bravo, Oh!Great. The plot is odd and intriguing, perhaps confusing at the beginning, but things get a bit clearer after reaching a certain point and I started putting a few pieces of the puzzle together that show something quite dark and deep. Although there are humorous moments in it, it’s to be noted that the subject is intense, and I’m quite curious to see where it all leads. For now, my mind won’t stop quoting: “Monsters don’t come to you. They are there from the start.” I am blown away.
Strange, dark, and most certainly unique. Manga and Japanese folklore lovers, you may wanna try Bakemonogatari, you might find it weirdly captivating!
About Silvia
A passionate reader, enthusiastic gamer and lover of the East-Asian continent, Silvia finds inspiration in the small wonders of life. Through her creativity and blogging, she has connected with people from various industries and collaborated with them on different projects over the years. Anything that sparks her creativity makes her truly happy and gives her the right push to do more and better!
What an interesting review… I’m not familiar with this either but, thanks to your review, I am very much intrigued! The quote you posted is really captivating, and it makes me even more curious about this paranormal story. Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure, Fran! I think you’d find this one captivating as well 😉
What a great cover and it sounds good. Glad you enjoyed it.
I sure did, the illustration is gorgeous and the story intriguing, I definitely think I’ll try the Anime version as well!
Oh I could try this one!
YAY! I hope you do, Melliane 🙂
My husband and son love watching and my son will read them too. This sounds good, so i will pass the info to him.
Glad I could recommend something for the whole family, hehe. Hope they enjoy it!
The art on the cover is gorgeous and I would assume that it is similar throughout the book. Glad you enjoyed this one despite not having knowledge of the earlier books.
It is, and this is an adaptation of the light novels, so even if you didn’t read them, you totally get to enjoy the whole experience + the artwork is a feast for your eyes ❤️
Glad to hear this was an enjoyable read for you. It sounds really interesting and the cover is beautiful.
I’d say you’re correct on both fronts, Suzanne 😉
Definitely this is one of the more unique blurbs I’ve ever read. Wonderful find, Silvia!
Isn’t that true? Got me in as soon as I read it!
That cover is gorgeous <3 So happy you enjoyed it. I love that line you shared / quoted too <3
And that is actually the opening, so you see how it would drag me in from the very beginning ❤️
“Monsters are here from the start”–is that metaphorical? Intriguing, I’m trying to figure out what it means.
There are monsters, but the concept in here is fascinating . . . Sad, in a way, but fascinating nonetheless. It goes deeper than one would expect and, for that, this is more than just a paranormal story.