The ever so infamous Monogatari franchise is a Series of light novels written by Nisio Isin and drawn by Vofan. You may recognize the name Nisio Isin from great works like Death Note Another Note: The Los Angeles BB Murder Cases, Zaregoto, Katanagatari or Medaka Box. The series has been adapted into an anime by Shaft since 2009 which is what we’re here to talk about. Unless you can read Japanese, there is no official way of reading the light novels although, the first light novel chronologically in the series will be available in English in December.

Monogatari means story. The series is made up of a bunch short stories with an overarching plot. Each sub-story or arcs if you will, contains the suffix “monogatari”. This added with a prefix serves as the title for each respective story. It’s sort of a pun or play on words. For example, “hana” means flower and we know monogatari means story. Fuse them together to create, Hanamonogatari and that means “flower story.” The anime and light novels don’t tell the narrative chronologically so it’s up to the reader or viewer to be able to spot out elements that can help them discern what point in time the story is taking place.


This series is extremely hard to explain without actually spoiling it and it’s one of those “see for yourself” anime. But with that being said, it is the story of Koyomi Araragi whose normal life comes to an end when he essentially becomes a vampire. He meets new people and friends who are experiencing oddities. Such as weightlessness or having a monkey’s arm, brought on by apparitions. It’s a supernatural story where the characters solve mysteries surrounding the bizarre effects that the elusive apparitions have on the world and people in it.


The way you should watch the series is the order it aired in. It goes as follows: Bakemonogatari (Monster Story, Ghostory) containing the arcs Hitagi Crab, Mayoi Snail, Suruga Monkey, Nadeko Snake and Tsubasa Cat. It is 15 episodes long. Secondly is Nisemonogatari (Fake Story, Imposter Story) and Nisemonogatari contains the arcs Karen Bee and Tsukihi Phoenix. It is eleven episodes. Third in the series is Nekomonogatari: Kuro (Cat Story: Black). It contains the prequel story Tsubasa Family, is only 4 episodes long and is followed by Monogatari Season 2.


The way you should watch the series is the order it aired in. It goes as follows: Bakemonogatari (Monster Story, Ghostory) containing the arcs Hitagi Crab, Mayoi Snail, Suruga Monkey, Nadeko Snake and Tsubasa Cat. It is 15 episodes long. Secondly is Nisemonogatari (Fake Story, Imposter Story) and Nisemonogatari contains the arcs Karen Bee and Tsukihi Phoenix. It is eleven episodes. Third in the series is Nekomonogatari: Kuro (Cat Story: Black). It contains the prequel story Tsubasa Family, is only 4 episodes long and is followed by Monogatari Season 2.


So to recap more simply, the watch order is: Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari, Nekomonogatari Kuro, Monogatari Season 2, Hanamonogatari, Tsukimonogatari, Owarimonogatari and Kizumonogatari. However, this is the chronological order of the Monogatari anime series: Kizumonogatari, Nekomonogatari Kuro, Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari, Monogatari Season 2, Tsukimonogatari, Hanamonogatari and finally Owarimonogatari (admittedly it’s hard for me to know for certain if Hana is before or after Owari). Technically you could watch it in chronological order but I recommend watching it in the order it airs.


The series should be praised for its captivating visuals and clever dialogue. The driving point of the series is seeing the interesting ways the characters speak with one another while enjoying the crazy imagery. The staff that animates Monogatari really outdid themselves. Even when nothing of note is happening you can bet that aesthetically pleasing animation will be on screen. Or something super weird and odd but it’s awesome. It doesn’t hurt that it’s chock full of waifu material too. Heh.


Hopefully you’ve been able to get a general grasp on the overall series, but at the very least you should know the airing and chronological order of the series. It’s my personal favorite anime and while I openly admit it’s not for everyone, hopefully y’all enjoy it. Lastly Shinobu is the best, goodbye.

Written by: Nyayagi Hemmonogatari