Monogatari Series: Off Season

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After finishing watching the anime adaptation of the Monogatari series, I fell in love with this anime and couldn't wait for the adaptation of the new seasons (which may not be adapted). As a result, I started reading (which I'm not a big fan of), mostly in English, which is not my native language, and I've never read such extensive works in it.

Was it worth it? Of course, it was. I've never been as interested in reading anything as I was in the Off-season and Monster season of the Monogatari series.

Unlike the previous parts of the story, I realized that Off-season featured an almost complete ... lack of Araragi in the role of the protagonist. And I want to say that this is a good decision. Seeing my favorite characters who have never appeared in such a large amount on the screen before was a real joy, especially in Nademonogatari, which tells the story of Nadeko and Yotsugi's relationship.

First and foremost, the author's art is the one to thank for this. Nisio Isin's mastery of the art of writing deserves the highest praise. His style is unique and inimitable, making every page of his works unforgettable. His ability to create monologues and dialogues is indescribable. All of his characters have a unique way of speaking that cannot be mistaken for anyone else, even within the pages of a book. Reading Monogatari feels like watching an anime adaptation, but in your head, where every conversation is a true art.

Some may feel that Monogatari had a logical ending with Araragi's graduation from high school, but personally, I have nothing against continuing the story of his life as long as the quality of the story doesn't drop. And while the Off-season barely tells the story of Koyomi's life, I think that's what makes this season even more special. It's as if before diving into his college life, we are allowed to find out what happened to the other characters during his graduation so that their appearances in the future are meaningful.

Besides Nademonogatari, I would also like to mention the important part, "Bon appétit, Acerola," which tells an important part of the life of the best character in fiction, Oshino Shinobu. Don't forget this, please.

In conclusion, I would like to say that the Off-season is a full-fledged sequel (but on MAL for some reason, it is marked as a side story) which is completely suitable for reading after watching the anime because (thanks to Shaft studio) there are no differences in the plot, and watching the anime causes the same unique emotions as reading the original work.

Have you ever wanted to know what happened to Sodachi after the events of Sodachi Lost?
Have you ever wanted magical girl Ononoki?
Have you ever wanted vampire Hanekawa?
Have you ever wanted a Karen POV arc?
Have you ever wanted a glimpse of pre-vampire Kiss-shot?
Have you ever wanted Nadeko to become an even better character?

Look no further, Off season has all of it in spades.

It's a season of fillers on surface value, yet a season that should NEVER be skipped. Every book is an absolute blast to read.
...
The writing is still impeccable. NISIOISIN justifies the existence of this season exceedingly well by fleshing out the other aspects of Monogatari he hasn't touched upon, such as the lore and certain characters that may have been left hanging. Every arc, bar one, is either stupidly fun or just plain beautiful to read. Nadeko and Sodachi easily become some of the best characters in this series since this season finally gives them the much deserved resolutions to their character arcs.

It might be no masterpiece, but my inner Monogatari fanboy has nothing to give but a 10. I even have this season higher than the first and final, because this season is filled with the best possible fanservice.

If you truly lack the time to read all of it however, at least read Musubimonogatari. It's a book taking place years after the present day, answering the question of what happened to the gang after the events of Final Season. At face value it's just a book made by NISIOISIN to milk the series further, but once you reach the third arc it gets really interesting, to put it without spoilers. You might love what NISIOISIN did, or you might hate it, but it is definitely a rather heartwrenching read.