The Monogatari Series: Unveiling its Eternal Charm

Highlights

The Monogatari Series is continuing with a new novel called Ikusamonogatari, marking the beginning of the Family Season.

The series comprises numerous seasons and storylines, and the Final Season does not signal the conclusion of the narrative. Given the series' popularity, it would be unexpected for the anime adaptation of the Monogatari series to not continue with future seasons.

One might assume that the Monogatari Series, which has gained a notorious and acclaimed reputation, has come to an end, especially after two seasons and a movie with "Owari-" (meaning "end") in their titles. However, this assumption is far from accurate, as evidenced by a recent promotional video for Nisio Isin's latest novel, Ikusamonogatari.

On May 17, 2023, Ikusamonogatari ("War Story" or "Battle Story") was released alongside a PV featuring a monologue by protagonist Koyomi Araragi, voiced by the talented Hiroshi Kamiya, who also voices him in the anime. This novel signifies the commencement of the Family Season in the Monogatari series, which is the sixth installment in the novel series that started with Bakemonogatari's first story back in 2005.

What Do You Mean, "Sixth Season"?

The Monogatari novels are divided into distinct eras, referred to as seasons, much like a TV series. However, this can cause confusion when looking at the release order of the anime. The novels themselves don't offer any clarity either, as naming the third one the Final Season and then continuing with three more novels beyond that doesn't serve any long-term purpose.

The most recent Monogatari anime adaptation was Zoku Owarimonogatari in 2018. Originally a theatrical film, it later received a 6-episode TV run. This anime adapted the novel of the same name, where Araragi gets pulled into a mirror world and must find a way back to his own reality. Zoku Owari marked the conclusion of the Final Season, which began with Tsukimonogatari, but it was not the end of the overall story.

Zoku Owari's novel was published in 2014, followed by Orokamonogatari the next year, marking the beginning of the Off Season. In this season, four books showcase new adventures focused on each of the main characters, filling in gaps in the timeline and setting the stage for future stories. The final book, Musubimonogatari, portrays a 23-year-old Araragi as an officer in the "Hearsay Department," investigating paranormal rumors as usual.

Moving on to the Monster Season, which consists of five books, this chapter of the franchise continues to explore the characters' lives after Araragi's graduation. These stories follow the series' customary non-linear chronology. With the introduction of the Family Season, it appears that the story is delving even further into the future than ever before.

Why Go Beyond "The End"?

Some may have found Monogatari to be excessively lengthy towards the end and may have believed that the story was coming to a close, making the idea of a continuation seem unnecessary. It appeared that the first three seasons were building up to Araragi facing his inner demons before his graduation, a looming event that had been present since the Second Season.

This criticism is valid, and the Final Season did have moments where it felt drawn out, even for long-time viewers. However, by the end of Owari, it became evident that this story was no longer solely focused on Araragi. In fact, nearly every story from the Second Season was narrated from the perspective of someone other than him.

Araragi always served as a flawed yet intricate protagonist, surrounded by an array of equally intricate characters. While the initial focus may have been on him aiding in their struggles with trauma, they ultimately emerged as strong protagonists in their own right, even after Araragi's narrative concluded. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that Araragi's journey is far from complete, and its significance should not be overlooked.

Without any previous adaptations, Araragi's address to the audience in the recent trailer for Ikusamonogatari evokes deep emotions. By breaking the fourth wall and referencing the series' inception, it highlights the extensive time spent with these characters. The unlikely union of the half-vampire delinquent and the weightless cursed girl, who initially clashed but exchanged banter, has now led to their marriage.

Although Owarimonogatari technically concluded a story, it did not truly conclude the entire narrative. Monogatari has never had a definitive end goal. Instead, it chronicles the intricate lives of its characters, which prove enthralling and continuously branch out into new adventures as the cast graduates and moves on. After reviewing some synopses of the unadapted books, it becomes evident that Monogatari takes unexpected and exhilarating turns.

Will The Anime Continue?

In this manner, this franchise captures a unique aspect of adolescence that very few other narratives, which are so fixated on their casts, are able to achieve. Monogatari's characters are intended to diverge, occasionally coming back together, but primarily following their own separate paths. Although the narrative could hypothetically conclude at any moment, its foundation has provided it with an impressive potential for expansion.

Alas, it has been half a decade since the last Monogatari anime graced our screens, leaving us yearning for more. For those solely acquainted with the anime adaptation, they may remain oblivious to the vast expanse of untold tales that lie ahead. At this juncture, one might question the future of the series, weighing the possibility of its continuation or contemplating if bidding farewell to the anime with Owarimonogatari would be the wisest course of action.

During an interview with Daisuke Marumoto of Comic Natalie in 2018, Akiyuki Shinbo, the series director, simply mentioned that Aniplex has the final say when it comes to new adaptations. It remains uncertain whether a new adaptation will happen soon, but it would be surprising if it didn't continue given the franchise's acclaim.

Despite some questionable elements and the dense prose it presents, the Monogatari Series is undeniably a sensation. The franchise has succeeded in creating compelling characters, and without their fascinating minds, there wouldn't be a story to begin with. Although the "end" has already passed, there are still plenty of untold stories waiting to be portrayed on the screen.

You can stream The Monogatari Series on Crunchyroll, including Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari, Second Season, Tsukimonogatari, and Owarimonogatari. Please note that the last three episodes of Bakemonogatari, as well as Koyomimonogatari, Kizumonogatari, and Zoku Owarimonogatari, are not available on Crunchyroll. Sources: Edomonogatari.WordPress [Link 1] [Link 2], Comic Natalie.