Title

Bakemonogatari

Also known as: 化物語, Monster Tale, Monogatari Series: First Season, Истории монстров, ปกรณัมของเหล่าภูต, 化物语, 괴물 이야기

by Ito Oogure, NISIOISIN

Score from AniList: 82/100finished22 volumes193 chapters

ActionComedyDramaMysteryRomanceSupernatural

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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. (Source: Kodansha USA)

Chapters available: 193
Type: Manga

Hoard Verdict

The StoryHoard editorial verdict

★ 4/5

A talky, stylish supernatural mystery where a boy who helped a weightless girl becomes entangled in a world of monsters, with sharp dialogue and a moody tone.

Pros

Sharp, witty dialogue and strong characters
A stylish, moody visual tone
A supernatural world built on memorable monsters

Cons

The talky style can feel slow for action fans
The story is dense with asides and references

Read this if you liked:Mushishi Kamisama Kiss Noragami

Read the full take

Bakemonogatari is a stylish, talky supernatural mystery that rewards close attention. A high-school boy catches a girl who trips and discovers that she weighs nothing, because an encounter with a monster has taken her weight away. From there he is drawn into a world where monsters have always existed, quietly woven into everyday life. The dialogue is the real highlight: sharp, witty and layered, with characters who play off each other with real chemistry. The mood is moody and stylish, and the monsters are memorable. The honest cons: the talky style can feel slow for readers who want action, and the story is dense with asides and references that some will find tiring. Pacing is uneven across its arcs. Still, it is a clever, atmospheric read for fans of supernatural stories with a lot of character. If you enjoy sharp conversation with a supernatural edge, this is a strong pick.