Bakemonogatari, Part 3: Monster Tale

Monogatari

by NisiOisiN

A class president among class presidents, a bespectacled model student who soars to the top of honors lists without fail, Tsubasa Hanekawa also happens to be a decent human being. True, she does have a habit of making single-minded assumptions, but they come from a good place and turn out to be fortuitous as often as not.

Loser extraordinaire Koyomi Araragi owes her his post of class vice president and a more significant debt of gratitude for her unstinting support during the darkest spring break of his life. All of it has blinded him to the possibility that his saintly classmate’s family situation might be no less adverse than that of his other lady friends.

Thus, at last, we face Hanekawa’s unlikely aberration in “Tsubasa Cat”—the concluding part of the legendary novel that captured the sensibilities of a new generation in the aught years and spawned an animated series that has won international popularity and acclaim—before the story continues with a Fake Tale…

Genres: Light Novel, Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery, Supernatural, Manga, Japanese Literature

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Nisio Isin (西尾維新 Nishio Ishin), frequently written as NisiOisiN to emphasize that his pen name is a palindrome, is a Japanese novelist and manga writer. He attended and left Ritsumeikan University without graduating. In 2002, he debuted with the novel Kubikiri Cycle, which earned him the 23rd Mephisto Award at twenty years of age.

He currently works with Kodansha on Pandora, the Kodansha Box magazine, and Faust, a literary magazine containing the works of other young authors who similarly take influence from light novels and otaku culture. He was also publishing a twelve volume series over twelve months for the Kodansha Box line; Ryusui Seiryoin was matching this output, and the Kodansha Box website stated that this is the first time in the world two authors have done twelve volume monthly novel series simultaneously from the same publisher.

In February, 2008, his novel Death Note Another Note: The Los Angeles BB Murder Cases was released in English by Viz Media. Del Rey Manga has already released the first volume in his Zaregoto series. His Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari and Katanagatari novels have been adapted into anime series. Nekomonogatari (Kuro) has been adapted into an anime TV movie, and Kizumonogatari will be release in theaters this year. Monogatari Series: Second Season, adapted from 6 books in Monogatari Series will air in July 2013. Another of his works, Medaka Box (manga), has been adapted into a two-season anime series.

Reviews

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

1, While I dislike the pacing for Part 3, there's actually nothing wrong with it. Since it's the 'closing chapter' for Bakemonogatari it's only good that we take our time visiting the characters we've met throughout the span of 3 volumes and see how they're doing. I AM questioning NisioIsiN's decision to have Hanekawa's story happen after Kizumonogatari and Nisemonogatari got published BUT have a conclusion to Hanekawa's story happen BEFORE we actually know what the deal was though. What the hell is all this cockteasing.

2, I like the characters in this except (sadly) Araragi himself. Which means while I'm sad for Hanekawa (because I love her and I would die for her), I'm still very confused why she fell for Araragi in the first place.

3, This is actually pretty well-written for a hobby performance, as NisiOisiN keeps saying but I can't actually say I liked it because I didn't like the protag. WHY am I still reading this. Because I'm hoping my buying all the Nisio will get Vertical to translate the rest of Zaregoto. What foolish dreams.

[saber · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final piece in the Bakemonogatari story ties together all of it’s characters while also leaving them open for further growth and development. I am looking forward to reading their next tale… Nisioisin is really a master of his craft.

[Chelsea Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 Stars: ‘Bakemonogatari: Part 3’ (Book #3 of ‘Monogatari’) by NisiOisiN.
→ Age Range: Adult.
→ Genre: Fantasy, Light Novel.
→ Trigger Warnings: Abuse, Suicide, Sexual Profanity.

In-depth Rating:
→ Plot: ★★★★
→ Character Development: ★★★★★
→ Setting: ★★★
→ Entertainment Level: ★★★★★
→ Writing: ★★★

General Comments: ‘Bakemonogatari’ is odd; this is a given for the ‘Monogatari’ series, considered to be a magnum opus in terms of peak strangeness. The series is divisive; you will either love it, or simply hate it. This series is a major gamble. The solid translation makes the obscure cultural references easily digestible for a Western audience; that said, there are minor Japanese-to-English language flaws though.

Favourite Quote: ‘I don’t know everything; I just know what I know.’

Time Read: One Day.
→ Audiobook: No.
→ Audiobook Narrator: -

[Kay Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such fun to read the way the conversation flows in an almost rhythmic way. The back and forth, filled with repetition, references, and callbacks, while also letting each character’s personality shine through.

I think sometimes it verges on being a touch too weird (maybe it’s a cultural thing) but most times I think it strikes the balance well. After all, it is kinda a stupid story a lot of the time since almost everything anyone says is a joke but when the more serious or emotional scenes come they really shine.

[Rebeka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Third installment of Bakemonogatari, a story about a high school boy who solves the supernatural problems of girls around him, who keep falling in love with him.

Reads quick & easy, but there is not much substance. It is slightly improved from the previous installments, as there is some separation of author and protagonist, but the writing still sucks and is unbearably edgy.

The pedo jokes and other vulgarities didn't come as a surprise at all to me. Just because the protagonist always acknowledges that 'omg I said this about an elementary school girl I'm so bad' doesn't mean that he still doesn't play it straight.

Undeterred, I embraced her with all my strength as if to crush her small body, then rubbed my cheeks against hers over and over again. “Hahahaha! Oh, you’re just so cute! Lemme touch you more, lemme hug you more! I’m gonna get a peek at those panties, you lovable little lady!

[Sheen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hanekawa my beloved 💜

[Nicol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mmm para mi, este libro fue más de lo mismo del vol 1 y vol 2 (por lo tanto, ya perdió la novedad, y se me hizo más aburrido):

✅ El inicio me había gustado: se rompe la dinámica de héroe sacrificado de Araragi y solo se dedica a tener una cita muuuy divertida (para mí) con la linda Senjougahara.

✅ He vuelto a amar a Senjougahara. Hay que tenerle muchísima paciencia y amor: porque si, muchas veces no parece que el amor sea mutuo… sino que Senjougahara usa/se burla de Araragi.

❌ Pero luego, fue más de lo mismo: Araragi siendo muuuy amable, siendo un entrometido bienintencionado, recurriendo a Oshino Meme, entablando sus conversaciones “ritual” con su harem para no perder la costumbre, salvar a una chica, decidir sacrificarse a sí mismo en el proceso.

❌ Araragi prefiriendo sacrificarse para salvar a CUALQUIER EXTRAÑO, sin considerar a las personas que sí conoce y lo extrañaran a él.

❌ Por fin le ponemos un marco de tiempo: Araragi SE CONVIRTIÓ EN VAMPIRO HACE DOS MESES. ¿Entonces con qué autoridad se considera un experto y decide ayudar a todo el mundo?

—Soy el culpable. Realmente lo soy cuando se trata de Shinobu, soy un perpetrador más grande de lo que tú fuiste víctima, Sengoku.
No podía culparla por no entender cómo estaban las cosas entre Shinobu y yo. Incluso yo no lo entiendo bien. Aunque hay una cosa que sí entiendo. Tengo que dedicar toda mi vida a Shinobu, porque esa es la única manera en que yo, el culpable, puede expiar lo que hice. Aun así, a pesar de que no podía evitarse. Aun así, pienso en ello. No puedo dejar de pensar. ¿Nunca más volveré a oír la hermosa voz de ese vampiro?

⏺️ Parece que este volumen es la entrada para que Shinobu empiece a ser un personaje más activo. ¿Qué clase de personalidad tendrá? ¿Qué conversaciones enredadas tendrá con Araragi? ¿Cuáles serán sus muletillas?



🧶 QUE LENTO PASA EL TIEMPO
Hace apenas dos meses, Araragi fue vampiro. Yo pensaba que mínimo había sido hace un año, por todo lo animado que está siempre de inmiscuirse en los problemas ajenos.



🧶 VOLVIÓ A GUSTARME EL SENJOUGAHARAxARARAGI
Conociendo toda la personalidad Integral de Araragi, su relación con Sejougahara solo parece otra faceta de su amabilidad excesiva: salé con ella porque se lo pidió. No porque le guste ella. Ni porque sea feliz ahí. No. Solo porque es una petición y él “necesita complacer”.

—Hey, Senjougahara... En serio, ¿qué crees que estás haciendo?
—¿Senjougahara? ¿Te refieres a mí cuando dices eso, o a mi papá?
—……….
—Papá, Araragi-kun tiene algo que decirte.
—¡Hitagi-san! ¡Tengo algo que decirte, Hitagi-san! Entonces, Hitagi-san. Te lo preguntaré una vez más... Dime. ¿Qué crees que estás haciendo? ¿Qué estás planeando?
—No estoy planeando nada. De todos modos, Araragi-kun. Conoces a la famosa escritora de misterios Agatha Christie, ¿no? Si reorganizas las letras de su nombre, obtienes ‘a hag is theatric’ lo que se traduce a ‘una bruja teatral’. ¿Crees que fue a propósito?
—¡¿A quién le importa eso?! ¡Si alguien es una bruja teatral, eres tú!
—No puedo creer que dijeras eso de mí frente a mi papá. Papá, parece que tu hija es una bruja teatral.
Y ahora ella se lo estaba reportando... Pero el papá de Senjougahara seguía sin reaccionar. Quizás estaba acostumbrado a este tipo de actos de su bruja teatral. Sí, ahora que lo pensé, ella era su hija... Entonces no tenía sentido que se llegase a enojar.
Ella me estaba haciendo bailar como su pequeño mono, pero no estaba tocando ninguna canción.

⏺️ Sigo sin estar segura que allí hay amor a primera vista. Pero al menos estoy dispuesta a aceptar que ambos sienten cierta atracción mutua y… a lo mucho, fueron apresurados en querer salir de una vez, en vez de seguir conociéndose. Pero bueno, saliendo tienen la oportunidad de conocerse más y amarse más.

⏺️ Si se le tiene paciencia, y se ignoran las heridas emocionales que causa, Senjougahara es chistosa y muy ocurrente. Una persona muy confiable en la que depositar responsabilidad.



🧶 CREO QUE LA SEGUNDA PARTE ES UNA HISTORIA QUE NO MERECÍA SER CONTADA
Solo me gustó el inicio del volumen, el cual trata la profundización de la relación con Senjougahara y la presentación de su padre. Todo fue muy chistoso.

Cuando ella me extendió la mano mientras cada parte de mi cuerpo y mi alma experimentaba lo que se sentía como el más profundo y oscuro de los abismos durante las vacaciones de primavera, fue como si viera, y no estoy exagerando en lo más mínimo, la mano de una diosa ofreciéndome la salvación. Incluso ahora, cuando recuerdo lo que pasó hace unos dos meses, siento que algo caliente brota de mi pecho. Hablar de una persona salvando a otra podría sonar artificioso, pero sigo creyendo que Hanekawa Tsubasa me salvó en esas vacaciones de primavera.

Pero en la segunda parte, creo que le metieron paja y relleno a una simple revelación: la representante de la clase estaba enamorada de Araragi, pero se le adelantaron. Y eso le dio mucho estrés. No sé me hizo emocionante.

Solo es otra heroína de la historia, con otra excentricidad problemática, que no pide ayuda, sino que Araragi SE IMPONE Y LAS OBLIGA A ACEPTAR SU AYUDA.



🧶 TENEMOS UN PEQUEÑO VISTAZO A SHINOBU
Fue más como una historia terciaria paralela a la historia principal del gato de la Representante, pero Shinobu mostró un signo de vida: Tuvo una pequeña rebeldía.

Ella era una niña. Ella no podía ir tan lejos. Solo había pasado un día, y ahora Shinobu ni siquiera era un vampiro legendario, ni nada por el estilo. Ella era, en su mayor parte, una niña ordinaria, una con un cuerpo mucho más débil que el mío. Una niña ordinaria, no, sin mí ella sería incluso más débil que eso. Las pocas facultades que le quedaban estarían selladas. Con el agotamiento llegó el hambre

🧶 ¿”ARARAGI-LAS-QUIERO-TODAS-PARA-MI-KUN” PODRIA INTENTAR RECORDAR QUE YA TIENE NOVIA?

No podía creer lo de esta chica. Ella es tan linda. Tan linda que nunca se volvió demasiado linda para mí.
—Está bien, Araragi-senpai. ¿Por qué no me dices por qué llamaste?
—Correcto…
No podía hablar con ella sobre nada serio sin antes usar una broma estúpida, así que describiría nuestra conversación inicial como una introducción necesaria.
—Kanbaru. Quiero que me prestes tu fuerza.
—¿Qué te la presté? No seas tonto. Desde el principio mi fuerza te ha pertenecido. Todo lo que tienes que hacer es decirme cómo usarla.
Eso fue realmente genial... Fue una frase genial y madura de decir

⏺️ Sigo sin definir si es fanservice o es otra época, pero Araragi pensando cosas cochinas de Kanbaru, Hanekawa, Sengoku, Hachikuji… ¿es too much, no?

Me quedé sin palabras. Wow… Ahora que se había quitado esa blusa podía ver cada curva de su cuerpo. Estoy hablando del hecho de que ella estaba en pijama, pero ahora que lo pienso, solo eran pijamas. Aun así, ella es increíblemente sexy. Olvida lo que dije antes de ser potencialmente el doble de feliz. Quiero decir, al menor movimiento sus pechos rebotaban por todas partes. Boing. Boing. Esa onomatopeya no es un sonido que un cuerpo humano debería emitir. Olvídate de hacer avanzar la historia, olvídate de la coherencia narrativa, quise tirarlo todo y pasar toda la noche saltando a la cuerda con ella. Kanbaru podría hablar sucio, pero el cuerpo de Hanekawa... Además, ella tiene orejas de gato. Me asustaba imaginármela con el cabello negro. Entendí que el atractivo sexual físico era una necesidad absoluta para continuar con la especie, pero ¿había alguna necesidad de llegar tan lejos?

🧶 Personajes
SECUNDARIA NAOETSU
—Araragi Koyomi, tercer año. Seguimos sin saber cómo fue su encuentro con el vampiro. Solo que ocurrió hace dos meses. Además, tiene una necesidad casi patológica de ayudar a todos los que se encuentra. Aún sin tener los conocimientos o la fuerza necesaria para conseguirlo.

—Senjougahara Hitagi, tercer año. Solía ser el as del equipo de atletismo en la escuela media, hasta que se encontró con su excentricidad y duró enferma por dos años. Actualmente es la novia de Araragi. Una chica tsundere, decidida, le gustan los extremos.
*Senjougahara obtuvo sin esfuerzo la séptima puntuación más alta de la clasificación general

—Kanbaru Suruga, segundo año. 17 años. Era el as del equipo de baloncesto y es la persona más positiva que se puede encontrar en el mundo. Tiene una admiración enorme hacia Araragi y un amor romántico hacia Senjougahara. Es lesbiana. Su excentricidad es el Rainy Devil, que le ocasiona tener su brazo izquierdo transformado en una pata peluda de mono (con una fuerza enorme).
*Piénsalo como la mano de un diablo, no la pata de mono.
*Si llega hasta los 20 años sin usar más la pata, su brazo volverá a la normalidad.
*Sus padres murieron hace muchos años en un accidente de tráfico.

—Hanekawa Tsubasa, tercer año. el lujurioso gato de la Representante-chan. Es “la representante de clases entre las representantes de clase” según Araragi. Una chica muy estudiosa, amable, sin ninguna palabra negativa hacia otras personas.
*Hanekawa Tsubasa obtuvo el puntaje general más alto. Consiguió el primer lugar en todas las materias.
*Ella obligó a Araragi a convertirse en vicerepresentante de la clase en un intento de rehabilitación.
*Su excentricidad es el “gato entrometido/Sawarineko”, un transtorno de personalidad Múltiple. Es una excentricidad que se materializa en la “personalidad alterna” de Hanekawa (Black Hanekawa), nacida de todo el estrés que ha acumulado en su vida.
*A los 20 años se volverá lo suficientemente fuerte, para evitar que la aberración la controle.

OTRAS HEROÍNAS
—Hachikuji Mayoi. Actualmente es un fantasma que encarna la excentricidad del caracol perdido. Siempre está vagando por algún lugar, así que tarde o temprano, Araragi se la encuentra de nuevo.

—Sengoku Nadeko, 14 años, segundo año de escuela media. Era la compañera de clase de Tsukihi Araragi hace unos 6 años, cuando asistían a la escuela primaria. Era la chica rara que le gustaba hacer cosas sola. Era una chica reservada de pocas palabras que constantemente miraba hacia el piso. Es afectada por al excentricidad de una Jagirinawa.

—Karen Araragi. Hermana mayor de Araragi. Prefiere las actividades al aire libre. Mis dos hermanas son unidas, una al lado de la otra, sin importar cuándo, dónde, qué o por qué

—Tsukihi Araragi. Hermana menor de Araragi. Prefiere permanecer en la casa. Araragi dice que es la más astuta de las dos. Segundo año de escuela media.


OTROS
—Oshino Meme, benefactor de Araragi-kun. Es un monje con camisa psicodélica hawaiana. Es un vagabundo súper fuerte, pacifista y tiene un conocimiento profundo del mundo sobrenatural. Tiene más de 30 años. Tiene una actitud despreocupada, va de viaje en viaje sin residencia permanente. Tiene una manera frívola y burlona de hablar.
*Un experto en el tema de las excentricidades. Un especialista, una autoridad.Era como un avatar de capricho. Si bien lo conozco desde las vacaciones de primavera, aún no podía entender grandes franjas de su personalidad

—Oshino Shinobu. Niña de unos ocho años, lleva un casco de piloto viejo y gafas protectoras, con la piel blanca y el cabello rubio.
*Las ruinas de un vampiro. Los restos huecos de una hermosa excentricidad.
Mientras viva, es una carga que tendré que llevar.
*Como vampiro, ella era noble de nacimiento. Y ahora vive en este edificio abandonado con un hombre sucio de mediana edad. Realmente ha caído bastante bajo…
*Es una vampira legendaria de una noble línea de sangre. Un vampiro, el rey de las excentricidades



🧶 Frases que me gustan

—Ella solía hablar mucho, ¿sabes?. Pero ahora ha cerrado su corazón y lo ha hecho con fuerza. No he escuchado su voz en más de dos meses. Todo ese tiempo se ha mantenido en silencio.
Durante más de dos meses, desde las vacaciones de primavera. Ni una palabra había salido de su boca. Asumí que era lo mismo para Oshino.
—Me parece impresionante. Ella tiene que tener mucho que decir, pero lo está conteniendo todo. Especialmente en lo que a mí respecta, probablemente no tenga fin a lo que a ella le gustaría decirme…
Como su resentimiento. Como su odio. Tenía que estar por estallar al contener todo eso, pero nunca lo llegó a expresar con palabras. O tal vez no había palabras sobre cómo se sentía, pero tampoco me confrontó con esos sentimientos inefables.

—Bueno, en cualquier caso. Eso es todo. Todo lo que tengo. Ser capaz de ayudarte a estudiar. Mi linda y pequeña kouhai, mi brusco padre, y… este cielo estrellado. Eso es realmente todo lo que tengo. Eso es todo lo que puedo darte. Eso es todo.
—Todo…
Oh... ¿Ese era el trato? Desde que empezamos a salir hace un mes en el Día de las Madres, ¿era eso lo que Senjougahara estaba pensando todo el tiempo? Nunca rechazando formalmente cada vez que le pedí una cita, pero ¿había estado esperando a que terminaran nuestros exámenes y a que se abriera el horario de su padre? Recordé algo que había dicho Hanekawa… Senjougahara es difícil.
—Bueno, técnicamente hablando.—Se corrigió ella misma. —También tengo mi lengua filosa y mi abuso verbal.
—¡No necesito eso!
—Y supongo que tengo este cuerpo mío ¿Tampoco necesitas eso?
—Er, bueno... Um.
Yo... no puedo decir que no, ¿verdad? Pero algo en la escena hizo que decir que sí también se sintiera mal…

Por lo menos. Podría decir que ahora estaba seguro de una cosa. Senjougahara Hitagi... era bastante inteligente y extraordinariamente calculadora, pero no tenía capacidad de combate cuando se trataba de romance.
Fue bastante obvio al rememorar los eventos que nos llevaron a salir el Día de las Madres, pero esta mujer era, como decirlo, temeraria, como un héroe de RPG que se lanza a una cueva sin una antorcha. Pensó que mostrarme todas sus cartas y dejar la decisión en mis manos, su chantaje diplomático de una metodología, ¿era un buen enfoque? ¿Dónde estaba el sentimiento en eso?
Su idea estaba destinada a alejar a noventa y nueve de cada cien personas.
Si ella estaba adoptando la estrategia, era consciente de que yo era la única persona entre esas cien, entonces, maldita sea, tuve que quitarme el sombrero ante ella.
Uh oh. Que adorable.
Era tan moe que no fue gracioso.
Pero estaba de acuerdo con que nuestra relación fuera así por ahora.
Podríamos tumbarnos de espaldas y mirar las estrellas. Estábamos bien siendo ese tipo de pareja. Una relación platónica.
—Hey, Araragi-kun. ¿Me amas?
—Te amo.
—Yo también te amo, Araragi-kun. ¿Qué amas de mí?
—Todo. No hay nada en ti que no ame. ¿Y qué amas de mí?
—Eres amable. Eres lindo. Eres como mi príncipe que viene corriendo para salvarme cuando estoy en problemas.

—Bien, bien. Escucha-nya.—Black Hanekawa se burló de mí.
—Supongo que tienes derecho a decir eso, está bien para ti-nya. Eres un alma amable que incluso se sacrificaría para salvar a un vampiro en al borde de la muerte-nya. Ser amable con todos significa que nyo tienes a nadie especial, lo sé-nya, porque mi maestra también es amable con todos. Hmph. Bueno, está bien, nyo puedo hacer nada-nya. No puedes cambiar los sentimientos de alguien, la última vez lo descubrí. Me enteré, y aprendí-nya.

[Sean Newgent · Rating 4 out of 5]

At this point, reviewing this series comes down to whether the story was good, the characters gelled, and the translation/editing was any good. Were I to go any deeper I'd repeat myself every review.

Bakemonogatari Part 3 closes out the first arc by focusing first on single chapters of Araragi messing around with his friends. He plays with Hachikuji, goes on a date with Senjogahara--it's all pretty floaty while maintaining as minimal story as necessary. The date chapter is probably the best chapter in the book, maybe in the whole Bake-arc as it really goes far to explore the romance between Senjogahara and Araragi in a way that is almost realistic. These characters are all pretty extreme for the most part but NisiOisiN still manages to somehow make them seem down to Earth regardless. I loved that chapter for being an actual romantic showcase; something light novels neglect.

The main story is the return of Black Hanekawa, a cat aberration that appears when Hanekawa feels particular stress. The reasoning behind the cat appearing again is actually pretty good; Hanekawa Cat feels like a proper wrap up/finale to the series (even if it's not) that draws from all that came before to create an emotional crescendo. It also utilizes all the other characters in a search for Shinobu, who has done missing, and forces Araragi into the position of figuring things out himself without the usual expository dialogue from Oshino.

This volume was lacking the issues of the previous two and felt much tighter insofar as editing is concerned. Ko Ransom is obviously a good translator to be able to tap into the very Japanese minutia of the humor of this series without much getting lost in translation. Hopefully the other translators are just as talented.

At this point I think it's easy to pick your favorite characters while recognizing who the author enjoys most (Hachikuji and Senjo for sure). Kanbaru, as uncouth as she is, is still my favorite and even in her short few pages in this book remains an enigmatic and memorable weirdo (seriously, her conversations are laugh out loud strange).

This is a great series that light novel and anime fans will cherish despite some bumps along the way. I can't wait to jump into Nisemonogatari soon and see how entertaining Araragi's sisters are in light novel form (I already know Karen is great. I've seen the anime. I own figures. I'm biased as hell).

[Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Kanbaru!

[Xen · Rating 1 out of 5]

no, just no, wtf is wrong with y'all

[Jordan DeMoura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 3 of Bakemonogatari is composed of just one arc.

Tsubasa Cat:
Spoiler Warning.

Tsubasa Hanekawa has been part of this story since the very beginning but it isn't until this volume that she gets an arc dedicated to her. By all appearances, she's a composed, morally upstanding model student. A paragon of virtue. And Araragi describes her as such. But the phrase 'By all appearances' is key in Hanekawa's story. She is a tremendous liar. Or perhaps a more nuanced way to put it is she's a master of artifice; a prodigy of performance. She doesn't lie or deceive out of malice, she lies out of a more relatable instinct, especially for adolescents. Her feelings of estrangement and alienation from her family at home push her to act as a model student and cause as little trouble as possible, out of fear that she will be perceived as a burden. She is a victim of domestic violence, but is quick to justify her family's actions and explain why she deserved it. This betrays her lacking self-image. Putting on a show and pretending to be someone you're not is stressful. That sort of cognitive dissonance isn't sustainable forever. It's something every one does to some extent but it prevents Hanekawa from having genuine connections. Araragi is enraptured by the prim and proper image she upholds and as a result is blind to her faults (and to the pain she hides within herself). He is also blind to her feelings for him. Having someone misunderstand you for so long takes a toll, and she even feels guilt that she is tricking him. That she's not who he thinks she is. And she snaps... for the second time in this series' timeline. She offloads the emotional labor of authenticity to her alternate personality that comes out in this arc. She can't handle the stress of being true to herself or her feelings, nevermind being outwardly honest about them. While the aberration is handled by the end of this novel, Hanekawa still has work to do and her problem isn't solved until she takes her emotional burdens unto herself like Senjogahara does in the first novel. She is a work in progress. And a great character with a lot more to potentially offer.

Tsubasa's story is interrupted in the middle of this arc to give us a lengthy chapter of Araragi and Senjogahara's first date. It is the single best chapter in the entire series up to this point. A beautiful and heartfelt articulation of Senjogahara's feelings that is validating and celebratory of all that she is as a character. It also shows their banter and flirting at its best: Senjogahara's blunt and bluffingly antagonistic remarks that betray her anxieties as she pursues deeper emotional connection and vulnerability are a masterclass of character writing and subtext in my opinion.

"But you know, don't you?" she said. "That a long time ago- a filthy man tried to assault me...And frankly I'm scared of doing with you what that filth tried to do to me. No- I don't intend on using fancy words like 'trauma'. I don't think I'm such a wuss. I'm simply...scared. It wasn't that bad before we started going out- but now, I'm scared of hating you, Araragi.... Now I'm scared of losing you."

"As you're aware, though, Araragi- I haven't led the happiest life up until now... But I think I could call it all even if I see it as what let me meet you."

9/10 for the arc as a whole but the strongest of 10/10s for the date chapter.

[Cisco Estrada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's talk about Bakemonogatari Part 3.

Went back to the audio with this one. Not because I don't enjoy reading these books using only the text, but the audiobooks for this series are so amazing.

For a while, I didn't think any other Monogatari books were going to get produced into audiobooks, but I'm incredibly thrilled that they did. We have the same cast as we did previously with Kizumonogatari and the performances are just as outstanding as before, really allowing for this story to come to life.

As before, the music can be kind of distracting, especially if you're me and like to speed up the audio. That being said, I eventually got used to it and managed to get through the book within a few hours.

In terms of content, I like this one more than the last entry, but maybe not as much as the first Bakemonogatari and especially not as much as Kizumonogatari.

That being said, the story and characters are still great. I have never been much of a dialogue person. I tend to focus on other aspects of the story and when a line does stand out to me, it is usually one of those that are meant to be quotable. Every entry of the Monogatari series has managed to have me listening/reading attentively at the back and forth between these characters. I can understand them not being for everyone as they don't always move the plot forward, but they managed to develop the people in this story in such a way that I don't see them being the same without them.

The previous entries tended to focus a lot on one particular girl. While this manages to remain true as this is very much Tsubasa Hanekawa's book, I also love that all the girls who have been introduced manage to show up, have an interesting interaction, and a role to play in the story, no matter how small. I love these characters and how they all tend to have their own approach in the dialogue when it comes to topics and outwitting our main lead.

That being said, I do wish the girls had even more to do and that we had more followup on some of their stories. This is one of the shorter entries and I wouldn't have said no to even more interactions between these characters. It is definitely not as emotionally resonant as it could have been, but I admire the author for allowing these relationships to grow beyond the standard harem static state. Araragi's first date with Senjogahara was definitely my favorite part of the book.

This very much marks the end of this initial arc, but it does leave me wondering how things are going to be followed up in the next entries. I hope it doesn't fall into the trap of simply adding more girls because of it and that this cast gets more chances to interact with each other and not just Araragi. I also hope that future books get the same audiobook treatment, but reading the text on its own is just as fun, so I may switch back and forth. With all that being said, I'm going to give Bakemonogatari, Part 3 an 8 out of 10. This is definitely becoming my favorite series and I look forward to future entries. So join me next time as we are finally introduced to Araragi's sisters.

[Andrew Dato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now it’s time for the epilogue or the punchline for Bakemonogatari. As stated in the part two review we now have a conclusion to our story started in the first Bakemonogatari. Part 1 has established the concept, part 2 has broken it down and part 3 now concludes it and reconstructs it in a new context.

This series has been always about solving people’s problems through the lens of supernatural entities. In the first two stories our main character is able to solve them himself. While the second he is not able to solve their problems and save everyone. In this one he is able to save Hanekawa but by using and living with his on supernatural entity. He is taking the first steps of living with his entity.

As well, Araragi leaves story wit a lot of baggage then he entered it. He has taken on the burdens of these characters and there is a lot of unresolved feelings and issues. In a sense this series is a deconstruction of the harem genre. Araragi ends this story with essentially a harem of girls after him. But he doesn’t want that. He has saved all these people but has his own girlfriend and relationship. These girls also have a lot of unresolved issues that have yet to be addressed.

But this is just the prologue to the whole series. The majority of our principle characters have been established. We’ve almost finished setting up our premise for the rest of the series. Overall this is a good read.

Great dialogue as always and chapter 4 is one the most adorable chapters between Araragi and Senjogahara. If you question their relationship, that is the chapter that solidified it. They are two very awkward individuals trying their best.

If you enjoyed the other two books you’ll enjoy this one.

[rxsOwO · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part three of Bakemonogatari helps tie the whole series together, while also not really doing that at all. This book doesn’t feel like it ended anything, you can tell there is more to know. The only thing that changed by the end was the departure of a certain character. At the end of all five arcs of Bakemonogatari there felt like there was some closure for the characters, I felt like they had solved their trauma, but after reading part three, it’s clear that all of the characters are still broken. There are definitely more stories to tell with this cast.
Even though it doesn’t feel like an ending, the ending does tie together all five arcs pretty well. This book only contains one arc, and its probably my least favorite of all of them, it has the least amount of development for the main story, as it focuses more on Araragi’s relationships with the other characters and fully closing the book on their stories, which is great, but that leaves me feeling like Hanekawa’s story could have been fleshed out better. It makes it difficult to understand Hanekawa’s story because there are so many hints to a prequel that didn’t even exist when this was written. (I haven’t read it.)
With that being said, part three is still a fantastic book. I was happy we got to see more of Senjogahara and Hachikuji, they’re some of my favorite characters. The obscure Japanese culture references are still plentiful, and just as strange. Even though Hanekawa’s story wasn’t my favorite, I still enjoyed reading it, and now I want to read the prequel.

This book is pretty great, even with its flaws, it's definitely a 4.5/5. 👍

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

After making it through the first volume just for the sake of actually finishing it and the actually getting what Nisio Isin is trying to do in the second I absolutely loved this third and final instalment of Bakemonogatari. Although the Golden Week event is still only teased and as a reader you will have to pick up Kizumonogatari to know what was actually going on, we get a small insight in what happened during that time regarding Hanekawa, how she and Araragi met each other and why each of them is still seeking being near the other. Also, after we have seen many different aberrations and how to get rid of them, the ending also seemed fitting and is clearly foreshadowing an extreme change in how Araragi will have to behave in the future when trying to exorcise aberrations.

Also, in the afterword Nisio Isin nonchalantly mentioned that Bakemonogatari was actually written as a hobby, just for fun, a "writing holiday". This sort of explains the sometimes a bit lackluster treatment of plot and the focus on characters and their conversation instead of a worldbuilding. But it makes this work actually more astounding, since the author just happened to create such an iconic piece of Japanese popculture by accident.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best of the Bake- chapters. The later callbacks to the radio show stories were great, even if there were a few weeks in between reading the first and second halves of the novel for me. Isin does well to develop Hanekawa further, retroactively expanding the ideas in this novel in his later Kizumonogatari (released after Bake- in Japan, but before it in America). Of course, it kind of seems like Isin had a certain idea for Hanekawa's character development, then wrote Kizu- as a prequel to firmly justify the development in Tsubasa Cat. Regardless, it works well. Better than the anime, even. I mean, it's been like 6 or 7 years since I've seen the anime, but I remember not caring for Hanekawa much then. She's much more interesting in the novels. It seems the novels are great for having Araragi's internal monologue to help expand characterization for the cast, whereas the anime takes the basic stories and lets Shinbo run wild with his quasi-avant-garde shenanigans. Good shit, though.

[Anatolii Morar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Нажаль, мої сподівання не виправдалися і третя частина виявилась гірша за другу. Перша половина книжки взагалі не має жодного відношення до Хінекави і присвячена Хітагі. Поведінка Хітагі - повне дно. Все, що вона робить, це ображає Арарагі сторінка за сторінкою. Ніякого розвитку, ніякої глибини, лише тупі образи. З якого це дива Арарагі на неї запав та ще й каже, що любить все в неї - загадка.

Друга половина присячена Хінекаві, і це таке саме дно, тільки приправлене неко-фансервісом. Кількість банальщини, логічних дир, низькоякісних діалогів просто зашкалює.
Прочитаю ще kizumonogatari щоб закрити ґештальт і на цьому моє ознайомлення з серію, майже стовідсотково, буде завершено.

Така культовість та висока оцінка серед західної аудиторії мені зовсім не зрозуміла. Певно це суміш снобізму, елітизму, та синдрому віабушника в термінальній стадії. Щодо високих рейтингів в Японії, то напевно більшість аудиторії складається із спермотоксикозних підлітків та відбитих отаку.

[PhanDuyThong · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's finally the end of BAKEMONOGATARI, but the series has just begun.
Apparently, this one quickly becomes my favorite in no time. I love the whole date, it is so funny, laughable, yet romantic and leaves something in my heart, too. As always, NisioIsin godlike character-development strikes hard as we continue to understand another girl, although being an old character, Tsubasa Hanekawa. Araragi's questions between love and affections really strike me hard. I don't really have anything to say about it, but it feels incredibly bad for Tsubasa. However, it all seems reasonable after all and we get to know more about all of the characters as we progress through other books in this series. Also, after reading through the whole 3 part, I will say " HITAGI BEST GIRL; but good job Tsubasa, you've done your best."

[Ricardo Matos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though they are 3 short books, you can't help but feel sad at the end of Bakemonogatari. These are 5 unconventional monster stories that make a whole much bigger than the sum of its parts. While these books still fit the LN world (some japanese tropes you can't seem to get rid off), Bake could/should have been published as a single volume of 800ish pages. It also felt to me that this would be better appreciated by the older crowd, but because these were published as LN, you can't get away from your traditional Japanese illustrations.

In the afterword NisiOisiN states he wrote this book as a hobby and just for fun. I liked this one better than Kizomonogatari, which was written later and probably more seriously.

And I'm really happy he wrote Nekomonogatari because I'm super curious about what happened to Miss Class President :D

[Flávio · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I thought Araragi should've chosen Hanekawa too. I believe this was partly because I wasn't able to understand Senjougahara well enough. But something changed, and I'm now seeing things more clearly. Her relationship with Araragi is so mature, he respects her boundaries, and she makes his every day.
But Hanekawa's side of the story is truly tragic... She was setting the stage, letting things unfold naturally, and in my opinion, doing everything right, there's nothing intrinsically wrong about it; but it seems time is of the essence, and the appearance of a stranger risky. She couldn't have known, so Senjougahara was faster—without the need to "hold B"—and she was left in the dust.
This book raises important questions concerning the path of love while presenting one story out of countless of untold ones.

[Strider · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final arc of Bakemonogatari is one of my favorites of the whole Monogatari series. There are so many memorable moments in it, its not a surprise that I read it in one day. The part with Senjougahara was beautifully crafted. It was funny as hell and really emotional at the end. It really made me feel like I want to see what will happen with these characters later in their life. (and I will, thx Nisiosin). The main problem was with Hanekawa this time which made it really interesting since she is one of the best characters in the series. Also the ending was nicely done and Oshino is still my favorite character. All in all, Bakemonogatari is a really strong part of the series. All five stories were strong and entertaining.

[lauren castro · Rating 3 out of 5]

weakest one by far RAGSGGRHE ok so the ending and the whole convo with black hanekawa was probably my favorite part bc i just thought it was interesting but the stuff with araragi and senjogahara was SO FUCKING BORING i literally do not care about them at all senjogahara was so flat after the first book (shes been kinda flat) and their love is not believable to me. also the convo between araragi and hitagi was…interesting. the part about the afros and dreads. yeah. anyways i will continue to read the monogatari series because for the most part its enjoyable and quick to read.

also araragi’s maturity and stupidity fluctuates so much its honestly so annoying i could rant for a little but but i dont feel like it 😍

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice wrap up of the first book series. We finally see progress on Araragi and Senjogahara's relationship, as well as finally learn more and deal with Hanekawa's aberration. While the dialogue and banter are one point as always, this book as a whole felt calmer to me. Not as high strung, but it's not a bad thing. I think sometimes a series needs to chill a bit when things always feel like they are at 100. I recommend this series to anyone looking for a fun and hilarious read, even if you don't particularly enjoy light novels. It never felt like a typical one to me, and was a tough three books to put down. I look forward to jumping in to the next books in the overall series soon.

[Michael Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this was one of the weaker arcs in the anime, and the feeling holds the same for the novel. It's the middle of Hanekawa's story, and the beginning and end are to come later. It had it's moments to be sure, and it undeniably had a lot of humor and wit.

There was no real philosophical punch, however, and it did drag at times. Senjougahara and Araragi's first date remains one of the most amusing date scenes I've ever seen or read, and Hanekawa's coming of age arc as a whole is really very good. It just feels out of place to tell the middle here, and the book suffered from that.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

More high school chillin' and supernatural interactions. This volume had an overall slower pace than the prior ones, but it explored more of the romance side of things as well, which I appreciated. Lots of banter-filled dialogue as always with the Monogatari Series, with a cast of characters that can do anything and it'd still be fun to read. For a story called "Tsubasa Cat" I was actually surprised that a lot of the story was about Shinobu and Araragi's relationship with Senjougahara. It was nice to get Hanekawa's background, she seems like a great match for Araragi too but guess that's not the direction the author wanted to go in.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great and bittersweet ending to a great set of tales, though that may just be me getting sentimental about such enjoyable characters.

I particularly liked part three over the first two as it centers around one of my favourite characters hanekawa, and also it's a great boiling point that throws references to everything that's happened so far. It really brings a nice feeling of closure to the series.

With that I'll be onto the next set of stories in no time

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining. The dialog between the characters is the only thing that saves this volume from a much lower rating. You're halfway through the book before the main premise of this volume really comes up. Until then there is a lot of chatting and doing things with other characters and it isn't bad, but not the main plot. It isn't until the last 30 pages that any real progress is made. That being said it was still a fun read.

[Phillip R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, the conclusion, the realization of all that was really happening in the background with Hanekawa during all the other three/four parts. The details and additional jokes in the books definitely give the anime adaptation a run for it's money, but if anything, I'd recommend doing a quick rewatch after going through each of the books, it's really enjoyable!

[Denis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very lukewarm on this volume, to say the least. It pushes on the worst part of the series to me, the endless droning, quipping dialogs.
But I would be remiss not to mention that the solution to the mystery was clever and the book closes on an open ended enough note to give the reader the desire to read more of the series.

I just wish the already great cast of characters interacted in a more meaningful manner.

[Andersen Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nisioisin continues with his great writing, and comes with my favourite arc so far in the Monogatari series!
This arc is called "Tsubasa Cat", and is about our favourite Lil' Miss Class President.
If you enjoyed the other books in series, you should absolutely read this part! ^_^