Monogatari

Monogatari refers to the Monogatari Series, a collection of Japanese light novels written by Nisio Isin and illustrated by VOFAN. The series began with Bakemonogatari, released in 2009 under Kodansha's Sneaker Bunko imprint, and has grown into a large multimedia franchise. The title roughly translates to “story” or “tale” in Japanese.

The books follow Koyomi Araragi, a high school student who survives a vampire encounter and becomes involved with classmates afflicted by supernatural apparitions or psychological issues. Each arc tends to center on a particular female character and blends coming-of-age themes with horror, romance, and wit. The prose is notable for rapid-fire dialogue, extended inner monologue, wordplay, and metafictional asides, with stories often interwoven across volumes to form an overarching continuity.

Adaptations and media expansion: The series has been adapted into several anime seasons produced by Shaft, beginning with Bakemonogatari (2009–2010), followed by Nisemonogatari (2012), Monogatari Series: Second Season (2013), and Owarimonogatari (2015–2017). A feature film trilogy retelling the early story, Kizumonogatari, released from 2016 to 2020 and detailing Araragi’s origin. Manga adaptations and various spin-offs have appeared, expanding the series beyond novels.

Reception and influence: Monogatari is widely regarded for its inventive writing, distinctive visual style, and dialogue-driven storytelling. It has been influential within contemporary light novels and anime, though its explicit content and dense narration have made it polarizing among readers and viewers.