Hanamonogatari
Synopsis
Now that Koyomi Araragi and Hitagi Senjougahara have graduated, very few familiar faces remain at Naoetsu Private High School. One of these is Suruga Kanbaru, holder of the Monkey's Paw. When she begins to hear talk of a mysterious being known as the "Devil" who will magically solve any problem, Kanbaru immediately thinks these rumors are about her and decides to investigate. She discovers the Devil is actually Rouka Numachi, a former basketball rival from junior high who is no longer able to play due to a leg injury. Rouka provides free advice to those who seek her out. Acting as a collector of misfortune, she enjoys relieving the stress of her clients by providing them with the false hope of having their problems solved. Although Kanbaru sees no real harm being done, she reprimands Rouka for lying and heads home, relieved she is not the cause of the rumors. But she may have a reason to worry after all: she finds that her left hand has reverted back to its human form. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience reception to Hanamonogatari is mixed. While some appreciate the focus on character development and the signature Monogatari dialogue, others find it slow-paced and less engaging compared to other arcs. The lack of action and the focus on Kanbaru and Numachi are points of contention for some viewers.
Strengths
- Clever dialogue and writing style characteristic of NisiOisin.
- In-depth exploration of Kanbaru Suruga's character and past.
- Captivating and compelling story that leaves the viewer wanting more.
Weaknesses
- Lacking in action and variety compared to other Monogatari arcs.
- Heavy reliance on dialogue may not appeal to all viewers.
- Some found the story and characters, particularly Numachi, unengaging.