First Impression – Nisemonogatari
It’s back!
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Since that dubious announcement of Kizumonogatari last year, we hadn’t heard a peep from Shinbou. Until that PR gimmick over Nisemonogatari announcement. I am the happiest to see Senjougahara and Araragi back! Not to mention, we’ll get to know the Fire Sisters. Being a Shaft enthusiast at least when NisiOisin’s in the mix, I’ve looked forward to this episode just too much. So, let’s get this first post of lvlln started~ |
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Hooray it is officially time for some Nisemonogatari! After I heard the news of this series I was really excited, mostly because we would finally get to see Araragi’s sisters and the other popular girls. And without any more rambling from me let us find out if the first episode of Nisemonogatari went! Enjoy the first impressions. |
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Hisashiburi, Bakemonogatari cast! I’m pretty sure that 90% of us here at Metanorn have been holding their breath waiting for this to come out (…for a year and a bit. People at Metanorn have LUNGS OF STEEL). So it’s finally here! Am I excited? HELL YES I’M EXCITED! |
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Well, here we go. The sequel to one of the most popular anime of the last few years is here. Bakemonogatari was an odd creature, a show whose appeal I couldn’t quite nail down. The writing had its ups and downs, and production quality was inconsistent. But somehow the quirky visual direction and fun cast of characters made it a darling for many. I have recently finished reading Bakemonogatari and the prequel Kizumonogatari, and I’m working my way through Nisemonogatari right now, which means this is one of few anime that I’m watching with knowledge of the source material. Also, this is my first actual post here! |
Mustn’t forget the head tilt even while watching TV!
Nisemonogatari starts off right in the middle of things, with protagonist Koyomi Araragi disoriented and handcuffed to a pole at an abandoned school. Before long, Hitagi Senjougahara, who became his girlfriend early on in the first show, appears, revealing herself as the perpetrator. We’re not served with an explanation, but we do get a healthy dose of Hitagi’s brand of tsundere service, what with the licking water off her fingers and talk of diapers and what not. One thing is very clear: Hitagi is not planning on freeing Koyomi any time soon, at least not on his terms.
Didn’t think she’d just hand it over now, did you?
Nope, gonna have to lap it up. Like a dog.
But before we discover how Koyomi will get out of this pickle, we rewind to that morning. It’s summer – July 29, to build exact – and Koyomi unexpectedly has the day off from tutoring thanks to a cancelation by Tsubasa. He goes downstairs to discover his youngest sister Tsukihi watching TV. This is our first introduction to either of the Fire Sisters, as neither character appeared in any meaningful capacity in Bakemonogatari. The two engage in the type of exchange you’d expect from siblings that age who don’t really get along. The conversation is short, and it touches upon how the high school senior Koyomi is starting to grow distant from his middle school sisters. The star of the scene besides the wacky decor of the Araragi home has got to be Tsukihi’s legs.
Dem knees.
What’s with that step ladder? And those pure-white studio lights? And is that a picture of a claymation monkey on the wall?
Koyomi remembers that he had promised Nadeko to go to her house, and decides that this day off is a good chance. Nadeko on the phone is suspiciously insistent that he has to come over TODAY and NOW, and no other time will do. And though Koyomi is oddly (in denial?) clueless as to Nadeko’s intentions, Tsukihi is right on top of things, forcing him visit Nadeko by himself, which makes it the perfect time to run into Mayoi.
Nadeko was quite, um, vocal about when Koyomi needed to visit.
Anyone who forgot the type of dynamic between Koyomi and Mayoi were reminded very quickly, as the former stopped only to stretch in preparation before tackling the latter and peppering her with kisses and hugs and throws and gropes and attempts to drag down her panties. Their exchange goes more or less expected, as Mayoi is quick with the bite and is made to calm down before the two converse for the rest of the episode.
One must always remember to stretch before engaging in loli-groping. Especially if one does it like Koyomi does.
See? Dude’s a pro!
There’s a lot of entertaining fluff here, such as Mayoi’s cynical belief that money is all that matters in the world, as well as the discussion of how adding “courage” to any phrase makes it sound good. The latter of which ended with Koyomi standing on his hands and looking at Mayoi’s panties. For a grade schooler, Mayoi really knows her way around words (of course, being a ghost, she is likely older than Koyomi)! But there was serious stuff as well, including Koyomi confiding in Mayoi his frustration at having to keep his experience being a vampire (events of the prequel Kizumonogatari) a secret from his family. I expect this will become a sticking point as the story develops and Karen and Tsukihi are sucked into the world of oddities.
Just a handful of the locales Koyomi and Mayoi “visited” during their short conversation.
The episode ends along with their conversation, with assurances from Mayoi that she won’t disappear from Koyomi without saying goodbye. It’s a touching little scene that drives home the friendship these two have formed through their chance encounters over the course of the stories. OK, Koyomi is an insufferable pervert, but these two get along very well, and they genuinely enjoy each other’s company.
Notably, there was no ending theme, just credits over the last scene, and no next-episode preview. Hm, didn’t Shaft do that with the first couple episodes of Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica…?
Let us remind you, this thing has a life of its own.
I can’t think of a caption worthy of this screenshot.
The film strip shots are back.
And now, featuring the new heroines, the Fire Sisters!
This was so SHAFT that it’s not even funny. Though, this is good Shaft, not bad Shaft like Vampire Bund. It’s hard to be objective about this when I’ve been an avid fan of NisiOisin’s work, even when it was not animated by Shaft. Bakemonogatari has been successful, even when the ending episodes were released with time jumps; it’s a thing with this studio and trolling. Just like how there was no ED single by ClariS this time around because everyone’s been looking forward to it (ryo/ClariS – what can go wrong?!). They have budgets this time but they will keep some hooks for the continuing episodes to rope more people in. I literally gawk at the haters but I guess, trying to understand them would be a waste of time. Let me be happy with my fandom love, is it too much to ask?
But yeah, coming back to Nisemonogatari, the old Shaft crew returned for this project and as I haven’t read the novels, I can only hope that Oshino is not completely gone because Takahiro Sakurai did attend the big reveal PR of this. But as Kizumonogatari PV was shown as well, I shouldn’t get my hopes up too high. It was clear that the time frame for this episode was out of whack, filled with the usual head-tilting, extreme close-ups and Araragi being a total pervert. Starting off with Senjougahara was a pretty good idea because out of the girls, she’s the most famous, our recent ANTM results prove it *cough*lastpoststillinmaking*cough* It was a treat, seeing Senjougahara in her full glory.
Also, is Tsukihi really in middle school?! Her curves are defying her age but I guess, I’ll have to look over that fact; just like how Karen is actually taller than Araragi. Most probably, we’ll be seeing her in the next episode, which makes me wonder about pacing of this arc and how many episodes per arc? I’m just glad that it wasn’t one of the Fire Sisters but the known Araragi introducing everything. His fun groping and conversation with Hachikuji was hilariously deep. I love this series for such conversations, where playfully Araragi can lay bare his fears and trepidation over revealing his changed state to his sisters. The thing I didn’t miss was the giant blocks of text for which you have to pause just at the right frame; I’d rather hear Araragi’s internal monologue than read it. Overall, a strong first episode and now I’m really looking forward to see Karen and Kanbaru.
Whoa… whoa…that first episode just what the hell actually happened?! I mean the first ten minutes or so was about poor old Araragi chained up to a pile of desks? But we did get to see that wonderful tsundere side to Senjougahara! Boy did she have a field day with him mostly with her teasing him…but wow the artwork during that whole scene was amazing. Was anyone waiting for a steamy mouth to mouth session between those two? They should have done that. The best parts of that first half had to be Araragi’s hair, I forgot how alive that antenna was…
Finally we got so see Tsukihi! One of Arargai sisters at last and I can already quote myself for liking her character thanks to a certain Index voice actress Yuka Iguchi. This time she is playing someone who is less hungry and more of a chatter box with a short fuse. Anyone else notice the curves of her body? DAMN….I hope she is at least eighteen…or some would say Araragai is lucky? But no incest please… GO AWAY! We don’t want that in this series… I wonder how the other sister acts compared to Tsukihi? I guess we will have to wait and see.
It was only a matter of time until little Hachikuji appeared in the very first episode! Yes she is one of the youngest girls of the cast besides Shinobu, but I love the way she interacts with Araragi. Those two have such a strange relationship even though it makes Araragi look like a huge lolicon! He just loves cute-twin-tail-moe-girls, is that so wrong? Before I end my spam of love for the first episode, can we talk about mind blowing animation? Whoa…the character designs looked like they got some extra love in the details and like any Shaft series the environments always looked fantastic. Anyway I loved this first episode and I can’t wait to see more soon.
….What the hell was that? …In a good way. The first half of the episode was entirely Senjougahara and Araragi. Not only that, but Araragi was in handcuffs the entire time. Multiple ones. Where did Senjougahara even get those…? You know what, I don’t even want to know. Plus, when did this happen? I know they gave out dates, but it was a bit confusing. That being said, I’m glad to see Araragi’s sisters getting more screen time. Seeing the cast after such a long time is nice too (…was Araragi always such a pedobear when it came to Mayoi?). The only one I really missed was Oshino. Though I expected him to be missing, so I wasn’t that surprised. Oh, him and Shinobu (…and Kanbaru). Really, most of my favourite characters of the series were only mentioned in passing or gone completely. SHINOBU HAD BETTER GET A BIGGER PART IN THIS. Or else all of my hope will rest on Kizumono. Whenever that’s coming out.
I’m sad that we didn’t get to see the infamous Claris x Ryo ED, but hopefully next episode. Bakemono’s ED was only the greatest thing ever and it will be EXTREMELY hard to top (though it’s Claris and Ryo. I’m sure they can do it.) The OP was far better (IMO) than Staple Stable. But yeah, the music in Bakemono was fantastic and I just know that I’ll be comparing the OPs (assuming that they change it every arc like last season (which I bet they will)) and every other song every opportunity I get. The Kaerimichi piano version at the end of the episode was well placed and a nice touch. …Does this mean a piano version of Renai Circulation? God I hope so.
Well, looks like SHAFT made a ton of money off of Madoka, so they upped the budget immensely for Nisemono. It was exactly like Bakemono, only with actual (fantastic!) animation. Sometimes. It wouldn’t be the same series without random black screens with text. That being said, I absolutely love the long bouts of dialogue that Bakemono had, so I’m glad they kept that in this. Also, they had some extremely weird and awesome scenery going on. Like Araragi’s living room (if you couldn’t tell, I like typing out Araragi’s name). Long story short, SHAFT not only wrote their name all over this with black permanent marker, but they also rubbed themselves all over this shamelessly. (Oh, the mental imagery. I kind of wish I hadn’t typed that.) This is completely their production from the head tilts, to the strategic lack of animation and they want EVERYONE to know it.
As a fan of the first series, I quite enjoyed this 1st entry to the sequel. The visual flourishes that Shaft is known for and that had been integral to Bakemonogatari’s success were back in full force. This episode was nothing more than a series of 3 unconnected conversations (not including the phone call to Nadeko) but the talking heads were always shown in some visually engaging way. The whole 2nd half with Mayoi was excellent in particular, showing the characters at various locations following the movement of their dialgoue. The animation quality also took a noticeable step up from Bakemonogatari, and Koyomi’s initial tackling and, um, aggressive groping of Mayoi especially stood out in their fluidity.
I was a little surprised by the exclusion of the prologue from the novel. In it, Koyomi had introduced his sisters to the audience and had given a small anecdote explaining the reputation his sisters have in town as the “Fire Sisters” (besides their names). Remember in the 1st episode of Bakemonogatari when Hitagi was unexpectedly able to name Koyomi’s sisters to him? Given some of their previous actions, their notoriety shouldn’t have come as any surprise. That said, I don’t think that the prologue was necessary, some of the information got added to the scene with Tsukihi (such as the fact that Karen is taller than Koyomi) and skipping over it was probably a good decision from a pacing perspective.
And speaking of pacing, Nisemonogatari starts off much more slowly than its predecessor. Following the in medias res opening with Hitagi, the show is reintroducing its characters as Koyomi encounters them one by one, which means we’re getting a lot of the banter that Nisio Isin is known for. If the show continues with this pace, episode 2 will be very similar to episode 1, just with different characters. When will we discover the meaning of this “Fake Story,” how Koyomi ended up knocked out and handcuffed, and how his oldest younger sister plays into it? Probably not for at least a couple more weeks, but in the meanwhile, I’m glad that these characters are back.
About Tag Team
We live, laugh, enjoy and strictly believe on "more the merrier". When together, we usually come up with very chatty, conversation-based episodics and interesting posts.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
It’s finally here!!! It’s about time. Now we get to see a little more of Araragi and Senjougahara. Shaft certainly too their time and money with the animation. It’s an improvement over Bakemonogatari. Now we’ll see how the sisters will take over.
Starting things off with the tsundere Senjougahara was perfect. But I couldn’t help but think she had Araragi in bondage with the way he was strapped down and her teasing him with water.
LOL. Only a lolicon would be stretching and gearing up for the groping of someone like Mayoi. And that antenna for hair, does it pick up cable?
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Finally here! Time for the fun adventures of Ararararagi and Senjoughararara <3 best anime couple of all time! Animation was pure awesome for me I can only dream of getting my own art to Shafty-levels.
Yep classic fun with tsundere Senjougahara! Yeah what was up with the bondage? Not a single clue I figured it was her way to "Screw" with Araragi? still those camera angles...those camera angles! <3
Well they show Araragi as a "playful" lolicon if there is such a term? I guess you can say they were being comical about the whole thing and it works! But if you did that in real life...the cops would get you! LOLOL
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Is Koyomi’s family super rich or something? That was one huge art studio in the house complete with expensive furniture. Even if Koyomi is a vampire, I doubt he’d fully give into his instincts and kill his sisters if they got into an arguement. Winner of the scene between Tsukihi and Koyomi: Tsukihi’s legs. Nice.
The one I’m hoping to see very soon is the loli vampire Shinobu. There are rumors that she’s talking now. She kicked major ass against Black Tsubasa last season.
I also want to see Kanbaru again. She obviously became a bisexual at the end of Bakemonogatari. First she says she’s a lesbian then later she declares herself Koyomi’s love slave. She can’t make up mind.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Don’t you know all girls LOVE Araragi?! xD His parents are Police Officers and the decoration is definitely dodgy because unless they were already rich, this kind of apartment and decor doesn’t come cheap. And yes, Shinobu’s talking and will be voiced by the amazing Maaya Sakamoto (you should have seen me going nuts on twitter when I found out).
POWUH: 400-499 with 410 comments
Wait seriously? Shinobu’s gonna talk? And she’s voiced by Maaya Sakamoto? Ok I can no longer bare the waiting for each episode… Ugghh…
POWUH: 700-799 and Parkouring Fanboy with 776 comments
I was kinda hoping that Aya Hirano would “reprise her role” as Shinobu, but Maaya Sakamoto is a fine choice, easily her equal when it comes to voice acting.
So far in my reading of Nisemonogatari, Shinobu has yet to talk or even appear, so this could just be another trolling by Shaft, who might choose a 3rd VA for Kizumonogatari. There, she definitely talks.
Actually, what if they melded Hirano’s and Sakamoto’s voices together for Kiss-Shot in Kizumonogatari? That would be awesome.
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 199 comments
YEEEEEEEEES Nisemono is so awesome! It’s been a while since I’ve seen something by SHAFT, and Bakemono is my favourite series from them. Sanjougahara is cool and sexy as always; I adore Hachikuji and Araragi is my bro (no seriously, we even have the same hairstyle, our bangs are brushed the same way… is it a coincidence or I made it unconciously?! Sometimes I’m disturbing even for myself.). Oh yes, I’m more than satisfied.
Also it was kinda funny to watch 2nd episode of Natsume day after Nisemono. Kamian, oh you.
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 209 comments
It feels like Bakemonogatari never ended and this was just the next episode, and thats a good thing. Senjougahara being evil as ever to Arararararagi (Sorry, I stuttered), lolicon moment with Mayoi, and now with have more interactive scenes with the sisters. So far, SHAFT hasn’t fail to impress.
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 192 comments
I was looking forward to Nisemonogatari. Although, in the back of my mind, I wasn’t so sure that the Koyomi sisters could replace Araragi as the protagonists. Unfortunately, this episode was narrated by Araragi, so I’ll have to wait a while to see how they fare.
Anyhow, I’m completely baffled in regards to Senjougahara’s actions. Although she doesn’t (?) mean any harm to Araragi, she seems like a villain in my eyes. I wouldn’t date her even if my life depended on it…Araragi, you have my admiration.
Shaft’s art, as usual, was excellent and beautiful to look at. The witty dialogue with Mayoi was pleasing to watch and listen to at the same time (*ahem* due to unsavoury reasons as well). As Kyokai said though, NO MOAR TEXT WALLS, especially at the beginning of episodes. My head’s still reeling from them…
POWUH: 700-799 and Parkouring Fanboy with 776 comments
Keep in mind that the novels are in the first person told by Koyomi, so it’s unlikely that his sisters will ever narrate.
I also think Hitagi is too abusive for my tastes, but some people are into that. Having read Kizumonogatari, I think Tsubasa would be the best match for Koyomi.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Every single peer-age female has tried to kill him badly at one point out of sheer and utter jealousy. No wonder this guy is a lolicon. His relationship with Shibou is endearing in contrast….and works, in a limited way, with Mayoi. These guys trying to tell us something? Nah….never happen like dat.
Oh, DAT PIE!
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Ahahahah yes the pie! wow that was awesome…
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 192 comments
Anime scriptwriters work in mysterious ways my friend. Who knows what might come out of their heads?
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 192 comments
I see. However, Araragi would have to deal with Tsubasa’s feline problems rather frequently…
How did you get your hands on the novel?
POWUH: 700-799 and Parkouring Fanboy with 776 comments
I read them in Korean, but you can find all of Kizumonogatari translated on Baka-Tsuki: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Monogatari_Series
And as long as Koyomi is with Tsubasa, her cat problems won’t surface. After all, his being with Hitagi was the stressor. And if something else stressful comes along, he’s got Shinobu in his shadow to take care of her!
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 192 comments
Thanks for the link. I guess you’re right, but it doesn’t seem like a healthy relationship to me…
POWUH: 700-799 and Parkouring Fanboy with 776 comments
It’s not like Koyomi’s relationship with Hitagi is exactly healthy either. XD
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 192 comments
@Lvlln: Point taken.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
@ Yippy, Senjougahara has her reasons and she clearly mentioned that whatever she was doing, was to save him. I’m pretty sure the plot will unfold her reason, which is always not that apparent. Her affection is hard to understand but they are always for Araragi’s good.
@ skylion, DAT PIE was a clear metaphor of him creaming his pants. He’s a pervert after all. xD
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
I see part of their friendship as playing the comedy Straight Man/Funny Man routine. But, they always switch up who is who. Learned her secret technique? Not even close, Ararargai-kun. Made you look, dude. Pie right in the face. She looks displeased in the very next frame. Dude, why did you fall for something so obvious. He did have the “cat eyes” after the pie hit. Curiosity and all that.
Anyway that is my longish explanation about the pie. But, creamed his pants might work, if he was hit in the crotch…
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Thanks Kyokai, totally missed that reference. I was watching it thinking, does she have a pie launcher hidden somewhere?
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 192 comments
I guess so…Besides, I really can’t put all the blame on her for her idiosyncratic behaviour. Family issues, a crab god and a lack of friends…I think it would have been worse without Araragi by her side.
POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 304 comments
YESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s here~ It’s so good to see everyone again (well, not quite everyone). Can’t wait for more!
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 107 comments
Dem abs. Being a Half-Vampire is doing wonders for him.
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 207 comments
What a way to begin! Shaft is at it’s finest 😀
With the whole beginning of Araragi tied up to a chair was kind of weird, but I forgot all of that as the goddess herself Sejougahara walked in. Oh how I’ve missed her so X3. The whole dialogue between them was just enjoyable to watch, we can all see how much fun Senougahara was having too XD.
On wards, the Araragi sibling meeting was nice. Now I know what she looks like ha XD. Though I’m really more interested to see Karen as I think she might have a more interesting relationship with Araragi. And *COUGH* Eri Kitamura *COUGH* X)
I think my favorite part in this episode was with Hachikuji. I think that scene had the best dialogue, and who knew Hachikuji could give such good advice XD.
This is pretty much my must watch show of the season
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Every bit as awesome as I was expecting it to be.
The OP reminds me of Staple Stable. I like it!
I (still) have Senjougahara fascination. ^^
POWUH: 700-799 and Parkouring Fanboy with 776 comments
One thing that caught me about the OP was the high quality of animation. In particular the particle effects used for the credits phasing in and out. The Hitagi silhouette was also rendered very well. Somewhat reminiscent of the 3DCG silhouettes in Shaft’s Maria Holic Alive ED.
POWUH: 700-799 and Parkouring Fanboy with 776 comments
Oh wow, all 3 attempts to make the same comment got eaten by the spam filter, then saved at once. ^^; As you can see, you can read just one of those 3 messages, as they say the same thing.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Lol! Deleted the extra ones. xD
POWUH: 400-499 with 406 comments
YEESSSSS!! I forgot how much I missed Bakemonogatari! I love this style of anime (can it be called a style?)
Hachikuji is so cute! I love her.
Sorry, I stuttered!
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Best show of the season, and what a way to start off your blogging career at Metanorn. Welcome to the team! :3
POWUH: and Yaoi Fangirl~ with 2320 comments
I will never get used with that SHAFT style. It was giving me headache when I watched this episode.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
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Looks like he got em.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
http://i41.tinypic.com/29wwef6.png
This should work. Or the mods will have to delete two of my posts.
POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
Lol! Good one, skylion! xD
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Credit where credit is due. A dedicated Troper pointed it out in the Bakemonogatai for TVTropes.org. All I did was run the .avi file and set it for screen grab. Then pecked thru about 100 captures until I got it.
POWUH: 400-499 with 410 comments
Someone call the police! We have a lolicon on the loose! XD
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Bring in the heavy artillery!! He’s not human, repeat, he is not human!!!
POWUH: 700-799 and Parkouring Fanboy with 776 comments
Ha, very nice catch! He came very close!
POWUH: 400-499 with 410 comments
It’s time for some more Senjougahara and Arararagi… Sorry I bit my tongue back there. Lol.
It’s nice to see the relationship between these two lovers haven’t rust a single bit (the tsundere way). This episode is probably just to get us back into the pace wherever it left of in Bakemonogatari.
This is gonna be so awesome. I’m glad I’m a NEET during the Winter season. ClariS is also singing for the series? Then where is Supercell?
POWUH: 700-799 and Parkouring Fanboy with 776 comments
ClariS is actually collaborating with Supercell for the ED. Ryo will be composing, they will be singing. Though this episode didn’t feature the ED and the single won’t be out until February, you can find a leak on Nico Nico Douga: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm16668253
POWUH: iLurker with 1 comments
[…] claiming that he is only after money, which is the only thing that matters in this world (hey, didn’t one of the faux-lolis mention that before?). And though Karen, with her much stronger body, intends to beat him up, he displays his skills at […]
POWUH: iLurker with 1 comments
[…] 365 days ago, I (with help from the team of Kyo, Fosh, and Kara) made my very first post here, our first impressions on the then-new sequel to Shaft‘s 2009 smash hit Bakemonogatari, based on Nisio Isin‘s […]