Here we are, my pick for the greatest entry in the Monogatari series. While Bakemonogatari and Nisemonogatari introduce each of the characters and gives viewers a charmingly bizarre introduction to Koyomi and his group of supernatural friends, Second Season pushes these previously established relationships to their emotional brink, digging into what makes each of the fascinating women in Koyomi’s life tick and analyzing what life would be like without some of them, all the while reiterating the magnitude of their impact on Koyomi’s personality and character growth.

If Bakemonogatari is introducing Koyomi as the troubled young perverted protagonist we come to know and love, Second Season is about forcing him into adulthood. Koyomi’s existence as a half-vampire has given him a confidence he can utilize to erase any potentially problematic stakes when solving the woes of his friends in the past few series, but now the stakes are unavoidable. Major villains make themselves present in Second Season and unexpected allies rise up to assist Koyomi in his battles and endeavors. None of the stories go where you expect them to, and the production values are, like always, incredible.

As far as individual story arcs are concerned, there are certainly those that are stronger than others here, but each arc is precariously placed to tell the overarching story of recurring antagonist Nadeko. Many future storylines are set up within Second Season, and each thread is carefully chosen to build towards the expansive future of the franchise. This series more than any other in my opinion fleshes out the supporting cast of the franchise, showcasing the wild characters who exist alongside our own Koyomi Araragi and demonstrating how they affect him and help him to become the person he ultimately needs to be to save the various girls who seek him out for help. My personal favorite arc in the franchise is the final one in this series, Hitagi End, and it cements both Senjougahara and Kaiki as some of the most well-crafted anime characters I've ever encountered.

Simply put, Second Season is Monogatari at its very best. While Bakemonogatari and a few later entries come close, I still to this day hold Monogatari Second Season as the greatest set of stories the series has to offer.

Score: 10/10