Bakemonogatari is the start of one of the most unique franchises that can be found in anime. The thing that is immediately recognizable in this is how striking the style of it is. The first minute of the first episode has more interesting presentation than most anime can ever dream of pulling off. This unique nature of its visuals is a constant throughout the whole season. Throughout all 15 episodes, it never ever gets boring to watch. This style enhances the biggest strength of this season, and even Monogatari Series in general. That being its dialogue.

While there are a few scenes of impressive action, the bulk of the runtime is taken up by two people in a varying location talking about something. What they are talking about doesn't exactly matter. It is either the actual plot, or just some random tangent. The tangents in this show especially are the most interesting part of this show. At many times, entire episodes can go by with barely any plot happening in them. It could just be two people talking about whatever they would like to talk about. While it may sound really boring, it ends up being the strong suit of the series. The dialogue in the show is like this, due to it being base off of a light novel. Most creatives looking to adapt this story would hide this aspect, because it doesn't make for a very fun audiovisual experience. However, Studio Shaft and Akiyuki Shinbo went in the exact opposite direction. They fully embraced this aspect of the light novels, and explored uncharted territory in how to tell a story. Watching an episode of Bakemonogatari is an oddly comforting experience. Being taken in by the soothing music and the rapid fire text is one of the most unique viewing experiences that I have ever had. The dialogue itself manages to be consistently playful, witty, and meaningful. It goes to to point where I don't exactly feel like I am getting a full appreciation for it, just because I don't speak Japanese.

The characters of Monogatari are also wonderfully established here. Most of the characters get wonderfully developed in later entries, but Bakemonogatari is commendable for establishing them so well in the first place. Senjougahara is easily the best character, due to how wonderfully presented she is. She initially comes off as an ordinary tsundere, but her veil gets pulled off to reveal a truly tragic personality. Her interactions with Ararargi show truly growing relationship, that is presented wonderfully. She really gets the spotlight here. All other characters are wonderfully written as well. Hanekawa, Mayoi, Kanbaru, Nadeko, Shinobu, and Oshino are all very well developed characters. Even if they don't get their big moments here, it has to be appreciated how well they are established in this.

There is nothing like the Monogatari Series. The fact that a series with so many out there ideas is so popular is truly captivating. The answer as to why that is can be up for debate. However, it is to my belief that it is due to how strong of a start this is. Bakemonogatari immediately grabs you at the neck and spits everything about it at you into your face. It is a truly unique journey that always manages to consistently feel fresh. It cannot be understated how much value can be found in this.