Hanamonogatari Suruga Devil - The appeal and evaluation of the fifth installment of the Monogatari series

"Hanamonogatari Suruga Devil": New charm and depth of the Monogatari series

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

novel

■ Release date

September 24, 2014 * August 16, 2014 Package version of "Hanamonogatari"

■Release and sales

・Distributor: Aniplex

■Frequencies

120 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 5

■Original Story

・Original work: Nishio Isin ^{Hanamonogatari ・Kodansha BOX}

■ Director

・General Director: Akiyuki Shinbo ・Director: Tomoyuki Itamura

■ Production

Animation Production: Shaft Production: Aniplex, Kodansha, Shaft

■Works

©Nisio Isin/Kodansha, Aniplex, Shaft

■ Story

The bee incident has gone, and the phoenix incident has been averted. Summer vacation is over.

As the new semester begins, a mysterious phenomenon, or perhaps an even greater threat, is creeping around Araragi Koyomi and the girls: Hanekawa Tsubasa, Hachikuji Mayoi, Kanbaru Suruga, Sengoku Nadeko, Oshino Shinobu, and Senjougahara Hitagi.

Their monologues and confessions - and then farewell.

Six new stories begin now.

■Explanation

The "Monogatari Series" is a coming-of-age novel by Nisio Isin that began with "Bakemonogatari." This strange tale, which has 15 volumes in the series with "Koyomimonogatari" released in May 2013, started the TV anime "Bakemonogatari" directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and produced by Shaft. It was followed by "Nisemonogatari" in January 2012 and "Nekomonogatari (Black)" in December 2012.

Starting this July, the anime will begin airing on six stories in the "second season" of the original novel: Nekomonogatari (White), Kizumonogatari, Hanamonogatari, Otorimonogatari, Onimonogatari, and Koimonogatari. While the first season was told from the perspective of the protagonist Araragi Koyomi, the second season is getting a lot of attention for episodes that tell the inner thoughts of the heroines in greater depth. This is not just a sequel, but a story that continues to evolve, and it has attracted a lot of attention.

Released on Wednesday, September 24, 2014, the packaged version of "Hanamonogatari" Volume 1/Suruga Devil (Part 1) is included. Unlike the TV broadcast version, the OP and ED have been swapped and the main story has been revised. "Suruga Devil Part 2" adds Part C, which was cut from the TV broadcast version.

※Quoted from the official website

■Cast

・Kanbaru Suruga/Sawaki Miyuki ・Numaji Rouka/Asumi Kana ・Kanbaru Totomi/Neya Michiko

■ Main staff

・Original work: "Hanamonogatari" by Nishio Isin (Kodansha BOX)
・Character design: VOFAN
・General Director / Akiyuki Shinbo ・Director / Tomoyuki Itamura ・Series Composition / Tomiko Higashi, Akiyuki Shinbo ・Character Design, General Animation Director / Akio Watanabe ・General Animation Director / Taisuke Iwasaki ・Art Director / Toshiharu Iijima, Ken Naito ・Color Design / Izumi Takizawa ・Color Design / Jin Hibino, Yasuko Watanabe ・Visual Effects / Motoi Sakai ・Director of Photography / Takayuki Aizu ・Editor / Rie Matsuhara ・Sound Director / Yota Tsuruoka ・Music / Kei Ueoka ・Animation Production / Shaft

■ Main Characters

・A girl who made a wish to Kanbaru Surugasaru. She is one year younger than Koyomi and the others, and was the former ace of the basketball team, an all-around athlete. She had a strong crush on Hitagi, but now she supports her relationship with Araragi Koyomi. Although she says she respects Koyomi, her words and actions are rude.

■Subtitle

Chapter 1: Suruga Devil Part 1 (package version) (2014/09/24)
・Episode 2: Suruga Devil (package version) (2014/09/24)

■ Theme songs and music

・OP1
・The last day of my adolescence
・1～2
・Lyrics by meg rock
・Composition: Mito ・Arrangement: Mito ・Vocals: Kanbaru Suruga (Sawaki Miyuki)

・ED1
・Flower Scar -shirushi-
・1～2
Lyrics by Saori Kodama; Music by Katsuhiko Kurosu; Arrangement by Daichi Suzuki; Singer by Marina Kono

The appeal and evaluation of "Hanamonogatari Suruga Devil"

Hanamonogatari Suruga Devil is one of the most noteworthy works in Nisio Isin's Monogatari Series, and it brings out the best in its second season. Released as an OVA, it perfectly combines the deep insight of the original novel with the visual expression of animation, providing viewers with a new experience.

Deepening the story

The story of "Hanamonogatari Suruga Devil" unfolds from the perspective of Kanbaru Suruga. Her past and present conflicts, as well as her relationship with the "monkey" phenomenon, are depicted in detail. In the first season, the world was seen from Araragi Koyomi's perspective, but in the second season, it is depicted from the heroines' perspective, creating a deeper human drama. This change in perspective provides viewers with a new perspective and an opportunity to understand the inner lives of the characters more deeply.

In particular, the character of Kanbaru Suruga is portrayed as a complex being, with both strength and vulnerability. As her past trauma and current growth intersect, viewers empathize with her inner thoughts and are drawn into the story. Her battle with the "monkey" monster is not simply a confrontation with a monster, but a dialogue with herself, and is portrayed as a symbol of growth. This is an important element that sets this work apart from other works in the Monogatari series.

Visuals and performance

Shaft's animation productions have always been known for their unique visual style and direction, and this appeal is on full display in "Hanamonogatari Suruga Devil." Akiyuki Shinbo's skill as general director and Tomoyuki Itamura's meticulous direction as director bring out the atmosphere of the story to the fullest. In particular, the scenes depicting Kanbaru Suruga's inner thoughts are skillfully used with color and camerawork to stir the viewer's emotions.

The packaged version also uses different opening and ending themes than the TV broadcast version, and the main story has also been modified. This allows viewers to enjoy the story from a new perspective. Part C, which was cut from the TV broadcast version, has been added to "Suruga Devil Part 2." This adds more depth to the story, and is an element that will increase viewer satisfaction.

Music and Sound

Music and sound are also important elements that enhance the appeal of "Hanamonogatari Suruga Devil". The opening theme, "The Last Day of My Adolescence", is a powerful song that symbolizes the character of Kanbaru Suruga, and is the perfect song to express her inner thoughts. The ending theme, "Hana Scar -shirushi-", is a beautiful song that quietly concludes the story and leaves a deep impression on the viewer.

Under the direction of sound director Yota Tsuruoka, the voice actors for the characters also deliver excellent performances. In particular, Sawashiro Miyuki's voice as Kanbaru Suruga perfectly expresses her strength and vulnerability, drawing out the viewer's sympathy. The performances of Asumi Kana as Numachi Rouka and Neya Michiko as Kanbaru Totomi are also important elements that add depth to the story.

Character Appeal

In "Hanamonogatari Suruga Devil," the character of Kanbaru Suruga is particularly noteworthy. Although she is an all-around athlete and former basketball team ace, she is depicted as facing past trauma. Her relationship with the "monkey" monsters is an important element that symbolizes her inner self, and viewers empathize with her growth and are drawn into the story.

Other characters are also depicted from their own perspectives, adding depth to the story. The monologues and confessions of characters such as Tsubasa Hanekawa, Mayoi Hachikuji, Nadeko Sengoku, Shinobu Oshino, and Hitagi Senjougahara play an important role in the progression of the story. The world seen from their perspective provides the viewer with a new perspective, which adds to the appeal of the story.

Ratings and Recommendations

Hanamonogatari Suruga Devil is a must-watch for fans of the Monogatari series, and brings out the best in the second season. The story is told from Kanbaru Suruga's perspective, delving deep into her inner world and providing viewers with a new perspective. Shaft's animation production and Akiyuki Shinbo's skill as general director bring out the atmosphere of the story to the fullest and stir the emotions of the viewers. Music and sound are also important elements that enhance the appeal of the story and increase viewer satisfaction.

This work is highly recommended not only for fans of the Monogatari series, but also for those who like anime and youth novels. The story of Kanbaru Suruga's growth and her inner thoughts deeply moves the viewer and draws them into the world of the story. Released as an OVA, this work offers viewers a new experience and reaffirms the appeal of the Monogatari series.

Furthermore, compared to other works in the Monogatari series, "Hanamonogatari Suruga Devil" stands out for its depth and appeal. By watching it together with other works in the second season, you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the whole Monogatari series. In particular, those who are interested in the character of Kanbaru Suruga should definitely watch this work. The story that depicts her inner world will provide viewers with a new perspective and bring out the charm of the story to the fullest.

Finally, Hanamonogatari Suruga Devil is an essential work for fans of the Monogatari series, and brings out the charm of the second season to the fullest. The story told from Kanbaru Suruga's point of view delves deeply into her inner world, providing viewers with a new perspective. Shaft's animation production and Akiyuki Shinbo's skill as general director bring out the atmosphere of the story to the fullest, stirring the emotions of viewers. Music and sound are also important elements that enhance the charm of the story, increasing viewer satisfaction. This work is highly recommended not only for fans of the Monogatari series, but also for those who like anime and youth novels. The story of Kanbaru Suruga's growth and her inner world deeply moves viewers and draws them into the world of the story. Released as an OVA, this work provides viewers with a new experience and reaffirms the charm of the Monogatari series.