Bakemonogatari (2019)

[化物語]

Volume 5

Author: NisiOisiN
Artist: Oh!great
Publisher: Shounen Magazine Comics

Synopsis:
Kanbaru invites Araragi to her home to explain the oddity that has possessed her.

Story/Characters:
Last time we were just getting warmed up, so here is where we get into the discussion of the nature of Kanbaru's oddity. We learn about her past with Senjougahara and further back still to when she first used the Monkey's Paw. With her perverted side coming into the open, it's fun to see how it affects Araragi, who frankly isn't equipped to deal with a fellow pervert (and this is part of why I like their relationship as it puts him on the defensive). As Oshino breaks down their initial understanding of the problem, we move into the next phase, which involves Kanbaru as the Rainy Devil trying to beat Araragi to death. We learn Araragi can restore a measure of his former vampire powers by having Shinobu drink his blood, which he needs to survive the savaging he gets.

Art:
There's some really impressive stuff being done with light and shadow and plenty of great, striking panels. The brawl between Araragi and the Rainy Devil is really brutal with about as much dynamism you can pull off with static images.

Conclusion:
The Suruga Monkey arc comes into its own in this volume. There's a lot of good development for Kanbaru and some solid action for the showdown between her and Araragi. Give it a read.

Rating:
Read It