Nekomonogatari: Cat Tale

Although it takes place chronologically before the events of the previous installment, Nekomonogatari: Cat Tale (Black) builds upon the strong familial themes that recently concluded the series. The story opens with protagonist Koyomi Araragi and his younger sister Tsukihi—the central heroine of the preceding volume—engaged in a spirited sibling rivalry. Their endless, unabashed bickering over the nature of love unfolds here in its complete, unfiltered glory, setting a familiar domestic stage before the narrative shifts toward darker territory. Much like Kizumonogatari, which explored the disastrous spring break experienced by the narrator, this volume serves as another crucial prequel detailing a separate catastrophe. It focuses on an incident frequently referenced throughout the series but never fully recounted, even within the earlier chapter dedicated to Miss Hanekawa. This long-anticipated account finally reveals the truth behind the model student’s terrifying rampage during Golden Week, a consecutive string of national holidays beginning at the end of April. As Araragi is drawn into the unfolding crisis, he must confront the bizarre and dangerous transformation of his seemingly perfect classmate during what was supposed to be a peaceful holiday.