Nekomongatari Black contains the Tsubasa Family arc from the Monogatari series. This dialogue packed yet short 4 episode season tells the tale of how Tsubasa Hanekawa was possessed by the Meddlecat and delves into Araragis complicated feelings for Hanekawa. And it does it in excellent fashion through spectacular visual directing as is common for the monogatari series. Possible Spoilers for Bakemonogatari and Nisemonogatari http://i.ur.com/OKMNk.jpg Story and Characters Nekomonogatari Black gives us a view into the nature of Hanekawa and Araragis characters as well as their relationship. It subverts our expectations that had been build up since Bake regarding their situation. The two previous installments in the series Bake and Nise had framed Hanekawa and Araragi as a onesided love relationship. It had also been assumed that Hanekawa was a troubled victim of family problems and stress. But the reality is that their relationship and Hanekawas character is much more unsettling. Hanekawa wasnt being possessed she was her own monster. A self depreciating and emotionless monster with a fake front. She ends this season the same way it started if not worse because now she will be eternally heartbroken by Araragis rejection living an abusive relationship with her family and with herself. It leaves us with a hope of growth for such a complex character. However in the viewers eyes Hanekawas character has seen changed from what we assumed from the last two seasons of the Monogatari series. Araragi on the other hand leaves Golden Week a changed man. Hanekawa was someone he used to idolize so much that he wanted to die for her. But after discovering her nature as a monster similar to him and the difference between love and desire he has to give up on the idea of loving her. Even if he was lying to himself about not living her he comes to understand what unconditional love means. Leading us into his relationship with Senjougahara. We even see the difference in his relationship with Shinobu during Golden Week and the present. Very insightful character development for both in only 4 episodes. https://78.media.tumblr.com/8bec0f628342e3af68bfff3268d2ed8f/tumblrinlinepac053N8rY1r0qzq7500.png https://78.media.tumblr.com/ce5ea5422afc341432c5f97311fc889a/tumblrinlinepac053Pekk1r0qzq7500.png Visuals and Sound These two are trademarks of the Monogatari series. Nekomonogatari is no exception. The experimental art style with the unique soundtrack and editing make this an enjoyable watch. The ability to tell so much only by looking is remarkable as shown in the picture above the color scheme referencing their similarities as monsters/aberrations. Even if the Monogatari series is dialogue based its visuals still subconsciously transmit a lot of emotion and information. Conclusion Nekomonogatari is my favorite installment in the series so far because of its faster pacing and the presentation of more complex versions of already established characters.