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xxxHolic, Vol. 1 by CLAMP Review

Title: xxxHolic, Vol. 1

Author: CLAMP

First published July 25, 2003

178 pages, Paperback

ISBN: 9780345470584 (ISBN10: 0345470583)

Rating: 4.17

Overview

Kimihiro Watanuki has always been able to see ghosts and spirits, a gift that has haunted him his entire life. One day, he meets a peculiar witch named Yuuko, who offers to rid him of his curse.

But there’s a catch: he must work for her in her mystical shop and pay off the cost of her services. Watanuki soon discovers that working for Yuuko is unlike anything he’s ever experienced.

As he helps her customers, he encounters extraordinary beings from different dimensions, including the enigmatic Sakura and Syaoran from the land of Clow. Dive into the world of “XXXHolic” as it intertwines with “Tsubasa,” and discover the secrets that lie within its pages.

This volume includes chapters 1-8, as well as special extras after the story. Don’t miss this spellbinding adventure!

About the Author

CLAMP is a manga group that started in 1989 with twelve members, but only seven remained by 1990. Tamayo Akiyama, Sei Nanao, and Leeza Sei left during the production of the RG Veda manga.

Soushi Hishika, O-Kyon, Kazue Nakamori, Yuzuru Inoue, and Shinya Ōmi also used to be members. Currently, there are four members in the group.

In 2004, CLAMP celebrated their 15th anniversary as a mangaka group by changing their names. Nanase Ohkawa, Mokona Apapa, Mick Nekoi, and Satsuki Igarashi became Ageha Ohkawa, Mokona, Tsubaki Nekoi, and Satsuki Igarashi (pronounced the same but written with different characters), respectively.

The reason for the change was simply that the members wanted to try out new names. In an interview with Ohkawa, it was revealed that Mokona wanted to drop her surname because it sounded too immature, while Nekoi disliked people commenting that her name was the same as Mick Jagger’s.

Ohkawa and Igarashi changed their names to go along with their friends.

In 2006, CLAMP made their first public debut in the USA at Anime Expo in Anaheim, California. Their panel was attended by 6,000 fans, and they were well received at the convention.

Editoral Review

xxxHolic, Vol. 1 by CLAMP, a manga series that began in 2003, is a captivating blend of fantasy, supernatural elements, and philosophy that explores the nature of human desires and their consequences.

CLAMP, a female quartet of manga artists, is known for its skill in creating complex characters, intricate plotlines and beautifully drawn, hauntingly realistic settings. Their work is genre-defying, with elements of horror, humor, romance, and drama that blend seamlessly into one another.

The story begins with a manipulative, fascinating protagonist named Kimihiro Watanuki, whose rage, loneliness, and tragic backstory make him a compelling character. He has the unique ability to see and attract ghosts, which causes him a great deal of problems until he meets a strange woman named Yuuko, who promises to help him if he works for her at her mysterious shop.

She offers Watanuki three wishes, but only if he can pay her price, which varies with the level of difficulty of the tasks at hand. Through Watanuki’s eyes, the reader discovers the existence of another plane of reality, where spirits, curses, and supernatural phenomena are an everyday part of life.

As Watanuki grows more involved with Yuuko and her otherworldly clients, he learns valuable lessons about compassion, sacrifice, and the interdependence of human beings. One of the strengths of xxxHolic, Vol.

1 is its ability to weave traditional Japanese folklore, mythology, and spirituality into contemporary issues and anxieties, without ever losing its sense of wonder and imagination. The manga’s nod to the symbolism of spirits and ghosts in Japanese culture, combined with the postmodern visual style of the artists, creates a unique fusion of the old and the new that is both thought-provoking and aesthetically pleasing.

Another strength is the depth and complexity of the characters. Each of them, from the mercurial Yuuko to the timid Himawari, reflects a different aspect of human nature and carries their own unique struggles and desires.

The way they interact with each other, both verbally and non-verbally, establishes a sense of tension and intrigue that propels the story forward. The relationship between Yuuko and Watanuki, in particular, is a highlight of the manga, as it evolves from a master-servant dynamic into something more nuanced, respectful, and surprising.

One of the weaknesses of the manga is the occasional disjointedness of the storyline, which is structured around episodic encounters with different supernatural entities, rather than a linear arc. Some readers may find it hard to connect the dots between the various subplots and themes, or be frustrated by the lack of closure and answers to certain intriguing questions.

However, this is a common feature of the manga genre, which often prioritizes atmosphere and mood over narrative coherence. Overall, xxxHolic, Vol.

1 is a manga that will appeal to readers who enjoy a mix of fantasy, mystery, and philosophy with a sophisticated twist. Its beautiful artwork, fascinating characters, and multilayered themes make it a standout in the genre, and demonstrate the versatility and inventiveness of the CLAMP team.

The book would be an excellent choice for those interested in mythology, psychology, and spirituality, as well as those looking for a fresh, quirky take on the supernatural. I would give it a rating of 8/10, based on the quality of the writing, character development, originality, and emotional impact.

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