XXXHolic Volume 3

From the books unpacked from storage.

Title: XXXHolic
Issue: Volume 3
Date: 2004
Publisher: Del Rey Manga
Writer: Clamp
Artist: Clamp
Letterer: Dana Hayward

Kimihiro Watanuki can see spirits. Domeki can't see them, but he can repel and exorcise them. They would make an effective team, except for the fact that they can't stand each other.

This volume tells two stories. The first involves the spirit-busting duo investigating a school where a divination game similar to an Ouija board has gotten gotten out of control, and taken control of several of the students.

The second story involves the sorceress Yuko Ichihara, and it's basically a variation on the classic story, "The Monkey's Paw". A young student obtains a box from the sorceress with the warning never to open it. Things go downhill rapidly from there.

This issue has a bit of a monster-of-the-week vibe, without too much focus placed on the longterm plotlines. The book could do a better job of recapping the storyline at the beginning.

Clamp's art is always gorgeous and a highlight of any of their books.

Rating: 6/10

XXXHolic Volume 2

In preparation for Anime Boston this week, here's a recent manga purchase. This was picked up at the recent Borders going-out-of-business sale.

Title: XXXHolic
Issue: Volume 2
Date: 2004
Publisher: Del Rey Manga
Writer: Clamp
Artist: Clamp

For those not familiar, Clamp is the collective name of the writing/art team behind Cardcaptor Sakura, Tsubasa, and other manga titles. The title of this series is a bit deceptive, as it has little to do with alcohol and nothing to do with X-rated entertainment.

XXXHolic is the story of a high school student with the ability (or curse) to see spirits. He has become the indentured servant of a sorceress and he hopes that she will eventually free him of his spirit-sight. But in the meantime, he must do the cooking and help with the errands while strange events unfold around him.

This volume got off to a shaky start for me because XXXHolic crosses over with another Clamp series, Tsubasa, which I have not read any of. The first chapter of this volume was heavily involved in the crossover and I didn't feel like I got much out of it.

The book got better as it went on, however, with an extended discussion about fortune telling that was fascinating. In the end, student/servant Kimihiro Watanuki must participate in a "Hundred Ghost Story Night" along with sorceress Yuko Ichihara, and the girl he has a crush on at school, plus his biggest school rival. The night quickly turns into a dangerous encounter with the spirit world.

Clamp's art is beautiful, and the second and third story segments were very strong and more than made up for the beginning, in which a working knowledge of the Tsubasa series is necessary for a full understanding.

Rating: 7/10