xxxHolic by CLAMP

Title: xxxHolic

Mangaka: CLAMP

Age Group: Teens

Series is: Completed with 19 volumes

Volume(s) Reviewing: 17

My Rating: 4.5/5

Watanuki is still new at being the shopkeeper now. When a customer who comes in is someone he knows and is quite dangerous, how will he handle their wish?

I was sent out of the blue the 17th volume of xxxHolic to review. Luckily having read up to the 11th volume or so, I knew that I didn't have to read everything from beginning to end. However, having to missed out on a few volumes prior to this one, I did lose out on key information (such as, why Yuko retired and where is she now?).

In this volume returns an old character, the Jorogumo, wanting to get a wish granted from Watanuki. Being the shop owner now, he must grant every wish he receives. Whenever there is a new case in xxxHolic, each one tends to be haunting and sometimes, a beautiful mystery. This is no different when the Jorogumo wanted a red pearl. However, there is only to be one big "case" for this volume contrast to the other volumes when Yuko constantly had new customers coming in all the time and each story more unique than the one before.

Watanuki's demeanor has definitely changed now that he is bounded to the shop, unable to ever leave its premises (except when he needs to with a bit of magic). He has grown more mature and more refined in his actions now. Despite not fully liking Domeki in the very beginning of the series, the two are quite close now even though they would deny it. Himawari is no longer in the picture because she is unable to step into the shop due to its dangers except for once a year. However, Watanuki is still able to contact her through phone. Despite never being able to be together, their feelings for each other are still strong.

What I wonder the most is how this series will end because I am basically 2 volumes away from it. Nonetheless, xxxHolic is a series that any manga fan could appreciate for its detailed and hauntingly sad, but lovely stories.

Review copy provided by Del Rey.

The Official xxxHolic Guide by CLAMP

Title: The Official xxxHolic Guide
Mangaka: CLAMP
Age Group: Teens
Series is: Completed with 1 volume
Volume(s) Reviewing: 1
My Rating: 4/5

Over 200 pages of xxxHolic goodness, fans can immersed themselves into the mysterious and paranormal world of this popular manga series further through the official guide.

In the first few pages, readers get to admire full-coloured pages starring Yuko, Watanuki, and Domeki. CLAMP gives striking and bold colours to their characters along with gorgeous designs with a European and Oriental feel.

After, you get sections such as the characters' profile and a tour around the different settings where the stories in the manga took place at. One of the main sections was where the different phenomenons that occurred within about the first ten volumes are dissected and observed. You will also find some fun stuff such as a quick quiz to see which magical treasure you are compatible with and some earlier character sketches!

My favourite sections of this guide would have to be Yuko's Wardrobe and Yuko's Best Quotes. I am a very visual person so to see all of the gorgeous outfits Yuko wore throughout the series collected into one is very pleasing; her clothes are to die for! Her quotes are always so insightful; they make you pause and think about them. For example, "Quitting something and doing something both have the same meaning. They are accomplishments." Now isn't that food for thought?

For those who adore xxxHolic, I definitely recommend The Official xxxHolic Guide. However, you should at least cover the first ten volumes (I am estimating since I do not own the series myself) before reading the guide. That way there wouldn't be any new content that would appear in which you have not covered yet in the manga series.

Review copy provided by Del Rey.