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xxxHOLiC [xxx ホリック] #19
xxxHOLiC tome 19
Le temps passe inexorablement sans avoir d'emprise sur Watanuki… Ce dernier continue de combler le vide que Yûko a laissé, en célébrant les fêtes traditionnelles et en exauçant les vœux de ses clients du mieux possible, ses pouvoirs ne cessant d'augmenter.
Une certaine routine s'est installée dans la boutique alors que la vie de ses amis semble défiler à toute vitesse : Himawari s'est mariée et Kohané est devenue une sublime jeune fille, tandis que lui, Watanuki, n’a pas pris une ride. Jusqu'au jour où, en rêve, Watanuki voit apparaître un papillon. Serait-ce un messager de Yûko ? Et si tel est le cas, qu'a-t-il à lui révéler ? Comme toujours dans les titres de Clamp, ce dernier volume vous réserve des révélations renversantes !
Une certaine routine s'est installée dans la boutique alors que la vie de ses amis semble défiler à toute vitesse : Himawari s'est mariée et Kohané est devenue une sublime jeune fille, tandis que lui, Watanuki, n’a pas pris une ride. Jusqu'au jour où, en rêve, Watanuki voit apparaître un papillon. Serait-ce un messager de Yûko ? Et si tel est le cas, qu'a-t-il à lui révéler ? Comme toujours dans les titres de Clamp, ce dernier volume vous réserve des révélations renversantes !
184 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
4 people are currently reading
545 people want to read
About the author
Clamp
756 books3,148 followersŌkawa Nanase 大川七瀬
[born: 2 May 1967; Ōsaka, bloodtype: A]
Mokona Apapa もこなあぱぱ
[born: 16 Jun 1968, Kyōto; bloodtype: A]
Nekoi Mick 猫井みっく
[born: 21 Jan 1969, Kyōto; bloodtype: O]
Igarashi Satsuki 五十嵐さつき
[born: 8 Feb 1969, Kyōto; bloodtype: A]
CLAMP originally began in 1989 as a twelve-member dōjinshi circle, but by 1990, the circle had diminished from twelve to seven. Of the remaining seven, Tamayo Akiyama, Sei Nanao, and Leeza Sei left the group during the production of the RG Veda manga. Other former members of CLAMP also included Soushi Hishika, O-Kyon, Kazue Nakamori, Yuzuru Inoue and Shinya Ōmi. Currently, there are four members in the group.
In 2004, CLAMP's 15th anniversary as a mangaka group, the members changed their names from Nanase Ohkawa, Mokona Apapa, Mick Nekoi, and Satsuki Igarashi to Ageha Ohkawa, Mokona, Tsubaki Nekoi and Satsuki Igarashi (her name is pronounced the same, but written with different characters) respectively. The August 2004 issue of Newtype USA, a magazine specializing in events of the anime and manga subcultures, reported that the members of CLAMP simply wanted to try out new names. In a later interview with Ohkawa, it was revealed that initially Mokona wanted to drop her surname because it sounded too immature for her liking, while Nekoi disliked people commenting that her name was the same as Mick Jagger's. Ohkawa and Igarashi, wanting to go with the flow of Nekoi's and Mokona's name changes, changed their names as well.
In 2006, they made their first USA public debut at Anime Expo in Anaheim, California. They were well received at the convention, with 6,000 fans in attendance at their panel.
[born: 2 May 1967; Ōsaka, bloodtype: A]
Mokona Apapa もこなあぱぱ
[born: 16 Jun 1968, Kyōto; bloodtype: A]
Nekoi Mick 猫井みっく
[born: 21 Jan 1969, Kyōto; bloodtype: O]
Igarashi Satsuki 五十嵐さつき
[born: 8 Feb 1969, Kyōto; bloodtype: A]
CLAMP originally began in 1989 as a twelve-member dōjinshi circle, but by 1990, the circle had diminished from twelve to seven. Of the remaining seven, Tamayo Akiyama, Sei Nanao, and Leeza Sei left the group during the production of the RG Veda manga. Other former members of CLAMP also included Soushi Hishika, O-Kyon, Kazue Nakamori, Yuzuru Inoue and Shinya Ōmi. Currently, there are four members in the group.
In 2004, CLAMP's 15th anniversary as a mangaka group, the members changed their names from Nanase Ohkawa, Mokona Apapa, Mick Nekoi, and Satsuki Igarashi to Ageha Ohkawa, Mokona, Tsubaki Nekoi and Satsuki Igarashi (her name is pronounced the same, but written with different characters) respectively. The August 2004 issue of Newtype USA, a magazine specializing in events of the anime and manga subcultures, reported that the members of CLAMP simply wanted to try out new names. In a later interview with Ohkawa, it was revealed that initially Mokona wanted to drop her surname because it sounded too immature for her liking, while Nekoi disliked people commenting that her name was the same as Mick Jagger's. Ohkawa and Igarashi, wanting to go with the flow of Nekoi's and Mokona's name changes, changed their names as well.
In 2006, they made their first USA public debut at Anime Expo in Anaheim, California. They were well received at the convention, with 6,000 fans in attendance at their panel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
March 5, 2012
This is the final volume of xxxHolic, and the ending is very much what I would expect from a Japanese story. I think I will be mulling over the last chapter in particular for several days. It isn't the kind of story that can be put down so easily.
From the concept of a shop where wishes are granted for the right price to the intertwining with Tsubasa (xxxHolic's sister story) to philosophies and Japanese folklore, xxxHolic has been a most interesting story to read. The art style, reminiscent of woodblock prints, is stunning in its stark black and white drawings. I'm glad I read this series.
From the concept of a shop where wishes are granted for the right price to the intertwining with Tsubasa (xxxHolic's sister story) to philosophies and Japanese folklore, xxxHolic has been a most interesting story to read. The art style, reminiscent of woodblock prints, is stunning in its stark black and white drawings. I'm glad I read this series.
March 23, 2023
A few thoughts about xxHolic: Rou, on its conclusion. There will be spoilers for it here and there, so approach with caution. (If you're interested in reading this series, you should do that instead of reading a review of its last volume!)
- It was an interesting choice keeping Watanuki confined to the shop in a symbolic cage, reflected in this arc's subtitle. For example, we never see Himawari in person, since she may only visit the shop on Watanuki's April 1st birthday, and we don't get a birthday episode.
- Volumes 17-19 are largely concerned with Watanuki's fulfilling various characters' wishes, without the "be careful what you ask for" undercurrent of horror of Yuuko's stories in the first part of the series. The series ends in a single, slightly longer episode that I felt could have happened now, or fifteen volumes from now, and had a similar impact. (Who else's dream could it have been, Watanuki? ) Looking back, this part of the series feels somewhat directionless in comparison to the first arc, and ended rather abruptly.
- I very much liked the "vibe" of it, though. The scenes of food and drink in familiar company are nice and cozy, and I loved the mythology and mysticism that pervaded the story, and the evocative art. The art being less detailed than earlier in the story could either indicate rushing or shortcuts on the artist's part, or the limited scope of Watanuki's environment, or both.
- are not featured in the last episode. I wonder why that is, aside from maybe that
- I was never all that excited about the Tsubasa cross-overs in this series, so it's just as well that that was confined to a single episode of this arc. The possible deeper connections between the two stories weren't explored to a great extent at any point of this series, only given in broad hints. In general, readers who insist on questions being definitively answered, or plot threads tied up, are bound to be disappointed. I was fine with it as is, especially when it came to . Leaving some mysteries to ponder once the book is closed is perfect for this series, in my opinion!
- The English publication of this volume I own has the Del Rey imprint. These titles have been under Kodansha's own imprint for quite some time now--xxxHolic had been waiting for me to read it for over a decade!
- xxxHolic: Rei is next, and I'm curious about what it'll be like. Much like CLAMP's other title X, which went on hiatus and never came back, I have the impression that I should enjoy what I get of it, and not concern myself too much with whether I'll ever see the end of it or not...
- It was an interesting choice keeping Watanuki confined to the shop in a symbolic cage, reflected in this arc's subtitle. For example, we never see Himawari in person, since she may only visit the shop on Watanuki's April 1st birthday, and we don't get a birthday episode.
- Volumes 17-19 are largely concerned with Watanuki's fulfilling various characters' wishes, without the "be careful what you ask for" undercurrent of horror of Yuuko's stories in the first part of the series. The series ends in a single, slightly longer episode that I felt could have happened now, or fifteen volumes from now, and had a similar impact. (Who else's dream could it have been, Watanuki? ) Looking back, this part of the series feels somewhat directionless in comparison to the first arc, and ended rather abruptly.
- I very much liked the "vibe" of it, though. The scenes of food and drink in familiar company are nice and cozy, and I loved the mythology and mysticism that pervaded the story, and the evocative art. The art being less detailed than earlier in the story could either indicate rushing or shortcuts on the artist's part, or the limited scope of Watanuki's environment, or both.
- are not featured in the last episode. I wonder why that is, aside from maybe that
- I was never all that excited about the Tsubasa cross-overs in this series, so it's just as well that that was confined to a single episode of this arc. The possible deeper connections between the two stories weren't explored to a great extent at any point of this series, only given in broad hints. In general, readers who insist on questions being definitively answered, or plot threads tied up, are bound to be disappointed. I was fine with it as is, especially when it came to . Leaving some mysteries to ponder once the book is closed is perfect for this series, in my opinion!
- The English publication of this volume I own has the Del Rey imprint. These titles have been under Kodansha's own imprint for quite some time now--xxxHolic had been waiting for me to read it for over a decade!
- xxxHolic: Rei is next, and I'm curious about what it'll be like. Much like CLAMP's other title X, which went on hiatus and never came back, I have the impression that I should enjoy what I get of it, and not concern myself too much with whether I'll ever see the end of it or not...
April 9, 2014
I'm really not satisfied with this as the series ending. First of all, the first half of this volume was filler story, and because so much of the volume was wasted on story with no purpose, it made the ending seem really abrupt and rushed. And it really just made the last couple of volumes since Yuko-san's disappearance really worthless. There really was no point in it other than to see what Watanuki was like as a shop owner, and that really had no relevance to anything. On the back of this volume, it says "With Yuko long vanished from our world, is it even possible? That question and others are answered now in the concluding volume of the bestselling manga xxxHolic!" But really, I don't think a single question was answered. In fact, this just made me have more questions.
I'm really quite bummed. I really did like this series, but this is a lackluster ending that was pointless and really didn't conclude anything. And maybe you really do need to read Tsubasa to get those questions answered...but I didn't, and I'm not going to. There wasn't even any real explanation as to why Yuko-san left, other than her telling Watanuki she had been around for a long time. I image she was essentially training Watanuki to take over for her so she could "move on," but she still made it seem like something huge was going to go down, and nothing really did. And maybe that's the part where I'm missing out because I didn't read Tsubasa....but still kind of annoying.
Depsite this disappointing ending, I'm really looking forward to watching the anime! I just ordered it, and I can't wait to watch it. Having Yuko-san back will make it all better! I like Watanuki and all, but she really was what made this series fun.
I'm really quite bummed. I really did like this series, but this is a lackluster ending that was pointless and really didn't conclude anything. And maybe you really do need to read Tsubasa to get those questions answered...but I didn't, and I'm not going to. There wasn't even any real explanation as to why Yuko-san left, other than her telling Watanuki she had been around for a long time. I image she was essentially training Watanuki to take over for her so she could "move on," but she still made it seem like something huge was going to go down, and nothing really did. And maybe that's the part where I'm missing out because I didn't read Tsubasa....but still kind of annoying.
Depsite this disappointing ending, I'm really looking forward to watching the anime! I just ordered it, and I can't wait to watch it. Having Yuko-san back will make it all better! I like Watanuki and all, but she really was what made this series fun.
September 1, 2011
I did love this volume but with a good conscience, I couldn't give it 5 stars because the ending was too open and nothing was really solved. Sure, we did find out that Watanuki's powers got so strong that he could leave the shop again and there were some small revelations, like, that Himawari-chan got married, but that was pretty much it as the overall story went. Watanuki didn't meet Yuko again and Domeki didn't use the egg she had given him... The stand-alone stories were beautiful, though.
I think, and that's just my opinion, that Watanuki didn't meet Yuko-san ever again. She was dead and as she herself said, dead people couldn't come back to life. I also think that Domeki never married and stayed with Watanuki. He sacrificed so much for his friend, after all, he went to study folklore because of him, he focused on helping Watanuki instead of working in his family temple, he kept refusing women who asked him out... I don't think there ever was anything sexual between them, they just seemed like two halves of a whole.
Now that I've finished both series, "Tsubasa Chronicle" and "xxxHolic", I have to say I liked "xxxHolic" better. It wasn't as epic and huge as "Tsubasa Chronicle" but I liked its quiet intimacy better.
I think, and that's just my opinion, that Watanuki didn't meet Yuko-san ever again. She was dead and as she herself said, dead people couldn't come back to life. I also think that Domeki never married and stayed with Watanuki. He sacrificed so much for his friend, after all, he went to study folklore because of him, he focused on helping Watanuki instead of working in his family temple, he kept refusing women who asked him out... I don't think there ever was anything sexual between them, they just seemed like two halves of a whole.
Now that I've finished both series, "Tsubasa Chronicle" and "xxxHolic", I have to say I liked "xxxHolic" better. It wasn't as epic and huge as "Tsubasa Chronicle" but I liked its quiet intimacy better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2018
catch me in the club crying about douwata
May 12, 2013
Once the egg is used, Watanuki's timeline will move - ergo, he will die forgetting the person he cares the most. That is why the CLAMP decided for the series to have an open ending, having the last panel with Watanuki's back on us, staring in the sky.
We wish for his happiness and for his consummation of his resolve - to see Yuuko for one last time.
We wish for his happiness and for his consummation of his resolve - to see Yuuko for one last time.
August 20, 2020
果然看到流淚。靜最後一次登場時看著侑子交給他的蛋，再下一話就是夢十夜，讀者以為是靜的百目鬼，已經是曾孫了。
蛋是為了要忘記侑子小姐嗎QQ
覺得結束得有點突然，不過我一直有個印象，說xxxHOLiC是被腰斬（？）
最後想說記錄一下，雖然2011年看過，但我在重看之前，只記得自己看過這套，非常喜歡，但也非常難過。因為記得這樣的情緒而不太敢重看（如果不是除了電子書，大概不會看第二次吧）。
看完以後……心碎到只想大睡一場，如果可以在夢裡見到大家就好了。
蛋是為了要忘記侑子小姐嗎QQ
覺得結束得有點突然，不過我一直有個印象，說xxxHOLiC是被腰斬（？）
最後想說記錄一下，雖然2011年看過，但我在重看之前，只記得自己看過這套，非常喜歡，但也非常難過。因為記得這樣的情緒而不太敢重看（如果不是除了電子書，大概不會看第二次吧）。
看完以後……心碎到只想大睡一場，如果可以在夢裡見到大家就好了。
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2015
Harus kuakui ceritanya emang sedikit memusingkan, tapi walaupun begitu judul ini merupakan salah satu judul terfavoritku diantara karya-karya Clamp lainnya. Banyak pesan moral yang bisa kita ambil dikomik ini.. selain itu, artnya keren banget! >///<
Berharap sequelnya bisa segera terbit disini
July 25, 2018
3.75⭐️
July 27, 2022
3.75 looking clamp right in the eye
September 28, 2023
Allez je vais m’enterrer, salut.
December 2, 2014
One of the best. The ending is vague in all the right ways. I'm impressed with all the thought put into this manga. It's pretty amazing stuff, it's all true. CLAMP knows a lot about real magic and the occult. In a responsible manner (if I may say so myself) they keep it neutral, unlike, say, the Harry Potter series which rams it in our face that there is "good" magic and "bad" magic and doesn't let us come to our own conclusions. In xxxHolic, there's just magic and the universe. Typical of Eastern philosophy, it's less about morals and more about balance and personal reality. I like it. Like the story and its philosophy, the artwork is very circular. Lots of dark contrasting white. Just the right balance of clean lines and elaborate curves. Lots of florals (typical of CLAMP). Yuuko and Watanuki are fabulous characters; I'd known about them through Tsubasa RC. xxxHolic is a way more peaceful, profound read than Tsubasa, and more lighthearted despite its dark ending. It doesn't take itself as seriously as Tsubasa. It's also not nearly as confusing. I don't mean to compare, but I can't help it. Tsubasa is more a love story and is way more adventurous, but xxxHolic provides the earthy feminine laughing magic that Tsubasa lacks. Plus, Yuuko will make you want to lounge around smoking and drinking sake all day while Watanuki waits on you, hehe :) Really, really excellent, one of my favorite series all around... 5 stars for gorgeous artwork, great original characters and character-development, and excellent story-telling and plot-twists. Also, really funny (esp. involving Mokona and Doumeki).
May 1, 2019
Even though it was a good series and I really like it, I'm a bit confounded about the ending. I read online that there was an intention to continue the series, but as another series called xxxHolic: Rei. Apparently in that series Yuuko is back and Watanuki is working for her as she grants wishes in her store. This, to me, sounds a bit silly since we have gotten so far with these characters! I guess it's because they didn't know what to do
What I really like with this series is it's parallell with the series Tsubasa, which is set in the same universe and the characters from there visit Yuuko's shop. Having read and watched Tsubasa I was thrilled to see hints about Syaoran and Sakura and their travel-companions, what they were doing and what help they received. I never actually finished neither the manga nor the series, but I'm planning on watching the few episodes I have left to get a complete closure.
That said, I don't think I'll be reading Rei. Even though xxxHolic didn't have a satisfying ending, I'm not going to invest time to undo what I have just read.
What I really like with this series is it's parallell with the series Tsubasa, which is set in the same universe and the characters from there visit Yuuko's shop. Having read and watched Tsubasa I was thrilled to see hints about Syaoran and Sakura and their travel-companions, what they were doing and what help they received. I never actually finished neither the manga nor the series, but I'm planning on watching the few episodes I have left to get a complete closure.
That said, I don't think I'll be reading Rei. Even though xxxHolic didn't have a satisfying ending, I'm not going to invest time to undo what I have just read.
March 3, 2012
Not my favorite ending to a series but there were certainly redeeming qualities. I do love how ambiguous it was (it seems to fit the series to me) and for whatever reason it struck me as a very Japanese literature style ending. I'm eager to read the short story collection mentioned at the very end as I think it will probably shed some light on the series' ending. I do, however, agree with several other reviewers that the last two or three volumes seemed to have a lot of filler that wasn't especially necessary. CLAMP does give the impression of being bored with the story and ready to move on to other projects, especially in this volume.
Regardless, this is still my absolute favorite manga series so far (well, tied if you count Tezuka's Phoenix as a series.) The artwork is consistently gorgeous (it fits perfectly with my aesthetic!) and I loved the basic premise so much. I put the first volume on my favorites shelf to indicate that the series itself is a favorite. Overall, highly highly recommended.
Regardless, this is still my absolute favorite manga series so far (well, tied if you count Tezuka's Phoenix as a series.) The artwork is consistently gorgeous (it fits perfectly with my aesthetic!) and I loved the basic premise so much. I put the first volume on my favorites shelf to indicate that the series itself is a favorite. Overall, highly highly recommended.
March 29, 2016
Final agridoce... e meio aberto.
Grande parte das questões que permanecem da leitura de xxxHolic são respondidas em Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles (mas não todas), e à medida que se vai lendo mais se nota como as duas histórias estão interligadas e se devem ler em simultâneo (coisa que não fiz por já ter lido TRC há alguns anos).
Há uma mudança de ambiente drástica nos últimos volumes da saga, especialmente no que toca diretamente aos próprios personagens.
O coração aperta e assim permanece até à conclusão aberta da obra.
Agora... a ver se começo a sério xxxHolic: Rei. Há questões ainda em aberto que quero ver fechar.
Grande parte das questões que permanecem da leitura de xxxHolic são respondidas em Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles (mas não todas), e à medida que se vai lendo mais se nota como as duas histórias estão interligadas e se devem ler em simultâneo (coisa que não fiz por já ter lido TRC há alguns anos).
Há uma mudança de ambiente drástica nos últimos volumes da saga, especialmente no que toca diretamente aos próprios personagens.
O coração aperta e assim permanece até à conclusão aberta da obra.
Agora... a ver se começo a sério xxxHolic: Rei. Há questões ainda em aberto que quero ver fechar.
November 1, 2015
OH NO I'M CRYING.
OH NO.
The art is so beautiful and dreamy, and the storytelling is so perfectly structurally composed. I love that CLAMP has written multiple series where the vast majority of the plot takes place in surreal magical/moral vignettes solved or undertaken by the frame characters who you also grow to love and care for as they fumble and then learn grace in surreal circumstances.
SO PRETTY AND SO SAD and everything wraps up in a nicely unresolved way; I am Content in my suffering.
What a perfect rainy day treat.
OH NO.
The art is so beautiful and dreamy, and the storytelling is so perfectly structurally composed. I love that CLAMP has written multiple series where the vast majority of the plot takes place in surreal magical/moral vignettes solved or undertaken by the frame characters who you also grow to love and care for as they fumble and then learn grace in surreal circumstances.
SO PRETTY AND SO SAD and everything wraps up in a nicely unresolved way; I am Content in my suffering.
What a perfect rainy day treat.
December 21, 2018
I breathlessly read this series until the end, only to feel as though I'd been cheated. An ending that leaves most things unresolved is just not good enough. I actually read the last page and looked for the next chapter, unaware that I HAD reached the end. It is that abrupt and unexpected. If they were hoping to leave us wanting more, it worked, but it also made me mad. Watanuki, Domeki, Yuko...they all deserve better. I can't help but feel that the reader deserves better too. What a let-down!
April 25, 2012
A lovely ending to a lovely series. It's subtle, displaying the new ways in which Watanuki interacts with the world. We see the change in how he deals with other people, with how he views the world, even his personal power. It's all come to a head, and I can't help but think Yuko would be proud. :)
June 21, 2019
"Butterflies are a special case for me."
(2019 reread) "I'll have whiskey on the rocks."
Me too, Watanuki. Me too.
(2019 reread) "I'll have whiskey on the rocks."
Me too, Watanuki. Me too.
October 15, 2025
Review for complete series
xxxHolic is not the type of manga that I would usually pick up - somehow, stories about stores with special services have never really caught my interests. As it happens to be a CLAMP manga which is heavily interwoven with Tsubasa and also has ties to Blood C, I knew I'd at the very least have to give it a chance. The good thing is, apart from the ending, it's a pretty neat manga series.
Watanuki has always attracted ghosts and spirits and he wishes they would just go away. Fate leads him to Yuko's wish-granting shop, but wishes don't come for free. In order for Watanuki's wish to be granted, he must work in the store and becomes involved in all manners of the supernatural.
The art is easily recognisable as CLAMP's, yet it is different. Everything is in black and whites with no greyscales and the characters' eyes are rather empty looking, even the covers are anything but vibrant. But this is actually very well suited for the atmosphere of this series. I only wish that, similar to Tsubasa, the characters' limbs weren't so unnaturally long.
What I first thought to be a rather bland set of characters soon turned out to be a much deeper and very likeable bunch. It's odd, I was against every character from the start and I can't even put my finger on when it changed, but I ended up loving them all. I must confess, I preferred the first three-quarters of the story more - Watanuki becomes a more serious character after certain events and I just prefered him the way he was before. That being said, I can understand how and why he changed.
Although there is an underlying story that is interlaced with Tsubasa, the rest of the series is very much episodic. The different episodes all revolve around legends and myths and it's very interesting to read about them. Not only are the origins explained, but given the modern setting of this series, they are always shown with a contemporary sample. I am only guessing here, but I feel as though having visited Japan and recognising various elements increased my enjoyment of this series as it really is very heavy on Japanese-lore. This holds particularly true about the Jorougumo chapters - there's just something very unsettling about these joro spiders.
The story can be a little slow at times but it generally has good pacing. It's a nice balance between humour, horror and a bit of moral lecturing - in a good way. Unfortunately, as is often the case, the ending isn't exactly satisfying. In fact, it's not that much of an ending at all; would I not know that this series is complete with 19 volumes, I'd think there is more to come. Thanks to its episodic nature, this series can in a sense conclude at any time it wants to. Yet the underlying story is left hanging in the air and there's nothing in terms of closure. CLAMP has started a sequel (which is one of their many works on hiatus - surprise!) which may or may not remedy this issue at some point, but for that, one will need to wait for the sequel to conclude. Otherwise, there are a few glimpses of Watanuki in Blood C which I feel not that many people know of - have a look if you care to see more of what happened to Watanuki post xxxHolic!
May 13, 2024
I started out reading the sequel series (unfinished of course, because this is CLAMP), but couldn't stop and first re-read the last five books and then the whole series (I'm not going to shelve every volume here). Still enjoyable, unique and mysteriously beautiful, I'm less awed today than I was 15 years ago.
The humour doesn't work for me and that's made worse by repetitive it is. I prefer the trio of Watanuki, Domeki and Himawari over Yuko, to be honest. They have moving, caring personalites and face challenges with full hearts. Yuko though ... see, the concept of the wish fulfillment store appears a little underused to me as the customers of the week (who are all female which tastes a bit of misogyny to me) are nearly all horrible people; stupid, selfish, unreflective women who run into their own demise and which Yuko gleefully lets happen. (Including a very bad case of shitty single mother syndrome on top.) And they're contrasted by people who have to be reminded not to be too self-sacrificing. Only Yuko and Domeki appear somewhat balanced.
"If people don't want to be helped, who can change them?" Yeah, but I think the concept of people craving things beyond their power carries an idea similar to therapy and the shop owner giving honest advice and caring to help them would also offer an hopeful message to readers and their mental issues.
I'd like to say I have learned much from the series though my take away "everything has a price, so don't do harm" sounds a little shallow. The idea of only human connections slowly changing one has more touch.
I still remembered the scary elements very well, so the plot twists don't shock that much but the supernatural creatures - how much I love them! The character designs, their all distinct charming personalities, their wit, inside jokes and otherness from human perceptions keep fascinating me. That's what I love about mythological and folklore elements.
The humour doesn't work for me and that's made worse by repetitive it is. I prefer the trio of Watanuki, Domeki and Himawari over Yuko, to be honest. They have moving, caring personalites and face challenges with full hearts. Yuko though ... see, the concept of the wish fulfillment store appears a little underused to me as the customers of the week (who are all female which tastes a bit of misogyny to me) are nearly all horrible people; stupid, selfish, unreflective women who run into their own demise and which Yuko gleefully lets happen. (Including a very bad case of shitty single mother syndrome on top.) And they're contrasted by people who have to be reminded not to be too self-sacrificing. Only Yuko and Domeki appear somewhat balanced.
"If people don't want to be helped, who can change them?" Yeah, but I think the concept of people craving things beyond their power carries an idea similar to therapy and the shop owner giving honest advice and caring to help them would also offer an hopeful message to readers and their mental issues.
I'd like to say I have learned much from the series though my take away "everything has a price, so don't do harm" sounds a little shallow. The idea of only human connections slowly changing one has more touch.
I still remembered the scary elements very well, so the plot twists don't shock that much but the supernatural creatures - how much I love them! The character designs, their all distinct charming personalities, their wit, inside jokes and otherness from human perceptions keep fascinating me. That's what I love about mythological and folklore elements.
March 9, 2021
Well it’s over. On one hand? It’s been a while since I enjoyed a series’ characters so much:.. but on the other, there’s a lot of “hot mess” when you look at the series as a whole... like what is the egg for? Why is he so obsessed with “waiting for Yuuko-san”? (I had never been under the impression that he was in love with her before he took over.) I also think it’s a bit of a let down that we jump in time from “10 years” after taking over the shop to “more than 100.” Though it’s nice that he still has a connection to Doumeki’s family, I would have liked to have seen how he dealt with seeing his friend age and die, especially not being able to go to their funerals or anything... did Doumeki continue to come visit him even after he married and started a family??
The ending was sad, but it felt even sadder bc I can’t understand why Watanuki has decided to essentially live “forever” in the shop as the shop keeper.... and I feel like the whole backstory with where he came from and all that was sorta forgotten? (In which case, why even have it at all.) Not to mention what was the wish that he paid for with his memories? That was never explained either.
It feels like as much as I love the concept and the core characters, there is a lot to find fault with here so that despite all that (or that I definitely want to buy the omnibuses and re-read it all), I dunno if I can give the series as a whole more than 3 stars.
I know that there’s the “sequel,” xxxholic rei, though doesn’t “rei” mean “zero” in japanese?? But I may not dive into it right away as I think that this may leave me with a hangover...
The ending was sad, but it felt even sadder bc I can’t understand why Watanuki has decided to essentially live “forever” in the shop as the shop keeper.... and I feel like the whole backstory with where he came from and all that was sorta forgotten? (In which case, why even have it at all.) Not to mention what was the wish that he paid for with his memories? That was never explained either.
It feels like as much as I love the concept and the core characters, there is a lot to find fault with here so that despite all that (or that I definitely want to buy the omnibuses and re-read it all), I dunno if I can give the series as a whole more than 3 stars.
I know that there’s the “sequel,” xxxholic rei, though doesn’t “rei” mean “zero” in japanese?? But I may not dive into it right away as I think that this may leave me with a hangover...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2021
(01/20/2021)
We get three stories in this volume. First, a case with a woman under an umbrella and the serpents eye. We also get a story where Watanuki must guess what an object is.
Finally we get a story where Watanuki has a dream of a butterfly. Who could be dreaming this dream? Of course it's Yuko, and Watanuki realizes he is free. After 100 years, dun dun dun.
So, I was disappointed by the ending. First, the little aspects I dislike. Himawari getting married off screen with no explanation as to why her curse doesnt affect him. The sudden reveal that off screen Domeki died and he also had children despite never showing an interest in being a dad.
But in general I think this was just a flat ending. What was the point of the story, the message? What of the mysteries of who Watanuki is, his real name, his parents, him learning to love himself and finding friends?
I am quite disappointed. It was a good series with a strong middle, but fizzled at the end. Perhaps this ending would have worked with better execution, but it felt forced and at odds with the series before.
I still enjoyed aspects, so I will say, 2 stars is fair. It's okay, but I would not say I liked this volume.
Overall, I'd say, read until volume 16 and imagine an open ending for a solid series.
We get three stories in this volume. First, a case with a woman under an umbrella and the serpents eye. We also get a story where Watanuki must guess what an object is.
Finally we get a story where Watanuki has a dream of a butterfly. Who could be dreaming this dream? Of course it's Yuko, and Watanuki realizes he is free. After 100 years, dun dun dun.
So, I was disappointed by the ending. First, the little aspects I dislike. Himawari getting married off screen with no explanation as to why her curse doesnt affect him. The sudden reveal that off screen Domeki died and he also had children despite never showing an interest in being a dad.
But in general I think this was just a flat ending. What was the point of the story, the message? What of the mysteries of who Watanuki is, his real name, his parents, him learning to love himself and finding friends?
I am quite disappointed. It was a good series with a strong middle, but fizzled at the end. Perhaps this ending would have worked with better execution, but it felt forced and at odds with the series before.
I still enjoyed aspects, so I will say, 2 stars is fair. It's okay, but I would not say I liked this volume.
Overall, I'd say, read until volume 16 and imagine an open ending for a solid series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2022
Sin palabras.
Siento que siendo el último tomo, se pudo ver más de lo que pasa con la vida de cada uno de los personajes, es algo melancólico ver como el tiempo pasa para todos y que sin embargo, Watanuki sigue en la tienda con la esperanza de ver a Yuuko nuevamente.
Finalmente se sabe un poco más de Himawari, Kohane y de Domeki, siendo el último que a mi parecer es el más cercano a Watanuki y que e volvió indispensable para él.
Ya Watanuki tiene la sabiduría para manejar la tienda sin problemas y, seguir cumpliendo con su labor. En cuanto a los deseos, tuvieron un tinte melancólico y como siempre, CLAMP logró que las historias estuvieran conectadas de alguna forma u otra.
Esta es una de mis historias favoritas teniendo en cuenta que los temas principales son el misterio, la magia y la cultura japonesa. Lo que no me gustó fue que el final fue tan abierto para mi gusto, más sin embargo quizá sea el hecho de que la historia está estrechamente relacionada con Tsubasa y algunas preguntas fueron contestadas en esa historia. Ojalá pueda leerla para finalmente contestar algunas de mis preguntas.
Siento que siendo el último tomo, se pudo ver más de lo que pasa con la vida de cada uno de los personajes, es algo melancólico ver como el tiempo pasa para todos y que sin embargo, Watanuki sigue en la tienda con la esperanza de ver a Yuuko nuevamente.
Finalmente se sabe un poco más de Himawari, Kohane y de Domeki, siendo el último que a mi parecer es el más cercano a Watanuki y que e volvió indispensable para él.
Ya Watanuki tiene la sabiduría para manejar la tienda sin problemas y, seguir cumpliendo con su labor. En cuanto a los deseos, tuvieron un tinte melancólico y como siempre, CLAMP logró que las historias estuvieran conectadas de alguna forma u otra.
Esta es una de mis historias favoritas teniendo en cuenta que los temas principales son el misterio, la magia y la cultura japonesa. Lo que no me gustó fue que el final fue tan abierto para mi gusto, más sin embargo quizá sea el hecho de que la historia está estrechamente relacionada con Tsubasa y algunas preguntas fueron contestadas en esa historia. Ojalá pueda leerla para finalmente contestar algunas de mis preguntas.
October 2, 2024
I used to wait and wait for each new volume to be published and was basically a ghost living at the local bookshop during my high school/student years waiting for Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle and xxxHOLiC.
The world CLAMP created is just magical. xxxHOLiC was a tiny bit different from an aesthetic point of view. It looked so beautiful and ethereal, much like old Japanase prints, Hokusai-style. The story was a bit darker than what I was used to at the time (let's not count Death Note which is a masterpiece which I religiously bought as soon as a new volume would come out as well), but the crossover with TRC was incredible.
xxxHOLiC borrows elements of horror, fantasy, mythical characters, folk tales and legends to bring us the best of what East Asian culture can offer.
The French publisher, Pika Editions, did a great job, with thick high-quality paper throughout the collection and beautiful covers.
I love every bit of xxxHOLiC and will continue cherishing my CLAMP collection.
The world CLAMP created is just magical. xxxHOLiC was a tiny bit different from an aesthetic point of view. It looked so beautiful and ethereal, much like old Japanase prints, Hokusai-style. The story was a bit darker than what I was used to at the time (let's not count Death Note which is a masterpiece which I religiously bought as soon as a new volume would come out as well), but the crossover with TRC was incredible.
xxxHOLiC borrows elements of horror, fantasy, mythical characters, folk tales and legends to bring us the best of what East Asian culture can offer.
The French publisher, Pika Editions, did a great job, with thick high-quality paper throughout the collection and beautiful covers.
I love every bit of xxxHOLiC and will continue cherishing my CLAMP collection.
June 26, 2018
Watanuki addresses two different wishes in this volume which consists of just two extended chapters. Those chapters demonstrate Watanuki's growing and continuing powers and maturity as the shop's keeper. In fact in this volume he feels more like Yuko-San than himself, or rather, a mixture of Yuko-San's consistent poise, confidence, knowledge etc. but without the constant snarky humor she employed at everyone's expense.
In the first chapter he addresses the wish of a young woman who appears in his garden without knowing where she is, and wishes to be reunited with her lover, who has given her an umbrella and a charm against Eavesdroppers.
In the second it is not clear that what is happening is anyone's wish at first as Watanuki is trying to figure out the meaning of a recurring dream. The dream turns out to be the fulfillment of someone's wish, but just whose, and how are well-handled well enough to make that obvious point still worth following.
In the first chapter he addresses the wish of a young woman who appears in his garden without knowing where she is, and wishes to be reunited with her lover, who has given her an umbrella and a charm against Eavesdroppers.
In the second it is not clear that what is happening is anyone's wish at first as Watanuki is trying to figure out the meaning of a recurring dream. The dream turns out to be the fulfillment of someone's wish, but just whose, and how are well-handled well enough to make that obvious point still worth following.
July 4, 2020
Incazzarsi giustamente!
No, no ed ancora no! Non glie la metto la stellina in più a questo finale praticamente inconcludente.
Tanti mesi d'attesa,covare la speranza di un finale doppio sia per questa serie sia per quella ad essa strettamente connessa quale "Tsubasa Reservoire Chronicle", per poi avere la fregatura di non sapere che fine farci all'uovo,, che cosa farà Domeki con/e Watanuki ora che è libero dai confini territoriali del negozio, che fine ha fatto Yuko (perchè crederla semplicmente svanita morta o quant'altro sarebbe una cosa fin troppo sbrigativa ...no, non ci sto!
Disegni ed episodi carini coe sempre e molto spirituali, ma almeno un finale decente dopo tanta speranza nutrita erroneamente. che grandissima delusione, non ci voleva proprio dalle Clamp :(
Almeno so che è finita per loro...ma per me?
No, no ed ancora no! Non glie la metto la stellina in più a questo finale praticamente inconcludente.
Tanti mesi d'attesa,covare la speranza di un finale doppio sia per questa serie sia per quella ad essa strettamente connessa quale "Tsubasa Reservoire Chronicle", per poi avere la fregatura di non sapere che fine farci all'uovo,, che cosa farà Domeki con/e Watanuki ora che è libero dai confini territoriali del negozio, che fine ha fatto Yuko (perchè crederla semplicmente svanita morta o quant'altro sarebbe una cosa fin troppo sbrigativa ...no, non ci sto!
Disegni ed episodi carini coe sempre e molto spirituali, ma almeno un finale decente dopo tanta speranza nutrita erroneamente. che grandissima delusione, non ci voleva proprio dalle Clamp :(
Almeno so che è finita per loro...ma per me?
November 5, 2024
This is my least favourite volume. I understand this volume came after Tsubasa Chronicles was completed so repeating what happened with Yuuko and Watanuki would probably not look nice but it disappointed me. I feel like there's a gap and I wasn't satisfied by how things ended.
Yes, the ending was a circle and it shows Watanuki turning into Clow and leading to the events that happened in Tsubasa Chronicles ... But I felt that most things happened off screen and I dislike when that happens. Domeki's grandson being there only made me more bitter. I don't even care that the second egg was never used. I felt that Domeki was used and just replaced by the next Domeki.
Yes, the ending was a circle and it shows Watanuki turning into Clow and leading to the events that happened in Tsubasa Chronicles ... But I felt that most things happened off screen and I dislike when that happens. Domeki's grandson being there only made me more bitter. I don't even care that the second egg was never used. I felt that Domeki was used and just replaced by the next Domeki.
July 17, 2022
Holic ahora se ha convertido en una de mis historias favoritas de estas mangakas.
Pase por muchas emociones en esta historia pero al final me ha hecho llorar. El dolor de Watanuki por Yuko y el deseo de Clow, los entiendo perfectamente. El deseo de volver a la vida a alguien que perdiste es muy fuerte. Me ha dejado muy desconsolada pero es por lo mismo que me ha encantado.
Entre Holic y Tsubasa, me quedo con Holic por muy poco. Las dos historias se entrelazan de manera maravillosa y no puedo esperar por continuar.
Pase por muchas emociones en esta historia pero al final me ha hecho llorar. El dolor de Watanuki por Yuko y el deseo de Clow, los entiendo perfectamente. El deseo de volver a la vida a alguien que perdiste es muy fuerte. Me ha dejado muy desconsolada pero es por lo mismo que me ha encantado.
Entre Holic y Tsubasa, me quedo con Holic por muy poco. Las dos historias se entrelazan de manera maravillosa y no puedo esperar por continuar.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2017
I didn't like xxxholic after Tsubasa ended and Yuko left. The ending to this I understand why they did it as they did but it's just so sad, I think I gasped and just thinking about it makes my heart sink. Watanuki waited over 100 years in the shop, for Yuko to retuen Himawari, Doumeki, Kohane all long dead. I know very few people in Xxxholic and Tsubasa especially have a happy ending but poor Watanuki.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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