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東京BABYLON [Tokyo Babylon] #1
Tokyo Babylon, Vol. 1
Tóquio. Uma cidade linda. Ao mesmo tempo sendo fria, é uma cidade cheia de vida e luzes cintilantes. Lá reside Subaru Sumeragi, o décimo terceiro chefe de seu clã e um poderoso onmyouji. Ajudado por sua divertida e espontânea irmã gêmea, Hokuto, e pelo veterinário que afirma amá-lo, Seishirou Sakurazuka, ele resolve os problemas sobrenaturais que afligem os cidadãos de Tóquio, sejam eles os vivos... ou os mortos!
142 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 1991
28 people are currently reading
1295 people want to read
About the author
Clamp
746 books3,137 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 185 reviews
May 27, 2020
Una serie bastante más compleja de lo que puede soportar mi estúpido cerebro.
En realidad, lo seguí comprando por Seishiro Sakurazuka, que, para mí, fue la introducción a los villanos encantadores de las CLAMP, esos que te están partiendo en dos con una katana y una sonrisa que te dan ganas de decirles "Uy, se ha dejado usted este lado sin rebanar, señor ¿quiere usted que me gire?".
Luego Hokuto y Subaru, de verdad, qué majos son los dos también.
Así pues, el dibujo limpio, las viñetas poco cargadas y la lentitud de la historia lo único que hacen es engañar, pues aquí tenemos un estupendo ejemplo de crueldad, fantasía, crítica social y drama dramita drama.
En realidad, lo seguí comprando por Seishiro Sakurazuka, que, para mí, fue la introducción a los villanos encantadores de las CLAMP, esos que te están partiendo en dos con una katana y una sonrisa que te dan ganas de decirles "Uy, se ha dejado usted este lado sin rebanar, señor ¿quiere usted que me gire?".
Luego Hokuto y Subaru, de verdad, qué majos son los dos también.
Así pues, el dibujo limpio, las viñetas poco cargadas y la lentitud de la historia lo único que hacen es engañar, pues aquí tenemos un estupendo ejemplo de crueldad, fantasía, crítica social y drama dramita drama.
May 15, 2022
Notes: that was weird, "Sei-san" is a pedophile and that's all I'm saying. It started cool, with all the spiritual things, but as I kept reading Sei-san continued leering on Subaru which was pretty weird, and his sister kept cheering Sei-san on, which was weirder. The plot is pretty cool, my problem was that shit with Sei-san and Subaru. I do love some gay on my life, but not a 25 years old man trying to hook up with a 16 years old boy. That's a no-no for me.
Obs: The art style and fashion is amazing, but it's not worth the trauma for me.
Obs: The art style and fashion is amazing, but it's not worth the trauma for me.
October 18, 2019
Review for the complete series
At a young age, Sumeragi Subaru is head of his family's omnyouji clan. He spends more time solving supernatural mysteries, performing exorcisms or releasing spirits than he does at school. His twin sister Hokuto is always looking out for him and trying to include him into the normality of life. One way of doing so is by trying to pair him up with the veterinarian Sakurazuka Seishirou who claims to be in love with Subaru.
Although an interesting work in its own right, Tokyo Babylon is also a prequel to the more famous X/1999 and can leave you feeling dissatisfied if read by itself.
This is a very episodic manga in which each chapter revolves around a new case, most of which are supernatural. But each chapter also addresses different issues of society, be it bullying, rape, child abuse, animal cruelty, organ donation or neglect of the elderly. And while these are directly aimed at 90s Japan, a lot of the criticism still holds true for the 21st century and can certainly be applied to other countries.
Although the general theme of the story is dark, the characters allow for a light-hearted opening. Subaru is an incredibly kind and selfless character - he'd almost be annoying with it if it weren't for his twin Hokuto. She is in many ways his opposite and has a lot of spunk. I confess, I found most of her outfits hideous, but her personality still manages to charm! Her and Seishirou's combined efforts of making Subaru fall in love with Seishirou is as much weird as it is cute. I also appreciate how CLAMP includes gay characters without the whole story belonging to the designated genre - something I find rather rare.
Of course, behind the episodic nature, there is another main plot which slowly unfolds and takes centre stage during the final chapters. Events take a much darker tone and anyone familiar with CLAMP won't be too surprised to find themselves not quite prepared for the characters' trials and sufferings. Although it definitely has a gripping finale and some form of climax, the main conflict remains largely unresolved. It is a real shame, even though Subaru's and Seishirou's story continues in the sequel, X/1999 is in itself incomplete.
I can see Tokyo Babylon appealing to a wide range of readers thanks to its diverse themes and genre, though it must always be read with a grain of salt due to the loose/incomplete ending.
April 27, 2017
Despite working at the same company that is compiling Tokyo Babylon in an omnibus release, I decided to read the Tokyopop editions of these books because the smaller size is easier for my aching hands to hold. TB is a typical CLAMP title in that the artwork is gorgeous, but also a bit alienating in the classic shoujou style (massive shoulders on the "masculine" males; the "feminine" males identical to girls) but also has fun with those very same tropes: Subaru, the very girlish-looking hero of the story, is a twin of the hilariously shallow and tsundere Hokuto, and is baffled, bemused, and... generally unsure about the relatively aggressive romance stylings of fellow onomyoji (shaman/wizard/general magic-user) and veterinarian (?!) Seishiro, he of the ginormous shoulders, sexy wire-framed eyeglasses, and an air of general benevolence. Having further fun with the very idea of a yaoi-style M/M relationship, Subaru is really not all that into it, whereas his sister basically yells at him to get married to Seishiro ASAP.
When a book's first mystery story involves a demonically possessed Chanel suit, and the first line of dialogue in the whole thing is "I HATE TOKYO!", you know you're not in for the usual manga sincerity. And as is also typical for CLAMP, it's all fun and games, ice cream, shy embarrassment, and swirly forms until they suddenly drop a massive emotional bomb and your pre-softened heart has no defense against some deep, profound, often bittersweet (emphasis on the bitter) truth about life. It's the storytelling methodology of some of my favorite creators - Joss Whedon, Jim Henson, David Byrne - and CLAMP are some of the greatest masters of the form.
When a book's first mystery story involves a demonically possessed Chanel suit, and the first line of dialogue in the whole thing is "I HATE TOKYO!", you know you're not in for the usual manga sincerity. And as is also typical for CLAMP, it's all fun and games, ice cream, shy embarrassment, and swirly forms until they suddenly drop a massive emotional bomb and your pre-softened heart has no defense against some deep, profound, often bittersweet (emphasis on the bitter) truth about life. It's the storytelling methodology of some of my favorite creators - Joss Whedon, Jim Henson, David Byrne - and CLAMP are some of the greatest masters of the form.
September 19, 2025
This is my first CLAMP! I don't know how I feel about this series yet. Even after finishing this volume, I have a poor grasp of what the story is about and the direction it's heading towards. I do have a bone to pick with certain aspects. First of all, the jokes are unfunny and I grow tired of them quickly. On top of that, I'm not a fan of the art, especially the action scenes. CLAMP keeps slapping speed lines on pages while making no effort to portray what's going on. Although reading manga does require filling in the gaps with your own imagination, there's not much to work with here. The last one is me nitpicking, but I dislike the way they draw hair. There are too many distinctive strands and it's all my eyes gravitate towards.
July 11, 2018
This is a manga which embodies all of my love of this particular mode of storytelling, using it to introduce some of most memorable characters who’ve ever haunted my imagination to the most striking and uniquely beautiful effect.
We meet shy, sweet, androgynously adorable, yet powerful omnyouji, Sumeragi Subaru (an onmyouji is something similiar to a cross between a spiritualist and a sorcerer, but it’s a unique magical practice in its own right and culture), experiencing the various supernatual and interpersonal situations through his eyes.
Often at Subaru’s side is his irrespressible and bold twin sister, Sumeragi Hokuto. She designs all of Subaru’s costumes, coordinating with his gloves that their grandmother has ordered Subaru to never take off, and matching them with her own. Hokuto’s costumes are particularly over the top, yet flattering, bringing out her sprightly pixie nature. They also bring out Subaru’s beauty in a way which make him able to pass for either a girl or a boy. Hokuto has some definite ideas about women and is their staunch champion, yet she’s also a staunch champion of her little brother’s budding romance with Sakurazuka Seishirou.
The third member of the threesome is often quite low key in his suits, glasses, and white veternarian coats, until he takes off his glasses. Once he does, something wild, predatory, and seductive is revealed in the bend of his eyebrow and the gleam of Sakurazuka Seishirou’s eye. He’s only revealed a glimpse of this secret self to Subaru under the sakura tree. The rest of the time he’s mild mannered, joking and humouring Hokuto (his future sister-in-law) when he isn’t being quite the classical man in wooing a beautiful, reluctant boy (Subaru).
These three characters explore the unique landscape which was Tokyo during the early 1990s while Subaru faces a variety of supernatural menaces. From a malice soaked chanel suit that possesses whoever wears it to the ghost of an unhappy actress haunting the Tokyo Tower, Subaru’s work as an onmyouji is never done. Constantly helping others, Subaru is often distracted of the shadow hanging over him, stalking him. A memory of a strange boy, standing under a cherry tree, revealing to him its bloody secret continues to haunt him. Who was that boy? Why does he remind Subaru so much of Seishirou?
A unique genre cocktail of mystery, supernatual menace, rainbow love, driven by colorful character driven moments, enhanced by some of the most unique and memorable costumes I’ve ever seen, Tokyo Babylon has a special place in my heart. I’ll never forget Hokuto’s clover dress, flaring out, making her look like a pixie, or the sleeveless dress with the poofy hat and wings. Subaru’s outfits are iconic and androgynous in ths history of manga and anime from his hat with the ribbon, to his billowing coat, or his flared jackets. The duality between Subaru’s shy, awkward personality and his unearthly serenity when he’s using his magic is quite compelling. The most fascinatingly dualistic character, however, is Seishirou. Normally low key, hiding a kindly expression behind a pair of glasses, constantly teasing Subaru about wanting to marry him, he becomes quite different when he exposes his eyes. A dark, wild beauty emerges, hiding behind his civilized facade, hinting at a very different person lying behind it.
For the beginning of a compelling mystery, capturing the feel of a 1990s urban fairytale which skips between the light and the dark, the playful and sinister, through the actions of some of the most compelling characters I’ve ever encountered in fiction, drawn in the unique, exquisite style which made me fall in love with CLAMP, this gets five stars.
We meet shy, sweet, androgynously adorable, yet powerful omnyouji, Sumeragi Subaru (an onmyouji is something similiar to a cross between a spiritualist and a sorcerer, but it’s a unique magical practice in its own right and culture), experiencing the various supernatual and interpersonal situations through his eyes.
Often at Subaru’s side is his irrespressible and bold twin sister, Sumeragi Hokuto. She designs all of Subaru’s costumes, coordinating with his gloves that their grandmother has ordered Subaru to never take off, and matching them with her own. Hokuto’s costumes are particularly over the top, yet flattering, bringing out her sprightly pixie nature. They also bring out Subaru’s beauty in a way which make him able to pass for either a girl or a boy. Hokuto has some definite ideas about women and is their staunch champion, yet she’s also a staunch champion of her little brother’s budding romance with Sakurazuka Seishirou.
The third member of the threesome is often quite low key in his suits, glasses, and white veternarian coats, until he takes off his glasses. Once he does, something wild, predatory, and seductive is revealed in the bend of his eyebrow and the gleam of Sakurazuka Seishirou’s eye. He’s only revealed a glimpse of this secret self to Subaru under the sakura tree. The rest of the time he’s mild mannered, joking and humouring Hokuto (his future sister-in-law) when he isn’t being quite the classical man in wooing a beautiful, reluctant boy (Subaru).
These three characters explore the unique landscape which was Tokyo during the early 1990s while Subaru faces a variety of supernatural menaces. From a malice soaked chanel suit that possesses whoever wears it to the ghost of an unhappy actress haunting the Tokyo Tower, Subaru’s work as an onmyouji is never done. Constantly helping others, Subaru is often distracted of the shadow hanging over him, stalking him. A memory of a strange boy, standing under a cherry tree, revealing to him its bloody secret continues to haunt him. Who was that boy? Why does he remind Subaru so much of Seishirou?
A unique genre cocktail of mystery, supernatual menace, rainbow love, driven by colorful character driven moments, enhanced by some of the most unique and memorable costumes I’ve ever seen, Tokyo Babylon has a special place in my heart. I’ll never forget Hokuto’s clover dress, flaring out, making her look like a pixie, or the sleeveless dress with the poofy hat and wings. Subaru’s outfits are iconic and androgynous in ths history of manga and anime from his hat with the ribbon, to his billowing coat, or his flared jackets. The duality between Subaru’s shy, awkward personality and his unearthly serenity when he’s using his magic is quite compelling. The most fascinatingly dualistic character, however, is Seishirou. Normally low key, hiding a kindly expression behind a pair of glasses, constantly teasing Subaru about wanting to marry him, he becomes quite different when he exposes his eyes. A dark, wild beauty emerges, hiding behind his civilized facade, hinting at a very different person lying behind it.
For the beginning of a compelling mystery, capturing the feel of a 1990s urban fairytale which skips between the light and the dark, the playful and sinister, through the actions of some of the most compelling characters I’ve ever encountered in fiction, drawn in the unique, exquisite style which made me fall in love with CLAMP, this gets five stars.
February 23, 2016
Liked it alot
October 25, 2023
Man, I love being transported back to when I was 16 reading CLAMP manga.
September 2, 2024
Perennially fascinated with the long afterlife of the New Romantics in Japan.
July 22, 2025
This is one of the earliest manga I picked up at the library, back when I would visit after school for some me time before going home to my parents and four siblings. It was written almost thirty years ago now (it's only just older than me, written in the same year I was born!), so there are some dated phrases, relationships, and moments in it: I am particularly referring to the mention of Chernobyl on page 16, and on page 128, Seishiro says (to tease Subaru):
I personally find Subaru's sister, Hokuto, irritating, although I believe I did when I read this at 11-12 as well. She's selfish and materialistic to a fault, she values her appearance over her concerns for the environment (which I believe is a discussion when Chernobyl does come up), I also don't think she's particularly essential or helpful to the story (although this may very well change in later volumes) and there's something flat about her, although there's something flat about the other two main characters as well so I think that's more a comment on this story than Hokuto's character.
Re-reading this recently, I'm not fond of Seishiro's character either: he's 25 while Subaru's 16, and yet he clearly has an interest in Subaru and has no concern for how young Subaru is. That said, I can also dismiss this as Japan's culture is different; I believe that nowadays many Japanese manga artists are more aware of 18 being a more acceptable age of consent as this is the age of consent in many states of USA, however it still is 13 in Japan, and it's 16 in the UK (where I am), so that may also explain why I didn't have an issue with this relationship when I was younger.
Again, with all that said, I think there's multiple reasons why I am able to continue reading and even enjoy this story despite Subaru's and Seishiro's age gap- I do feel that I need to explain myself, as an age gap and relationships involving younger people has made me put down many other BL manga before, so what makes this one different?
So now, why am I personally biased towards this series? This book was also my earliest exposure to homosexuality, and it actually confused me at the time (much like it seems to confuse Subaru later in the book as well, so I guess Seishiro was educating both of us!) I was young enough that BL was something that simply didn't occur to me as a thing that existed, I was raised thinking: man and woman falls in love, gets married, have kids, the end. I definitely think this 'nuclear family' brainwashing is a problematic thing for children (at least back in my childhood, children seem much better educated on other lifestyles now), and I would've been spared a lot of internal suffering and confusion had I been aware that it's okay to be LGBT+, it's okay to not want children, and so on. When I first saw Seishiro's and Subaru's relationship, I initially thought I was wrong about Subaru and that he was actually a female, but that misunderstanding is cleared up towards the end of this very book, on page 127, Seishiro says this to Subaru:
I like that they translated some words to Romaji rather than English, and not only translated/explained those in the glossary at the end, but also translated the sound effects that were kept in Japanese! (Although I can read some Japanese so I didn't need this, but this would have been something I likely used at 11-12 when I read this the first time!)
In addition, it may seem really silly to praise this but most manga doesn't have this important thing: I really like that the pages are numbered! It frustrates me when I'm writing a review on other manga and can't refer to specific pages for quotes or moments that happen in the book, when reading an e-book I have to rely on the app's page count.
I'm not sure that I would recommend this since I think without my bias and being able to dismiss the age gap of the relationship included in this, as well as Subaru's young age, I definitely wouldn't be able to enjoy it. Still, I'm glad I got my hands on it and I am curious about what happens in the second manga (I did read it but that was nearly 20 years ago!)
If you managed to read my word vomit and find it helpful, thanks! Haha.
A man loving a man... that's just perverted, isn't it? Ha ha ha!I think what I'm trying to say with this is that it was written and drawn a long time ago, and our worldwide society has grown much since then.
I personally find Subaru's sister, Hokuto, irritating, although I believe I did when I read this at 11-12 as well. She's selfish and materialistic to a fault, she values her appearance over her concerns for the environment (which I believe is a discussion when Chernobyl does come up), I also don't think she's particularly essential or helpful to the story (although this may very well change in later volumes) and there's something flat about her, although there's something flat about the other two main characters as well so I think that's more a comment on this story than Hokuto's character.
Re-reading this recently, I'm not fond of Seishiro's character either: he's 25 while Subaru's 16, and yet he clearly has an interest in Subaru and has no concern for how young Subaru is. That said, I can also dismiss this as Japan's culture is different; I believe that nowadays many Japanese manga artists are more aware of 18 being a more acceptable age of consent as this is the age of consent in many states of USA, however it still is 13 in Japan, and it's 16 in the UK (where I am), so that may also explain why I didn't have an issue with this relationship when I was younger.
Again, with all that said, I think there's multiple reasons why I am able to continue reading and even enjoy this story despite Subaru's and Seishiro's age gap- I do feel that I need to explain myself, as an age gap and relationships involving younger people has made me put down many other BL manga before, so what makes this one different?
1. I am aware that I am biased towards this series, I know that this isn't a valid reason to be dismissive but it's something I'm acknowledging and calling myself out for. I explain why later in the review.
2. It's a supernatural story about Subaru being an onmyoji that helps restless spirits pass on, it's not primarily a romantic BL manga that centres around his relationship with Seishiro.
3. Seishiro, while he may tease Subaru (sometimes with Hokuto's help) at times, seems very respecting of Subaru's boundaries/comfort levels, and doesn't seem to push or influence Subaru. He seems to genuinely value and love Subaru. In the other series I am unable to read, the older person in the relationship tends to be in a position of power (whether that be literally, financially, or emotionally) over the younger person, so there's an unequal and abusive dynamic; I don't see that here.
4. There's no sexual contact between Subaru and Seishiro, if their relationship does develop further later, that's later and not now, it's not rushed or anything.
So now, why am I personally biased towards this series? This book was also my earliest exposure to homosexuality, and it actually confused me at the time (much like it seems to confuse Subaru later in the book as well, so I guess Seishiro was educating both of us!) I was young enough that BL was something that simply didn't occur to me as a thing that existed, I was raised thinking: man and woman falls in love, gets married, have kids, the end. I definitely think this 'nuclear family' brainwashing is a problematic thing for children (at least back in my childhood, children seem much better educated on other lifestyles now), and I would've been spared a lot of internal suffering and confusion had I been aware that it's okay to be LGBT+, it's okay to not want children, and so on. When I first saw Seishiro's and Subaru's relationship, I initially thought I was wrong about Subaru and that he was actually a female, but that misunderstanding is cleared up towards the end of this very book, on page 127, Seishiro says this to Subaru:
I'm a man and you, Subaru-kun, are a man too... but all it means is that I fell in love, and the person I fell in love with happened to be a man.Moving on from the BL content, I like that Subaru covers different cases in each chapter (reminds me of the earlier episodes of Supernatural); I feel that we, as readers, learn a little more about his character with each case. I do like the art style, Clamp has always been a personal favourite of mine, and while many fans of Clamp associates it with series such as Cardcaptor Sakura and Chobits, I've always associated it with this book and Clamp School Detectives (another series my library had!)
I like that they translated some words to Romaji rather than English, and not only translated/explained those in the glossary at the end, but also translated the sound effects that were kept in Japanese! (Although I can read some Japanese so I didn't need this, but this would have been something I likely used at 11-12 when I read this the first time!)
In addition, it may seem really silly to praise this but most manga doesn't have this important thing: I really like that the pages are numbered! It frustrates me when I'm writing a review on other manga and can't refer to specific pages for quotes or moments that happen in the book, when reading an e-book I have to rely on the app's page count.
I'm not sure that I would recommend this since I think without my bias and being able to dismiss the age gap of the relationship included in this, as well as Subaru's young age, I definitely wouldn't be able to enjoy it. Still, I'm glad I got my hands on it and I am curious about what happens in the second manga (I did read it but that was nearly 20 years ago!)
If you managed to read my word vomit and find it helpful, thanks! Haha.
December 25, 2020
Basically I had found out that the 2021 anime adaption of this series is gonna be delayed so without waiting decade for it to come out, I decided to dig into the manga. I gotta say at first, it's complex af like I didn't have a clue wtf was going on. I kinda let the story speak for itself without deep thought and it worked!
Without not trying to spoil too much, it's basically about a spiritual medium named Subaru and he mainly partners with his twin sister Hokuto (she has great fashion sense) and a very "Subaru-fan" veterinarian, Seishirou. Now heads up, do not read this manga if you're gonna be grossed out by Seishirou always doting on Subaru. Luckily no funny business goes on but just don't waste your time if it isn't your thing.
Even if the ending is a bit disappointing, this old skool manga has a really interesting story that is pretty addicting and makes you want to learn about the characters for who they are!
Without not trying to spoil too much, it's basically about a spiritual medium named Subaru and he mainly partners with his twin sister Hokuto (she has great fashion sense) and a very "Subaru-fan" veterinarian, Seishirou. Now heads up, do not read this manga if you're gonna be grossed out by Seishirou always doting on Subaru. Luckily no funny business goes on but just don't waste your time if it isn't your thing.
Even if the ending is a bit disappointing, this old skool manga has a really interesting story that is pretty addicting and makes you want to learn about the characters for who they are!
May 14, 2024
This was a pretty good first volume. I've never read this series before so I wasn't to sure what to expect but I actually ended up liking it for the most part. I will check out the next volume to see where the story goes.
March 6, 2025
Review originally posted at Mangaupdates.com on January 22, 2008.
"There is no such thing as 'everybody.' We all have our own understanding of pain, for example, and no one truly knows what we are going through."
"Maybe people who do terrible things are really, truly and terribly lonely."
The two above thoughts are a mere tip of the proverbial ice berg of insights and unique perspectives that CLAMP offers it's readers in Tokyo Babylon. This journey through 7 tankobons was a wonderful one full of balance: tragedy, humour, profound insights, moments of love and hate and everyday life.
I found the artwork beautiful and compelling. The words, also, were perfectly placed and timed to be poignant with the art.
One complaint I had was I wanted the story to have more shounen-ai! That would have powerfully affected me - if Subaru and Seishiro could have kissed at least once! Or if there was a scene where Seishiro was affected by a realization that Subaru loved him. *Sigh* I'm such a BL fanantic.
All of the individual (Think: X-files) stories are well-placed with their themes and messages to add a tidbit for the continuing depth of the relationship of the three main characters.
I didn't quite understand volume 7. Please see my forum discussion request here.
Read on! Clamp rocks. Now if only they'd get back to Legal Drug. . .(with OODLES of freakin' BL!! Pretty pretty please?)
"There is no such thing as 'everybody.' We all have our own understanding of pain, for example, and no one truly knows what we are going through."
"Maybe people who do terrible things are really, truly and terribly lonely."
The two above thoughts are a mere tip of the proverbial ice berg of insights and unique perspectives that CLAMP offers it's readers in Tokyo Babylon. This journey through 7 tankobons was a wonderful one full of balance: tragedy, humour, profound insights, moments of love and hate and everyday life.
I found the artwork beautiful and compelling. The words, also, were perfectly placed and timed to be poignant with the art.
One complaint I had was I wanted the story to have more shounen-ai! That would have powerfully affected me - if Subaru and Seishiro could have kissed at least once! Or if there was a scene where Seishiro was affected by a realization that Subaru loved him. *Sigh* I'm such a BL fanantic.
All of the individual (Think: X-files) stories are well-placed with their themes and messages to add a tidbit for the continuing depth of the relationship of the three main characters.
I didn't quite understand volume 7. Please see my forum discussion request here.
Read on! Clamp rocks. Now if only they'd get back to Legal Drug. . .(with OODLES of freakin' BL!! Pretty pretty please?)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2011
"Art" people might get offend at this; i think this series is a IS a work of modern art. Speaking as an admirer of literature, the simplistic black-white style vs. the intense psychological themes make for a master work.
People say they're disappointed by the ending, but I believe its part of CLAMP's brilliance, just like silence in a piece of music can have the greatest impact.
So far in my casual reading of manga I've never seen anything quite like it.
People say they're disappointed by the ending, but I believe its part of CLAMP's brilliance, just like silence in a piece of music can have the greatest impact.
So far in my casual reading of manga I've never seen anything quite like it.
January 18, 2023
Una lezione di stile su come si dovrebbe parlare della storia umana e del cammino verso il caos e la rassegnazione. L'uomo come parassita e carnefice di se stesso, contraddistinto da figure che, indipendentemente dal ruolo, sono sul cammino verso l'autodistruzione.
October 22, 2023
I'm so glad that after all these years I've finally got an opportunity to get into this series. It's a fast first volume and I will have to wait to get more volumes before I finish forming my opinion of this one, but it's nice to at least finally be able to read this series.
September 29, 2007
Hokuto's matchmaking is vaguely creepy, and the character designs are awful. But they're hilariously awful (the outfits! especially the hats!) so it gets one extra star just for that.
March 19, 2017
What a freaking weird book XD
also I'm not even so much offended by the gayness as the 25 year old coming on to the 16 year old XD WHERE ARE HIS PARENTS?!?
also I'm not even so much offended by the gayness as the 25 year old coming on to the 16 year old XD WHERE ARE HIS PARENTS?!?
December 16, 2020
No me a acordaba de nada. Ni de que eran 7.
April 3, 2025
Quando pesquisava para desenvolver o meu livro SuperGays, Subaru Sumeragi, o protagonista de Tokyo Babylon, foi um dos poucos personagens gays que poderiam ser considerados super-heróis nos mangás. Quando vi esse mangá nas bancas fiquei tentado a comprá-lo, para entender como, lá em 1990, uma mangá, dentro da cultura machista do Japão, trazia um protagonista gay e com poderes sobrenaturais. Mais do que isso, me surpreendi ao ler, que a relação que se estabelece (dentro daquele estilo japonês exagerado e enrolado de abordar relacionamentos e sexualidade) é entre Subaru, que tem 16 anos e Seishirou Sakurazuka, que tem 25 anos. Pelo menos nessa primeira edição, o ramance não se concretiza, mas é falado diversas vezes que um tem interesse no outro, sem nunca se aproximarem e sempre ficarem se afastando de vergonha. Não fogem muito do que os mangás boy love fazem hoje em dia, sempre com uma figura mais máscula e dominante e uma figura mais feminizada submissa. Interessante e meio ruim saber que essa tradição tenha começado, ou pelo menos se estabilizado aqui em Tokyo Babylon. Ainda não sei se continuarei acompanhando a série.
August 15, 2025
J'aime beaucoup Clamp mais je connais peu de leurs œuvres (en dehors des principales). Du coup, l'idée de les rééditer n'est pas mauvaise.
Au début de celui-ci, pendant le premier chapitre, j'ai finalement cru que je n'allais pas aimer du tout. Ça annonçait quelque chose de nian nian à souhait et je sentais que je n'allais pas accroché. Mais finalement, dès le second chapitre, ça devient très intéressant et j'ai vite été prise dans l'intrigue !
J'ai beaucoup aimé le personnage de Subaru. Je le trouve très discret et professionnel dans son job d'exorciste. J'ai d'ailleurs beaucoup aimé ses exorcismes. J'ai aussi apprécié sa relation avec Seishiro. Au final, je sais pas s'ils sont officiellement en couple, mais ils sont choux tous les deux !
J'ai juste eu beaucoup de mal avec la sœur jumelle de Subaru, Hokuto. Je l'ai trouvé un peu lourde.
L'histoire est pas mal, et le dernier chapitre est très intriguant et mystérieux. Du coup, j'attends la suite avec impatience !
Au début de celui-ci, pendant le premier chapitre, j'ai finalement cru que je n'allais pas aimer du tout. Ça annonçait quelque chose de nian nian à souhait et je sentais que je n'allais pas accroché. Mais finalement, dès le second chapitre, ça devient très intéressant et j'ai vite été prise dans l'intrigue !
J'ai beaucoup aimé le personnage de Subaru. Je le trouve très discret et professionnel dans son job d'exorciste. J'ai d'ailleurs beaucoup aimé ses exorcismes. J'ai aussi apprécié sa relation avec Seishiro. Au final, je sais pas s'ils sont officiellement en couple, mais ils sont choux tous les deux !
J'ai juste eu beaucoup de mal avec la sœur jumelle de Subaru, Hokuto. Je l'ai trouvé un peu lourde.
L'histoire est pas mal, et le dernier chapitre est très intriguant et mystérieux. Du coup, j'attends la suite avec impatience !
May 12, 2021
Tokyo Babylon oli yhtä aikaa kestänyt hyvin aikaa ja sisälsi nykyhetkeenkin sopivia teemoja (freonit kosmetiikassa, ilmastonmuutos ja kulutustottumusten vaikutus siihen) ja samalla vanhentunut tosi huonosti (elokuvanohjaajan sänkyyn vietteleminen roolin toivossa nähtiin jos ei aivan hyvänä niin laajalti käytettynä ja toimivana metodina, kulutustottumuksia ei haluta muuttaa, koska muutkin kuluttavat, niin miksen minäkin saisi). Keskeisiä hahmoja on kolme, 16-vuotiaat kaksoset (veli ja sisko) ja 25-vuotias miespuolinen eläinlääkäri, joka on ihastunut kaksosveljeen (aika erikoista tuo ikäero). Homoutta pidettiin kuitenkin kirjassa pervona, huoh. Potentiaalia olisi ollut parempaankin.
December 15, 2024
Ya tenia ganas de leer este manga desde hace como 2 años, pero me queria esperar a conseguirlo en físico (bien lo pude leer en linea, pero la calidad no le hace justicia al dibujo). Previamente ya había leído X/1999 hasta que me di cuenta que Tokyo Babylon era la precuela, así que le quise dar una oportunidad.
La Premisa de esta serie me gustó, ya quiero leer los demás tomos para averiguar hacia donde va, y sin duda el estilo de dibujo de clamp es impresionante, después de leer los diálogos me quedaba unos minutos apreciando cada página.
Los personajes me parecieron ok, Subaru y su hermana Hokuto hacen buen Duo, pero me disgusto el personaje de Seishiro (Tryna Strike a chord and probably its A minorr), osea??? Entiendo que clamp siempre Incluye como un bromance o un MLM en sus historias, pero con tanta diferencia de edad??? Me incomoda un poco, ya creo que por eso le doy 4 de 5.
Aun así no descarto seguir leyendo esta serie ya que la Premisa de los exorcismos me pareció interesante y me gustaría saber en como Tokyo Babylon se relaciona con X/1999.
Bueno hasta aquí mi reseña.
La Premisa de esta serie me gustó, ya quiero leer los demás tomos para averiguar hacia donde va, y sin duda el estilo de dibujo de clamp es impresionante, después de leer los diálogos me quedaba unos minutos apreciando cada página.
Los personajes me parecieron ok, Subaru y su hermana Hokuto hacen buen Duo, pero me disgusto el personaje de Seishiro (Tryna Strike a chord and probably its A minorr), osea??? Entiendo que clamp siempre Incluye como un bromance o un MLM en sus historias, pero con tanta diferencia de edad??? Me incomoda un poco, ya creo que por eso le doy 4 de 5.
Aun así no descarto seguir leyendo esta serie ya que la Premisa de los exorcismos me pareció interesante y me gustaría saber en como Tokyo Babylon se relaciona con X/1999.
Bueno hasta aquí mi reseña.
May 20, 2018
Due to a type of pressure I'm having all along this May month, I have been only reading mangas الى اشعار اخر
Tokyo Babylon tells the story of a young guy with a 'pure soul' who has the power of giving peace to the dead. After some encounters, he gradually starts to lose himself in the corruption of it all.
Tokyo Babylon tells the story of a young guy with a 'pure soul' who has the power of giving peace to the dead. After some encounters, he gradually starts to lose himself in the corruption of it all.
January 4, 2025
Mi primer manga leído de este año. Empezando fuerte.
Es la primera vez que leo el manga pero vi las dos ovas que salieron en su momento y he visto el anime de X. Así que más o menos me doy una idea de lo trágico que va a ser está historia.
Subaru es toda inocencia pura. Hokuto es alegre, optimista y quiere ver feliz a su hermano y Seishiro es todo amable con sonrisas...
Voy a sufrir 💔💔💔
Es la primera vez que leo el manga pero vi las dos ovas que salieron en su momento y he visto el anime de X. Así que más o menos me doy una idea de lo trágico que va a ser está historia.
Subaru es toda inocencia pura. Hokuto es alegre, optimista y quiere ver feliz a su hermano y Seishiro es todo amable con sonrisas...
Voy a sufrir 💔💔💔
August 1, 2025
2 ⭐️ parce que les Clamps ont un réel soucis avec les différences d’âges et c quoi leur prblm de faire une romance entre un garçon de 16 ans et un mec de 25 pitié!!
Le reste est bien, mais je continuerai pas ça m’a énervée
(Dsl je log mes lectures j’viens de me souvenir que j’avais Goodreads)
Le reste est bien, mais je continuerai pas ça m’a énervée
(Dsl je log mes lectures j’viens de me souvenir que j’avais Goodreads)
May 2, 2022
Very interesting debut ! It's my first time reading (I haven't read or seen X) but gosh, the art is as usual beautiful !
Seishiro does look suspicious tho !
Seishiro does look suspicious tho !
December 23, 2023
I just didn’t get this at all 🤷🏻♂️
July 9, 2024
J’aime tellement Subaru.
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