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xxxHOLiC: Rei [XXX ホリック・レイ] #2
XXX Holic HOLiC 2
XXX Holic HOLiC 2
"People have to keep choosing constantly."
High school student Watanuki who is suffering by the constitution to see or attract the monster.
And, from a suspicious mansion called shop The new story of Yuko, the mistress who makes wishes, begins.
"People have to keep choosing constantly."
High school student Watanuki who is suffering by the constitution to see or attract the monster.
And, from a suspicious mansion called shop The new story of Yuko, the mistress who makes wishes, begins.
Paperback
First published April 23, 2014
7 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Clamp
750 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 47 reviews
January 16, 2025
Literally barely realized how the title of this series reads to regular folks! To clarify, the "xxx" before the holic is the Japanese way of saying of "fill in the blank."
Also, apparently this volume is really hard to find in print (selling on eBay for +$100), so shout-out to the Internet Archive for this one.
Also, apparently this volume is really hard to find in print (selling on eBay for +$100), so shout-out to the Internet Archive for this one.
January 28, 2022
Re-read 2022: The second volume! I loved this one but it also made me cry. Because of course I already knew what was happening but whereas the first volume was still a mostly good facade, you could clearly see the cracks in this. Watanuki's eye is changing to what it was. He knows things that he wouldn't know normally. There are choices that make things shimmer. It was quite tough to read because I knew what was coming and my heart was just breaking all over again.
Loved the various lores in this one. From the mountain king to curses. All very interesting to read.
Will be reading 3 soon and then I can finally begin 4! OMG!
--------------------------
First read 2014: Not a super long review due to the amount of spoilers it might give. And I don't want to spoil it for anyone.
This was a wonderful volume again, too bad it takes ages for it to come out and I need to either re-read the previous volume or read my review for said volume.
The story picks up where we left the previous time, with Watanuki tending to Yuuko's needs (and my oh my is she still needy). I loved their interaction (one of the best things from XXXholic is truly the relationship and interaction between Watanuki and Yuuko). Yuuko making a fuss, but also at times being her totally epic self.
However, not everything is as it seems. There are cracks forming in the world. Watanuki knows stuff, we get little hints and certain things are happening that seem to hint to certain things. It is all interesting, at times you read over it, but then read back (because you thought you saw something) and then find out, there was indeed something happening.
The only thing that is kind of weird is how Watanuki acts toward Himawari. Normally we are used to his overly enthusiasticness when she pops up, but in this volume he was quite silent and normal. A bit odd, but maybe has to do with the whole truth about Watanuki and why everything seems "normal".
The art is (as expected) gorgeous again. I love the little details that are in every page.
However one thing, and I believe I also had the problem with the previous volume, is that sometimes quite a chunk of text is eaten by the book. You really have to bend the book (the horror!) to be able to read it at times. I really hate this. I would hope that publishers/printers would know that people need to be able to read text. Look at Vertical, really the first one who keeps attention to that by added a big margins, making the book wider, but also makes the text easier to read and you don't have to bend the book (and break the spine).
All in all though I would really recommend this series. I can't wait for the next volume to pop out, and in the mean time I guess I will be reading Drug and Drop Vol.1 which is coming out soon!
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Loved the various lores in this one. From the mountain king to curses. All very interesting to read.
Will be reading 3 soon and then I can finally begin 4! OMG!
--------------------------
First read 2014: Not a super long review due to the amount of spoilers it might give. And I don't want to spoil it for anyone.
This was a wonderful volume again, too bad it takes ages for it to come out and I need to either re-read the previous volume or read my review for said volume.
The story picks up where we left the previous time, with Watanuki tending to Yuuko's needs (and my oh my is she still needy). I loved their interaction (one of the best things from XXXholic is truly the relationship and interaction between Watanuki and Yuuko). Yuuko making a fuss, but also at times being her totally epic self.
However, not everything is as it seems. There are cracks forming in the world. Watanuki knows stuff, we get little hints and certain things are happening that seem to hint to certain things. It is all interesting, at times you read over it, but then read back (because you thought you saw something) and then find out, there was indeed something happening.
The only thing that is kind of weird is how Watanuki acts toward Himawari. Normally we are used to his overly enthusiasticness when she pops up, but in this volume he was quite silent and normal. A bit odd, but maybe has to do with the whole truth about Watanuki and why everything seems "normal".
The art is (as expected) gorgeous again. I love the little details that are in every page.
However one thing, and I believe I also had the problem with the previous volume, is that sometimes quite a chunk of text is eaten by the book. You really have to bend the book (the horror!) to be able to read it at times. I really hate this. I would hope that publishers/printers would know that people need to be able to read text. Look at Vertical, really the first one who keeps attention to that by added a big margins, making the book wider, but also makes the text easier to read and you don't have to bend the book (and break the spine).
All in all though I would really recommend this series. I can't wait for the next volume to pop out, and in the mean time I guess I will be reading Drug and Drop Vol.1 which is coming out soon!
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
January 7, 2022
Even more riddles in the end but definitely better than the first volume. It actually is a bit suspenseful when it comes to the mysteries around Yuko's shop.
August 15, 2021
Bahahaha I was so confused as to why nothing seemed very familiar and it jumped to a completely different story. Didn't clue in until I finished it and turned it over that I had volume 2 of Rei not the original series. So I guess I still enjoyed it even though I was coming in blind lol
June 16, 2014
I'd pretty much toss in five stars or more for CLAMP's works every time, but seriously though, the suspense is killing me! Does anyone have an extra-time turner? I NEED TO KNOW WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN!!!
January 6, 2015
Better than volume 1. The art continues to be top-notch. and the story continues to lead deeper into decisions Watanuki has to make. What they are, is still something of a mystery. Lots of hints but hard to work out, very much in the CLAMP tradition.
May 26, 2023
The curse with the trading coins in this volume reminded of when I was a teenager and chain emails were popular. For those u familiar with the concept, you'd receive an email from a friend that has things like lists of questions about yourself that you fill in the blanks and forward it to all your email contact friends. Some of them would come with warnings like: "if you pass this on your crush will reveal their feelings", or something more ill-willed like "some terrible accident will befall someone you care about if you fail to pass this on". It's interesting to see how superstitions form.
Yûko: "Not choosing is in of itself a choice", "Not knowing what you have chosen is also your choice". I find that indecision is sometimes the most harmful because there's no movement, no progress, no discovery. We can either be someone who acts or is acted upon. The latter seems to be a dangerous place to be in.
Yûko: "Not choosing is in of itself a choice", "Not knowing what you have chosen is also your choice". I find that indecision is sometimes the most harmful because there's no movement, no progress, no discovery. We can either be someone who acts or is acted upon. The latter seems to be a dangerous place to be in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2020
This one is a little better than the previous as far as character-development. It feels more like the original xxxHolic. It has elements that connect back to the original series, and also ends on a cliffhanger that implies a continuous plot vs just the episodic ones we had in the last volume.
A lot of Japanese/Shinto folklore in this one. I appreciated the heavier tone and the message on choice (including the choice to not choose). I'm interested to see where the next one leads!
A lot of Japanese/Shinto folklore in this one. I appreciated the heavier tone and the message on choice (including the choice to not choose). I'm interested to see where the next one leads!
March 24, 2024
There's the bird, again. Watanuki is having headaches.
A phone rings, and when Watanuki picks up, there's no one on the other end. This happens twice. Next time, the old-fashioned corded phone in Yuuko's shop rings, and its cord now leads outward past the border of the shop's grounds. That, and the rule of threes, would indicate something different will happen this time, but the volume ends there.
Not choosing is also a choice.
Onward!
A phone rings, and when Watanuki picks up, there's no one on the other end. This happens twice. Next time, the old-fashioned corded phone in Yuuko's shop rings, and its cord now leads outward past the border of the shop's grounds. That, and the rule of threes, would indicate something different will happen this time, but the volume ends there.
Not choosing is also a choice.
Onward!
December 31, 2024
This manga keeps pushing you to think. It's a dream in a dream. Our boy goes through scenarios he has lived through before, he knows things he shouldn't, and the dream world is slowly showing cracks. Decisions are made even if the decision is indecision.
This story is so complicated because Yuuko is actually gone, but she's everywhere in this volume once again. I feel like even if I read this story again and again, I won't catch all the little things that happen at once.
This story is so complicated because Yuuko is actually gone, but she's everywhere in this volume once again. I feel like even if I read this story again and again, I won't catch all the little things that happen at once.
July 28, 2018
It's sad to even think about returning to the shop (and Yuko) after the end of xxxholic, but comforting all the same. In the midst of Watanuki and Domeki's childish arguments and Himawari's sweet acceptance of whatever strangeness these boys disclose to her (not to mention Yuko's drinking), is the essence of what CLAMP does best - nostalgia.
March 19, 2024
Cerita soal yamainu dam yosuzume yang minta tolong Watanuki buat kasih offering biar yamainu bisa pergi dari hutan gunung karena orang-orang udah gak percaya lagi ke dia.
Juga soal pertukarang koin 300 yen yang dikira bakal membawa keberuntungan, ternyata malah bikin kutukan karena pertukaran itu sebenarnya untuk menukar keberuntungan.
Juga soal pertukarang koin 300 yen yang dikira bakal membawa keberuntungan, ternyata malah bikin kutukan karena pertukaran itu sebenarnya untuk menukar keberuntungan.
June 29, 2020
This was an interesting volume. The hints that something isn't quite right start off subtle, but by the end of the volume, you know that there is absolutely something that isn't right, and you can start to see the holes.
June 26, 2023
2.5⭐
This really is a lot worse than the original. Part of it is the weird sexualization of Yuko and the weird fairy thing in here. Yuko was always a little sexualized but it never felt this in your face before. It's annoying.
This really is a lot worse than the original. Part of it is the weird sexualization of Yuko and the weird fairy thing in here. Yuko was always a little sexualized but it never felt this in your face before. It's annoying.
June 6, 2018
A wonderful read. I was completely engrossed in the volume that I didn't want to finish it. I am looking forward to reading the next volume.
July 16, 2018
What is/was Watanuki's choice? Why can't he remember? Why does everything seem the same but different?
January 5, 2019
3.5 stars
April 22, 2019
Had to give this a four out of five for the sole fact Mokona was missing for the entire book.
June 26, 2019
(2019 reread)
"Therefore, I wait. For that which returns and that which doesn't. In truth, you do know which it is."
"Therefore, I wait. For that which returns and that which doesn't. In truth, you do know which it is."
February 23, 2022
i wish they animated this series. it's got so much psychological horror potential
September 25, 2022
As always, CLAMP's team is a master of suspense and storytelling.
December 28, 2022
Hints about what's going on around some smaller wish adventures. Still beautiful, of course
December 4, 2023
Simple yet so unique, that’s why I really like this manga.
August 30, 2024
Things feel mysterious!! I still don’t know what’s going on but it’s fun to have the gang back together & things do seem to be picking up steam
November 24, 2018
This one left me so much emotional, because while the mystery is deepening, it is also leaving us clues as to what it means for Watanuki. There are so many parallels to the original series, and this volume has two supernatural events involving 'clients' but also has Watanuki's story in the background. For the first one, Watanuki and Doumeki are given a task by a yokai called Yosuzume, who arrived with the rain (for a second I thought it would be the Ame-warashi who would come!) and are led to a mountain spirit called Yamainu, whose power is declining due to a lack of belief and while that is resolved well enough, it ties more into Watanuki and this current 'story' they are in. Frequent glances by Yuuko and Doumeki hint at them being more aware of what is going on, but they are also leaving the decision (to wake up? come out of it?) on him. The other is a urban myth thing that is going around - exchanging 300 yen coins for something amazing to happen, but obviously it sounds like some shady supernatural thing. In both cases, Watanuki instinctively knew what or who the supernatural thing is, pointing very hard to this being the experienced shop-owner Watanuki who knows it, but 'this' Watanuki doesn't really understand how he knew it. The ending revealed a bit more about the very first page of this series pointing very hard (there's an egg, a bird, and a mysterious phone line) that this may be a result of Watanuki's wish to go back to the start or something, when things were simpler, Yuuko was there. (And cue the sound of me crying) On the lighter side, Doumeki and Yuuko still tease Watanuki like before, (that is when they are not staring tensely at him) but there is also more affection shown in the latter's relationship with him; in the light of that reveal it just made me cry even more.
November 23, 2015
The sequel of the well known series connected to Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles returns and regardless of the title (it is a reference to the addictions of various things though for the main heroine of the story alcohol seems to be her vice) it is only rated Teen and in my opinion is a good way to become interested in Japanese mythology since this series tends to reference it a lot.
Like other books in the XXXHolic series the stories revolve around Yuko's shop (which is only seen by those in need or invited) which has everything you require but as with all things there is always a price that must be paid. In this volume we get to see CLAMP's version of the Yosuzume which appears considerably younger then she really is and what I guess must be a Yama-no-Kami but has a connection to the yosuzume like an Okuri-inu (Research muahaha) but is called Yamainu or simply Mountain Dog. You will also see some exchanging of coins which has become a popular charm for young people but could there be something more insidious to the ritual? Be sure to get this book and find out. It is easy to read and contains the typically beautiful artwork CLAMP is known for. :)
My personal favorite part of the book involves Watanuke and Domeki discovering the yamainu and how they were able to help him though I also enjoy the parts of the book when Watanuke exhibits a keen insight into things mythical and supernatural as though he were connected to the same wealth of knowledge Yuko has at her disposal.
Like other books in the XXXHolic series the stories revolve around Yuko's shop (which is only seen by those in need or invited) which has everything you require but as with all things there is always a price that must be paid. In this volume we get to see CLAMP's version of the Yosuzume which appears considerably younger then she really is and what I guess must be a Yama-no-Kami but has a connection to the yosuzume like an Okuri-inu (Research muahaha) but is called Yamainu or simply Mountain Dog. You will also see some exchanging of coins which has become a popular charm for young people but could there be something more insidious to the ritual? Be sure to get this book and find out. It is easy to read and contains the typically beautiful artwork CLAMP is known for. :)
My personal favorite part of the book involves Watanuke and Domeki discovering the yamainu and how they were able to help him though I also enjoy the parts of the book when Watanuke exhibits a keen insight into things mythical and supernatural as though he were connected to the same wealth of knowledge Yuko has at her disposal.
December 3, 2014
If there is one thing that CLAMP excels in, it is their gorgeous art. Each volume of their work is a visual feast, and xxxHolic Rei is no exception. I've mentioned before that for xxxHolic, CLAMP incorporates a wood block style of art, with very little to no screen tone, allowing for a strong contrast of black and white. There are, of course, the lovely curlicues and Yuko and her elaborate clothing are as gorgeous as ever. But, it's also the page layouts and the artistic details to the speech bubbles that contribute to the overall effect of a beautiful artistic work.
I could gush about the art all day long, but the story here is quiet and yet lovely as well. Things are not all as they seem, and we are seeing some cracks in Watanuki's world. While in the last volume, the reader was left to wonder if the story was simply a reboot, there is no question with this volume that this is indeed a continuation of the story from the original xxxHolic. There's a sense of melancholy underneath the feeling of well-being. I am most definitely looking forward to the next volume and where the story will take us next.
I could gush about the art all day long, but the story here is quiet and yet lovely as well. Things are not all as they seem, and we are seeing some cracks in Watanuki's world. While in the last volume, the reader was left to wonder if the story was simply a reboot, there is no question with this volume that this is indeed a continuation of the story from the original xxxHolic. There's a sense of melancholy underneath the feeling of well-being. I am most definitely looking forward to the next volume and where the story will take us next.
May 27, 2015
whaaaaaaaaaat
i was at my bookstore today and i came across this? new xxxholic? that somehow no one felt the need to alert me to??????
one of my best friends works at a bookstore! i feel utterly betrayed right now
anyways idk when this volume takes place because the set up is very old school holic (the trio chills together and watanuki shouts at doumeki while taking down spirits!) but there's hints of later holic stuff too so like. ???
i think we might be getting an explanation for the egg now though, so that's cool
anyways. pretty standard early holic stuff which is good because early holic did it more for me than the later twists did anyways. 3.5 stars
i was at my bookstore today and i came across this? new xxxholic? that somehow no one felt the need to alert me to??????
one of my best friends works at a bookstore! i feel utterly betrayed right now
anyways idk when this volume takes place because the set up is very old school holic (the trio chills together and watanuki shouts at doumeki while taking down spirits!) but there's hints of later holic stuff too so like. ???
i think we might be getting an explanation for the egg now though, so that's cool
anyways. pretty standard early holic stuff which is good because early holic did it more for me than the later twists did anyways. 3.5 stars
May 9, 2025
De las mejores muestras sobre lo que es Holic.
Aquí se deja en claro que no es una línea o historia nueva, y sí una continuación. La primera historia está muy padre en los trazos y todo, pero sobre todo en el significado. A veces hay cosas que ya no se necesitan, y aunque sean importantes y no se puedan reemplazar, tienen que partir. Y eso es lo que Yuko intenta hacer entender a Watanuki.
En la segunda la historia en sí es un pretexto para mostrarnos al propio Watanuki, que algo no anda bien. El mundo como está plasmado aquí... así no es. Y pareciera que hay algo raro y simplemente mal. Pero desde la perspectiva tierna, emocional y oscura que representa la historia.
Aquí se deja en claro que no es una línea o historia nueva, y sí una continuación. La primera historia está muy padre en los trazos y todo, pero sobre todo en el significado. A veces hay cosas que ya no se necesitan, y aunque sean importantes y no se puedan reemplazar, tienen que partir. Y eso es lo que Yuko intenta hacer entender a Watanuki.
En la segunda la historia en sí es un pretexto para mostrarnos al propio Watanuki, que algo no anda bien. El mundo como está plasmado aquí... así no es. Y pareciera que hay algo raro y simplemente mal. Pero desde la perspectiva tierna, emocional y oscura que representa la historia.
August 23, 2014
One of the things I have always loved about Clamp and their manga is the art style. I love how the characters and the background are drawn. The added wisps help to set the mood, especially around Yuuko. xxxHolic has always been one of the few series where I do not dislike any character. I want to know about them all.
I have to say that I felt that the first story in this volume wasn't as strong as the second one. The second one appealed to me more and it has left us with a cliffhanger wondering what is really happening to Watanuki.
I have to say that I felt that the first story in this volume wasn't as strong as the second one. The second one appealed to me more and it has left us with a cliffhanger wondering what is really happening to Watanuki.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews