Title: Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, Vol. 18
Author: CLAMP
First published March 16, 2007
184 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780345504098 (ISBN10: 0345504097)
Rating: 4.35
Overview
A NEW GAME BEGINS! The chessboard has been reset and Princess Sakura is ready to face her opponents again. She has become a skilled chess player in the world of Infinity, but the stakes are higher as the Mafia tightens their grip on the game.
The other travelers are her pieces, and their safety is in Sakura’s hands. But why is she so determined to win, even if it means risking everything?
The answers lie ahead in Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, Vol. 18 by CLAMP.
About the Author
CLAMP is a manga artist group that was established in 1989. Initially, there were twelve members in the group; however, by 1990, the group had reduced to seven.
During the production of the RG Veda manga, Tamayo Akiyama, Sei Nanao, and Leeza Sei left the group, and other members like Soushi Hishika, O-Kyon, Kazue Nakamori, Yuzuru Inoue, and Shinya Ōmi also left the group at different times. Currently, there are four members in the group: Ōkawa Nanase, Mokona Apapa, Igarashi Satsuki, and Nekoi Tsubaki.
In 2004, to celebrate their 15th anniversary as mangaka, the members switched their names. Ōkawa Nanase became Ageha Ohkawa, Mokona Apapa became Mokona, Igarashi Satsuki retained her name but changed the characters used to write it, and Nekoi Tsubaki became Tsubaki Nekoi.
According to an interview with Ohkawa, the name changes were initially suggested because Mokona thought her surname sounded too childish, while Nekoi disliked people pointing out that her name was similar to Mick Jagger’s. Ohkawa and Igarashi changed their names to fit in with the others.
In 2006, CLAMP made their first public debut at Anime Expo in Anaheim, California, where they were warmly received. Over 6,000 fans attended their panel, and the group was pleased with the response.
Editoral Review
Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, Vol. 18 is a manga series written and illustrated by the renowned Japanese manga artist group, CLAMP.
The series falls under the fantasy and adventure genres and has been a favorite among manga enthusiasts since its debut in 2003.
In Vol. 18, readers are taken on a journey through the intricacies of the series’ plot, which centers around the characters of Syaoran, Sakura, and Mokona as they travel through different worlds in search of Sakura’s memories.
The plot is intricately woven, with each volume building on the previous one to create a cohesive and captivating storyline that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
The characters are well-developed, with distinct personalities that set them apart from each other. Syaoran, the protagonist, is a skilled fighter who is determined to protect Sakura at all costs, while Sakura is a gentle and kind-hearted girl who is slowly regaining her lost memories.
Mokona, their loyal companion, provides much-needed comic relief in the midst of the series’ darker moments.
One of the strengths of Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, Vol. 18 is the attention to detail in the artwork.
CLAMP’s artistic prowess is on full display, with every panel beautifully rendered and rich in detail. The world-building is also impressive, with each world the characters visit feeling distinct and unique.
However, the pacing of the series can be slow at times, with some volumes feeling like they are merely filler episodes. Additionally, the series may be difficult for readers who are not familiar with Japanese culture, as it heavily relies on Japanese mythology and folklore.
Despite these limitations, Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, Vol. 18 is a must-read for fans of the fantasy and adventure genres.
Its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and stunning artwork make it a standout among its peers. CLAMP’s ability to seamlessly weave multiple storylines together is a testament to their skill as artists and storytellers.
In conclusion, Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, Vol. 18 is an impressive addition to the series that will keep readers captivated from start to finish.
Its attention to detail, world-building, and character development make it a standout among manga series. Despite its slow pacing and reliance on Japanese mythology, it is highly recommended for anyone looking for a captivating and beautifully crafted read.
As a result, Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, Vol. 18 earns a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
