Title: xxxHolic, Vol. 7
Author: CLAMP
First published October 17, 2005
192 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780345483355 (ISBN10: 0345483359)
Rating: 4.34
Overview
Kimihiro Watanuki has been working tirelessly at Yûko Ishikawa’s mystical shop in exchange for her help in fulfilling his wish. Despite his hectic schedule, Kimihiro can’t help but be drawn to his charming classmate, Himawari-chan.
Meanwhile, his ongoing rivalry with Dômeki only seems to intensify with each passing day. When Dômeki unwittingly becomes the target of a dangerous curse, Kimihiro is forced to turn to Yûko for assistance.
But as always, the price for her help is steep. Will Kimihiro be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to save his nemesis?
Discover the answer in Volume 7 of xxxHolic!
About the Author
CLAMP is a mangaka group that was established in 1989 as a dōjinshi circle with twelve members. However, the group reduced to seven members by 1990, and several other members left during the production of the RG Veda manga.
Today, the group has four members.
In 2004, during CLAMP’s 15th anniversary as a mangaka group, the members decided to change their names. Nanase Ohkawa became Ageha Ohkawa, Mokona Apapa became Mokona, Mick Nekoi became Tsubaki Nekoi, and Satsuki Igarashi kept her name but used different characters to write it.
The reason for the change was that Mokona wanted to drop her surname since it sounded too immature, while Nekoi disliked people commenting on her name’s similarity to that of Mick Jagger. Ohkawa and Igarashi changed their names to go with the flow of Mokona’s and Nekoi’s name changes.
In 2006, CLAMP made their first public debut in the USA at the Anime Expo in Anaheim, California. The group was well-received at the convention, with 6,000 fans attending their panel.
Editoral Review
xxxHolic, Vol. 7 is a graphic novel written and illustrated by the Japanese manga artist collective, CLAMP.
This volume, first published on October 17, 2005, belongs to a long-running manga series that spans 19 volumes and has been adapted into anime, films, and video games. The series falls under the genres of supernatural, drama, romance, and psychological fiction, and it explores themes such as destiny, friendship, sacrifice, identity, and power.
The plot of xxxHolic, Vol. 7 follows the story of Kimihiro Watanuki, a high school student who can see spirits and is trapped in the service of the enigmatic and powerful witch, Yko Ichihara.
As Yko sends Watanuki and her other clients on various supernatural errands, they encounter new spirits, demons, and gods, and learn lessons about themselves and the world around them. In this volume, Watanuki is assigned to retrieve an artifact that can lift curses, but he finds himself embroiled in a family feud that threatens to harm innocent bystanders.
Meanwhile, his relationship with the aloof and mysterious Himawari Kunogi and the charming and playful Shizuka Dmeki continue to evolve. CLAMP’s artwork in xxxHolic, Vol.
7 is stunningly detailed, with intricate character designs, breathtaking landscapes, and eerie creatures that evoke both beauty and horror. The writing is equally impressive, as the authors craft a narrative that balances humor, suspense, and pathos.
The characters are well-developed and memorable, with distinct personalities and motivations that drive the plot forward. The themes explored in this novel are insightful and poignant, and they resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
One of the strengths of xxxHolic, Vol. 7 is its ability to blend genres and styles without feeling disjointed or inconsistent.
The supernatural elements are seamlessly integrated into the mundane world, creating a sense of magic and wonder that is grounded in reality. The character relationships are complex and nuanced, with moments of tenderness and conflict that are both believable and affecting.
The pacing is appropriate, with enough action and dialogue to keep the reader engaged without overwhelming them. The themes of fate, choice, and responsibility are explored in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally satisfying.
However, one of the weaknesses of this volume is that it relies too heavily on previous knowledge of the series, which may be confusing for new readers. Some of the cultural and historical references may also be lost on readers who are not familiar with Japanese folklore or customs.
Additionally, the cliffhanger ending may frustrate some readers who want a more conclusive resolution to the story. Overall, xxxHolic, Vol.
7 is a must-read for fans of manga, fantasy, and storytelling in general. It features stunning artwork, an engaging plot, complex characters, and insightful themes that will stay with readers long after they finish the book.
It is not without its flaws, but they are overshadowed by the book’s many strengths. This volume showcases CLAMP’s talent for creating worlds that are both familiar and fantastical, and it is a testament to the enduring popularity of the xxxHolic series.
It earns a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.