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ちょびっツ [Chobits] #8
Chobits, Vol. 8
Chi has developed quite a bit since Hideki found her lying in the garbage one fateful morning. She's learned to speak, work in a pastry shop, go shopping...and, so it would seem, to love. After much soul searching (if a persocom could even be considered to have a soul) Chi comes to the realization that her feelings towards Hideki, her "someone just fer her," are nothing short of love. Only two obstacles stand between her and happiness. First there's Hideki; he's been struggling with the idea that a person can have feelings for a machine. Can her return her love? Second is the mysterious Zima and Dita. Having run out of patience, they're quickly closing in to deactivate Chi before her strong emotions pose a threat to persocoms everywhere.
Chapters 82–88
Chapters 82–88
134 pages, Paperback
First published November 29, 2002
4 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
About the author
Clamp
747 books3,146 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 147 reviews
August 15, 2023
I have a new washing machine that plays a jingle when the load is ready. Every time I hear it from another room I go to the bathroom and greet it with a gentle pat: "Hi, I heard you're done! Thank you for your hard work!", before I take my clothes out, and I smile at her (yes, I think of it as a "her"). I read some time ago that very often when people bring their Roombas to the service, they want to be reassured that they will in fact repair their own vacuum cleaner, and give it back; not just give them a substitute:
More than half the owners of iRobot's Roomba name their device, claims the Burlington, Massachussetts, company. Owners often talk to their machines, and many treat them as though they were alive, or semi-sentient, anyway. Some even take them on holiday, unwilling to leave them at home alone.
"We have people who actually consider them their companion, even though it's just vacuuming their floor," said iRobot spokeswoman Nancy Dussault. "People get attached to them and think of them as part of their family. It's almost a pet. It makes them feel like they're not alone. It's really interesting how they've taken to their robots."
Wired
According to this manga, this is because, even though machines don't have a heart, humans do; and that is why we fall in love with creatures even if they can't love us back - creatures like washing machines, vacuum cleaners, or androids.
Countless books, comics, movies etc. have been written exploring the relationship between humans and machines, and with the rise of AI the topic has become even more prominent. Weather we see the rise of AI as progress or something to be feared, we can't deny that, as time goes on, the relationship we have with technology has become as important (if not more important) than the one we have with other human beings and "living" creatures. Think about it: how much time does the average person spend with their loved ones and how much with their computer/smartphone?
Without giving any judgment on the quality of legitimacy of our relationships with pieces of technology (personally, I'm an introvert and rarely seek the company of other humans if not behind my screen, and honestly I don't see anything wrong with that), it's difficult to deny how important they've become in our daily life. Is it because we're lonely? Is it because, as a product of our modern way of living, we're more and more isolated each day? Maybe.
But the real reason why I think people often shun away from human/human relationships is because they are hard af. Humans are complicated and keeping relationships with them takes time and effort, especially with people like me who, because of how our mind is wired, struggle more than the average person during social interactions. So then it might sound selfish and immature, but sometimes it's just easy to chat with AI than with another human, because we (the humans) are the ones who programmed it to behave exactly as we want it too (at least for now...). Machines are great because they are dependable, simple, elegant and - in one word - predictable. An android follows the program that's been created and installed by a human, and will never surprise us users by upsetting us, belittling us, getting angry at us, or disappointing us. In other words, it's safe. It makes us feel like we're in control.
You can't control another human being or even, to a certain extent, a pet. And neither should you, because it would be immoral. But an android, now that is a completely different thing. An android belongs to you, it is one of your possessions. An android would never reject you, or hurt you, and it will always, always behave exactly like you want it to. Now if you had, let's say, a partner that was an android, they will never be able to refuse to have sex with you. Or bring you out for dinner. They would be, for all intents and purposes, legal slaves. However, because they're not human, this would be perfectly legal. So you would have something that looks like a human, behaves like a human, feels like a human... but has no rights apart from what you choose for them. Nothing wold stop you, for example, from torturing them to "death" for the sake of it; or to act on the most depraved fantasies, and this would be completely ok. And this is exactly why falling in love with an android would be such an icky thing to do. Because it would mean to "fall in love" with someone who loves you back just because you told them to. However, despite this sounding like some incel utopia, in reality this is why loving an android would be such a sad thing.
I'm a homesteader and I have a cat. She's a barn cat, born and raised in the countryside, but when she was little she was too small for her age and kinda sickly so we kept her inside since it was winter and the temperatures here go down to -25 C. When the good season came, I know I was supposed to set her free again, but I struggled and found a million reasons why I shouldn't, because I was scared of losing her. In the end, I decided to let her go, and was delighted when she came back a couple of hour later. Now every morning I let her out, and every afternoon she comes back for food and cuddles, and a nap. The fact that she came back is what made me so happy, because I knew then that she was with us because she chose us. Nobody forced her to come back to me, she chose me, she chose to love me. So when Hideki holds Chii in his arms for the days to come, his happiness will forever be bittersweet, as he'll never be able to know if she chooses to be with him because she wants him, or because she was programmed to, and this is why, tragically, a relationship between a human and a machine (at least of this kind) could never be anything but bittersweet.
(a re-read of a childhood favourite)
More than half the owners of iRobot's Roomba name their device, claims the Burlington, Massachussetts, company. Owners often talk to their machines, and many treat them as though they were alive, or semi-sentient, anyway. Some even take them on holiday, unwilling to leave them at home alone.
"We have people who actually consider them their companion, even though it's just vacuuming their floor," said iRobot spokeswoman Nancy Dussault. "People get attached to them and think of them as part of their family. It's almost a pet. It makes them feel like they're not alone. It's really interesting how they've taken to their robots."
Wired
According to this manga, this is because, even though machines don't have a heart, humans do; and that is why we fall in love with creatures even if they can't love us back - creatures like washing machines, vacuum cleaners, or androids.
Countless books, comics, movies etc. have been written exploring the relationship between humans and machines, and with the rise of AI the topic has become even more prominent. Weather we see the rise of AI as progress or something to be feared, we can't deny that, as time goes on, the relationship we have with technology has become as important (if not more important) than the one we have with other human beings and "living" creatures. Think about it: how much time does the average person spend with their loved ones and how much with their computer/smartphone?
Without giving any judgment on the quality of legitimacy of our relationships with pieces of technology (personally, I'm an introvert and rarely seek the company of other humans if not behind my screen, and honestly I don't see anything wrong with that), it's difficult to deny how important they've become in our daily life. Is it because we're lonely? Is it because, as a product of our modern way of living, we're more and more isolated each day? Maybe.
But the real reason why I think people often shun away from human/human relationships is because they are hard af. Humans are complicated and keeping relationships with them takes time and effort, especially with people like me who, because of how our mind is wired, struggle more than the average person during social interactions. So then it might sound selfish and immature, but sometimes it's just easy to chat with AI than with another human, because we (the humans) are the ones who programmed it to behave exactly as we want it too (at least for now...). Machines are great because they are dependable, simple, elegant and - in one word - predictable. An android follows the program that's been created and installed by a human, and will never surprise us users by upsetting us, belittling us, getting angry at us, or disappointing us. In other words, it's safe. It makes us feel like we're in control.
You can't control another human being or even, to a certain extent, a pet. And neither should you, because it would be immoral. But an android, now that is a completely different thing. An android belongs to you, it is one of your possessions. An android would never reject you, or hurt you, and it will always, always behave exactly like you want it to. Now if you had, let's say, a partner that was an android, they will never be able to refuse to have sex with you. Or bring you out for dinner. They would be, for all intents and purposes, legal slaves. However, because they're not human, this would be perfectly legal. So you would have something that looks like a human, behaves like a human, feels like a human... but has no rights apart from what you choose for them. Nothing wold stop you, for example, from torturing them to "death" for the sake of it; or to act on the most depraved fantasies, and this would be completely ok. And this is exactly why falling in love with an android would be such an icky thing to do. Because it would mean to "fall in love" with someone who loves you back just because you told them to. However, despite this sounding like some incel utopia, in reality this is why loving an android would be such a sad thing.
I'm a homesteader and I have a cat. She's a barn cat, born and raised in the countryside, but when she was little she was too small for her age and kinda sickly so we kept her inside since it was winter and the temperatures here go down to -25 C. When the good season came, I know I was supposed to set her free again, but I struggled and found a million reasons why I shouldn't, because I was scared of losing her. In the end, I decided to let her go, and was delighted when she came back a couple of hour later. Now every morning I let her out, and every afternoon she comes back for food and cuddles, and a nap. The fact that she came back is what made me so happy, because I knew then that she was with us because she chose us. Nobody forced her to come back to me, she chose me, she chose to love me. So when Hideki holds Chii in his arms for the days to come, his happiness will forever be bittersweet, as he'll never be able to know if she chooses to be with him because she wants him, or because she was programmed to, and this is why, tragically, a relationship between a human and a machine (at least of this kind) could never be anything but bittersweet.
(a re-read of a childhood favourite)
September 5, 2018
Awww … I feel all warm and fuzzy now. No details, but rest assured that all ends well.
We kind of knew that things were headed to this point, but would have felt cheated if it had arrived too soon. Yes, parts of the story are very contrived, but it's all for a good cause. CLAMP tend to do certain things solely for the coolness factor. You just have to go with it.
Chobits has its good and bad points, but on the whole, it's pretty good. It doesn't blow me away like some series--Death Note, for instance--but it does what it does very well. It also has the advantage of being fairly short--only eight volumes. It's a nice, solid series worthy of your time. Recommended!
We kind of knew that things were headed to this point, but would have felt cheated if it had arrived too soon. Yes, parts of the story are very contrived, but it's all for a good cause. CLAMP tend to do certain things solely for the coolness factor. You just have to go with it.
Chobits has its good and bad points, but on the whole, it's pretty good. It doesn't blow me away like some series--Death Note, for instance--but it does what it does very well. It also has the advantage of being fairly short--only eight volumes. It's a nice, solid series worthy of your time. Recommended!
June 19, 2017
4.5/5
I'm not going to bother with a blog review, so here it is.
I read this series because my partner introduced me to it, though he's only watched the anime (I have to do that next). I am really glad he introduced me to this because it was better than I was expecting! I was expecting cuteness, and yes I got that, but it has an interesting story-line that gets deeper the more you go on and has a good message by the end. It talks about what love is. It talks about flaws, how everyone is flawed, no matter what. We can think others are superior and have it easier, when in reality that may not be the case. I don't necessarily think it's perfect but I loved it over-all and was pleasantly surprised to see the messages in it along with the deepening plot.
I also loved the characters and the art. If you are looking for a quick read with cuteness and a dose of thought-provoking and still sweet story, i'd say to give it a shot!
Edit: I put it in my book blog, same review just with added stats Here
I'm not going to bother with a blog review, so here it is.
I read this series because my partner introduced me to it, though he's only watched the anime (I have to do that next). I am really glad he introduced me to this because it was better than I was expecting! I was expecting cuteness, and yes I got that, but it has an interesting story-line that gets deeper the more you go on and has a good message by the end. It talks about what love is. It talks about flaws, how everyone is flawed, no matter what. We can think others are superior and have it easier, when in reality that may not be the case. I don't necessarily think it's perfect but I loved it over-all and was pleasantly surprised to see the messages in it along with the deepening plot.
I also loved the characters and the art. If you are looking for a quick read with cuteness and a dose of thought-provoking and still sweet story, i'd say to give it a shot!
Edit: I put it in my book blog, same review just with added stats Here
September 17, 2024
Originally Read: 2009
Reviewed: Sept. 2015
Ahh, this series brings back memories.... It was the second manga series I've read, and the first I completed in one go (since Vampire Knight was only 6 volumes long at the time...). I've reread Chobits about 2-3 times since I was 17, the latest reread being split in half, from July '15 to yesterday, Sept '15. And honestly.... Despite the seeming lack of raving critiques, I still find this to be one of my favorite manga.
I've broken into several CLAMP's work since my first introduction to Chobits: Magic Knight Rayearth (I and II), Cardcaptor Sakura and Cardcaptor Sakura: Master of the Clow, Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, and XXXHOLIC. And over the course of the years, I've gained respect and awe for CLAMP's gorgeous artwork, intricate stories, and "feels-worthy" scenes. And Chobits is no exception. Its premise seems to be geared toward sheer fan-service and harem cliches.... But it turns around and gives the reader so much more than that.
Hideki is 19 years old, shy yet horny, overreactive, and a general hot mess in life. He works hard to barely get by, and struggles to concentrate in school. Not to mention, in an increasingly technologically advanced world, his knowledge of computers is nonexistent. So how did such an unlikely loser happen to come across a "thrown away" Persocom (or humanoid computer), that, once activated, becomes solely dependent on him? Manga/anime logic, that's how!!
Joking aside, we soon learn that's something more to "Chii" than merely her adorably innocent personality and shameless nude scenes. On the outside, she's useless as a computer, but really she retains so much more than anyone can imagine... Of course, much of the series merely dabbles in vague hints of her past and "power," but the last two volumes brings it all together. The series questions what emotions are and whether anything nonhuman can "feel" or think beyond programming, and if it's okay to love something that may or may not have said emotions. The questions are both given answers and remain ambiguous... And I think that's a good thing.
Love is a very broad term for a reason. Because everyone loves a little differently and everyone finds happiness in various ways. I love how this series had human/Persocom pairings in several ways: a human and a Persocom, two humans, two Persocoms, etc... All give different forms of love, even when "morals" are questioned (Yumi and Manager Ueda, anyone?), and all are wonderfully genuine.
Hideki, whom I gave a rather unfair description above, is possibly the sweetest guy ever, while remaining hilariously awkward. Chii/Elda is adorable, naive, and warm. Minoru is a kid genius with a lonely heart; his "replacement sister" Yuzuki is loyal to the core. Yumi is bubbly and energetic while secretly suffering from lack of self-worth. Ueda has a controversial past, but is proud of it and manages to remain kind and shy. Shimbo is the wisecracking friend with a heart of gold; "Sensei" struggles between her neglectful husband and her devoted lover. And of course, the "government data bank" and its "defense" are polar opposite Persocoms that somehow make a perfect team. Everyone has their place and their love, even the mysterious landlady of Hideki's apartment complex, whose love for her late husband motivates her actions throughout the story.
CLAMP has memorable characters that have familiar archetypes while managing to still retain some uniqueness. And even in a simple sci-fi/fan-servicey series as this, the characterization is flawless. Even if the "love conquers all" theme can be a bit much to swallow for some readers, I'm a sucker for it.... If it's done right. And Chobits does that beautifully.
Reviewed: Sept. 2015
Ahh, this series brings back memories.... It was the second manga series I've read, and the first I completed in one go (since Vampire Knight was only 6 volumes long at the time...). I've reread Chobits about 2-3 times since I was 17, the latest reread being split in half, from July '15 to yesterday, Sept '15. And honestly.... Despite the seeming lack of raving critiques, I still find this to be one of my favorite manga.
I've broken into several CLAMP's work since my first introduction to Chobits: Magic Knight Rayearth (I and II), Cardcaptor Sakura and Cardcaptor Sakura: Master of the Clow, Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, and XXXHOLIC. And over the course of the years, I've gained respect and awe for CLAMP's gorgeous artwork, intricate stories, and "feels-worthy" scenes. And Chobits is no exception. Its premise seems to be geared toward sheer fan-service and harem cliches.... But it turns around and gives the reader so much more than that.
Hideki is 19 years old, shy yet horny, overreactive, and a general hot mess in life. He works hard to barely get by, and struggles to concentrate in school. Not to mention, in an increasingly technologically advanced world, his knowledge of computers is nonexistent. So how did such an unlikely loser happen to come across a "thrown away" Persocom (or humanoid computer), that, once activated, becomes solely dependent on him? Manga/anime logic, that's how!!
Joking aside, we soon learn that's something more to "Chii" than merely her adorably innocent personality and shameless nude scenes. On the outside, she's useless as a computer, but really she retains so much more than anyone can imagine... Of course, much of the series merely dabbles in vague hints of her past and "power," but the last two volumes brings it all together. The series questions what emotions are and whether anything nonhuman can "feel" or think beyond programming, and if it's okay to love something that may or may not have said emotions. The questions are both given answers and remain ambiguous... And I think that's a good thing.
Love is a very broad term for a reason. Because everyone loves a little differently and everyone finds happiness in various ways. I love how this series had human/Persocom pairings in several ways: a human and a Persocom, two humans, two Persocoms, etc... All give different forms of love, even when "morals" are questioned (Yumi and Manager Ueda, anyone?), and all are wonderfully genuine.
Hideki, whom I gave a rather unfair description above, is possibly the sweetest guy ever, while remaining hilariously awkward. Chii/Elda is adorable, naive, and warm. Minoru is a kid genius with a lonely heart; his "replacement sister" Yuzuki is loyal to the core. Yumi is bubbly and energetic while secretly suffering from lack of self-worth. Ueda has a controversial past, but is proud of it and manages to remain kind and shy. Shimbo is the wisecracking friend with a heart of gold; "Sensei" struggles between her neglectful husband and her devoted lover. And of course, the "government data bank" and its "defense" are polar opposite Persocoms that somehow make a perfect team. Everyone has their place and their love, even the mysterious landlady of Hideki's apartment complex, whose love for her late husband motivates her actions throughout the story.
CLAMP has memorable characters that have familiar archetypes while managing to still retain some uniqueness. And even in a simple sci-fi/fan-servicey series as this, the characterization is flawless. Even if the "love conquers all" theme can be a bit much to swallow for some readers, I'm a sucker for it.... If it's done right. And Chobits does that beautifully.
September 20, 2022
Ce manga est parfait. D'une douceur sans précédent par moments, triste à d'autres et souvent amusant.
Cest mon coup de cœur depuis déjà quelques années et je ne me lasse jamais de le relire.
Cest mon coup de cœur depuis déjà quelques années et je ne me lasse jamais de le relire.
December 8, 2012
I continue to feel torn about this series.
On one hand, in many cases the overall story is much sweeter than it has any right to be, in particular with the side characters and their love lives. There's a strong message about being loved and valued for who your really are, and that's admirable. Also, this is some of the best of CLAMP's art.
On the other hand, though, the core relationship in this story has a power imbalance that's never really dealt with. Plus, without getting too spoilery, there's a real WTF in the final volume that make you wonder about just what Chi's maker was thinking. It's something that is clearly in there for plot purposes, but it's more than a bit messed up. These issues got in the way of fully enjoying this story as much I would have liked to,
Overall, it's worth a read if you can be content with an interesting, but flawed, series.
On one hand, in many cases the overall story is much sweeter than it has any right to be, in particular with the side characters and their love lives. There's a strong message about being loved and valued for who your really are, and that's admirable. Also, this is some of the best of CLAMP's art.
On the other hand, though, the core relationship in this story has a power imbalance that's never really dealt with. Plus, without getting too spoilery, there's a real WTF in the final volume that make you wonder about just what Chi's maker was thinking. It's something that is clearly in there for plot purposes, but it's more than a bit messed up. These issues got in the way of fully enjoying this story as much I would have liked to,
Overall, it's worth a read if you can be content with an interesting, but flawed, series.
January 1, 2018
I started to review each installment on its own, but really, they’re much too short to look at separately. Throughout the series you get to delve deeper into Chi, who she is and who she was. I loved learning her complex history and was nearly tearing up when I read about what happened to her and her first family. Although I can see several messages or morals to the story, I feel it’s mostly about love and caring for others regardless of their “flaws” or differences. Honestly, who wouldn’t love Chi and her adorableness!! (Yes, I know adorableness isn’t a real word, but in this case it should be.) I recommend this to all Manga lovers and those who have never read any Manga. This is a great series to start reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2021
The final volume and I am so sad to see this series end. It is definitely a perfect ending for me. Everyone gets an ending. Not just the manager, but also the black duo who are adorable. And of course Chi and Hideki get their big fairy tale ending and I am happy for both of them. For Hideki for coming to face his feelings and be honest about them. For Chi who finally found the one for her. I did love how Freya had to mention a certain *cough* part that would never be able to done. Oh Freya. XD
I will keep on recommending this series, definitely will do another re-read in a few years!
I will keep on recommending this series, definitely will do another re-read in a few years!
March 5, 2016
I have a lot of thoughts, I need to organize them!
LOVE WINS! I'm questioning a lot of the things about the persocoms maker's decisions, but oh well. It was fun and adorable, and I loved the different relationships and the deeper look into robot/human relationships. CLAMP are amazing as usual!
LOVE WINS! I'm questioning a lot of the things about the persocoms maker's decisions, but oh well. It was fun and adorable, and I loved the different relationships and the deeper look into robot/human relationships. CLAMP are amazing as usual!
October 8, 2019
Une jolie fin de shojo comme on les aime plein d'étoiles et d'amour chamallow, de temps en temps ça fait du bien. le grand secret de Tchii était bien prévisible mais purifie le lien qu'elle entretient avec Hideki. le duo Jiima et Dita font le pendant d'une nouvelle forme d'attachement.
Les réflexions éthiques autour de ce manga posent question sur l'avenir de la robotique et du lien de l'humain à la machine humanoïde. Une jolie réussite toute en douceur. Une série très belle graphiquement à l'aune de l'oeuvre des CLAMP et une intrigue intéressante et un peu plus ramifiée que les shojo classiques.
Les réflexions éthiques autour de ce manga posent question sur l'avenir de la robotique et du lien de l'humain à la machine humanoïde. Une jolie réussite toute en douceur. Une série très belle graphiquement à l'aune de l'oeuvre des CLAMP et une intrigue intéressante et un peu plus ramifiée que les shojo classiques.
October 3, 2025
Le principe même de cette série est dérangeant. Le traitement de l'histoire est dérangeant. Les personnages sont dérangeants. Les tentatives de rendre le tout mignon sont dérangeantes. Tout est malsain dans cette histoire.
January 25, 2018
El colofón perfecto para esta obra, no entiendo porque tarde tanto en leer con lo bien que me lo pase y lo mucho que la disfrute, reí y sufrí con los personajes.
July 12, 2019
Kändes lite roligt att läsa om dessa böcker igen efter ett antal år. Typisk manga men blev väldigt nostalgisk.
February 20, 2020
Je ne me souvenais pas du tout de cette fin!
August 14, 2020
For my complete thoughts, please check out this reaction vlog:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM47u...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM47u...
August 19, 2022
Literally crying at work over the last 5 pages, I love this shit so much. I too hope to find the someone's just for me.
April 12, 2021
ok!... as a whole.. it was ok.. the grand finale wasn’t all that grand
however
I did like that the series was a quick, easy read
i enjoyed all of Chi’s drawings and outfits
but
still not sure if this type of reading is for me
however
I did like that the series was a quick, easy read
i enjoyed all of Chi’s drawings and outfits
but
still not sure if this type of reading is for me
June 14, 2019
Aquí acaba la historia de Chii y Hideki. Quizá es porque ya soy adulta pero se me ha hecho un final un tanto insuficiente en comparación a la primera vez que leí el manga. Se queda muy por encima de todo lo que podría ofrecernos el universo de Chobits y me parece una verdadera lástima.
Aún así, es una serie muy recomendable de leer.
Aún así, es una serie muy recomendable de leer.
January 26, 2021
This was the first manga I ever read: an 8-volume series by CLAMP titled Chobits. I loved the cute girl on the covers with her fancy dresses, but what was even more intriguing was the fact that she’s a computer! In these books, “persocoms” (humanoid computers) are the latest advancement in technology. When poor student Hideki finds Chi (the girl on the cover) tied up and abandoned in the trash, he takes her home, thinking he’s gotten himself a free piece of software. Only, when she boots up, he discovers that she’s not your average persocom – there’s much more to her than meets the eye.
What was so fascinating about this series is how it explored the relationship between human and technology. Computers and other pieces of tech are designed to make our lives easier, and the persocoms in this book are no exception. They function as store clerks, secretaries, personal assistants – all the functions of your laptop or smart phone, but with the ability to walk, talk, and interact like a person. Only it doesn’t end there. Throughout the series, there are examples of “relationships” between the persocoms and their humans. Whether or not an artificial life form can have feelings or fall in love is in fact the crux of this manga.
Eventually, Chi and Hideki come to understand that they do in fact “love” each other. Now, a human having a relationship with a computer isn’t my thing, but finding “that someone just for me” is. Love comes in many different colors.
I have more to say on this manga (and others!) in my blog! Check it out here:
http://www.lynnwallaceauthor.com/blog...
July 19, 2020
Umm... hmm... I read this volume in what felt like 20 minutes. It was extremely predictable and a lackluster ending. While I’m happy for Chi, Hideki, and everyone else’s happiness, I felt like the story got weird, bland, and there were a lot of introduced characters that I wish were given more backstory or had more importance towards the progression of the story. I enjoyed the story way more in the first four volumes because there were a lot of funny moments, mystery, and intrigue. As the story started to unfold, it got a little too weird. Especially knowing that Chi was built to be a child for Ms. Hibiya who couldn’t conceive. A child whose purpose was to find their true love. She is forever a CHILD. And then, during the big reveal of Hideki and Chi’s feelings for each other, she mentions how they can never have sex because she’ll lose all her memories. That made me feel uncomfortable, and it would’ve been better if Chi was an older persecom. I still really like the series, and it gives me nostalgia, but it definitely has problems.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2015
It's a shame that the last volume in the series was cut so short, I was expecting so much more.
A bit disappointed with the ending...
A bit disappointed with the ending...
July 15, 2023
Hasta que actualicen con la edición correcta. Amamos esta serie.
October 15, 2025
Review for complete series
Hideki may not know much about computers, but he does know he is lucky when he finds one abandoned on the trash. Computers with human appearance are increasingly more common and people are starting to prefer their company over fellow humans. Hideki is sure he knows his computer, named Chi, isn't human, yet he too can't help but react to her very human behaviour.
Chobits was one of my first manga and so it definitely gets nostalgia points. This is also one of my favourite works when it comes to CLAMP's art - it's gorgeous throughout! Chi has a beautiful design and, whether programmed or not, has such a cute personality. Hideki is also a nice guy - I mean, he's perfectly average and there's nothing that really stands out, yet I can't help but like him for his kindness.
The plot, however, isn't quite my thing. Even when I read it the first time around, I remember thinking it was moderately boring at parts and the finale was lacklustre. The characters are all likeable and it's nice how the supporting cast is included in the story, but there are just some elements that feel very off about this story. There is a certain amount of fan service which doesn't suit the rest of the story. The fanservice is nowhere as extreme as you can get it in other manga, but it didn't match well with the philosophical take CLAMP was trying to pull off.
To make matters worse, the whole philosophy aspect was a bit of a miss too. The story raises many questions along the lines of spending too much time with computers rather than fellow humans or what it means to love an object, one you know doesn't have a soul. Somehow, I feel as though CLAMP threw common sense into the wind and went with the less rational choice; loving objects is perfectly natural and equal to loving a human. I'd honestly rather have had some conclusion of computers being able to develop human emotion rather than just it's ok to love something that's not real.
I didn't quite get the point of the ending, there seemed a lot of build-up and drama but then nothing big happened. But even though I've had a lot to complain, I'd be lying if I'd say that I don't like Chobits. The beautiful art, the nice characters and many individual scenes really make up for the so-so plot - and of course, nostalgia.
December 13, 2025
Finished rereading the Chobits series, and what it ultimately is, is a sweet fairy tale about not “robots,” but persocoms as a whole, narrowing in on two precious little Chobits.
There may be plot holes or worl-building choices that stand out here and there — for two persocoms that are advanced and supposed to represent the National Data Base and then be its protector, I am skeptical that government agencies would be so “kind” as to provide them with programming for emotions and attachments. Perhaps there was an explanation at one point in the series where all persocoms have to be built with emotions and personalities, a stipulation on the creator’s part? But again, I also think of how cruel humans can be, that the idea that persocoms are built with their own emotions as well as what human beings are capable of, they’re being signed up to experience quite a lot of pain. The film “Companion” explored just this, as an example. “Ex Machina,” as well. Heartbreak isn’t the only thing that could potentially endanger these persocoms.
I also find it interesting that Hideki is a virgin, and then will go on to theoretically be a “forever virgin” with Chi, considering they cannot consummate their relationship. Because the location of her reset button is between her legs — which is never answered why it would be there of all places. Was it to “protect” Chobits in some weird way? Does this also mean that most persocoms are built with full anatomy? Were there concerns around that the creator wanted to avoid? This is never really answered, and considering the implications, yes I do believe it would be worth addressing. Do persocoms have sexual desire? Are they built with it? Surely some could be “programmed” with it, yes? But did the creator want to keep that from them or? I don’t know, it’s just wild, that aspect. It could be framed as wholesome, but there are so many implications it reads rather like forced chastity and punishing bodily love — which is wild, considering just how much “fanservice” there is. Perhaps if there was more of an exploration of Hideki’s growth and becoming more adult himself and becoming less of a pervert?
Whatever the case, Chobits still serves to be a very sweet fairy tale, a love story, with beautiful artwork, existing in a very kind world.
There may be plot holes or worl-building choices that stand out here and there — for two persocoms that are advanced and supposed to represent the National Data Base and then be its protector, I am skeptical that government agencies would be so “kind” as to provide them with programming for emotions and attachments. Perhaps there was an explanation at one point in the series where all persocoms have to be built with emotions and personalities, a stipulation on the creator’s part? But again, I also think of how cruel humans can be, that the idea that persocoms are built with their own emotions as well as what human beings are capable of, they’re being signed up to experience quite a lot of pain. The film “Companion” explored just this, as an example. “Ex Machina,” as well. Heartbreak isn’t the only thing that could potentially endanger these persocoms.
I also find it interesting that Hideki is a virgin, and then will go on to theoretically be a “forever virgin” with Chi, considering they cannot consummate their relationship. Because the location of her reset button is between her legs — which is never answered why it would be there of all places. Was it to “protect” Chobits in some weird way? Does this also mean that most persocoms are built with full anatomy? Were there concerns around that the creator wanted to avoid? This is never really answered, and considering the implications, yes I do believe it would be worth addressing. Do persocoms have sexual desire? Are they built with it? Surely some could be “programmed” with it, yes? But did the creator want to keep that from them or? I don’t know, it’s just wild, that aspect. It could be framed as wholesome, but there are so many implications it reads rather like forced chastity and punishing bodily love — which is wild, considering just how much “fanservice” there is. Perhaps if there was more of an exploration of Hideki’s growth and becoming more adult himself and becoming less of a pervert?
Whatever the case, Chobits still serves to be a very sweet fairy tale, a love story, with beautiful artwork, existing in a very kind world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2023
Et voilà, j'ai enfin lu et découvert Chobits. C'était une bonne lecture mais il y a quelques petites choses qui m'ont gênée.
Déjà, j'ai beaucoup aimé le fait de raconter l'histoire de Tchii via un livre illustré. On suit la parution de ce livre tout au long du manga et ça nous donne quelques informations. Mais j'ai trouvé que c'était trop répétitif. C'était assez souvent la même situation et les mêmes dialogues. Au bout d'un moment ça devenait saoulant. Oui, j'ai compris Tchii doit trouver une personne rien que pour elle. Vous le répétez une bonne dizaine de fois par tome...
L'histoire de Tchii est intéressante. J'ai adoré découvrir ses origines et pourquoi elle était amnésique. Mais la Tchii qu'on suit est assez basique. Elle est amnésique, et donc doit tout réapprendre. Mais j'ai l'impression qu'il la rende plus idiote qu'autre chose. Et je n'ai pas non plus aimé le fait qu'elle parle d'elle à la troisième personne. Au bout d'un moment c'était lourd.
Sa relation avec Hideki est assez simple. Mais je l'ai tout de même bien aimé. J'ai surtout préféré les relations entre les autres personnages et leurs ordinateurs. Elles permettent de faire comprendre à Hideki que ses sentiments ne sont pas mauvais. Et qu'il a le droit de les ressentir.
En tout cas ça reste une bonne lecture. Je m'attendais à ce que ça reste pervers mais on part sur une romance assez mignonne.
Déjà, j'ai beaucoup aimé le fait de raconter l'histoire de Tchii via un livre illustré. On suit la parution de ce livre tout au long du manga et ça nous donne quelques informations. Mais j'ai trouvé que c'était trop répétitif. C'était assez souvent la même situation et les mêmes dialogues. Au bout d'un moment ça devenait saoulant. Oui, j'ai compris Tchii doit trouver une personne rien que pour elle. Vous le répétez une bonne dizaine de fois par tome...
L'histoire de Tchii est intéressante. J'ai adoré découvrir ses origines et pourquoi elle était amnésique. Mais la Tchii qu'on suit est assez basique. Elle est amnésique, et donc doit tout réapprendre. Mais j'ai l'impression qu'il la rende plus idiote qu'autre chose. Et je n'ai pas non plus aimé le fait qu'elle parle d'elle à la troisième personne. Au bout d'un moment c'était lourd.
Sa relation avec Hideki est assez simple. Mais je l'ai tout de même bien aimé. J'ai surtout préféré les relations entre les autres personnages et leurs ordinateurs. Elles permettent de faire comprendre à Hideki que ses sentiments ne sont pas mauvais. Et qu'il a le droit de les ressentir.
En tout cas ça reste une bonne lecture. Je m'attendais à ce que ça reste pervers mais on part sur une romance assez mignonne.
September 28, 2023
le tengo mucho cariño a esta historia porque me vi el anime de pequeña y tenia muchas ganas de refrescarme la memoria con el manga.
una lectura rapida y amena. solo por la estetica y el diseño de los personajes le daria cinco estrellas, clamp nunca me defrauda. pero si no lo he hecho ha sido por la cantidad de cosas turbias que desde mi punto de vista, contaminan una historia que podria haber sido todo ternura.
se de sobra que no se puede esperar mucho del tipico protagonista plano pervertido y precisamente esa es una de las cosas que mas me han molestado (ademas de otros detalles como las metaforas extrañas y la diferencia de edad en las parejas secundarias, creo que tanto en ambos casos los dos son menores de edad, aunque no estoy muy segura de si shinbo lo era pero bueno, de todas formas sigue siendo un poco raro)
en fin, en cualquier caso sigo teniendole mucho cariño al personaje de chi y a la historia, y me da rabia porque la premisa es super interesante y la historia paralela de la ciudad sin gente es preciosa, pero no la he disfrutado tanto como en su dia.
una lectura rapida y amena. solo por la estetica y el diseño de los personajes le daria cinco estrellas, clamp nunca me defrauda. pero si no lo he hecho ha sido por la cantidad de cosas turbias que desde mi punto de vista, contaminan una historia que podria haber sido todo ternura.
se de sobra que no se puede esperar mucho del tipico protagonista plano pervertido y precisamente esa es una de las cosas que mas me han molestado (ademas de otros detalles como las metaforas extrañas y la diferencia de edad en las parejas secundarias, creo que tanto en ambos casos los dos son menores de edad, aunque no estoy muy segura de si shinbo lo era pero bueno, de todas formas sigue siendo un poco raro)
en fin, en cualquier caso sigo teniendole mucho cariño al personaje de chi y a la historia, y me da rabia porque la premisa es super interesante y la historia paralela de la ciudad sin gente es preciosa, pero no la he disfrutado tanto como en su dia.
March 15, 2024
Y se acabó
Llevaba años queriendo leer este manga. Tiempo atrás vi el anime y me pareció una historia tan bonita y tan buena que quise meterme también en sus páginas
Tarde lo mío, porque lo malo que tiene el manga es que son muchos tomos y leerlos todos de seguido puede cansar un poco, además, no soy una persona muy fan de sagas, soy de las que prefieren las historias autoconclusivas. Juntas estás cosas y así pasa, que tardas la vida en ponerte a ello jaja
Chobits es una historia de amor, pero también es una reflexión profunda sobre qué te hace estar vivo, por qué es tan importante tener emociones, cómo puede algo no vivo sentir, mostrar emociones y ser alguien importante para una persona. Es una historia que quiere ir más allá de lo típico, quiero hacer te pensar en que las cosas, aunque sean cosas, pueden ser importantes.
Para mí este manga es un 10 de 10, sin duda alguna la recomiendo a toda persona que ame las historias bien hechas, con grandes personajes y con historias de Amor maravillosas, leer este manga
Llevaba años queriendo leer este manga. Tiempo atrás vi el anime y me pareció una historia tan bonita y tan buena que quise meterme también en sus páginas
Tarde lo mío, porque lo malo que tiene el manga es que son muchos tomos y leerlos todos de seguido puede cansar un poco, además, no soy una persona muy fan de sagas, soy de las que prefieren las historias autoconclusivas. Juntas estás cosas y así pasa, que tardas la vida en ponerte a ello jaja
Chobits es una historia de amor, pero también es una reflexión profunda sobre qué te hace estar vivo, por qué es tan importante tener emociones, cómo puede algo no vivo sentir, mostrar emociones y ser alguien importante para una persona. Es una historia que quiere ir más allá de lo típico, quiero hacer te pensar en que las cosas, aunque sean cosas, pueden ser importantes.
Para mí este manga es un 10 de 10, sin duda alguna la recomiendo a toda persona que ame las historias bien hechas, con grandes personajes y con historias de Amor maravillosas, leer este manga
December 24, 2018
So the big finale is finally here - Hideki finally gives voice to his feelings for Chi admitting she is his someone just for him and saving the world. I do feel a bit sorry for him though, when the big sacrifice he has to make is that he can never be intimate with Chi because it will re-set her and she'll lose all her memories/personality. Yet he loves her anyway. Awwww.
All our subsidiary characters find love in its various forms as well:
Yumi/Udea (human/human)
Shinbo/Ms. Shimizu (human/human)
Minoru/Yuzuki (Human/Perscom)
Dita/Zima (Perscom/Perscom) - I haven't mentioned these two punky perscoms before - but they've been in the background looking for Chi for several volumes. I somehow wish they'd get their own spin-off series - it adds another dimension and shows how even regular Perscoms are evolving and can rise above their initial programming.
A fitting end to a wonderful series with gorgeous artwork.
All our subsidiary characters find love in its various forms as well:
Yumi/Udea (human/human)
Shinbo/Ms. Shimizu (human/human)
Minoru/Yuzuki (Human/Perscom)
Dita/Zima (Perscom/Perscom) - I haven't mentioned these two punky perscoms before - but they've been in the background looking for Chi for several volumes. I somehow wish they'd get their own spin-off series - it adds another dimension and shows how even regular Perscoms are evolving and can rise above their initial programming.
A fitting end to a wonderful series with gorgeous artwork.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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