XXXHolic, Omnibus 1

xxxHOLiC [xxx ホリック] #1-3

by Clamp

In Volumes 1, 2, and 3 of xxxHOLiC, Kimihiro Watanuki is desperate to escape the spirits and ghosts that haunt him, so he turns to Yuko Ichihara, who is widely rumored to be the time-space witch. When Kimihiro begins working for Yuko to pay for her services, he also begins his journey into the worlds of the occult. Unusual customers from mysterious lands, an old rival named Domeki who is an exorcist, and a beautiful young woman named Himawari-chan provide more danger, adventure, and excitement for Kimihiro than he ever thought he was going to get!

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Supernatural, Paranormal, Horror, Comics

557 pages, Paperback

First published March 29, 2007

About the author

Ōkawa 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.

Reviews

[Lois Bujold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a reread, straight through of the whole series. Which, for this and its interlocking series Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, is pretty much like reading a whole new story. Words and pictures all the same, their meanings greatly transmuted.

I haven't read all of CLAMP yet, but I am inclined to think that the two above-named, plus Cardcaptor Sakura (not so great but needed for background info), may end up being CLAMP's masterwork. The pair have the peculiar and valuable property of getting better on the rereads, but at the same time require a considerable commitment of time and attention and eye-endurance to get one's brain around.

A young man, Kimihiro Watanuki, who is plagued by a second sight that attracts demons, takes part-time employment at a mysterious shop whose owner is the powerful (and very Japanese) wish-granting (for a price) Dimensional Witch Yuuko. Both main characters are more than they appear, and unraveling their mysteries (as they unravel mysteries in turn) is the prime driver of the braided plots.

First time through (several years ago), I was very annoyed that a powerful older female character got, as things went along and trying not to be spoilerish, edged out by the young male. Second time through, I don't think that's what was going on at all. Also, the stories tend not to spell things out, but rather, to scatter visual clues that the reader must decipher for themselves (or not.) Subtle or annoyingly coy? You decide.

So far I've found it the most mature of CLAMP's works, which include a lot of stuff aimed at grade schoolers that tends to go under my head, at least until the plot twists at the end start piling up. xxxHolic is the more coolly intellectual of the pair; I found Tsubasa more emotionally gripping due to becoming more attached to some of the cast. Although xxxHolic acquired a lot more emotional depth in the second pass when I began to grasp who was who and what was what (after two or three trips through Tsubasa to get it all straight.)

Highly recommended. But good luck.

(Oh. And you know the sort of gritty fantasy world-building concerns that treat fantasy as a species of historical fiction with the serial numbers filed off? Leave them at the door. This stuff is operating in a different mode altogether, and it's not because the writers aren't paying attention. They're just not paying attention to that.)

Ta, L.

[Victoria (Victoriabooklover) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a really unhealthy obsession with CLAMP as mangaka’s. As a whole they are almost too perfect. So perfect that when I get back into their universe, I find myself thinking of nothing else besides their works. This is why I stayed away for so long, because now that I’m back in, I’m in deep. Their books are like DRUGS.

Anyways, in relation to xxxholic volume 1-3 specifically, I just watched the anime (again) before reading this first set of volumes and my goodness, they left out SO many connections to Tsubasa and Cardcaptor Sakura (which I’m currently watching) in the show. I wish they would have left those parts in because I love them! And of course they had a Legal Drug cameo too but it’s flushed out much better in the manga. Another thing they left but whatever, that’s what the manga’s for.

I love the setting of this book. The eerie little wish-granting shop in an average modern Japan. I love how heavily it focuses on Yuuko’s life lessons and how the supernatural are woven into that, and her clients who find themselves entangled in her logic. It’s such a perfect vibe. I also adore the characters. I love Wantanuki, Yuuko, Mokona, and Doumeki. Not Himawari because she is sus.

So if you’re ever interested in manga 👀. Read this one…and then read everything else by CLAMP because not only is their art amazing, but their stories and worlds are too!

[Sara Barbosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this so much I wanna crrryyyy t-t It was a re-read and It is as magical as I remember <3

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite CLAMP series, xxxHolic (as in the series deals with all kinds of addictions, or holics) is full of gorgeous artwork, creepy stories dealing with the occult and morality, and peppered with the goofiness that’s in all CLAMP works, plus tons of Easter eggs for CLAMP fans to discover! Yuko Ichihara, the “space-time witch” and owner of a shop that “grants wishes” is such a badass, fun character. I love her sooooo much!!

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

História fantástica com muita cultura e filosofia à mistura. O conceito já batido de "pessoa que vê fantasmas" adquire uma nova dimensão neste maravilhoso universo.
Do pouco que conheço da CLAMP, eu sabia que isto tinha de ser, pelo menos, bom. No entanto, obviamente que não me surpreendi demasiado ao perceber o quão genial era na verdade.
Adoro as notas nos finais dos "volumes", a explicar alguns conceitos referidos ao longo dos capítulos e a chamar a atenção para alguns easter eggs relacionados com as outras obras da CLAMP. Ainda para mais sendo eu fã de Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles, ver tanto crossover entre essa história e esta é um delírio para a minha pessoa.
Outro ponto digno de nota é a aparente facilidade de mudança de tom em algumas cenas, sem que pareça forçada, mas não deixando de chocar o leitor com o contraste.
Aposta fantástica; assim que apanhar o próximo volume em omnibus vou devorá-lo.

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

August 2023
Kindle edition (doesn't work on iphone kindle app)

This was a strange one because as much as I liked this one when I was younger, I couldn't stand Tsubasa chronicles. I picked this one up because I'd just finished watching the live action on Crunchyroll. The less said about that the better. Naturally I read this one on the desktop for the bigger screen and then found out the phone app didn't work anyway. This is the first three volumes.

I do like the mysterious mentor characters, the ones that know everything and can only give veiled hints. From the start all the connections are there. The strange friendship-rivalry between Watanuki and Doumeki, the crush on Himawari who doesn't feel at all normal. Then there's the spirits, small ghost stories to keep things interesting with a bigger picture plot. It was just as enjoyable as I remember except for the Tsubasa stuff.

[cvtherin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this series. I read this back when it first came out and was hooked. I always appreciate CLAMP's artwork and story-telling, and adding onto spooky ooky occult themes with a specific focus on Japanese-centric lore?

Definitely loved it then and it still holds interest for me now.

It is really slow in setting things up, plus the whole crossover with Tsubasa (which admittedly, I cared less about); it does take time to set things up for our characters but I found Watanuki and co. to be fairly solid characters. And I enjoyed their growing relationships amongst each other.

Also, Watanuki's little friendship with the Oden stand kitsune will always have a special place in my heart <3

[Mishal · Rating 4 out of 5]

notes i made while reading:
- yuko og hot girl
- story is so ahead of its time.... the girl whos wish was to not be addicted to her computer anymore.... watanuki learning about astrology for the sole reason of impressing himowari (astrology gf).....
- no actually my new goal in life is to be as hot as yuko

[Chi · Rating 4 out of 5]

No wonder I struggled reading this in the original Japanese. It begins in tales of horror, as the main character, Watanuki Kimihiro, slowly learns about the purpose of the shop and watches as Yuuko grants the wishes of the shop's patrons. The story gradually develops into one that refers to events in Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, Vol. 1 (which I'm going to have to read one day, to complete my understand of the story), as well as further develops one's understanding of Japanese lore and folktales.

Also, I still maintain that while CLAMP's illustrations are gorgeous, their stories remain as dense as ever.

[Rin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐
I love this series

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This manga was a lot of fun! I tried watching the anime years ago, and for some reason couldn't get into it. Reading these first three volumes, I found out why. The anime only adapts certain chapters of this manga. To be fair, the chapters are mostly episodic in nature. But this felt a lot less jumbled and random than the anime did.
I love the character of Yuko, she is not only royalty, but also shares some really deep advice on life. I also love how this manga focuses on the occult. It's super interesting. My favorite chapters involved a giant snake God, and another about a cursed monkey's paw.
I also love the relationship between Doumeki and Watanuki. I ship them so hard.
I'm so glad I read this, and I can't wait to read more!

[Kayt O'Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full 19-volume (7-omnibus) series review
Haunted by his ability to see spirits and supernatural creatures, Kimihiro Watanuki's problems may be solved when he comes across a shop whose proprietor says she can fix his problem...for the price of Watanuki working as her assistant until the equivalent price is met. Thus begins the orphaned, type-A Watanuki's adventures with the laid-back, enigmatic Yuko and he learns more about the supernatural world than he ever expected.

xxxHolic has a special place in my heart. Originally brought to the US in 2004 as one of the four debut series published by Del Rey Manga. I remember the buzz--not only were Del Rey's books good (the translation notes in the back are fantastic and even now, almost 20 years later, are some of the more helpful and informative translation notes/styles of any American publisher in my eyes), this was a new series from powerhouse CLAMP, and it also crossed over with a concurrently-published (and similarly-Del Rey-licensed) series, Tsubasa.

CLAMP was known to have done small crossovers before, either as jokes or by spinning off characters (CLAMP School Detectives had one character get his own 2-book series focusing on his afterschool exploits, Man of Many Faces), setting series in the same shared universe (add CLAMP Dukylon Defenders to the previous things) or having others show up as easter eggs (Chobits and Angelic Layer, arguably). But all of those were essentially incidental, bonuses to fans. This promised two have two separate stories that also formed one larger, dimension-spanning adventure-fantasy together.

And it starts out well! The Tsubasa characters show up at Yuko's shop, and there's enough subsequent discussion that it's clear there will be a narrative connection throughout Holic, even though the main focus is Watanuki.

That main focus, incidentally, makes for a very interesting story. Watanuki is an uptight, type-A person who responsibly takes care of himself, school, and often acts as housekeeper/cook for Yuko, who appears to be a much more laid-back person, much more comfortable with unknowns and grey areas where Watanuki gets confused or frustrated by them.

The story alternates between case-of-the-day stories (person comes to Yuko's shop, which means they have a need, Yuko assists, things end well or badly depending on how well the person actually takes Yuko's advice) and a longer story about Watanuki learning more about the supernatural world, and his ties to two classmates: his cheerful crush Himawari, and his one-sided-frenemy Doumeki (who, although it's never made exactly clear why Watanuki has/had such an immediate dislike towards, but who is himself stoic but fine).

The majority of the series is fine: fun to read, interesting with fascinating worldbuilding, and a growing expansion of Watanuki's (and therefore also the reader's) understanding of the supernatural world, and how the shop of wishes works. It's often creepy or melancholy, though never grotesque. The many layers of secrets that come up and are slowly revealed as the story progresses kept me hooked, and add to its melancholy atmosphere.

The PROBLEM is that the ending falls apart on multiple levels.

First, while the crossover with Tsubasa is interesting but followable for much of the series, as this one winds down it appears that some stuff from Tsubasa must've had a big impact and it is never fully or adequately explained. Yuko refers to something/someone who might act as a series Big Bad and it's made clear that she's paying attention to something in the background, but it's never fully explained what. When the series climax starts and the shop starts disintegrating, and Yuko eventually disappears, it's implied that this is related to her work on the Big Serious Thing We're Never Truly Told About.

That's a problem! Because it's not just a small thing, it changes how xxxHolic ends: Watanuki doesn't get rid of his ability to see spirits--instead, with Yuko disappearing, he takes over the shop. And Yuko's disappearance is because she was tied to the shop (cursed?) for a long time, and that curse/condition has now ended, allowing her to die, basically. Watanuki, grieving (and also reeling from the revelation that his existence is also related to some magical/interdimensional bullshit and he never actually had any parents???), decides to take over the shop until he can meet Yuko again.

This freezes him in time, meaning he won't age even while his friends Himawari and Doumeki do. By the very end, it's revealed that Watanuki was been the proprietor 100 years, as he drinks sake with Doumeki's great-grandson.

...Like, the entire last omnibus and a half (or volumes 16-19 when read individually) just has SO MUCH going on, none of which is really explained well, and it really pulls down my opinion of the series as a whole because it didn't have to be disappointing.

I will attempt reading Tsubasa, and see if that gives some more context and better explanations since the series influence each other, but as it stands alone, xxxHolic's ending is disappointing to the point where I need to look for fix-it fanfiction just for the satisfaction of an ending that actually feels like an ending.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never got to finish this Clamp series but I’m excited to have finally collected them all. The first omnibus is a re-read and it doesn’t disappoint. The pacing is great and I love how the story slowly unravels the mysteries behind the main characters while showcasing interesting side stories involving human behavior and self destruction.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I liked this even more than Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle. 🫢

[Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first 3 volume of Xxxholic are very fun reads. It’s rich with folklore and mysticism and occult objects. I do not have an interest in the occult but I enjoyed the stories.

[Gaetano Cervelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

God the nostalgia hits hard with this.

Discovered the Anime adaptation during the formative years and have decided to revisit it.

I’ve been revisiting a lot of properties I’d adored in adolescence and am glad to say this is one of those series that still holds up.

Mystery of the week with an occult, paranormal take on the human condition with philosophical musings and character studies.

Those who love Mushi-Shi will find another, albeit spookier, home in this title.

[Amina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing reviews for xxxHolic is a futile sort of thing, because it's a story that, in all honesty, is greater than the sum of its parts, which I do actually mean in the best way I can. It's just, the gut punch that is this series requires the build up, requires the many moving pieces slowly fitting into a solid machine of grief and longing and bento boxes (and by many moving pieces, I don't mean the plot events related in Tsubasa--those are the number one reason I never authentically recommend this series for others, as it makes no gotdamn sense thanks to the the Tsubasa crossover arc). Also, reviewing is difficult, as I am completely unable to be objective about this series. So what's going to happen is I'm going give a rough review of what happens in each omnibus and how much pain it's going to cause, strictly so I can remind myself later when I'm trying to remember what events happen where. As such, spoilers abound.

So omnibus #1 contains volumes #1-3, which means a few shop visitors, the arrival of the Tsubasa crew, the 100 Ghost Story Night, a few more shop visitors, and our first interaction with fox spirit oden cart. It's fine! I love the story about the woman with the computer addiction *cough*couldn'tbeme*cough* and the introduction of Doumeki and Himawari. Yuuko is pure Yuuko from the jump, and Watanuki's a bit of dick, except for that psychic visit that actually tells us he's deeply pure and tragic and good, we just need a bit more time to see the whole picture. Not a lot of pain here, but the SUGGESTION of pain is present. A solid start to the story.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Omnibus from Kodansha Comics collections volumes 1-3. I remember reading volume 1 of this years ago, but never really getting into it. I had thought it was too slow and it's still no action story, but I have a better appreciation for the philosophical points that it brings up. It's easy to pass Yuko off as being a whiny, good for nothing character, but she also has a way of doing exactly what is needed. If you're already an established CLAMP fan, you'll especially enjoy xxxHOLiC. There are lots of little Easter eggs from Cardcaptor Sakura and Magic Knight Rayearth. You also might see some favorite characters.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love how creepy and spooky this story is. Brings back fond memories

[Alex of Yoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

xxxHolic is such a unique style and story for CLAMP. It takes place in modern-day Japan and follows the story of high school student, Watanuki, who sees spirits and finds himself working for Yuko, the "space/time witch" at her magic shop where she sells "wishes". The customers who come to her shop generally have some sort of vice (chronic deceit, addiction, pride, etc) and each segment involves exploring the consequences of that vice and how to resist it.

xxxHolic runs parallel to Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, and the two really should be read together. Though in these first few volumes the two series are fairly separate, their plots will become more and more entwined as the series' go on.

This is such a different story for CLAMP who tend to stay more in the fantasy genre. While Holic does have some fantasy elements, it is actually more a story of occultic folklore, most of it strictly Japanese in nature. It's art is also different: more lanky and with darker shades. It sets a darker artistic tone than Tsubasa's art style does. It's a lot like their X/1999 series in that way, only more cartoonish and not as gritty or realistic.

As always, I love CLAMP's art and creativity. I appreciate the moral lessons that are given in this volume and the deep dive into Japanese culture and mystical practices and beliefs. While many of CLAMP's other works have a universal tone to them, xxxHolic is so Eastern and culture-specific, I wonder if it would have been accepted as widely in Western markets without its connection to Tsubasa. I enjoy exploring other cultures and am not turned off by extreme mysticism, but I know that few Westerners feel the same.

This series tends to be more sexually suggestive in its art than Tsubasa. Yuko especially is drawn in suggestive ways quite often. It's not near as explicit nor includes as much "fan service" as other manga I've read, but it is there so be warned. Probably what will affect readers more than that is the occultic themes. This isn't just fairytale magic or the like in this story. CLAMP draws on real Japanese (and some Western) occultic beliefs and practices to inspire the series. This shouldn't shock anyone who knows anything about Japanese culture (where spiritism abounds), but for your average Westerner, this will probably be a huge turn off. Discernment is definitely needed in reading it. I find it fascinating from a cultural perspective, but I know many others would have trouble with it.

Overall, I'm enjoying my reread of xxxHolic. As with Tsubasa, I miss the gorgeous art covers that were found in the original releases, but the Omnibus version is a better financial deal and is literally just three volumes smashed into one binding. It does make tracking between xxxHolic and Tsubasa more complicated though. You have to keep track of which volume you're on to know when to switch to the other series. But, otherwise, it's literally no different than the original release.

[Charlotte G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel a little silly even reviewing this, because what can there be said about XXXHolic that hasn't already? My personal favorite manga series, it's one of the best series of the 00s, and to my mind some of CLAMP's best work.

XXXHolic opens in modern-day Tokyo with Watanuki Kimihiro, a teenage boy who can see spirits. The problem is, spirits can also see him. It's when he's being chased by a spirit that he comes across the mysterious shop owned by Yuuko Ichihara, a sorceress who grants wishes. Yuuko tells Watanuki that their meeting was fate, or hitsuzen. She also offers to grant Watanuki's wish of not attracting spirits anymore - but she charges for the wishes she grants, and the price is steep. Watanuki will have to work off his debt to her in the shop before she's able to grant his wish.

In practice, it becomes clear early on that Yuuko views this as a sort of apprenticeship for Watanuki - he follows her as she grants wishes to other clients, and eventually begins solving supernatural mysteries on his own. He's joined by frenemy Doumeki, grandson of a famous exorcist, and his crush Himawari, who has secrets of her own. How Watanuki's relationships with these two deepen over time is one of the great pleasures of this series. If you're familiar with the "group of teens investigates spooky goings-on" genre at all, you'll be generally aware of what you're getting into, but the Japanese setting and folklore set the XXXHolic trio apart from the various Scooby gangs, as does the overall melancholy atmosphere of the series. And while the initial stories in Volume 1 are not too scary, be prepared for some truly creepy moments in later volumes.

It's worth noting that this series crosses over with Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle. While I don't believe it's necessary to read Tsubasa to appreciate XXXHolic, it helps to be aware of the characters therein, as well as the characters of Cardcaptor Sakura. It's also helpful to read up on CLAMP's conception of their multiverse: essentially, CLAMP tend to reuse characters in different settings, with the explanation that these characters exist simultaneously in various alternate universes. This idea becomes more explicit in Tsubasa, but it's present in XXXHolic as Yuuko is the only person in all of the CLAMP multiverse with the power to send people to dimensions not their own. She also frequently references characters from other series, whom we're generally meant to understand exist in xxxHolic universe as well.

That all sounds complicated, but it's a fairly minor part of XXXHolic, and certainly not necessary to understanding the action. If you do want to read Tsubasa alongside XXXHolic (it's also a great series), make sure you look up a reading guide to avoid one series spoiling the other.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know nothing about CLAMP and I know nothing about manga. I marked this as to-read in Feb of 2021 probably because it just sounded like something I might like. I've never seen the anime or had any prior knowledge to anything related to this series. I want to make that clear because when I started reading it, I turned to the reviews to see if it's something I can read without any prior knowledge and I didn't really get an answer. A lot of people were saying you need to read it concurrently with another CLAMP manga, as there's a few cross overs/ nods to the other manga that can slip through the cracks if you don't know where to look for them. I didn't do that, I just kept on reading and trying to see what I could gain from my limited insight.

I ended up really enjoying this. It took a little for me to get into it and understand what was happening but again that's due to my limited experience with manga as a genre. There's a good balance of dark and light in the story. A lot of the actual story gets pretty dark but the interactions especially with Yuko and Kimihiro are light hearted and are laced with humor. There's some shenanigans that begin to occur once Domeki and Himawari-chan are introduced and I'm guessing they'll become a ragtag group for the rest of the series.

If you're hesitant to get into this, I'd say you don't have much to be wary about. Just give it a little time to adjust to the format and the story. It's a pretty enjoyable story once you're in it. After each volume within the omnibus, there's a little section explaining stuff that might have been missed (especially by American readers) and I found those to be quite helpful in picking up on those things that I might have not been super aware of. I didn't realize there were 7 total omnibuses to read but I think I will continue with the rest of the series.

[Ola G · Rating 3 out of 5]

7/10 stars

It was enjoyable, and quietly fun, but not much more - at least these first three volumes. I like the fact that it's written by a group of female manga-kas (a fact I learned only after reading, so it doesn't affect my rating) and it has a nice, slightly irreverent and slightly melancholy air to it. I like that the main protagonists are an apparently slothy and lazy female witch and her male helper, who's good at housework and cooking, and while he can throw tantrums about it he still finds fulfillment in his work. Of course, appearances are deceiving and the witch isn't either slothy or lazy, but the play with the stereotypes is well-meant and fun. I also like the overarching theme of balance, and payment, and while certain aspects of the story seem rushed or illogical, it might be due to the fact that my knowledge of Japanese culture is incomplete and CLAMP definitely takes a cultural approach to the moral aspects of their stories.

The art is okay but nothing to write home about, late 80s and early 90s shoujo with soft flowing lines and a lot of ornamentation that reminded me of fin de siècle and Alphonse Mucha. I guess Monstress style can be said to be inspired by CLAMP's style.

[Joseph Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have that adrenaline rush that comes from becoming a new fan of something, y'no when you suddenly decide to throw yourself head-first into a fandom, looking up the most mundane details about the creators online, their favourite ice cream flavour, their inner thigh measurement. I LOVE this manga.
I decided to read it because I'm a huge fan of Cardcaptor Sakura which is also by CLAMP, and I OF COURSE read this in conjunction with Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, that is the only way to read xxxHolic. I think the thing that all CLAMP manga (that I've read so far) have in common is the unapologetically heavy use of magic and fantasy elements, but hidden beneath is a underlying focus on human relationships. It works well because it balances out the overall tone, you never get exhausted by the magic and neither do you become squeamish to the heavier emotional side, which makes for a very enjoyable narrative.

[Elly · Rating 4 out of 5]

xxxholic Omnibus 1 includes the first three volumes in the series. Best way to describe it is that it's a slice of life paranormal/fantasy series. Young dude in high school, Watanuki, is able to see spirits and other paranormal beings to the point that it affects his daily life. One day he finds himself in a weird shop run by the proprietress, Yuko. Yuko's shop is a place for people's wishes to be granted, of course there is a price to pay. When Watanuki asks her to grant his wish, to not be able to see spirits, his price is to be the new part-time worker. So begins this series.

xxxholic is one of my favorite anime of all time, so of course I have to read the manga. This first volume is a lot of set up, but there are a few chapters that give that chilling paranormal vibe. Personally, I love the world building, the character dynamics, and the artstyle. Needless to say, I will be continuing on with the series.

[Vicky N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kimihiro Watanuki sees spirits and he's been haunted by his gift, until he meets Yuko Ichihara who promises she can help him stop seeing ghosts as long as he works for her until he manages to pay for her work. And so begin their adventures.
This was such a huge throwback for me and i felt so nostalgic because I grew up watching everything from CLAMP except for xxxholic and now reading it for the first time I loved seeing all the little easter eggs about their other works. (As a huge Tsubasa fan I was so happy to watch their storyline play from the POV of Yuko.)
You can just tell this was written in the 2000s with it having a cool magical girl and my millennial heart loved it.
Framed with beautiful artwork, the way the spirits were drawn was a standout for me, along with clever storylines this made for a beautiful story to focus while in between books.

[Kai · Rating 2 out of 5]

The problem with XXXHolic is that it runs parallel to other CLAMP series. It needs the reader to be familiar with the greater CLAMP universe to make this work. From the storyline to the cameos.

So while I'm intimately familiar with some CLAMP works - Cardcaptor Sakura, Chobits, Angelic Layer, Magic Knight Rayearth - having grown up with the anime and the manga. I can't say the same with Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles. And XXXHolic in heavily interwoven with it. From the starting arc to the very existence and circumstances of the main characters.

You have to read Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles at the same time or before starting XXXHolic to better appreciate this manga. As its own, it doesn't really hold up well.

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have watched the anime way back when it started to air. And I have just decided to read the mangas recently.

As someone who have always loved consuming media with supernatural themes, I enjoyed reading xxxHolic as I also love some of Clamp works.

xxxHolic omnibus volume 1 starts with the story of Watanuki Kimihiro, a boy who is a total magnet for all kind of spirits. One day while being chased by a bad spirit, he stumbled upon the store of Yuuko Ichihira who runs the store that grants wishes. As his wish of being rid of spirits is a bit pricey, he was forced to be Yuuko's errand boy in exchange of fulfilling his wish someday.

Volume 1 was a good start for the preceding stories involving Watanuki and his journey in discovering more of the supernatural.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Después de ver la serie por segunda vez este año, me decidí a leer el manga y no me quejo, fue una lectura interesante porque hay detalles que solo se quedan en el manga y se quitan en las adaptaciones. Entonces hay un par de cosas que me tomaron por sorpresa. La crudeza de la historia en el manga me gustó, ojalá lo hubiesen dejado en el anime. En fin. Le tengo muchas ganas a la trama principal o sea qué es lo que verdaderamente le va a pasar a Watanuki y todavía estoy decidiendo si leer o no Tsubasa.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I have never read such impeccable storytelling. The characters are enigmatic & a lot creepy. This series has a horror genre but I am giving it 4 out of 5 stars because of the heavy Japanese cultural references:

1) Yûko's kimono outfits differ on every chapter;
2) the mythology behind several Japanese artifacts are breathtaking;
3) the chapter about the Japanese fox spirits or à "Kitsune" is charming 😊

I wonder why it didn't make it to "best-selling" mangas 😞

Anyway, I am interested in this dark fantasy series and can't wait to read more of the characters' adventures! 🤩