XXXholic

XXXholic
Publisher: Del Rey April, 27, 2004

Author: Clamp Artist: Nekoi Tsubaki



Plot Summary: This is a cross over “seinen manga,” with a manga called, Tsubasa: Resevoir Chronicle. In this manga, lead character, Kimihiro attracts spirits. They are unseen by others but for Kimihiro, he feels tormented by them. One day he accidentally enters a shop owned by a witch, and when I say accidentally, I mean his feet are out of his control and he unwillingly enters the shop as if her were under a spell. Once inside what appears to be two little girls, take him to an enchanted woman. She is it turns out, a witch. The witch, Yoko grants wishes. She is captivating and a little mischievous too. Kimihiro asks her to free him from the spirits and she agrees to help him at a price. Kimihiro agrees to work in her shop as payment, and the series follows them in their adventures and as their friendship develops.

Critical Analysis: Yoko is a captivating woman, and the fact that she is a witch makes her even more intriguing. It is important to note that she is a witch and is powerful as a female character. The supernatural tone and the fact that she is the only one capable of freeing Kimihiro from his demons is a fun twist. Kimihiro is completely beholden to her, and she knows it. The antagonism Yoko generates conveys a mischievous quality and also develops a chemistry between the two characters.

Annotation: While trying to escape the demons which follow him, Kimihiro finds himself walking into an enchanted shop run by a witch. He asks her to help him and rid him of the spirits tormenting hm, she agrees, but demands he work for her in return.

Author Information:CLAMP is a group of four women manga artists. The members at this time are Ageha Ohkawa, Tsubaki Nekoi, Mokona, and Satsuki Igarashi.
Clamp creates: Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles, Chobits, Cardcaptor Sakura, X, Wish, Suki Dakara Suki (Because I Love You) and many others.

Genre: Manga

Curriculum Ties: none

Booktalking Ideas:
1.) What makes Yoko so captivating?
2.) How long do you think it will take before Yoko frees Kimihiro?

Reading Level/ Interest age: 14 and up, 9th grade and up

Challenge issues: none

Reasons for selection: I really enjoyed this manga for the supernatural tone. Yoko is interesting and a strong woman. She is mischievous as well, but at the same time, the magic is tame, and the chemistry between Yoko and Kimihiro is fun. For a reluctant reader, the story is exciting and is engaging. This title was also recommended to me by Teen Librarian Denise Stutzman at La Mesa Library.