X/1999, Vol. 8: Crescendo

If you love the anime, having the mange might be up your ally as well.

This is one of my favourite books in the X-series. Where the previous volumes are building up the story, this volume sets everything in motion. So much is happening in this one. My favourites Subaru & Seishiro are introduced and their scene (cute) together is among the best in this book. But above all the relationship Kamui/Fuma is getting VERY interesting. A lot of touching and threatening, I love it. I really really loved this one. And it gets so much more interesting, again I love it.

There's a lot going on in this volume. This volume is where the story really starts to pick up, and probably because of that, it's one of my favorite volumes. We finally introduce Subaru-kun, and thoroughly introduce Sei-chan, my favorite CLAMP character of all time. I know he appeared before, but you can't have Sei-chan w/o Subaru-kun and call either one introduced. It also reveals Kamui's choice and the effects of that choice. I won't reveal anything, but if you stop and think, you can probably figure it out. Sei-chan and Subaru-kun's first fight is half of what makes this volume great. My two favorite characters not really fighting. The beginning is great, with both of them talking to each other w/o much hostility. The end is great too, with Subaru-kun angsting over Sei-chan. hehehe ^_^ Fun things: Sei-chan and Subaru's first fight, full of sakura petals, neither of them really putting up a fight, both of them looking scrumptious through the entire thing, and lovely little blood smears which don't disappear until the end of volume 9, the CCD boys (Nokoru, Suoh, and Akira) appearing, looking oh-so-bish, Kotori acting like she's completely lost her mind, and Kamui actually acting like he's going to do something other than just stand around. oh, and Fuuma's last moments as Fuuma *claps hand over mouth* Not-so-fun things: Sorata calling Sei-chan "Guardian of the Cherry Blossom Burial Mound" (It's Sakurazukamori, people!! *kicks Viz*), some rather weird translations from Viz, and general confusion about which sword is which.

Uh....not much else I can say but this is a visual treat! EYE CANDY and a story deeper than....just about anything!!! Clamp is, by far, the best manga team ever! This manga is a turning point in the X/1999 series and is one that is needed in any collection... I have this book and I think this is one of the most essential part in the X/1999 series ... and you really can't NOT read this book if your looking to understand the story. OF COURSE you've gotta read the books before this one... but this book contains some sexy stuff (AKA FUMA/EVIL KAMUI) that any Clamp fan will want to take note of! If you like gore (lots and lots of blood) and some sexy yummies (FUMA...SUBARU) Ya gonna love this. ALSO! The first fight between Subaru and Seishiro!!! Anyone who is trying to follow Tokyo Babylon's story this is a HUGE part in the story....This manga is all around essential for any Clamp follower!

Clamp's art is incredible, with flowing details and beautifully drawn characters...they're the mangaka that keeps on giving! This one is especially yummy to those who enjoy seeing Kamui-tachi in bloody situations. I would recommend it to anyone, just for the art, but the poignant sadness of the story is another factor that keeps me turning the pages, to the ultimate destiny that will one day inevitably befall Earth.