X/1999, Vol. 16

This is a great story, and i highly recomend it but for all you people that don't know anything about music-like me-here is the order of the books. The First is:prelude,the second:overture,the third:sonata,the fourth:intermezzo, and the fifth:serenade.--Hope this helps you out!

I love Clamps style and I love this manga. In this story we find out about how Kamui has a choice about the future. He can either choose to save the earth or destroy it.( Now lets think, hmmm what a real tough decesion) Kamui is determined not to partake in his destiny, but he does want to save Fuma and Kotori. Our dashing young hero also trips down memory lane with his dareling Kotori. We also learn about the sad fate of our funny man Sorata. This particular volume of X was published in AnimericaExtra which is continuing to publish the rest of the story. Luckily AnimericaExtra is doing so or I would go crazy waiting for the next graphic novel to arrive.

I should begin this by admitting that I am an avid CLAMP fan. Their artwork has always been fabulous, their stories detailled and dreamy. This series, "X/1999", is no different. CLAMP combines together various elements from numerous religious interpretations of the "End of the World" masterfully in this series. The fact that many of their older works ("Tokyo Babylon", "Clamp Campus Detectives", "20 Faces Please", etc.) crossover into this story allows for die-hard fans another chance to see their favorite characters one last time, as well. Pure BONUS! Viz does a fair job of translating this work for the reader, attempting to explain in understandable words the various Japanese cultural phrases that most English-speaking audiences wouldn't understand. I *am* disappointed, however, that they do not print the character tarot card references that the original Japanese releases have on their inside covers. Perhaps Viz has plans to release the tarots for the readers to see at some later point? I would hope so, as the Cabbalist mysticism surrounding "X/1999" is a very important aspect to understanding the plot. Overall, this is an excellent series, and this volume continues that tradition nicely. This is a nicely bound book, a convienent carrying and reading size, and the price is not bad, considering the print quality. Highly recommended!

CLAMP is undoubtedly the most gifted creators of shoujo manga to have reached the United States commercially. In fact, X (Viz changed the title to X/1999) was the very first shoujo manga title to be released in the United States...and it deserves the distinction.The artwork of X is among the most visually stunning of any shoujo manga that I have seen, translated or untranslated, and it is worth the price just for the pictures. Each successive volume grows every more detailed and exquisite; "Serenade" is the most beautiful yet.However, the story is nicely composed also and is told in a layered style, with each new revelation thickening and complicating the plot. Viz's translation has a pleasant, consistent register which, if not always as strictly accurate as purists may prefer, is succinct and specifically intended for the American reader.In the fifth volume of X, two new characters make their first appearance, and Kamui's motivations and true personality are further revealed. One of these characters has a massive online following, both from X and another CLAMP title that he has previously appeared in. I give this manga my highest recommendation!

X (or X/1999) by Clamp is the perfect union between words and art, the kind that is prominently missing from American work. The storyline is rich, layered, and intricate, and the art is immaculate, with theological symbols from at least five different religions. However, the work is undeniably dark...it is about the end of the world, after all. Still, there are moments of exquisite beauty also, and the characters are always attractive. But, if seeing those characters ripped into six pieces with their bowels spilling out is not your cup of tea, I advise you to pass this one up. A final word of warning. X/1999 is an ongoing series. In Japan, they are in their thirteenth volume, and it is expected by some to run at least to twenty-two. Here, Viz has compiled the first four books that have been translated into English and has, inexplicably, stopped. If you think that you might get addicted, it may be better to stay away. Nonetheless, I recommend it to anyone who loves this sort of media, and even those who think that they do not. It will not disappoint.