X/1999, Volume 3: Sonata

After Kotori and Fuma's father is murdered, and the sacred sword meant for Kamui is stolen, Kamui finds himself further drawn into the affairs of the end of the world. At the funeral for Kotori and Fuma's father, Kamui learns more about the seven seals from Sora and a mysterious girl. He also begins to learn that there is more to his family than he first imagined. As Kamui and Sora begin to work towards finding out about the end of the world, there are others working out sinister plans. As a result, Fuma has a frightening yet familiar dream that could change everything in the series. In volume three there are significant advances in plot. The Seven Seals are beginning to gather. Kamui is learning more about his destiny. The average reader will be hungry for more information by the time they turn the last page. Many of the same strengths found in volume one and two are also found and three. We have beautiful art, especially in Hinoto's dream sequences. We have a large cast of interesting and mysterious characters. We have an interesting story line. The only complaint I have is CLAMP is showing signs of what I think is one of its greatest and most consistent weaknesses. For example, in one scene, a character will be prepared to say something, or hint at something that's going to happen, but be cut off in some way. There will be a scene break, or she will be interrupted. This is a VERY effective form of suspense but CLAMP takes it too far that things seem more melodramatic then suspenseful. This may be just a side effect of writing something in serialized form, but when it's bound up together in one volume, it can get on one's nerves at times. Beyond that little nitpick this manga is great. I cannot wait to read more.

I fell in love with CLAMP's beautiful art style after reading Magic Knights Rayearth. I then decide to look into more by them and discovered the cutsey world of Card Captor Sakura. One day while browsing a comic shop I saw a black paper-bound graphic novel called X/1999. I picked it up to get a better look and discovered that this was also by CLAMP. I purchased it and was amazed. Instead of the Kawaii characters I was used to from CLAMP the main character was a short, black-haired young man with somthing bad in his past. The plot and the characters are intense and pull you right into the story. Even if you don't like reading manga read this and I Promise you will. The movie version, called simply "X" was also good but it does not let you meet the characters. Read the manga then see the movie, you will love it. ^_^ I promise!

Personally, I think X/1999 is a great series with fabulous artwork, but if you're more into characters staying for the long run. Istrognly advise you against this CLAMP anime/manga. CLAMP usually has a high death rate, so if you're new to Anime/Mange etc., you should start with the Animes a lot more popular in the US. Other than that, this is a great Anime/Manga to check out if you're somewhat experienced. I enjoy it, and so does my friend. We both saw the fansub, and animation-wise it was great.

Actually I haven't read the preceding two books in this series, so I can't say much about the plotline in comparision to the other volumes, but I'm definitly intrigued and plan to purchase the rest of the series as it comes out. The illustrations are absolutly gorgeous; dark, mysterious, masterfully drawn. I'd recommend this series even though I don't know a whole lot about it.