First, some thoughts on Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles. I just finished reading the whole series up through Vol. 16 which just came out. CLAMP’s artwork is gorgeous as ever. You may think it is another one of CLAMP’s lighter works at first except for Fei Wong Reed and the two Syaorans. From the moment I saw the one Syaoran being held by Fei Wong, I knew there was something wrong. And what each of the characters gives up in order to fulfill their wish to travel worlds is no laughing matter. We learn just how much that is true as the story progresses. Actually, we see the first glimpse of it in volume 2 when Sakura first wakes up and has no memory of Syaoran at all. And then there is the scene in Outo country volume 5 chapter 35 where Sakura starts to remember, but then can’t. Sniff. The more worlds we go to with our heroes too, the more we get the feeling that things are not safe, especially after Spirit world where they learn they are being watched. Then there is neo-Tokyo that is almost ruined, and especially the events that happen there and the revelation about the true nature of the two Syaorans — very sad. Sometimes it seems our heroes are fighting against hitsuzen, but if they did nothing the dream they do not want to happen will definitely happen.
Clamp Campus Detectives is fun and light and basically an excuse to draw cute characters and dabble in the mystery genre. Nothing to serious in this series except for the story of how Nokoru and Suoh become friends. The one thing I wish is that CLAMP had at least mentioned how Akira joins the group. And I think Nokoru being kidnapped again and Suoh being hurt in the process would show an interesting side of Akira: 20 Faces steals Nokoru from his kidnappers! How Akira would keep Nokoru from figuring out he is 20 Faces I don’t know, except Nokoru seems to have a blind spot there (just like everyone else).
Man of Many Faces is actually quite deep in some ways with all its discussions about what love really is. Poor Akira though! I wonder if he continues his life of crime once he moves out of his mothers’ house. At least he has a good ending.
Clamp Campus Defenders Duklyon is basically CLAMP’s version of a Power Rangers type manga – without so many superheroes. The reason I have the first volume: Duklyon v. 20 Faces. That, and I found it at Bookmans. (Too bad I’m no longer in Arizona.)
Shirahime-Syo is done in a traditional style and is one of CLAMP’s most beautiful works ever. The stories are all sad and very Japanese, fitting perfectly with the art.
Right now I am reading Xxxholic in preparation for the new season. This begins in April, for those who are anxiously waiting.
Now for my review of the first season of Kyou Kara Maou! Too funny! And serious. Yuri’s engagement to Wolfram is particularly priceless. It is probably a good thing that it doesn’t take too long for the main characters to learn to duck whenever Yuri goes into Maou mode. The story behind Julia is very sad. No wonder Adelbert has trouble getting over it. And it is nice we finally get some answers about Murata by the end of the season. And Conrart no baka! Grrr, like I said, Conrart not being on Yuri’s side any more was unsettling in the extreme. I had to watch the first two episodes of season two to get over it. Thankfully, Conrart was pretending in order to get the boxes to protect Yuri.
As for season two, everyone’s visit to Earth was quite interesting. Lots of people in the Shibuya household keeping secrets it seems. And Bob, did you have to go quite so far to test Yuri? Shoma’s character is especially interesting. A bit cold on the outside, but on the inside he has quite the brother complex, much to Yuri’s chagrin. And this has far reaching consequences, from becoming Maou in training for Earth under Bob to being so desperate for power he ends up going on a rampage. And while we know more about Murata, he is still keeping secrets, especially regarding Shinou and Soushu. His description of himself as Shinou’s babysitter is quite apt (and yes, Shionou does need babysitting, even when he isn’t being possessed by Soushu), but to me it seems like the only reason why he didn’t need babysitting himself as the Great Sage was because being Shinou’s babysitter was quite the full time job. The ending where Murata pushes Yuri in a lake to go back to Shin Makoku after Yuri thinks he will never go back is priceless. And it is an open debate which mother is more embarrassing to her children: Cheri or Jennifer:p Overall, a great season with a nice mixture of comedy and drama. Part four of the OVA comes out late this month, and part five late in March. Then in April, season three starts.
My next big anime to watch will be Hikaru no Go. I’ve actually seen most of season 1, but that leaves two more seasons. Then I will probably do Sugar Sugar Rune followed by Shinon no Ou, which apparently is to shogi what Hikaru no Go is to igo.
Finally, in an effort to try and get myself to exercise, which I do not enjoy very much, I am watching an episode of Card Captor Sakura while on the stationary bike. We just moved it up from the basement, which means I now can watch things on DVD or VHS as well as TV. So my thoughts on today’s episode: Sakura and the Mysterious Magic Book. This basically sets up the whole series. We are introduced to a number of key characters along with at least one distinguishing characteristic about them. Love Sakura and Touya’s relationship as siblings. Kero makes some very interesting faces when Sakura thinks he is a toy and is wondering how he can talk, and also while Sakura tells him about opening the book and all the cards flying away when she calls Windy. Another great part is where Kero basically tricks Sakura into becoming a cardcaptor:p
Whew, this was a long one. Expect more frequent updates, but shorter ones, mostly one paragraph or thereabouts most times.
Till next time,
Ja!
Edit: Screencaps now included!
Our lovely heroine.
Toya.
Ah, such loving siblings.
The Dad.
Tomoyo.
One fateful day, Sakura opens the Clow book!
No Sakura, Kero is not a toy.
The Clow Cards are what!?!
Is Sakura more upset by being tricked into becoming a cardcaptor or by the fact Kero is eating her desert?
This is a very sweet cartoon. I simply love it.