FANTASY ART & ASSORTED ODDNESS by Patrick W. Stewart
HORROR & SUPERNATURAL ANIME SERIES
xxxHOLIC (2006)
Pointless background segment:
Not having become a major anime fan yet, I bought two volumes of this series at a local Big Lots store for $3.00 apiece. I figured...what could I lose? If I didn't like 'em I could always turn around and sell them at a yard sale or on Amazon or something. Since I could only find volumes 2 an 3 though, I decided to wait until I at least got volume 1 before I started watching. I was kinda waiting and hoping that Big Lots would get in at least one copy. After waiting about 8 months, I finally decided this was pointless and so I ordered it offa Amazon. And then, I began this anime adventure....
Main article & review:
From the back of the first volume's box --
Watanuki has been haunted by dark spirits his entire life, a curse flowing through his bloodline preventing peace. When his incessant demons drag him to the ornate door of the Dimensional Witch Yuko, he meets a mystical woman of insight and luxury, quick to help those in a bind...for a fee!! One might very well end up paying with their soul!! To be free of his visions, Watanuki will work in her shop of dreams and wishes. There's always a price to pay...
Okay. Now lemme give you my own personal rundown on the main characters.
Watanuki Kimihiro: Our main hero, if we can call him that, is a somewhat timid teenager who, after losing his parents, is forced to live alone. He has the ability to see what others around him do not such as ghosts, demons, spectral energies, etc. They seem to be drawn to him and are constantly disrupting his life. He soon stumbles upon many other things that, at first, seem to add further disruption. Fate leads him to the shop of Yuka The Dimesional Witch who is able to help him--in an abstract way. He ends up working for her at the shop as payment for her aid. This brings him into meeting many others who directly and indirectly affect his life, mostly for the better.
During the story he falls head over heels in love with a young woman at his school named Himawari. We can tell he's in love not only by his constant declarations but by his blushing, clumsiness, etc. He's also constantly feeling jealous due to the presence of someone he perceives to be a rival for her affection, Dômeki. Watanuki can't really stand him at first, but, even thought the jealousy continues, they end up becoming friends. Yuko hints (sometimes more than hints) at the fact that they're spiritually linked by fate. This often leads to Watanuki becoming very annoyed, which, happens very, very often and is expressed in heavily exaggerated movements and extreme facial expressions. (You can read more about him here-- http://ccs.wikia.com/wiki/Kimihiro_Watanuki )
Ichihara Yūko: She is a very interesting character, both to look at and experience. In sort of typical manga/anime style she's designed to look sexy even with oddly animeish proportions--small head, long, thin waist and legs, shapely hips and a very healthy bosom to put it mildly. Well...you can go look for yourself, so, enough about that.
Her powers and personality are unique. She is a very wise and mysterious time-space witch who runs a wish granting shop. She will grant anyone's wish for a price, but, you must pay with something equal to that of the wish being asked, otherwise, it sort of disrupts the balance of the universe. In addition to being able to grant wishes she has many other powers as well. Since her character and those "other powers" also cross over into a couple of other mangas/anime series, I won't mention much about those. (You can read more technical facts about her here-- http://ccs.wikia.com/wiki/Yuko )
In between all the wish granting and cryptic magical speak, this mysterious woman has other elements that come out as you get to know her. Often, Yuko seems to prefer remaining in state of relaxation as she lounges around her shop with her companions. She also seems to love pretty much all forms of alcohol and loves to share a drink or two (or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6...) with her favorite drinking buddy Mokona. Every occasion is an excuse to break out a bottle of something and celebrate. (This is one of those things that annoys Watanuki quite a bit.) Sooooo...she's a bit of a lush. But that's ok cause her personality is so cute. Oh, and with a killer body and a magically extended lifespan...who needs exercise and moderation.
Yuko especially loves to playfully torment Watanuki as often as possible, and even semi-innocently "flirts" with him just to throw him off balance (or more off balance). She does seem to actually care for him and becomes his mentor of sorts. They too are greatly linked by fate much like Watanuki and Dômeki. Speaking of Dômeki...
Shizuka Dōmeki: He is almost the opposite of Watanuki in many ways-- unquestioning, confident and not easily rattled by much of anything. Appearing to be wise beyond his teenage years, he often seems to have an understanding (at least basically) of certian spiritual happenings going on around him. This is partly due to the teachings of his late grandfather. He lives in the temple where he also grew up which probably also accounts for his "monk-like" personality.
Being kind of a spiritual brother (or second half) to Watanuki, he possesses an ability that often helps him, and, has even saved his life. Even though he can't see them, he has the ability to repel dark spirits and demons. Since Watanuki almost always attracts these things, Dômeki's ability really comes in handy. This is why Yuko often sends them out together when she has Watanuki run "errands" for her.
With his straight face and very dry wit he, much like Yuko, likes to tease and annoy Watanuki-- although, just merely being around seems to do the job, especially when Himawari is in their proximity. Even though he never makes any expression beyond friendship toward her. Because of his nature, you can rarely guess what's going on with him unless he openly states it.
Himawari Kunogi: A sweet, perky and also very level-headed young woman, Himawari is the nervousness inducing love interest of our Watanuki. Though, she seems to be completely clueless to this fact in spite of his obvious displays of affection. Although oblivious to his romantic feelings she's always very thoughtful and caring toward him. Unfortunately for Watanuki, she also shows this fairly equally towards Dômeki.
Unlike the other characters, she doesn't seem to possess any obvious supernatural powers. Well...there is something special about her in that department...in a way...but, I'll leave that for you to discover. If you pay attention to some of the cryptic things Yuko says throughout the series about her, you'll start getting the feeling that there's more to her presence than meets the eye. In spite of this...thing...she is still truly a very good person and totally human. So, don't worry...she's not posessed or a demon in pretty girl's clothing. She's a total friend to all and would never do anything, deliberately, to harm them. Even the cute little furball Mokona loves her and playfully jumps into her arms whenever it sees her.
Mokona: Well...what can we say about Mokona? Mokona is Mokona as it says. It looks like a cross between Pokemon and a black bunny rabbit. It's an odd little thing, always happily hopping around Yuka's shop or anywhere else it goes. When it's not doing that it's usually sleeping. As was mentioned, it's the favorite drinking companion of Yuka and let me tell you... this little sucker can drink!!! It consumes well beyond it's own body weight. Besides these things, one of it's favorite passtimes is, of course, pestering Watanuki. No one seems to be able to resist that...especially Mokona.
This is a magical creature posessing a few mysterious powers that we see from time to time. It is always there to help out in what usually seem to be unusual ways. It's very fun to see it pop up in the various episodes and to see what it's capable of. It's not just a simple ball of fluff.
(You'll want to own a stuffed one after you watch the series. It's soooooooooooo friggin cuuuuuute. Fortunately...I don't do cute.)
My overall take on the whole series:
It took me a couple of episodes to get the swing of it, but, once I did, I loved it. Whether it was being funny, sweet, mystical or creepy, I found all of the episodes entertaining in their own peculiar way. AND...it had a very happy and satisfying ending for a change. With some of the darker, horror(ish) themed things you don't always get that. Glad in this case it had one. Leaves you with that complete feeling. It had closure but left you with a continuation for the characters--no one dead, departing, hating each other, etc. I highly recommend it specially if you like your cute mixed with your weird & creepy.
Not having become a major anime fan yet, I bought two volumes of this series at a local Big Lots store for $3.00 apiece. I figured...what could I lose? If I didn't like 'em I could always turn around and sell them at a yard sale or on Amazon or something. Since I could only find volumes 2 an 3 though, I decided to wait until I at least got volume 1 before I started watching. I was kinda waiting and hoping that Big Lots would get in at least one copy. After waiting about 8 months, I finally decided this was pointless and so I ordered it offa Amazon. And then, I began this anime adventure....
Main article & review:
From the back of the first volume's box --
Watanuki has been haunted by dark spirits his entire life, a curse flowing through his bloodline preventing peace. When his incessant demons drag him to the ornate door of the Dimensional Witch Yuko, he meets a mystical woman of insight and luxury, quick to help those in a bind...for a fee!! One might very well end up paying with their soul!! To be free of his visions, Watanuki will work in her shop of dreams and wishes. There's always a price to pay...
Okay. Now lemme give you my own personal rundown on the main characters.
Watanuki Kimihiro: Our main hero, if we can call him that, is a somewhat timid teenager who, after losing his parents, is forced to live alone. He has the ability to see what others around him do not such as ghosts, demons, spectral energies, etc. They seem to be drawn to him and are constantly disrupting his life. He soon stumbles upon many other things that, at first, seem to add further disruption. Fate leads him to the shop of Yuka The Dimesional Witch who is able to help him--in an abstract way. He ends up working for her at the shop as payment for her aid. This brings him into meeting many others who directly and indirectly affect his life, mostly for the better.
During the story he falls head over heels in love with a young woman at his school named Himawari. We can tell he's in love not only by his constant declarations but by his blushing, clumsiness, etc. He's also constantly feeling jealous due to the presence of someone he perceives to be a rival for her affection, Dômeki. Watanuki can't really stand him at first, but, even thought the jealousy continues, they end up becoming friends. Yuko hints (sometimes more than hints) at the fact that they're spiritually linked by fate. This often leads to Watanuki becoming very annoyed, which, happens very, very often and is expressed in heavily exaggerated movements and extreme facial expressions. (You can read more about him here-- http://ccs.wikia.com/wiki/Kimihiro_Watanuki )
Ichihara Yūko: She is a very interesting character, both to look at and experience. In sort of typical manga/anime style she's designed to look sexy even with oddly animeish proportions--small head, long, thin waist and legs, shapely hips and a very healthy bosom to put it mildly. Well...you can go look for yourself, so, enough about that.
Her powers and personality are unique. She is a very wise and mysterious time-space witch who runs a wish granting shop. She will grant anyone's wish for a price, but, you must pay with something equal to that of the wish being asked, otherwise, it sort of disrupts the balance of the universe. In addition to being able to grant wishes she has many other powers as well. Since her character and those "other powers" also cross over into a couple of other mangas/anime series, I won't mention much about those. (You can read more technical facts about her here-- http://ccs.wikia.com/wiki/Yuko )
In between all the wish granting and cryptic magical speak, this mysterious woman has other elements that come out as you get to know her. Often, Yuko seems to prefer remaining in state of relaxation as she lounges around her shop with her companions. She also seems to love pretty much all forms of alcohol and loves to share a drink or two (or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6...) with her favorite drinking buddy Mokona. Every occasion is an excuse to break out a bottle of something and celebrate. (This is one of those things that annoys Watanuki quite a bit.) Sooooo...she's a bit of a lush. But that's ok cause her personality is so cute. Oh, and with a killer body and a magically extended lifespan...who needs exercise and moderation.
Yuko especially loves to playfully torment Watanuki as often as possible, and even semi-innocently "flirts" with him just to throw him off balance (or more off balance). She does seem to actually care for him and becomes his mentor of sorts. They too are greatly linked by fate much like Watanuki and Dômeki. Speaking of Dômeki...
Shizuka Dōmeki: He is almost the opposite of Watanuki in many ways-- unquestioning, confident and not easily rattled by much of anything. Appearing to be wise beyond his teenage years, he often seems to have an understanding (at least basically) of certian spiritual happenings going on around him. This is partly due to the teachings of his late grandfather. He lives in the temple where he also grew up which probably also accounts for his "monk-like" personality.
Being kind of a spiritual brother (or second half) to Watanuki, he possesses an ability that often helps him, and, has even saved his life. Even though he can't see them, he has the ability to repel dark spirits and demons. Since Watanuki almost always attracts these things, Dômeki's ability really comes in handy. This is why Yuko often sends them out together when she has Watanuki run "errands" for her.
With his straight face and very dry wit he, much like Yuko, likes to tease and annoy Watanuki-- although, just merely being around seems to do the job, especially when Himawari is in their proximity. Even though he never makes any expression beyond friendship toward her. Because of his nature, you can rarely guess what's going on with him unless he openly states it.
Himawari Kunogi: A sweet, perky and also very level-headed young woman, Himawari is the nervousness inducing love interest of our Watanuki. Though, she seems to be completely clueless to this fact in spite of his obvious displays of affection. Although oblivious to his romantic feelings she's always very thoughtful and caring toward him. Unfortunately for Watanuki, she also shows this fairly equally towards Dômeki.
Unlike the other characters, she doesn't seem to possess any obvious supernatural powers. Well...there is something special about her in that department...in a way...but, I'll leave that for you to discover. If you pay attention to some of the cryptic things Yuko says throughout the series about her, you'll start getting the feeling that there's more to her presence than meets the eye. In spite of this...thing...she is still truly a very good person and totally human. So, don't worry...she's not posessed or a demon in pretty girl's clothing. She's a total friend to all and would never do anything, deliberately, to harm them. Even the cute little furball Mokona loves her and playfully jumps into her arms whenever it sees her.
Mokona: Well...what can we say about Mokona? Mokona is Mokona as it says. It looks like a cross between Pokemon and a black bunny rabbit. It's an odd little thing, always happily hopping around Yuka's shop or anywhere else it goes. When it's not doing that it's usually sleeping. As was mentioned, it's the favorite drinking companion of Yuka and let me tell you... this little sucker can drink!!! It consumes well beyond it's own body weight. Besides these things, one of it's favorite passtimes is, of course, pestering Watanuki. No one seems to be able to resist that...especially Mokona.
This is a magical creature posessing a few mysterious powers that we see from time to time. It is always there to help out in what usually seem to be unusual ways. It's very fun to see it pop up in the various episodes and to see what it's capable of. It's not just a simple ball of fluff.
(You'll want to own a stuffed one after you watch the series. It's soooooooooooo friggin cuuuuuute. Fortunately...I don't do cute.)
My overall take on the whole series:
It took me a couple of episodes to get the swing of it, but, once I did, I loved it. Whether it was being funny, sweet, mystical or creepy, I found all of the episodes entertaining in their own peculiar way. AND...it had a very happy and satisfying ending for a change. With some of the darker, horror(ish) themed things you don't always get that. Glad in this case it had one. Leaves you with that complete feeling. It had closure but left you with a continuation for the characters--no one dead, departing, hating each other, etc. I highly recommend it specially if you like your cute mixed with your weird & creepy.
