Based on the manga by the popular group CLAMP, xxxHolic is by turns a creepy and funny new anime series. Kimihiro Watanuki is a high school student haunted by his ability to see spirits. One day, the lad is drawn to a shop owned by “dimensional witch” Yuko, who offers to free him of his visions…for a price. Although skeptical, Watanuki agrees to become her employee, cooking her meals, keeping her in drink, and being sent on assignments that make use of his talent. Rounding out the small cast are Watanuki's love interest, and a school rival who is more than he seems (fans of CLAMP's Magic Knight Rayearth series will also recognize the character of Mokona). The art of xxxHolic is very stylized, employing a dark color palette with judicious use of bright colors for effect. Presenting the first four episodes on a dual-language disc, rated TV-PG, this is a promising start for a series that offers something a little different from the anime norm. Recommended, especially for collections with a wide range of CLAMP manga titles. [Note: xxxHolic, Second and Third Collection are also newly available, with the Fourth slated for release on July 29.] Aud: P. (L. Martincik)
xxxHolic: First Collection
(2006) 100 min. DVD: $29.98. Funimation (avail. from most distributors). ISBN: 1-4210-1244-8. Volume 23, Issue 4