X: The Complete Series

For those only familiar with the CLAMP collective's manga X from the truncated 1996 anime feature film adaptation by Rintaro, these 24 episodes provide far more depth and scope in detailing the source's complex story of good and evil. Kamui Shir is a young esper (telepath) who returns to Tokyo to care for his dying mother and soon becomes involved in an apocalyptic struggle between two mystical warrior forces: the Dragons of Earth, who seek to destroy the planet, and the Dragons of Heaven, who are committed to saving it. Complicating matters are Kamui's friends, siblings Fuma and Kotori, who also become intricately entangled in the conflict. X offers a surprising level of character development, with Kamui, his allies, and the various “dragons”—seven per side—receiving more than the usual distinctive traits, enabling the series to rise above the usual slam-bang inane action to become a work of sophistication and compelling storytelling. Make no mistake: the series is definitely violent, but the action sequences are crafted with stunning artistry that adds a jolting vibrancy to the proceedings. All told, X: The Complete Series represents a high point in anime productions. Compiling all 24 episodes of the 2001–02 series, plus an OVA, in a four-disc dual-language set, rated 13-up, DVD extras include an interview with director Yoshiaki Kawajiri. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (P. Hall)