Seinen xxxHolic by CLAMP

[<.Haruka.>]

Re: xxxHolic 205 Discussion/206 Predictions Thread

the4 chaps seems to be aim less ..i mean we havent seen that much of story progression yet have we ..neither did we know any thing more abt yuko ..and what abt himawari...maan to much to show yet

I think its to early to conclude about the story going afar. Since the chapter is a start of new arc, it introduces an adult setting for Wata & Doumeki (after 10 years) which they are showing they are reliable to handle the mysteries by themselves & as well as running the shop.

I think its sensible enough that Kohane is with Doumeki maybe most of the time since they are going on same university and they complement on abilities (just like on Doumeki-Wata).

As for Himawari and Yuuko, it might be a bit long before we knew what's on them since next chapter would be probably more about that thing that Wata protects and also because of the manga's being on monthly release.

 

[shaheer]

Re: xxxHolic 205 Discussion/206 Predictions Thread

still it has been long time since Yuuko disapeared...and since then i believe we have seen 2 time skips...and still no himawari or Yuuko ....it is going slow...

 

[euphoric_shorti]

Re: xxxHolic 205 Discussion/206 Predictions Thread

I'm getting kind of confused with what the stories' about now since Yuuko's gone now. =n=
Himawari has been bugging me.. I heard that she got married in the anime? OAO

 

[harmaa]

Re: xxxHolic 205 Discussion/206 Predictions Thread

Is there a new chapter this month?

 

[jessyt1992]

Re: xxxHolic 205 Discussion/206 Predictions Thread

Is there a new chapter this month?

yah there's a new chapter this month coming this Friday!
im actually enjoying the storyline more now..
and i like how this chapter was 50pgs long

hope the tsubasa gang will appear in the next few chapters.

 

[<.Haruka.>]

xxxHolic 206 Discussion/207 Predictions Thread

Here's chapter 206

The mystery of the little one which Watanuki protects has been revealed..

 

[Shippou_Incognito]

Re: xxxHolic 205 Discussion/206 Predictions Thread

The Edited Manga on MangaFox is a rough translation and is missing pages. I'm trying to get a better one out.

 

[Vande]

Re: xxxHolic 206 Discussion/207 Predictions Thread

Chapter is now up on OM.

 

[Tsukisama]

Re: xxxHolic 206 Discussion/207 Predictions Thread

This chapter was nice, another very long chapter, although it was a quick anejoyable read leaving me wanting more. I read the same Edited Manga that was hosted on OneManga, but I was a bit unsure about what the mystery spirit was. I realize that it was an unborn baby, but it seemed as though they were implying that the fetus was aborted. Is that correct?

If so, the conversation between Doumeki and the old diviner seemed a bit like a rather heavy-handed criticism on abortion. I also wonder what Doumeki is not telling Watanuki; perhaps it is going to be subject of the next plot.

 

[Shippou_Incognito]

Re: xxxHolic 206 Discussion/207 Predictions Thread

I read the same Edited Manga that was hosted on OneManga, but I was a bit unsure about what the mystery spirit was. I realize that it was an unborn baby, but it seemed as though they were implying that the fetus was aborted. Is that correct?

Correct.

If so, the conversation between Doumeki and the old diviner seemed a bit like a rather heavy-handed criticism on abortion. I also wonder what Doumeki is not telling Watanuki; perhaps it is going to be subject of the next plot.

I suppose it could be from a different cultural perspective. You can to focus on it but it sets up for a potentially more drama in future chapters. We'll just have to wait and see.

I also wonder what Doumeki is not telling Watanuki; perhaps it is going to be subject of the next plot.

He's never obfuscated Watanuki this whole time - it's been the other way around ever since Watanuki's taken over the shop.

But it looks like Obasan has set Doumeki on the right path by him going to her to get answers that he won't get from Watanuki. He seems now to understand what could be going on with Watanuki now, and it will help him how to proceed.

Why does Doumeki get lost all the time when he's trying to help Watanuki? Because it takes him 10 years to ask a woman for directions. <jk>

 

[ZaCloud]

Re: xxxHolic 206 Discussion/207 Predictions Thread

Yeah, this chapter dealt very directly with a sensitive issue. I respect that greatly. It always is tragic when a potential life is lost. Who knows if one aborted 'fetus' would have grown up to be the man who would have found a cure for AIDS, or a woman who would have been the biggest musical genius since the classical era? Or the destined love of someone who will instead remain lonely?

I like that this was an issue that was finally dealt with in an unexpected medium. It was heartwarming though, to see Watanuki cradle and protect that young spirit, and give it another chance to be born, instead of becoming a hateful spirit.

After all this time, Doumeki and Watanuki still have their dynamic, of insulting each other, of seldom thanking, and yet fully trusting one another, even with vagueness going on. It's kind of sad though, seeing how much time has gone by, how much older everyone's getting around Watanuki. Even though he's aging as a person himself, it's just so sad seeing how many years are going by.

As readers, we sort of see it from Watanuki's viewpoint with these time jumps. To him, it's all a blink of an eye. For the rest, years pass with each arc now. They're getting older, blossoming, perhaps wilting... I'm actually getting tense about it. Tense at the thought of Doumeki no longer being a fit warrior for Watanuki, or being gone altogether.

And feeling very sorry for Himawari-chan, quite possibly being all alone all this time, rarely ever seeing Watanuki, and probably not having another boyfriend due to her circumstances. Growing older, and so lonely... Why haven't we seen her for so long?

Could it be...

Spoiler

Maybe she'll eventually become... Yuuko? o.o Could her bad luck be related to her being an anomoly of being around her old self?

Just a theory. That'd be weird, but who knows...

This was a strange, internal, emotional arc, but a good one. Doumeki fighting in the rain was a really cool image!

I wonder how new shounen readers are taking this though... It's still quite similar to its old seinen flavor. Still dunno why it was relocated to a Shounen magazine... Oh well.

 

[Shippou_Incognito]

Re: xxxHolic 206 Discussion/207 Predictions Thread

Yeah, this chapter dealt very directly with a sensitive issue. I respect that greatly. It always is tragic when a potential life is lost. Who knows if one aborted 'fetus' would have grown up to be the man who would have found a cure for AIDS, or a woman who would have been the biggest musical genius since the classical era? Or the destined love of someone who will instead remain lonely?

It was a parallel to Watanuki's own situation, just as every customer we've witnessed since he's taken over the shop. Just as you described for the unborn one we could ask what Watanuki's life could have been like if he wasn't the shop master. And like the customer, Watanuki felt lonely/abandoned and questioned his own worth of existence. He's still dealing with this even now.

After all this time, Doumeki and Watanuki still have their dynamic, of insulting each other, of seldom thanking, and yet fully trusting one another, even with vagueness going on.

The dynamic is a serious matter - one that will have to be addressed eventually. Since Rou began he's consciously suppressed it, with the end result being secretive, cynical, and antagonizing to Doumeki.

As readers, we sort of see it from Watanuki's viewpoint with these time jumps. To him, it's all a blink of an eye. For the rest, years pass with each arc now. They're getting older, blossoming, perhaps wilting... I'm actually getting tense about it. Tense at the thought of Doumeki no longer being a fit warrior for Watanuki, or being gone altogether.

That's a great observation. But I think Doumeki is starting to position himself to maybe do something about it now. This was a milestone chapter.

And feeling very sorry for Himawari-chan, quite possibly being all alone all this time, rarely ever seeing Watanuki, and probably not having another boyfriend due to her circumstances. Growing older, and so lonely... Why haven't we seen her for so long?

At first I thought they were just trying to write her out of the story just to get to the ending sooner, but after watching the OAV and reading this chapter I think she's being set up for some serious drama down the road. I really miss her but if my hunch is right she's going to wind up being Rou's punching bag. We'll just have to wait and see.

Could it be...

Spoiler

Maybe she'll eventually become... Yuuko? o.o Could her bad luck be related to her being an anomoly of being around her old self?

Just a theory. That'd be weird, but who knows...

I use to think that too a long time ago, but not anymore. I used to include Zashiki in that mix as well.

I wonder how new shounen readers are taking this though... It's still quite similar to its old seinen flavor. Still dunno why it was relocated to a Shounen magazine... Oh well.

I'm starting to interpret it as some bad signs for CLAMP. All of those missed publication deadlines/delays caught up with them, having too much on their plate with three series going on at once has hurt their credit some. Add the fact that the manga industry has been going down hill for the last 7 years in Japan plus a global recession doesn't help at all.

But the big straw for holic was Yuko's exit. While it was an epic event for her to go she was probably the most popular CLAMP character ever since CCS. Add to it that they took Himawari out of the story (for now, at least) that holic lost it's billing in Young Magazine, a publication that's hosted great, all-time classics like Ghost in The Shell and 3x3 Eyes. When they took sexy Yuko and darling Himawari out of the story so did their following went with them. So holic got shipped to a newer, less popular publication.

 

[spikey]

Re: xxxHolic 206 Discussion/207 Predictions Thread

I'm starting to interpret it as some bad signs for CLAMP. All of those missed publication deadlines/delays caught up with them, having too much on their plate with three series going on at once has hurt their credit some. Add the fact that the manga industry has been going down hill for the last 7 years in Japan plus a global recession doesn't help at all.

But the big straw for holic was Yuko's exit. While it was an epic event for her to go she was probably the most popular CLAMP character ever since CCS. Add to it that they took Himawari out of the story (for now, at least) that holic lost it's billing in Young Magazine, a publication that's hosted great, all-time classics like Ghost in The Shell and 3x3 Eyes. When they took sexy Yuko and darling Himawari out of the story so did their following went with them. So holic got shipped to a newer, less popular publication.

The thing with Yuuko is that... while she may not physically be there, she's always in the back of Watanuki's mind, and thus in the back of our minds. Everytime we see Watanuki smoking the pipe, we compare him to Yuuko. When he first saw him take over the shop and he didn't have the power to really grant wishes like Yuuko did... it was slightly worrisome. But we've seen him grow and he's continually growing so that it's even possible for him to become more powerful than Yuuko. At the same time, it's been stated that having too much power could be dangerous...

As for Himawari-chan, her popularity doesn't really concern me, and she's always been just a minor character. I've wondered if Doumeki would court her... or even if Doumeki would court Kohane.
Speaking of Kohane, she's almost filled Himawari's shoes, but not as a love interest for Watanuki. I personally like her character much better than Himawari's... she's an interesting person and she's someone who contributes to the story and foils the characters really well.

As for the popularity or credibility of CLAMP... They are one of my top 3 favorite anime/manga companies, and I do not really care which media publication they are being released in... Holic and Kobato have been really great, and even if there are delays in production schedules, that's not a big deal.
When you make art sometimes you have to take a little bit longer to make it perfect. I for one, am willing to wait a little bit longer for this series even if Yuuko isn't back yet or Himawari is gone.

---

predictions-
watanuki will recover swiftly...
doumeki gets a girlfriend (himawari or kohane)
still awhile until yuuko comes back

 

[Lirael]

Re: xxxHolic 206 Discussion/207 Predictions Thread

As for the popularity or credibility of CLAMP... They are one of my top 3 favorite anime/manga companies, and I do not really care which media publication they are being released in... Holic and Kobato have been really great, and even if there are delays in production schedules, that's not a big deal.
When you make art sometimes you have to take a little bit longer to make it perfect. I for one, am willing to wait a little bit longer for this series even if Yuuko isn't back yet or Himawari is gone.
<hr noshade size="1">
predictions-
watanuki will recover swiftly...
doumeki gets a girlfriend (himawari or kohane)
still awhile until yuuko comes back

It was probably the publishers who had a problem with Clamp's delay.

I don't think Doumeki will ever get a girlfriend, he's too busy taking care of Watanuki and Clamp needs him for the shounen-ai subtext in the story (it's not a Clamp work without this).

After this chapter, I think the time for Doumeki to use the egg is coming closer.

 

[cari-hime]

Re: xxxHolic 206 Discussion/207 Predictions Thread

After this chapter, I think the time for Doumeki to use the egg is coming closer.

i almost forgot about that egg. makes me wonder....
i felt so bad with this chapter. just hoping the next one won't be as intense as this..

right! what's up with himawari?........ still waiting for her..

 

[Shippou_Incognito]

I think (and hope) that ch.207 will not take as long as the last chapter did. I believe there's a raw in the works though.

Here's a spoiler for ch.207:

Spoiler

A new woman customer comes to the shop wishing to date Doumeki.

I hope we can get some answers for some mysteries about him in this arc.

----------------------------------------

While we wait for the engrish scans from the usual sources, enjoy the quick chinese scans.

I hope we can get some answers to some long held mysteries about Doumeki in this arc.

Some spoiler notes (somewhat) translated by YamiSakura:

Spoiler

At the courtyard, Maru, Moro and Mokona is splashing around with the waterguns. Watanuki got annoyed by them saying how can they be so noisy when the weather is already so hot. At the same moment, he sense an aura of a new customer.

The customer appeared to be a really cheerful/energetic girl. Her wish is to have a chance to date a person... she hands Watanuki a piece of paper that has written the other person's name. As he is getting the paper from her; he has been puzzling as for why he is sensing such an aggressive feeling from her. When he take a look, he is shocked to see that oh-so familiar name

"Shizuka Doumeki"

That night, Doumeki brings the wine over to the shop, As Watanuki teasingly said, "I really don't understand no matter the previous time or currently, you are always so famous" , "Don't come to the shop for a while"

The day after, that girl comes back again ... It doesn't matter how but I want to have this wish fulfill, she is willing to try any method... even if it goes to the extend of harming the people who are around that person.

Watanuki said to her, "you are not able to pay the price". the word "longing", its root meaning came from the word "the hiding place of a soul" (T/N: "longing" in hiragana is akogare, it is only 1 syllable off from akugare). Your current appearing existence is no different than just a dead-living soul. A dead-living soul that doesn't matter what kind of person it may come to harm... you are a person without a heart which you can use to pay the price.

After the girl hear such saying, have face immediately turned blank, as if it is slowly erasing... and then she vanished.

After that, Watanuki immediately calls Doumeki on the phone telling him that there's a girl laying at the front door of Doumeki's temple courtyard, and asked him to call the ambulance immediately.


Watanuki: Even though I have fulfilled many different kinds of wishes... However, the most troublesome one is still a person's desire/lust... and which I am the same way too...

Seems like Watanuki has a self-realization to it as well.

 

[Shippou_Incognito]

Re: Your favorite xxxHOLIC character

Holic is loaded with fun, interesting characters. If I had to pick one out of the entire series then hands down it is Yuko.

She's smart, wise, funny, beautiful and sexy. She's wise without coming off as a know-it-all, and in terms of CLAMP history I'd say she's the most fascinating character they've come up with so far.

 

[cari-hime]

Re: xxxHolic 206 Discussion/207 Predictions Thread

thats interesting who knows what the price would be of dating him... haha

---

i read the new chapter and a rough translation. since there's no more om, i wonder when anyone will post it.....
you were totally right. and it is a very interesting chapter which makes me wonder
who is doumeki dating...? for what i understood he is..

 

[Dhazard]

Re: xxxHOLIC spoilers thread

http://tieba.baidu.com/f?kz=859911571
207 in chinese

 

[cari-hime]

Re: xxxHolic and TRC Crossovers in Kobato Anime

i saw them too! It was sooo sweet because Syaoran tells Kobato that he definetely wants to see [Sakura] again, though he doesn't say her name and Kuro is still getting angry at Mokona. But it was too short for me, anyway it was great to see my fav characters again.