Prelim review: Cardcaptor Sakura (or CCS or Cardcaptors if you grew up with the Americanized version of the anime :rolls eyes: ) was one of the first mangas I read way back in the late 90's when my obsession first began. At the time a company named Mixx (later to be called Tokyopop) was releasing each chapter as an individual comic, later collecting them into volumes smaller then a reader's digest. At the time I was reading really only four series; CCS, Sailor Moon, Inu-Yasha and No Need for Tenchi--so basically two 'magical girl' series, a historical shounen and...whatever category Tenchi falls into (harem? comedy?). CCS was my first exposure to CLAMP as a group and its probably one of their less twisted, mind-numbing series quite frankly.

I want to get this out of the way now, my only problem with Dark Horse's omnibus releases of the previously released CLAMP titles is that the omnibus' are so HEAVY. Even right now, nearly two hours after reading that 570 page tome (published on what appears to be high-grade paper--its not the cheap almost newspaper like stuff TP used originally) and my right wrist feels weak and shaky.

This first volume contains the first 3 volumes (which is pretty much the 'this is the cast' and 'this is how the world works' volumes) of Sakura's adventures while trying to catch all the 'Clow Cards'. Its also Li's introduction to the series and all the background information you could ever want or need in regards to how friendships began, Sakura became a Cardcaptor, family dynamics and the tendrils of romance a young girl (or boy) feel at 10 years old.

Full review to be published at Poisoned Rationality ( )

Genre & Audience
Magical Girls
8

Originality
Even though Sailor Moon is credited with restarting the magical girl trope, Cardcaptor Sakura really gives you a one-two, knockout punch with its card theme and constant costume changes.

Artwork
Quality and detail level of the artwork is excellent. Even the far-away views are detailed enough so that if you look at them carefully, then you can see clearly what's going on--although you might have to go back because you missed a detail that's mentioned later on. The characters are clearly differentiated throughout as well as within the same panel; for example, Tomoyo is drawn with dark hair whereas Sakura has light hair. Love the costumes--and there are so many of them to love. And the cards, of course.

Story
Because of the dual goals--romance and the quest--the story moves along at an excellent clip. While still not too advanced along in the quest, the challenges are quite unique enough to keep one's interest. Also, each challenge is solved not merely by magic or physical prowess but by wit as well. Foreshadowing is executed so well that when you ask yourself how Sakura came up with that solution, you have an "aha!" moment and go back and look for the foreshadowing. Fight scenes are really well done. I found the textual directions ("flashback") helpful even though they were probably meant for children. Panel and scene transitions are clearcut.

Characterization
Because character personalities are intertwined with family histories. the characters are deep and believable. The humor is in-line with the characters and as such builds up them up--even the side characters have humor that is part of their personalities (like Yamazaki).

Personal Notes
I started reading this series because my daughter and I are watching the anime. The consumer potential of this whole card idea has really taken off over the past several years. Wixoss, the anime, is a darker play on the card trope.

Aww man, it's really good and just ended on a cliff-hanger, but I have to work at least a few hours today. ( )

I was so shocked by this volume. I have been alternating it with a few other books so I hadn't been getting immersed in it, but today I couldn't put this down! I ended up reading over 70% of this manga in a singular day. It is so light and full of heart. It shows the power of friendship, love, and wanting to help the world. It reminded me a lot of animes like Pokemon or Yu-Gi-Oh, but with a much softer approach. This sucked me in and makes me want to watch the anime made off it so badly. This is definitely a manga I would recommend for those dipping their toes into the genre for the first time. It is easily approachable and an all together fun read. ( )

This series is adorable. ( )

Every bit as good as I remembered. CLAMP really are masters. It doesn't have the manic, disconnected, confusing feeling of a lot of manga. And they seem to have a plan and have it all worked out from the get-go. Definitely doesn't hurt that CLAMP art is gorgeous. ( )