This is the XXXHOLiC finale, tying up the story of Watanuki and Yûko once and for all, but it does not feel like any finale I've ever known. It doesn't even feel climactic in nature. If the back cover had not told me it was the final volume, I might still be awaiting a twentieth volume. For some series, an inconclusive and vague ending suits them just fine; not so in a series like XXXHOLiC which has built itself up on mysteries and riddles that require some sort of answer to make the reader feel satisfied with its end. Well, XXXHOLiC does none of these things and this is what lets the whole manga down in the end: CLAMP's refusal to draw up an actual, definitive ending to one of their more infamous series.

The full (spoiler-filled!) review can be read at my blog: http://nagareboshi-reviews.blogspot.com/ ( )

The series concludes on a rather ambiguous note, as Yuko does not return to the magic shop and Watanuki promises to keep waiting for her return. He seems confident in his choice, which is inspired by a drew that Yuko left for him about a butterfly, but Domeki is definitely still worried about the final outcome. Domeki's final scene is even less of a conclusion; he knows that it is not the right time to use the twin egg to Himawari-chan's bird, so we are left with the knowledge that the conclusion hasn't happened yet.

Even with the plot leaving much to be desired, Clamp outdid themself on the artwork of this volume. The dream sequences and supernatural mini-stories allow them to reall experiment with the fantasy-stylings of the story to great success. ( )

This review is for the whole manga, vol 1 to 19.

xxxHolic is one of the most iconic mangas of CLAMP because it’s the link between all their stories.

The manga begins following the premise presented in the first chapter, Watanuki must do errands for Yuuko, and because of those errands, he starts to get
closer to the supernatural world instead of get away from it. The first volumes follow the same structure, a customer goes to the shop and in few chapters they grant their wish. Most of the problems the customers have are related to habits.

In the second volume this story intertwines with Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles, a really intelligent marketing strategy because in order to fully understand the story, you must read both mangas. The story continues and more important characters appear, and also they make some references to Tsubasa, but it doesn’t lose the “customer - grant wish” structure.

Maybe my explanation of the story makes it sound boring, but it is not. The manga hooks you instantly because it has a lot off Japanese folklore, it mentions legends, mythical creatures, and superstitions that let the reader know more about Japanese folklore, and if you compare it with your own culture, it’s really interesting. Also, most of the problems the customers have, or the customers themselves are relatable, you can relate yourself or someone you know to those problems and characters.

The story has a perfect balance between comedy and supernatural stuff, when things are really quiet, something interesting happens, or when the story is getting too dark, some comedy appears to light up the story.

One of the main things I like of this manga are the characters, everyone has different personalities and an interesting background story, also, as the plot advances there is character development, a development that may pass unperceived at first, but in the final chapters you notice how all characters changed after making certain decisions. The character that changed the most is the protagonist, Watanuki. At first he was really noisy and annoying, I actually didn’t like him, but now he is my favorite, he matured a lot.

There is also relationship development between the characters, some characters didn’t get along at first end up understanding each other, or characters that started as secondary characters end up having a more important role in the story or help a certain character to develop.

The only issue I have with this manga is the art style; don’t get me wrong, I like it, but sometimes the characters seem to be too long and slender, especially Watanuki and Yuuko, their proportions feel off. Leaving that aside, I really like the backgrounds and costume design, something that outstands in the covers and the artbook.

As the plot advances it gets more complex and becomes one with Tsubasa, yup, you HAVE to read both mangas, it doesn’t matter the order thou, but I recommend to read this one first or at the same time (though I read Tsubasa first).

I must admit I didn’t like the ending at all, it wasn’t what I was expecting, I was hoping for something happier, but no. Although the story seemed to have a definitive finale (that was kind of dissapointing), in 2013 a sequel titled xxxHolic: Rei started, it’s still on going.

xxxHolic has an interesting and complex story, it lets you imagine all kind of theories in your mind of what will happen; it also has intriguing and diverse characters and a mysterious feeling that makes you want to know what’s next. I usually don’t read mangas of more than 60 chapters, because I think it’s too long, but I couldn’t stop reading this one. I highly recommend it, each case it presents is unique and relatable, and also it shows a lot of Japanese folklore.
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  This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.com by express permission of this reviewer   Title: xxxHolic #17, 18 & 19 Series: xxxHolic Author & Artist: CLAMP Rating: 5 of 5 Stars Genre: Manga Pages: 165-185'ish   Synopsis: The series wraps up with several clients showing up and showcasing how powerful and comfortable Watanuki has become as the shop owner. And it all leads to one final dream, Yuko's dream.   My Thoughts: During the whole time that I was reading these 3 volumes, I was simply shaking my head in wonder and amazement. Gone are the silly arguments between Watanuki and Domeki, gone are the times of Watanuki making a complete fool of himself for Himawari's sake and gone is Watanuki's self-effacing timidness.   Time is the main casualty in these volumes. We never know how much time has passed and while CLAMP sometimes shows things [Himawari &  Watanuki talking on the phone about her marriage for example] happening that take time, nothing is truly concrete. CLAMP does try to show changes in some of the characters, Kahone-chan for instance, but the art style doesn't lend itself toward subtle changes and so everyone pretty much looks like their starting ages.   One thing that I REALLY liked was that Watanuki grants a wish to the Tsubasa crew so that the quest they began at the end of Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles appears to be near the end.   Speaking of endings, another thing that I really liked in this series was that things were wrapped up. Himawari gets married to someone else and is actually happy. Domeki and Kohane-chan, who is no longer really a "chan", are on course to get together and are happy. Mokona is still drinking like a sponge and is happy. Maru and Moro are still sustaining the shop and are happy.   And most important of all, Watanuki sees Yuko's last dream and hence gets to see her for one last time and sees how she has confidence in him. And he is happy. I am satisfied with how this series has ended. I am seriously considering reading xxxHolic: Kei now.   To whit, this series is one of the best manga I've read to date. It has some action, enough humor, is supernatural, a tiny bit of terror, awesome characters, a convoluted plot and most of all, it has Yuko the Time/Space Witch. " ( )

I loved the ending for this series. Watanuki gets peace at the end of the story. He does see Yuko again but it is in a dream that she left for him long ago. The only thing that remained was what Domeki was to use the egg on. That is never told or it could be that he never needed to use it at all. The story in this manga was so moving to me. Watanuki starts out so angry and alone. He feels that he does not matter and no one would care if he just disappeared. In the end of the story, Watanuki knows that he is worthy. He knows that people care about him and he, in turn, cares about others. The way that Watanuki grows over the course of the series was so beautiful and moving. The sadness that is part of this story is so worth how beautiful it is.

I give this volume and series a Five out of Five stars. ( )