"There is no such thing as coincidence," the raven-haired woman declared in episode one, "there is only the inevitable." This sentiment plays throughout the dark fantasy anime xxxHolic. In a supernatural context that serves as a counterpart to reality, the series focuses on addictions, as the title suggests. Its ambiguity lets the audience fill in the blank for their own fixation as they watch the characters battle their demons.
XxxHolic is the bewitchingly beautiful manga turned anime created by the all-female manga group CLAMP. This story also happens to intersect with another of their series, Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle. This crossover plot offers an in-depth understanding of the characters and showcases the imaginative power of this artistic collective. For fans of CLAMP or newcomers, here's how to get started with the anime and manga.
The Plot of xxxHolic
The story follows Kimihiro Watanuki, a high school student pursued by spirits. This situation serves as a metaphor for social anxiety. In actuality, those who have the same feelings as Watanuki are worried that they are being watched and judged by others, sometimes to the point of imagining what people are thinking. These thoughts are so intrusive that Watanuki is unable to live a normal life.
That's where Yuko Ichihara enters the picture. This mysterious witch is the owner of a shop that grants wishes, and for a fee, she will grant Watanuki's wish to be free of the spirits. However, Yuko also demands that payment be similar in value, so she asked Watanuki to become her part-time employee. Watanuki's work entails domestic chores and supernatural errands, and with each encounter, he gains a deeper understanding and connection to the spiritual realm. In addition to Watanuki, Yuko's company attracts a number of people seeking help for various addictions. Moral concerns develop as a result of resolving these challenges.
Where to Read the xxxHolic Manga & Light Novels
The manga originally ran from 2003 to 2017 and is currently on hiatus. Scans and English translations of the text can be found online on various sites. Fans can find physical copies on websites like Abebooks, Thriftbooks, and Rightstufanime. There is also a newer series, xxxHolic Rei, which serves as a second season for the story. An original light novel, " xxxHOLiC: AnotherHOLiC" was released in 2008. It was written by NISIOISIN with illustrations by CLAMP. Physical copies of the English translation are currently available through Amazon.
Where to Watch the xxxHolic Anime
In 2006, this series was adapted into anime by Production I.G. with thirty-seven episodes and four OVAs. The anime is available to stream on Funimation and Hulu. Fans eager for more will be excited to hear that there are several live-action adaptations. In 2005, the film xxxHolic: A Midsummer Night's Dream was released but is not currently available on official streaming services. Unfortunately, physical copies are hard to come by, but fans can always check resale sites like eBay. A new live-action movie is also in the works. This new movie is set to debut later this year on April 22.
