X/1999 by Clamp

Originally released as simply "X" in Japan, this visually stunning manga is the brain child of the four-woman artist group known as Team Clamp. It takes place around the eve of the new millenium in Japan as a young man named Kamui returns to Tokyo to be reunited with childhood friends. However, the prophetess Hinoto envisions the cataclysmic destruction of the entire Earth and sees Kamui as the one who can either choose to save it, or be the cause of its destruction. X/1999 is no doubt an epic saga and has the right premise to be one. Prevalent throughout this manga is the concept of duality. Kamui is pictured vividly as both an saving angel and as a bringer of destruction. The two forces battling for Earth's fate-- the Seven Seals and the Seven Harbringers-- each carry their own symbolism as well. Even Kamui's name carries double meaning: it can be translated as "one who represents God" or "one who hunts God." Spanning 3 volumes (around 10 issues each), the storyline builds every character into plausibility and depth. Towards the end of the story, you'll begin to feel their world spin into its impending doom. If you've never read manga before, you might say the story is too slow..but if you read the whole thing you'll realize that Clamp has complete control over the pace of the story and it works well. One way to describe the ending is that the final series of battles between good and evil stab you in the heart and Kamui's eventual fate twists the knife. There is nothing I can to critique Clamp's art. They have been virtually unchallenged in the realm of dream sequences, and in X/1999, there are many. Clamp creates imagery ranging from the majestic to the apocalyptic, all rendered beautifully. The character designs are intriguing and the settings-- including shrines, rooftops, and city streets-- and are all masterfully designed. Guaranteed to go down as a classic, X/1999 is a must read for mangaholics. The good: great art, great story The bad: n/a The 'lo down: all- around kick-ass X/1999 is available through Viz communications. www.viz.com

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