There is no such thing as a coincidence in this world. The only thing... ...is Hitsuzen!
Yeah yeah, we all heard the story. A genie in a lamp that grants you 3 wishes of your choice in return for...yeah nothing. How bout we changed that a little bit and make it easier than idk search for a gad damn lamp... Having a random house in a park with a random woman in it that of course grants wishes is, in truth, something different. And this is where our story begins.
Introduction
Ahh yes, the generic starting plot. You're the only one who found this amazing power, temple, house, artifact, etc, while others couldn't for some reason intensifies. Whelp yeah but not entirely. Kimhiro Watanuki, your average student, has a strange power that he’s able to see all kinds of spirits attached/following him or even others, either being good or bad spirits. Luckily or not, he ends up in a house where he meets Yuko, a strange woman of unknown age, learning that she can grant any wishes on the world...for a price of course. At first, he wasn’t convinced but since he was somewhat desperate to get rid of the spirits haunting him he makes a deal with Yuko to remain (not all the time tho) in that house as a housekeeper in order for his wish to be granted. Little did he know this thing won’t be as easy as it sounds as he will encounter supernatural events, other spirits and characters that will change his life there.
xxxHolic series presents us a detailed and well-made approach to Japanese folklore, with all kinds of spirits, legends, myths, etc. that show the impact they made on others and their actions. On the other hand, the people that come to the house in search of their deepest desires: revenge, being successful in everything regardless of other's warnings, lying of their problems just to get what they want, etc. In fact, only a few people can see this house, as Watanuki, but very few will come there with goodwill in terms of their wishes. Since everything they wish for has to be paied with something equivalent, not many will be able to accept it, falling in agony and sorrow.(some even have to pay with their own soul in order to have the wish granted for example) There is a little bit of comedy, some supernatural and some drama if you get hooked up in this.
Characters
Kimihiro Watanuki
As I said previously, apart from being one of the few characters that can see the spirits along with him, most of the story will focus on him and his actions towards spirits and his friends. He’s a caring type but also a volatile one once he’s irritated or criticized by his friends. It’s someone that I personally find myself, but not to extremes. His wish to be granted and his payment will turn out eventually into something else, but as I want to avoid spoilers... it was inevitable?. Fun fact: he's also a side character in the Blood-C anime since still made by IG I guess.
Yuko Ichihara
Damn, if it was someone like her every time I make a wish I wouldn't mind at all. Jokes aside, don’t let the appearance fool you, cuz she has many other powers unknown, connections and she’s the wisest of all (kind of). Apart from that, she enjoys drinking and eating all kinds of food and alcoholic beverages with his little companion Mokona. Seriously, it’s unknown what is her age is but due to other interventions in Tsubasa Chronicles universe, you could say almost 100 years or even more.
Mokona Modoki (Larg)
The other twin creation of Yuko and Clow Reed from the Tsubasa universe. I’m not gonna dig too much in this: one went with Sakura (again same universe) and the other remained here to help Watanuki. There’s more to learn either by reading or watching Tsubasa Chronicles, but it’s not entirely necessary. Anyway apart from being a drinking buddy to everyone, communication with the other mokona and being a vacuum cleaner with UNLIMITED BLADE WOR...space storage. It’s not something that can affect the plot evolution too much since in some cases he can’t intervene over Watanuki’s decisions. It doesn't do much, but it’s honest work.
Doumeki and Himawari
The few friends Watanuki has apart from those he will encounter. Domeki, the calm and serious-looking guy, he’s also the rival and opposite of Watanuki. Not speaking too much unless asking others about folklore, making some sarcasm and demanding out-of-season food for Watanuki to cook. As Kimihiro, he also has some hidden powers that will be discovered later. Himawari is the crush of Watanuki. She’s very intelligent, friendly and relaxed.
There are obviously more than them, but if I made u interested in some already, why don’t u find the others as well?
Animation
In this topic, let’s be honest, Production IG tried to adapt the manga s much as they could (naw don't blame them for those extremely LONG legs and arms, cuz that's the same in the manga). Unfortunately, the studio wouldn't just drop tons of effects and quality just for this particular show. Personally, some panels from the manga are just blissful and priceless, being a little hard to give us the same feeling in anime. (obvs credits for CLAMP and a job well done)
References
Hey, I don't mind references whatsoever, as long as they’re really well made. It’s nice to see they also included some of their previous works like GITS, but at the same time Kaiji’s face?:))Come on:) I couldn't find some images on net to show em but they are in the sure and u'll see them pretty soon anyway.
Manga and other universe connection
xxxHolic follows the route focusing on Watanuki, while Tsubasa Chronicles follows the route of Sakura and Shiaoryan, having also a mokona with them with slightly different abilities. No, it’s not entirely necessary to either watch or read the manga of Tsubasa to understand xxxHolic better. (unless you’re a CLAMP fan or interested in more). Yes, they do have some intersections along with the story but u won't miss ehem major spoilers bout xxxHolic in particular. So there u have it. I would however recommend the manga over anime for xxxHolic (as many other examples) cuz some parts are either skipped or modified in anime, but for the sake of it, watch the show if it’s easier.
Conclusion
xxxHolic it’s a show that kinda resembled me of the Monogatari Series, tho not at the same quality, complexity and characters (true, it’s another level ngl). But there is however a similarity between them like the spirits, long discussion, supernatural, characters, etc. Maybe there we’re some inspirations considering xxxHolic aired before Monogatari, but those are just my thoughts so far. Some didn’t see this adaption as a good one but I rather not judge other tastes since that what makes us different. There's also a netfli...live adaption on this one buuuut....wasn't that interested in it tho.
If I got ur interest somewhere, I’m really glad. In ur free time maybe this show could just fit in. It’s best enjoyed with either a beverage or a cup of tea, so stay safe and thanks for reading.
