Rating: 4/5 stars
Directors: Tsutomu Mizushima
Total Episodes: 37 episodes (Season 1 & Season 2)
Studio: Production I.G
Genres: Supernatural, Mystery, Psychological, Drama
“xxxHOLiC”, based on the manga by the renowned group CLAMP, is an intriguing supernatural anime that delves into the human psyche, desires, and the mysterious forces that govern them. Directed by Tsutomu Mizushima and animated by Production I.G, the series ran for two seasons from 2006 to 2008. The story stands out for its deep themes, eerie atmosphere, and a unique blend of Eastern spiritual folklore and modern-day problems.
Story & Setting
The plot centers around Kimihiro Watanuki, a high school student who can see spirits and supernatural entities. This ability makes his life difficult, as the spirits are often drawn to him. One day, while trying to escape a spirit, Watanuki stumbles upon a strange shop owned by Yūko Ichihara, a mysterious and glamorous woman who grants wishes—but at a cost.
Yūko offers to remove Watanuki’s ability to see spirits, but in return, he must work at her shop to repay the debt. This sets the stage for the episodic structure of the series, where Watanuki assists Yūko in dealing with clients who come seeking help with their problems, which often involve supernatural or karmic consequences. Each client’s case presents a moral dilemma, making xxxHOLiC feel more like a series of philosophical explorations rather than a typical action-driven anime.
The show excels in its use of supernatural elements to explore human nature, particularly the themes of desire, greed, and consequences. The shop, which exists between the real world and the spiritual realm, serves as a space where the line between fate and free will is blurred, and every action has a price.
Characters
The characters in xxxHOLiC are quirky, multifaceted, and serve as the emotional and thematic backbone of the series.
Kimihiro Watanuki: The protagonist, Watanuki is a mix of cynicism and youthful optimism. Initially portrayed as someone frustrated by his ability to see spirits, his character develops over time as he learns about the deeper consequences of human desires through his work at Yūko’s shop. His relationship with Yūko is central to his growth, as she often pushes him to reflect on his own behavior and emotions. Watanuki is also emotionally conflicted due to his feelings for Himawari Kunogi, a classmate, and his rivalry/friendship with Shizuka Dōmeki.
Yūko Ichihara: Yūko is the enigmatic shop owner, often referred to as the “Space-Time Witch.” She is wise, mysterious, and playful, but beneath her carefree exterior lies someone deeply knowledgeable about the spiritual realm and human nature. She operates under the rule that everything has a price, and she never gives something for nothing. Her teachings to Watanuki often come in the form of cryptic lessons about the balance between desire and consequence, making her one of the most compelling characters in the series.
Shizuka Dōmeki: Watanuki’s schoolmate and foil, Dōmeki is calm, collected, and possesses spiritual abilities that repel evil spirits. Though Watanuki initially dislikes him, viewing him as a rival for Himawari’s affection, Dōmeki often acts as Watanuki’s protector, particularly in supernatural encounters. Their relationship is one of the more subtle but heartwarming aspects of the show, evolving from rivalry to reluctant friendship.
Himawari Kunogi: Watanuki’s crush, Himawari is sweet, kind, and cheerful, but her character hides a deeper mystery that complicates her relationship with Watanuki. While she does not possess supernatural powers, her presence influences Watanuki’s life in significant ways.
The supporting characters, such as Mokona, a small rabbit-like creature, and other clients of Yūko’s shop, add color and variety to the story, each contributing to the overarching theme of consequences and karmic balance.
Animation & Art
xxxHOLiC is visually distinct, largely due to its exaggerated art style. CLAMP’s signature character designs—particularly the tall, lanky bodies with long limbs and sharp angles—are striking and give the series an otherworldly feel. The characters’ exaggerated proportions, especially Yūko’s ethereal beauty and Watanuki’s elastic movements, emphasize the surreal nature of the world they inhabit.
The use of color and shadows in the animation by Production I.G effectively creates a moody, atmospheric tone that complements the supernatural themes. The shop, in particular, is depicted as a place that feels both welcoming and eerie, reinforcing the idea that it exists outside the normal world. The animation may not be as fluid or action-packed as other series, but its slow, deliberate pacing suits the contemplative nature of the story.
Visual symbolism plays a huge role in xxxHOLiC, with many scenes featuring objects or motifs that hold deeper meanings tied to the themes of fate and consequence. The simple yet symbolic visuals help elevate the show’s philosophical undertones, making the audience reflect on what’s happening beneath the surface.
Soundtrack & Music
The soundtrack of xxxHOLiC, composed by S.E.N.S. Project, adds a haunting and ethereal quality to the series. The music ranges from eerie, atmospheric tracks that enhance the supernatural elements to more lighthearted and whimsical pieces that reflect Watanuki’s day-to-day life. The combination of traditional Japanese instruments with modern melodies helps to ground the show in both its spiritual and contemporary settings.
The opening themes, particularly “19sai” by Shikao Suga, are stylish and perfectly capture the mysterious, adult tone of the series, while the ending themes, like “Reason” by Fonogenico, offer a softer, more introspective close to each episode.
Themes & Social Commentary
xxxHOLiC is rich with philosophical and moral themes, many of which stem from the interplay between human desires and supernatural consequences.
Desire and Consequences: The central theme of xxxHOLiC is the idea that all actions, particularly those driven by desire, have consequences. Yūko often teaches Watanuki that no wish comes without a price, and that humans must be prepared to deal with the outcomes of their desires, whether they are positive or negative. This theme is explored through various clients who come to the shop, each grappling with their own wishes and the unintended consequences that follow.
Fate vs. Free Will: The series constantly grapples with the tension between fate and free will. Yūko, while seemingly all-powerful, is bound by the rules of balance, meaning that even she cannot interfere with destiny without a price being paid. The clients’ stories often ask whether their fates were predestined or if they could have made different choices.
Spirituality and Karma: Drawing on Japanese spiritual beliefs, xxxHOLiC incorporates concepts of karma, the idea that one’s actions have spiritual repercussions that echo throughout their lives. The show often hints at unseen forces guiding the characters, but it never strays too far from the idea that individual choices matter deeply.
Human Nature: At its heart, xxxHOLiC is a reflection on human nature—our fears, desires, and the consequences of pursuing them. The show suggests that people are often blind to the price of their wishes, and that ignorance can lead to suffering. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and understanding the motivations behind one’s actions.
Criticism
While xxxHOLiC is highly regarded for its storytelling and deep themes, it is not without its shortcomings. The show’s episodic nature means that the overarching plot can feel slow to progress, especially for viewers who prefer fast-paced action or continuous story arcs. Some viewers may find the philosophical discussions and the show’s contemplative tone to be heavy-handed or repetitive.
Additionally, the anime does not fully adapt the entire manga, leaving certain plotlines unresolved. Fans of the source material may feel that the anime lacks the depth and complexity of the manga, especially in terms of character development and the resolution of key storylines.
Final Thoughts
xxxHOLiC is a beautifully crafted supernatural series that stands out for its unique blend of Eastern folklore, psychological drama, and philosophical exploration. While it may not appeal to fans looking for fast-paced action, its eerie atmosphere, complex themes, and memorable characters make it a rewarding experience for those who enjoy thought-provoking storytelling.
The series’ exploration of the consequences of human desire, along with its moody visuals and ethereal soundtrack, create a haunting and reflective viewing experience. For fans of CLAMP’s work or anyone interested in anime that delves into the supernatural and psychological, xxxHOLiC offers a unique and captivating journey into the mysteries of the human soul.
