xXxHoLic, Volume 2

Voulme 2 begins with a cross-over with Tsubasa: Reservoir chronicles. The vehicle they use to communicate what's going on exactly is a little clumsy and it certainly feels like xxxHolic is an add-on in this respect rather then them main show, there are also some minor points that'll be confusing if you haven't read Tsubasa.

Then the crossover is done and on with the show.

Volume 2 of Tsubasa begins to move the plot along. In the first of two stories in this voulme, Yuko takes Watanuki to see a fortune teller. As well as being interesting in that the fortune teller passes on a message from Watanuki's parents so there's emotional plot and we see some real depth in Watanuki rather then the idiot service, the fortune teller also points out to us that Watanuki is at the start of a journey, a change, and that's what this book is really all about.

The second story introduces Doumeki, a boy Watanuki goes to school with and hates. As Watanuki attracts spirits, Doumeki has the power to turn them away. (And Yuko ships it, yo. It's CLAMP, there has to be something for the fangirls).

General comments about the series remain the same, the art is pretty and the characters are engaging. A good read. ( )

In the beginning of this manga we get to see the rest of how the Tsubasa characters are brought together and sent on their way to find the memories of Sakura leaving the over-excitiable Watanuki to cope with the concept of alternate versions of himself in an infinite universe. The story then moves on and we get to discover more about Watanuki's family and school.

I did find the story interesting if not terribly exciting although it does seem to be building up to something exciting. I am curious to see how things progress and will be picking up additional volumes to read in the future. Although Yuri is a sexy character, she's not really inappropriate and I would certainly continue to suggest this manga for ages 12 and up. ( )