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Studio : Production I.G.
Licenced by : FUNimation
Length : 24 Episodes
Year : 2006
Genre : Comedy - Mystery - Magic - Drama
Synopsis :
"There is no such thing as coincidence in this world. There is only... 'hitsuzen'!"
Yuko Ichihara manages a shop that can "grant you any wish". Watanuki Kimihiro, on the other hand, is born with blood that allows him to see spirits and which also attracts spirits to him. When Watanuki "accidentally" (or, in Yuko's terms, "inevitably, deemed by fate") lands upon Yuko's shop, he asks her to cure him of his blood's curse. However, with every wish, you must pay compensation, and so Watanuki begins working at Yuko's shop...
Added : 2006-04-06
Synopsis by : Ren Yin
Last update : 2008-02-12
Last update details : Modify info
Score : 8.4
Number of reviews : 15
Link(s) :
Official #1 : TBS's XXXHOLiC Website (jap)
Official #2 : XXXHOLiC & Tsubasa Chronicles Website (jap)
Song(s) :
Opening #1 : Shikao Suga - 19sai
Ending #1 : Fonogenico - Reason
Release(s) :
2006-10-08 -- Episode(s) 7 by KazeNoKoeFansubs. BT Link
2006-09-30 -- Episode(s) 12 by Shinsen-Subs. BT Link
2006-09-30 -- Episode(s) 11 by Shinsen-Subs. BT Link
Found 54 releases. Click here to [ Find them! ]
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Posted by : Scamp
Posted on : 2009-01-01 
XXXholic, and it's sequel xxxholic kei, is a CLAMP manga turned anime. While it may not be their best piece it is certainly one of their better and deeper works so far. The world of xxxholic is one that you can visit and revisit with a different story and it will still feel fresh and well-told everytime. And that's what CLAMP do, visit the same basic storyline and tell a different story.
The main problem with xxxholic is simple and obvious: the animation. In their static form in the manga, Watanuki and co. have their own charm is a slightly eerie way. Animated they just look malformed. These aren't the slender, beautiful character designs you might see in their other work, these just look grossly misshapen. And it's not just the character designs, the monsters are just ugly blobs and...urgh. I'll stop here. I could go on all day but I won't, I think you've got the drift. The animation isn't good.
There isn't really a plot or any significant development in xxxholic. Most of the time it's very episodic with subtle changes to the characters in each episode, particularly the relationship between Watanuki and Doumeki. Of course the real star of the show is Yuuko. Anytime she graces center stage she is fantastic. There are a lot of side characters in xxxholic, such as the two sprites, who are all surprisingly deep characters in their own rights. The only real weak character in xxxholic is Himiwari, mainly due to the lack of development between Watanuki and herself.
One half of what makes xxxholic great is the characters. The other is the genuine creepy, mysterious nature of the show. About half the episodes deal with some old wives tales and horror stories, some of which really did give me the creeps. Thanks to this show I am now can't cut my toenails at night or knock down spider webs (actually I did knock down a spider web, then spent the rest of the day worrying about it).
I'd like to give a special mention to the first two closings because I really do love them both. Actually I loved xxxholic in general. The gradual development of the characters was probably the highlight, along with some of Yuuko's highly quotable lines. 'Nothing is a coincidence'. Just what keeps this from ranking higher is that it's very hard to take seriously when Watanuki's limbs are flailing around like some electrocuted eels.
Posted by : AJtheFourth 
Posted on : 2008-11-10
xxxHolic is one of those odd series that I found myself addicted to, without being able to pinpoint why for the longest time.
Through the first four episodes, I found my attention drifted in and out, only to be recaptured halfway through the series. Admittedly, I would not have continued to watch it following those first four episodes had I not had a friend who was obsessed with it, but by the end of the season I found myself hooked and wanting more.
Animation: The animation has the potential to be stunning, but falls flat on several occasions. Yuuko, never complete without the swirling pipe smoke, is always very well done, but the stick-figure-like quality of many characters, particularly Watanuki and Doumeki, can get annoying. 7/10
Story: The story starts off with a yawn and ends with two very touching episodes in 'Choices,' and 'Reminisce.' There is an underlying feeling to the entire season, helped along by Yuuko's insinuations, that what appears to be simple and straightforward is actually very deep and complex. There are a few duds in here, but overall the story was good. 8/10
Characters: The characters are obviously well-thought out and each come with an intriguing back story. Unfortunately, these back stories are never realized, and the viewer can end up feeling left out of what seems to be one giant inside joke. Watanuki does become more likable as the story, and he himself, progresses. Doumeki and Himawari both play their parts, and Mokona is cute without being annoying. All in all, it's Yuuko who ties everything together successfully. 9/10
Music: The background music in this show is amazing and lends quality, humor, and gravity in all the right places. The opening and two ending themes are both good, not great. 9/10
Overall:After watching the entire first season, I ended up a huge fan of xxxHolic. Unfortunately, the first few episodes didn't grab me like they should have, but the season ends very strongly, paving the way for an amazing second season. 8/10
Posted by : Terentius
Posted on : 2008-08-08 
Animation
The animation was something that took me a while to get used to. Monochromic colors were used with the typically tall, elongated CLAMP character designs. The characters almost resembled stick insects at times. The show wasn’t the most visually impressive I’ve seen but there was a distinct look about it that made me sit up and take notice. As mentioned previously, the deformed elongated limb length of the characters may not be to everyone’s tastes.
Story
There wasn’t really a continuous story or plot. Nearly all of the episodes were mutually exclusive of each other with only some key peripheral characters making the occasional reappearance. I found each of the stories highly entertaining and intriguing. It was a shame there wasn’t an overall plot linking everything together though.
Characters
I found most of the characters to be quite pleasant to watch. On the negative side, character development was rather shallow. This didn’t dampen the entertainment as the show relied more on the highly unusual situations that arose from interacting with the supernatural than the characterization. Even the ‘stiff and abrupt’ Doumeki seemed to have a certain degree of charm about him. However, it was the duo of Watanuki and Yuuko that really stole the show. The banter between the calculatingly cool Yuuko and the easily exasperated Watanuki brought forth much of the laughter I had for the show.
Music
I thoroughly enjoyed the OP of "19 sai" by Suga Shikao. For lack of a better description, I found it really cool and melodic. At times, I had the impression that he sounded like a younger, oriental version of Rod Stewart. Both the EDs were decent, but nothing truly special.
Summary
I found xxxHolic to be a very entertaining show. It wasn’t the most exciting I’ve seen, but it nevertheless made for very interesting viewing. The presence of the supernatural and the abilities/gifts of most of the cast really brought the show to life. What could have made the show great would have been more focus on the character development. Aside from the last episode and the occasional brief conversation, very little is known of Watanuki’s past. Yuuko remains a very intriguing enigma. With the release of a second season, perhaps more could be shed on some of the stranger aspects of xxxHolic that made it such a pleasant watch.
Posted by : ErwinRommel
Posted on : 2008-04-12
Xxxholic is stylish and overall an enjoyable anime. The animation quality isn't quite as good technically like Bleach or Naruto but artistically it's very beautiful. It reminds me of the anime Mononoke. I don't think this anime is outstanding but I would think the style and delightful characters are enough to recommend it.
Xxxholic doesn't have an over-arching story therefore this anime relies heavily on the characters to deliver a good show. The product is mixed at best. Yuko the owner of the shop is wonderful, and dominates the series. She is able to jump from a happy-go-lucky character into a more sinister form without breaking the mood. Not only that, whenever she is present the whole atmosphere of the show changes into a more supernatural feel.
Many of the supporting cast were excellent. Kunogi Himawari is delightful in her unintentional flirts with Domeki in front of Watanuki. Domeki's blunt one-word responses were very funny. The Zashiki-warashi also is quite good. She isn't boring and her clumsy nature clashes very well with her shyness. My favorite above all is the Ame-Warashi. I love her voice and the way she stares down at Watanuki.
The disappointments lie in the character Watanuki Kimihiro. As the main protagonist I found that many of his gags with Domeki falls short. His role in the anime is to act as a guide for us in the supernatural world. Through his interaction with the spiritual beings can the audience feel the mystique and awe of the worlds he can cross. But once again he falls short in this role. The worlds he appears in are beautiful but Watanuki doesn't seem to really respond to it that generates excitement. What made the Hayao Miyazaki movie Spirited Away outstanding was the way the main character Chihiro interacts with those in the spiritual world. Watanuki Kimihiro doesn't make the anime shine the way it could have. He is bland and that drags down the entire anime.
This anime is not bad. It has a main character that is a whiny spectator in a world that is bursting with excitement. But he is counter-balanced by Yuko who does maintain the mysterious mood the show tries to maintain. The supporting cast also delivers a good performance but with a mediocre main character there really isn't much that they can do to keep the anime from being dragged down. Therefore the score I give is 7/10.
Posted by : Molenir
Posted on : 2008-04-10
xxxholic, reading the name, I had no idea what I was in for when I started watching this anime. Even having watched it, I have no idea what the name means. Essentially, the anime is about the life of Watanuki, a guy who sees, and is oppressed by spirits, who are naturally attracted to him. He meets Yuuko, the owner of an unusual shop, who promises she can help him out, in return he will work for her.
The show is almost a slice of life type show, with each episode very nearly being a stand alone, with little or no plot advancement. Basically, as each episode occurs, Watanuki learns another lesson, grows closer to his friends, or makes new friends.
No review of this show would be complete without mentioning the artwork. The only way to describe it, would be to say simply, unique. The characters are unusually tall, with long thin legs, and the girls at least, have fun hair. Often, the girls are dressed in Gothic or traditional Japanese outfits. Initially, I found myself put off by the unusual art style, however after awhile, it grew on me, so much so, that by the end of the series, I found I didn't even mind how odd they looked.
The music, particularly the OP was fun, while the second ED was fun to watch. The BGM was a bit lacking at times, frequently recycling the same music for spooky situations. But looking back on the series, I found I didn't mind the music at all.
Overall, I have to admit, I really enjoyed this series. With its fun and unique characters. While the plot was occasionally a bit lacking, particularly the final arc, I really found that I enjoyed the entire show. I definitely recommend it to anyone.
Posted by : kevinchaosvs
Posted on : 2008-02-07
Supernatural tales, myths, philosophy…the stories in this anime never fails to intrigue me.
I simply loved the concepts in the story- of true mystique of divination from bogus astrology, of how negative emotions and aspects of humanity being personified as “unearthly aura", the blend in myths and philosophy simply fantastic! Then of course, there is the graphics/animation design which a gives a certain gothic feel, complimenting the atmosphere in the anime more so. Dark , yet witty and funny at times, with an air of mystery and a certain classic feel, fused with astonishingly profound themes of philosophical values---very thought-provoking at times.This certainly isnt your typical fantasy/magic gene anime.Ive watched many anime that discussed about topics like "Fate", "Destiny" but none are as unique and fascinating as xxxHolic.
The only mild drawback , is that the background music is quite lacking, and is average, nothing special. (and we all know how good music contributes to the overall success of an anime).
Certainly a great show, hope there’s a second season coming out.
Posted by : pavyisku
Posted on : 2008-01-14
xxxHOliC is a great series that I really enjoyed for the most part.
At first, I thought the CLAMP style animation was kinda weird with the long arms and legs and I know others who have said the same. But this is something I got over very quickly, and in the end I can say that I really love the animation of this series.
The story is about Watanuki who gets himself involved with a shop that grants wishes with a compensation price and he starts experience supernatural encounters more than ever in his life. There was no really direct storyline. This series just went day by day of Watanuki's life and all his spiritual encounters, which is something I believed was pulled off really well and I couldn't imagine this show in any other format.
The characters were all so adorable from the act-like but don't look-alike twins, the little black furball with a wise mouth, and the mysterious but stunning Yuuko. I really loved how she had a different outfit every single day. That just really poked me in a good place for some reason.
The atmosphere can be as dark as it is light, and the show can really have its creepy moments. I really don't know what to expect sometimes. It's like drawing from bag and you'll either get a pretty creepy show or a show with full comedy. But all the episodes has its light comedy moments so it really was a nice balance of light and dark, and I can say I have never seen a show with so much light and darkness intertwined together. It really was a refreshing theme.
All in all, I give xxxHOLiC a 9 out of 10. A great anime with stunning characters and a nice blend of different atmospheres.
Posted by : du5k
Posted on : 2007-09-14
xxxHolic is a series with a very different theme… the story focuses a lot more on spirits, spiritual beliefs, etc. I suppose this is where it intends to generate interest, as you do not see a lot of stories based on this topic. Sadly, I was not too interested in this particular subject.
Plot
The story is about this guy who can see spirits, working in a unique shop that deals with such stuff, with the main purpose to “granting" wishes to people. Like I said, what’s interesting is that they deal with stuff like ghosts and spirits and stuff like that. The first few introduction episodes made me feel sleepy. There isn’t much of a plot until the last few episodes, which focus mainly on Watanuki. It was occasionally quite touching, but it still didn’t generate much interest.
Story Style
Frankly, I didn’t like how the story is brought out. Particularly is the humor they try in inject in the series every now and then, about how Watanuki is irritated with Yuuko and Doumeki, and how he is infatuated with Himawari. It gets very, very repetitive and really irritating. Other than that, there isn’t really any climax to any particular side story. It ain’t bad, but It wasn’t really enough to keep me interested.
Animation
It was CLAMP style to draw characters really long, and it is most obvious in this series. In my opinion, it looks particularly weird. And there’s also the lack of any detail in all scenes. Overall, I’ll say the quality of animation in the series is poor.
Music and Sounds
The opening theme might be the only thing that kept me interested in this series, as it really fits the theme of the story. The two EDs isn’t much. Watanuki’s voice, although it was pretty good, gets on my nerves with his continuous whining.
Overall
Well, I didn’t actually dislike this show, but I can’t say I’ve enjoyed it either. Perhaps if you might develop some interest in these particular subjects, you might want to give it a try. I give it 3 for quality and 2.5 for enjoyment, making a score of 6 (tilted).
Posted by : konekochan
Posted on : 2007-04-28 
It's a beutifull anime! If you like a litle bit strange but interesting mysteries, then this' is an anime for you.
The combination of japanies legends and interesting characters is thrilling. Every episode has some facts from Japanese life and superstition. The main charectars each represent an individual and great persone.
Yuko is just super. She is the most supernatural but also the most average woman. The way she jumps from fake to serious conversations is amaising!
The style of drawing is new to Clamp but suits the anime plot well. You can concentrate beter on the main characters because there are no clear people in backgrounds.
The conection with the other Clamp animes and in the most to the Tsubasa Chronicals worked out for the best of the xxxHolic.
Music in the anime is pleasing right into your ears and stays there for days.
A job well done from the Clamp girls. I'm a fan. :))))
Posted by : Kyo250
Posted on : 2007-03-07
Feeling that anime are to nice in their way of expressing reality? Then watch this anime consisting of 24 episodes. The name is pretty straight on what the storyline is about. "Things are not always as they seems to be" works nice to express it in short.
The main person is a boy in high school and with a "special gift" he have had since birth. This gift causes severe problems for this boy in many ways, but he is the only one who gets hurt by the gift. A good gift or not is something everyone watching can discuss about. One day the boy gets enough and end up meeting a special lady or fortune teller ,more or less. The lady seems to be able to help, but for something in exchange. The offer gets accepted with no other choices and the dice is thrown.
The story is very interesting and unique in its own way. A big warning should be mentioned before watching this anime: if one don;t want to see the cruel reality, then don;t watch this anime. Because reality and not reality are two main points in the story. Though the anime may sound like it can be very sad and depressing, it isn;t in that direction. The story is told in a nice way so reality and happiness combines each other in a gentle dance, rotating and rotating without an stop.
This anime is recommended for CLAMP lovers and those who want to view something philosophical and real. These two words can be defined in different ways according to different persons, but still if one like those things, then view xxxHOLiC.
Posted by : Myrah
Posted on : 2007-01-07
So much for having the style of animation that I dislike, this anime blew my mind with its enchanting story with mysterious characters to an unknown places every episodes with our favourite errand boy Watanabe.
XxxHolic presents a unique world filled with mysterious beings, and our old, forgotten beliefs seem to survive, or rather, have grown into something we can't quite understand with the modern science. It's been some time that I've enjoyed such type of anime without violence and fan service but still has a quite entertaining story line.
As far as the characters go, I am pleased with their unique characters with distinctive features, and showed much potential and growing up as the story unfolds.
Posted by : hatefulguts
Posted on : 2006-09-22
Story: 10/10-Overall I find xxxHOLIC to be a rewarding show. It's a bit episodic, because most of the episodes follow the main format, but each episode has its own theme and the series seems to be slowly getting the main plot, which, coupled with the characters, makes the series interesting enough for me not to mind the format.
Music: 9/ 10-I'd give the backgroud music a good rating, because it accents what goes on very well, but I personally didn't care for the first ending theme. The second ending is a much better song, but the closing animation is rather bland.
Characters: The main and supporting characters are all very distinct, and up to the most recent episode I've seen, 24, their in-depth 'stories' have remained mostly unexplained, which I normally would dislike, but with the progression of the story doesn't bother me so much. They don't seem to change much throughout, although Watanuki seems to be "growing up" with each episode's lesson. The random characters that show up at the shop aren't very memorable, but their accompanying stories are all very interesting.
Artwork: 9/10-Most people seem to think it detracts from the story, but I disagree. The style may seem simple, but the main characters are all well-designed to suit their personalities. I used to dislike how stick-ish the bodies are (as seems to be the general consensus), but over time I've grown to like it and consider it a break from the normal boring designs that are becoming more and more anatomically correct. The simple design meshes well with the special effects.
Overall, I give xxxHOLIC a 9/10. My personal favorite parts of each episode are the skirmishes between Watanuki and Doumeki.
Posted by : deviln3
Posted on : 2006-07-24
A 9!!! how can this show get a NINE!?!?! ... well read on and I'll try to explain..
Well this show is rather different from all of the shows currently being fansubbed.. its not the most original story but its told in a great away..
Yuko is a witch with a shop, where people have their wishes granted.. but a price of equal value must be payed which is why Watanuki now works for Yuko to pay for the price of his wish. As for what his wish was... well you'll have to watch and find out. There isnt a definate plot, but instead a day to day count of Watanuki's life ... where he has to deal with the supernatural forces around us.. don't laugh at me for saying this but every episode gives a sort of leason which is worth remembering and all these little adventures help watanuki get closer to those around him...
Artwork... well theres no other way to say it but it might look cheap but still it fits the story perfectly.. where special effects are needed its flawless.. long arms and legs may look weird at first but it just grows on you with the way the characters move..
opening and ending song aren't the best but they aren't bad either.. the super cool thing i look forward to is Yuko's new dress episode after episode .. so don't forget to check out this show.
Posted by : Faebinder
Posted on : 2006-05-20
xxxHolic is very strange. I don't understand how I got pulled into watching this anime. I am only up to episode 18 and potentially this could be a 9 rating or go down from 8 rating to a 7. Details.
Artwork: 7/10. Probably the biggest weakness of the anime. It is less than the standard quality. The characters are drawn with very long limbs and the features are not very detailed. Still, it has its own unique style and that is augmenting to the story. There is practically no action in this anime so no fluid scenery is seen.
Music: 9/10. It has been a while since I have heard music during episodes that enhances the mood (maybe since I watched Elfen Lied). Absolutely great drama music... especially when it gets evil and mysterious, it gives a great evil vibe. The opening is average and the ending is less than average.
Story: 9/10. So far it has been scattered into separate episodes but the story seems to have a hidden theme to it that is slowly advanced. There is a 4 way circle-love relation that is putting a hidden tension in the story. At episode 7, the story is magic-mystery-love oriented with a lot of drama and little action. Technically most of the episodes I have seen so far are fillers because they stand on their own... but little bits seem to carry to different episodes. If the story quality remains independant episodes then this anime is doomed but if it joins to a bigger theme then this could become excellent. Of note, there is a minor interaction in one of the episodes with the heroes from Tsubasa Chronicles. By episode 18, there was multiple hints of the plot to be and you start seeing a reason behind the setup. Either this can become a great story or a pure let down. We'll see.
Characters: 9/10. The main mysterious female is the same one from the beginning of the Tsubasa Chronicles. The other characters are very unique in their own way. While their drawings are not the most detailed in the worlds, their personality and background is very well fleshed. So far no antagonist is really seen and I begin to wonder how will the main characters spin this story into a non-boring story when there is very little conflict. Luckily the main male seems to grow slowly.
Up to episode 7 so far.. I absolutely enjoyed the mystery/magic/love theme. I hope the episodes become more connected into a good story.. else this is doomed to being mediocre. Finally, if you want to know if this series is for you or not... watch the movie (xxxHolic A Midsummer Night's Dream), it is a good intro story to the series.
Up to episode 18... wow... little by little the story is spinning through independant episodes around a mysterious plot... something about the shop and Watanoki, which I will keep a secret and not spoil it.
Posted by : forgiveangel
Posted on : 2006-04-23
Another anime made by clamp and is connect to their other series, Tsubasa.
This anime first caught my attention when I was reading the manga.
It is basicly about a guy that spirits are attractive to. he then meets this strange lady that believe there is no such thing as a coincidence. the guy some how ends up indebt has to spend most of his time trying to pay her off.
(The strange lady own a shop that grants wishes, but it must be exchanged for something with a equal value.)
i love the art, it just adds a mysterious feel with all the cloudish thingys*lol*
the only thing i find strange is how tall the people are and how they have such long neck, arms and legs. the colors are mostly dark.
the op and ep but are like a an old jazz beat in a way with a mordern jap twist. i like it cause it got a feel that jus, well you'll see if you ever watch it.
im going to rate this a 7/10 jsut because there are somethings that do really catch my attention. Everything is good, but it just seems like how far can strange mystey's go? it's just my opinion that it is intersting and worth watching if your into mystery, little action sorta animes.
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