X

An Interview With CLAMP

       One of CLAMP’s major works dealing with the unfolding battle for
the fate of the Earth.  Made into an anime OAV with a somewhat different
plot.  On the basis of its popularity and reputation can be considered
CLAMP’s most representative work.
        The plot concerns the fight to the death between the seven warriors
known as the Seven Seals who are sworn to protect the human race, and the
Seven Messengers who are sworn to destroy it.  The fascination of the story
lies in its lead characters, starting with these 14 warriors, who each have
their own personalities and destinies.  Both the three main
characters-Kamui, Fuma and Kotori-and the others as well, have their own
convictions and hair’s breadth adventures.  You could take any of these
people and make them into the hero of their own story, they are that real. 

        Characters from other CLAMP’s works appear in X, to the fan’s
delight.  Subaru and Seishiro are from TOKYO BABYLON, and three from the
CLAMP SCHOOL DETECTIVES show up in their grown-up form.  This device gives
a breadth and richness to the work that recalls the style of certain other
artists.
        There are nine volumes of X so far.  The preliminary action is
finished, the warriors are preparing but the climax of the action has yet
to occur.  Further episodes will appear in the magazine ASUKA.

About X:

Q: What was the fan reaction to the last year’s development?

A: "I like Fuma better after his personality change" and "I’m glad Kamui
and Subaru are friends."
 
Q. What do you pay most attention to when drawing X?

A: To draw very very carefully.  (Laugh)

Q: Is there any chance you’ll do a continuation of finished series like
RAYEARTH and RG, or side stories in those series?

A: No  When we’ve done all we wanted to do in a series, we stop.
 

CHARACTERS

Shiro Kamui   The hero.  Depending whether he chooses to be one of the
Seven Seals or the Seven Messengers, the fate of the Earth will change.

Mono Fuma   Kamui’s friend from childhood.  A kind older brother who loves
his sister Kotori-or he *was*, but now he’s a different person.

Mono Kotori   Fuma’s sister.  Friend of Kamui from childhood, has felt
close to him since she was small.  A pure unsophisticated, beautiful girl.

Sumeragi Subaru   One of the Seven Seals, 13th generation head of the
Imperial House, master of the principles of Yin and Yang.  One of the Seven
Messengers.  Has a connection to Sakurazuka Seishiro.

Kakyo   Passed over into the dream realm and has become the Dream Weaver. 
Has met Kotori in dreams.  Is he the one who holds the key to what will
happen?
 

        A lot of readers say: "I like Fuma after his personality change." 
Never mind Seishiro; this guy’s slightly inhuman.  This slightly (or is
that majorly) inhuman character seems to press a lot of buttons in female
readers.