X/1999

MonkeyDLuffy · Post by **MonkeyDLuffy** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 5:29 pm

I have this on my Christmas list, and I wanted to know, is it THAT good? Also, is it only available Left-to-Right format? I swear I saw one that was Left-to-Right format! It scares me O.o It does look like a good read. ^^

Starscream · Post by **Starscream** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 7:54 pm

I've only read GNs 1-3, and some of the later ones (the ones printed in Animerica Extra). I've really enjoyed it so far, but it's pretty dark and violent; if things like that don't bother you, you may enjoy it. And yeah, it's in left-to-right only right now.

Usagi04 · Post by **Usagi04** » Fri Nov 21, 2003 2:22 pm

I read some of it, the story was pretty nice.

Obsessive Touga Fan · Post by **Obsessive Touga Fan** » Fri Nov 21, 2003 4:26 pm

It's only available in left-to-right format I'm afraid. However, there are two editions of most volumes - the first edition ones are bigger, but they cost $5 more per volume, and the binding isn't as good. The newer ones are only being released in the smaller format, so if you want a matching collection, it's worth making sure that all the ones you get are the second edition ones (they have a red "shojo" logo on the spine).

Anyway, I love X, in all three forms (manga, movie, TV series), but the original manga is the version I'm least familiar with. I only started collecting it when Viz started releasing the second editions (before I'd decided it was too expensive for such a long series, and also it was being released much more slowly than it is now). I have up to volume 6, but I haven't read vols 5 and 6 yet.

Anyway, I like it - there's more detail and character development than in the TV series, because they aren't limited for time (and it's more violent in places as well - like the way Kotori and Fuma's mother died...). Also, the shaded double-page spreads with dramatic images related to the end of the world are just gorgeous. At the same time, CLAMP still seem to be developing their art style at this point, and I actually think the TV series has much nicer character designs. Plus the TV series has the animation and voices and music... so far, I like the TV series better than the manga. Then again, the really major plot developments around the middle of the TV series have yet to occur in what I've read of the manga, and it may be that in the manga they're even better. Time will tell.

But anyway... X generally is excellent. Excellent plot, excellent characters, excellent artwork, excellent mood. It's one of CLAMP's finest works. I even love the movie, even if it is basically a beautifully animated movie about people dying horrible deaths. If you're considering getting the manga, I highly recommend it!

DreamEmpress · Post by **DreamEmpress** » Sat Nov 22, 2003 1:22 am

I haven't seen any of the X/1999 anime, only been reading the manga. I love it. it's quite violent and extremly bloody. Seems they love scenes with people getting blown apart and stuff, but the story line is soooo addicting. You gotta love how CLAMP does that.

Jeff · Post by **Jeff** » Tue Nov 25, 2003 10:20 pm

I'm a pussy. I couldn't stomach my way through the movie. Kotori getting sliced up by wires on a cross in ummmm "the main character guy"'s dream was where I drew the line.

Sakuya · Post by **Sakuya** » Tue Nov 25, 2003 10:44 pm

I saw it available at my library left to right format. I was going to read it but somehow, the blackness of the book turned me off. o.O Should I try again? I am used to their light and fluffy manga like CCS and Chobits. ^^"