As we get into 2012, we continue with the reviews of CLAMP’s apocalyptic opus, X/1999.

General Information

Title: X/1999, Volume 10
Written & Illustrated by CLAMP
Translated by Fred Burke & Lillian Olsen
Lettering & Touch-Up by Stephen Dutro
Originally Serialized in Kadokawa Shoten’s Monthly Asuka

The Premise

Kamui seals his sword at CLAMP Academy, and goes to talk to Hinoto about things to come.

High Points

After several volumes of action, slowing things down so the audience can catch their breath made for a nice change of pase.

Low Points

There is a lot of ‘splaining here. I mean a lot of ‘splaining. This volume is almost entirely exposition & flashback. If you find that boring, so shall you find this volume boring.

Content Notes

There’s some substantial blood and gore in this volume, but no nudity.

Scores

Originality: This volume sticks with the same exposition formula as the earlier exposition volumes – explanatory dialog delivered among striking dreamscapes. We learn new stuff, but the way it’s told is the same way as it was before. 3 out of 6.

Story: This volume is exposition-heavy (but it’s useful exposition), with some particularly well written flashbacks. 5 out of 6.

Artwork: The artwork is still fantastic, as with earlier volumes. 5 out of 6.

Characterization: We get character development for Kamui’s mother, as well as an interesting development for Fuma. 4 out of 6.

Emotional Response: Not much for this volume, as the focus is instead on back-story. 3 out of 6.

Flow: 6 out of 6.

Overall: This was a really good volume, and pacing wise fits nicely with the “lots of mini-climaxes leading to a bigger climax” that works so well for anime and manga. 4 out of 6.

In Total, X/1999 Volume 10 gets 30 out of 42.