le pays enchante

        

xxxHolic has always been one of my favorite series. A supernatural, psychological, and slice of life series, I can connect with so many of the themes that are presented in each story arc. The first season has always been on my favorites list, and the series is one of the few manga that I have ever picked up (I don’t read a lot of manga when compared to watching anime). Along with messages about society and Japanese culture, Watanuki’s developing as a person is something that several people growing up can relate to. I probably became a big CLAMP fan because of this series, and it continues to be my favorite by them.

When Kei was announced, I was extremely excited. With some of the best chapters being animated, and a now much better looking animation production, there was nothing keeping me from watching. Each episode was everything I could have wanted from the series, and nothing was keeping me from giving this a perfect score. Well, that was until the slaughtering of Kohane’s arc. I will say again though, I can see how they wanted to keep the story away from Tsubasa Chronicle crossovers. Hardcore fans may want this without question, but what of those who only watch xxxHolic? I didn’t watch Tsubasa Chronicle until well after I had watched the first season of xxxHolic, and I still haven’t picked up the manga. The anime also seems to take a more slice of life approach when compared to the manga’s fairly dark themes. If I hadn’t read the manga, I probably wouldn’t have had any problems at all. Seeing the potential that had gone to waste though, when it could have easily been handled better, I couldn’t help but dislike that one major flaw in the series.

Still, that wasn’t enough to make me dislike this season of xxxHolic overall. Kei will also make it to my favorites list, as a continuation of the first series that I absolutely loved. This show was also, quite easily, my favorite series of the Spring ‘08 season. xxxHolic Kei is a necessary watch for any xxxHolic, or CLAMP, fan. From here on, I can only wonder if my wishes will be granted again in the future…with yet another sequel. The manga is not currently finished though, and that will be plenty to keep me happy for now.

【MICA 3 CHU（ミカサンチュウ）】
"I Don't Know"
July 23rd 2008

1) I don't Know
2) shut up
3) I don't Know(Instrument)
4) shut up(Instrument)


"I Don't Know"

Mika x Morisanchu Collaboration Single
By Mackey Hiromu

Mika's fourth new work since "YES" is a collaboration/rock project single under the name MICA 3 CHU, a mixture of her name as well as the comedy troupe Morisanchu. The title of the single is "I DON'T KNOW" and will come with the B-side "SHUT UP." There will also be a limited CD+DVD edition including ten minutes of content including the PV, and will come with a MC3C logo sticker.


Sources @ [ Yahoo! News || CD Japan || Sony Music Mika Nakashima ]