X (manga)

X

Company type	Manga series
Industry	Publishing, Entertainment
Founded	May 1992 (1992-05)
Founder	Clamp (Satsuki Igarashi, Nanase Ohkawa, Tsubaki Nekoi, Mokona)
Headquarters	Japan
Products	Manga, anime adaptations, audio dramas

X, frequently referred to as X/1999, is a Japanese manga series created by the artist collective Clamp, which includes Satsuki Igarashi, Nanase Ohkawa, Tsubaki Nekoi, and Mokona. The series debuted in May 1992 within Kadokawa Shoten's Monthly Asuka magazine and continued publication until its suspension in March 2003, remaining incomplete. The narrative unfolds in the apocalyptic setting of 1999 and centers on Kamui Shiro, a young esper who returns to Tokyo after six years to face a destiny that will determine humanity’s future.

Kadokawa Shoten compiled the manga chapters into 18 tankōbon volumes, with an additional five chapters released in All About Clamp and later assembled as "Volume 18.5" in a "Premium Collection" edition launched in November 2023. The story has inspired several audio dramas along with two prominent anime adaptations: a 1996 feature film directed by Rintaro at studio Madhouse, with input from Ohkawa, and a 24-episode television series from 2001 helmed by director Yoshiaki Kawajiri. Due to the manga’s unfinished status, both adaptations offer distinct conclusions. In North America, Viz Media published the first 18 volumes, while various companies distributed the film and TV series on DVD.

As a work of apocalyptic fiction, X intertwines secular and religious eschatological themes within its unique mythology. It delves into human nature, interpersonal dynamics, and the impending global upheaval. Recognized as one of Clamp’s most influential early projects, it has sold more than 12 million copies and garnered acclaim for its intricate plot, diverse characters, and compelling visuals. Although primarily aimed at a female audience, its action-driven storyline also captivated male readers.

Plot

In the year 1999, Kamui Shiro comes back to Tokyo after six years away to fulfill his late mother’s wish of altering fate. He distances himself from his childhood companions Kotori and Fuma Monou, once close to him. As the world edges toward apocalypse, superhuman groups prepare for an ultimate confrontation.

The clone Nataku steals the from Fuma’s family shrine; Fuma’s dying father reveals that he is Kamui’s "twin star." The Dragons of Heaven, led by Hinoto—the dreamseer for Japan’s Legislature—guard the , spiritual seals like Tokyo Tower that preserve nature and postpone Judgment Day. Opposing them are the Dragons of Earth, organized by Kanoe (secretary to Tokyo’s Governor), who aim to destroy the kekkai and induce earthquakes to "heal" the planet by eliminating humanity.

Kamui elects to defend Kotori and Fuma by joining the Dragons of Heaven. Meanwhile, Fuma becomes the Dragons of Earth’s "Kamui," killing Kotori and vowing to eliminate Kamui himself. With support from Dragon of Heaven Subaru Sumeragi, Kamui confronts his trauma and dedicates himself to redeeming Fuma. Motivated by Subaru’s mission against Dragon of Earth Seishiro Sakurazuka, who murdered Subaru’s sister, Kamui commits fully to the Dragons of Heaven’s cause.

Throughout the series, Kamui and his allies repeatedly battle the Dragons of Earth but fail to protect many sacred barriers, leading to earthquakes that ravage Tokyo. In a critical confrontation, Seishiro activates a death curse forcing Subaru to kill him; following an eye transplant from Seishiro, Subaru assumes his role as Dragon of Earth. Meanwhile, Dragon of Heaven Arashi Kishu loses her abilities after forming a relationship with ally Sorata Arisugawa and is abducted by Hinoto’s dark persona to be converted into a Dragon of Earth.

With Tokyo nearly destroyed and submerged in water, Kamui and Fuma wield their Sacred Swords in preparation for their final clash. Both Subaru and Fuma insist that Kamui can only alter the future by understanding his own deepest desire.

Development

The manga collective Clamp conceived X, drawing inspiration from figures such as Go Nagai and Kyokutei Bakin, to examine humanity's duties toward itself, family, and the environment. Following the success of Tokyo Babylon and Clamp School Detectives, their editor at Monthly Asuka, Seiichiro Aoki, encouraged them to embark on a longer narrative. Nanase Ohkawa, the group's chief writer, expanded upon a long-standing "end of the world" saga she had been developing since middle school, centered around warriors fighting for justice. Although the initial storyline underwent modifications, essential components and characters like Kamui and Fuma were retained.

Originally, Kamui’s viewpoint was presented through Kotori Monou’s perspective to better resonate with the shōjo audience; however, this approach was revised after receiving a tepid response from readers. Ohkawa incorporated characters from previous Clamp works into X, resulting in numerous crossover appearances. The title "X" was selected for its layered symbolism: representing an unknown variable in mathematics, a secret placeholder, a cruciform symbol linked to Christian mythology, and embodying themes of death and rebirth found in Kabbalistic tradition.

Ohkawa acknowledges Nagai's Devilman as a significant influence, especially regarding its exploration of the battle between good and evil and the role of fear. Like Devilman, X focuses on two male friends destined to confront each other at Armageddon following the murder of the hero’s childhood love. The ensemble cast pulls characters from across Clamp’s entire body of work, including unpublished stories, creating an interconnected universe. Inspired by Kyokutei Bakin's Nansō Satomi Hakkenden, figures such as Subaru Sumeragi and Seishiro Sakurazuka from Tokyo Babylon alongside protagonists from Clamp School Detectives appear within the narrative. The initial depiction of Kamui evoked impressions reminiscent of Ashura from RG Veda.

Many characters were designed using Osamu Tezuka's "Star System", reusing older character designs except for Kamui, who was crafted with an ordinary hairstyle and typical school uniform to emphasize his heroic role. Lead artist Mokona attributes this design choice to embodying a classic hero archetype. Kamui and Fuma were original creations whose appearances evolved in tandem with their narrative functions. The relationship between Subaru and Seishiro mirrors that of Kamui and his antagonist Fuma, serving as a narrative foreshadowing; this dynamic is central to X’s core conflict. Clamp likens Kamui’s connection with Subaru to that of siblings. The action sequences drew inspiration from Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball, particularly its use of stark white backgrounds.

Influences

X exemplifies Clamp’s interpretation of apocalyptic fiction, merging global end-of-world narratives and mythologies—including elements of Christian eschatology—with their own contemporary mythos to portray humanity’s destiny. The series’ mythology is influenced by the Apocalypse of John, presenting Tokyo as a modern Babylon, described in scripture as “the habitation of devils” (Rev. 18:2) and fated for destruction.

Clamp encountered difficulties illustrating violent scenes such as Kotori’s demise due to 1990s sensitivities around violent content in media like video games. The graphic beheading of Saiki by Fuma also provoked adverse reactions among readers. Ohkawa remarked that although deaths were intended to be harsh, they conflicted with expectations for the shōjo demographic. Real-world tragedies such as the Kobe child murders influenced both the series’ hiatuses and adjustments in content.

Kamui is portrayed as a Christ figure, foretold to return and decide humanity’s fate. His miraculous birth and name underscore his messianic symbolism. The Dragons of Heaven are linked to the seven seals mentioned in the Book of Revelation, while their foes—the Angels—represent divine agents executing celestial judgment (Rev. 16:1).

Although apocalyptic motifs like earthquakes are prominent, X shifts its religious themes toward ecological concerns inspired by the Gaia theory, depicting Earth’s final days as a reaction to human exploitation. The Dragons of Earth generate persistent seismic activity, which drew criticism from readers and editors alike due to parallels with real disasters. The storyline frames humanity as an existential threat to Earth’s survival, suggesting that civilization’s destruction is necessary for planetary renewal; conversely, the Dragons of Heaven strive to maintain humanity’s place in Earth’s future.

Furthermore, elements from Teito Monogatari, a renowned historical fantasy novel, influenced aspects of X's mythological framework.

Themes

The narrative is propelled by the fundamental clash between the Dragons of Heaven and the Dragons of Earth. Similar to its predecessor Tokyo Babylon, X tackles societal concerns, using its contemporary setting to mirror Japan's societal state. However, unlike Tokyo Babylon, where these issues are overtly presented, X approaches them with subtlety. It highlights the importance of family honor and personal autonomy. The series delves into humanity's connection with the planet, emphasizing that environmental conservation often arises from a desire for self-preservation. Ohkawa poses a critical question: "People strive to save the Earth to protect themselves, but who will risk their own safety to truly save the Earth?"

X is structured as a tragedy, with characters caught in circumstances beyond their control. It incorporates elements typical of apocalyptic literature, such as prophetic visions, and explores themes of duality. Drawing from Dualism, Ohkawa interprets it as contrasting traits within individuals—"qualities that may appear admirable in one person but provoke aversion in another." Influenced by Go Nagai, she designed protagonists capable of moral ambiguity; Kamui exemplifies this dual nature. His name carries a dual meaning: "one who embodies God's majesty" (a protector) and "one who hunts God's majesty" (a destroyer). Kamui’s decision to safeguard the world leads to the emergence of his counterpart, Fuma, who undergoes a profound transformation and assumes Kamui’s identity, thus fulfilling a dual prophecy and restoring balance to the conflict. Fuma’s "Kamui" persona symbolizes Kamui’s potential for destruction. This yin-yang concept extends across both Dragons factions, each headed by rival sisters.

Dreams serve as a significant source of inspiration for Ohkawa and frequently appear throughout her works. In X, dreams act as harbingers of humanity’s downfall. Hinoto, a seer aligned with the Dragons of Heaven, believes that the future remains malleable. Ohkawa describes this phenomenon as lucid dreaming, whereby one attains conscious command over their dreams. In contrast, Kakyo from the Dragons of Earth is a dreamseer trapped in a coma, resigned to an unchangeable future despite yearning for alteration.

Kamui’s return to Tokyo sets off apocalyptic events. Incidents such as Kotori’s demise and Fuma’s betrayal were predicted but depend on Kamui’s choice of allegiance. Opting to defend his loved ones as a Dragon of Heaven ultimately results in their loss. Other characters also confront their destinies: Sorata Arisugawa embraces his fated death on behalf of Arashi Kishu, while Subaru Sumeragi remains emotionally distant yet is drawn to Tokyo on the Promised Day alongside Seishiro Sakurazuka. Although fatalism permeates the storyline, Ohkawa maintains that individuals shape their fate through moral decisions between good and evil.

Media

Manga

X started its run in Kadokawa Shoten's Monthly Asuka magazine in May 1992. Due to its sensitive themes, which inadvertently paralleled actual events in Japan, the publication faced several interruptions. These pauses corresponded with significant social crises, such as the Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995 and the Kobe child murders in 1997. The serialization ultimately ended in March 2003 after Kadokawa Shoten expressed reluctance to publish the intended conclusion. Clamp refused to alter their planned ending, resulting in the termination of the series. Nevertheless, in March 2005, Clamp reaffirmed their desire to properly conclude the narrative.

The chapters that had been released were compiled into eighteen tankōbon volumes, with the debut volume published on 29 July 1992 and the eighteenth on 17 September 2002. On 26 September 2006, Kadokawa Shoten issued Clamp Newtype Platinum, which included a special "X 18.5" insert—a reprint of five chapters not previously collected. The complete series was anticipated to encompass twenty-one volumes. These additional chapters were subsequently incorporated into All About Clamp (2009) and later released as an independent 19th tankobon volume titled "Volume 18.5" on 4 November 2023.

In North America, the manga was renamed X/1999 for its original release and serialized under Viz Media's Shōjo imprint in Animerica Extra. The initial volumes encountered difficulties due to a hiatus following volume six. In July 2001, Viz withdrew the series from Animerica Extra because of licensing complications, but it resumed serialization in March 2003. By 2005, Viz had published all eighteen volumes. Starting in 2011, Viz reissued the manga as unflipped omnibus editions containing three volumes each under the title X. In Australia, licensing rights are held by Madman Entertainment.

Music video

On 21 November 1993, SME Records released , a short film inspired by Clamp's manga and set to music by the rock group X Japan. This production, titled X², combines a slideshow of artwork from X with a medley of X Japan’s tracks: "Silent Jealousy," "Kurenai," and "Endless Rain", alongside the "X" music video directed by Shigeyuki Hayashi.

Feature film

The X feature film, directed by Rintaro and co-written by Nanase Ohkawa, premiered in Japan on 3 August 1996. Rintaro was likely selected for his previous work on Harmageddon, a 1983 movie sharing thematic elements with X. This supernatural thriller focuses on Kamui, Kotori, and Fuma's involvement in the Apocalypse. It saw a limited theatrical release in the United States in early 2000 and was made available on DVD on 25 September 2001.

A comic adaptation titled X: The Destiny War, based on the film, was published on 30 September 1996. The theme song "Forever Love", performed by Yoshiki of X Japan, featured prominently and was later used during former Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi’s campaign in 2001.

From June to December 1996, Victor Entertainment issued the X audio drama series. This set of seven dramas, scripted by Nanase Ohkawa and voiced by the film’s cast members, delves into the motivations behind the Dragons of Heaven and Earth and functioned as promotional content for the movie.

TV series

The anime adaptation of X was directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, with its announcement made on 18 October 2000. Kawajiri’s vision was to depict Kamui and Kotori as more resilient than their manga counterparts, while simultaneously emphasizing their psychological vulnerabilities. Before the television broadcast began, the direct-to-DVD OVA titled X: An Omen was released on 25 August 2001 to introduce newcomers to the story. The series aired on WOWOW from 3 October 2001 through 27 March 2002, comprising a total of twenty-four episodes. In Japan, Bandai Visual distributed twelve DVD volumes—each containing two episodes—between February 2002 and January 2003. The soundtrack was composed by Naoki Satō, who produced two original albums for the series.

In the North American market, Pioneer Entertainment initially handled distribution starting in March 2002. Subsequently, Geneon issued eight DVD volumes covering both the series and OVA from September 2002 until November 2003, followed by two box sets released in January 2005. In 2006, Geneon introduced the X TV Series Re-Mix, which included five DVDs and a box set featuring remastered visuals and remixed 5.1 Dolby Digital AC3 surround sound for both Japanese and English audio tracks. Later, in September 2009, Funimation acquired the licensing rights for the series and OVA, reissuing a DVD box set on 15 June 2010 that retained the original Geneon English dub.

The series’ distribution rights are held by Siren Visual in Australia and MVM Films in the United Kingdom.

Video games

Two games based on X were developed:

• A fighting game created by Arc System Works and published by Namco for the PlayStation, released exclusively in Japan on 22 August 2002. This title includes a story mode aligned with the television series continuity and a versus mode where players can select any Dragon of Heaven or Earth to battle. It features two distinct endings.
• X: Card of Fate, a card battle game for the WonderSwan Color, launched on 27 June 2002.

Reception

Popularity

The X manga attained significant commercial success in Japan, with circulation surpassing twelve million copies. In North America, it regularly appeared on sales charts such as The New York Times Manga Best Sellers of 2012 and lists compiled by ICv2.

Critical reception

Critics praised both the storyline and character ensemble of the manga. Animerica regarded it as one of Clamp’s most defining early projects, noting its unique fusion of Taoist, Shinto, and European mystical elements within a realistic Japanese backdrop. According to Anime Nation, X breaks conventional boundaries between "boys' manga" and "girls' manga" by blending violent action with romantic themes to attract a broad audience. Anime News Network commented that although explicit homosexual relationships are absent, there are hints of shōjo-style appeal that might divide fans accustomed to traditional shōnen narratives.

Sequential Tart described Kamui as a multifaceted character—compassionate in flashbacks but abrasive during adolescence—with intense combat scenes juxtaposed against lighter comedic moments, making early volumes challenging to interpret fully. Comic Book Bin commended the compelling plot despite complex subplots and noted an increase in artistic refinement as the story approached its climax. Reviewers valued Kamui’s development and the assembly of the Dragons of Heaven. Fuma Monou stood out as one of Clamp’s most ruthless villains due to his violent actions, including killing Kotori and causing catastrophic earthquakes in Tokyo. Anime News Network emphasized the diverse cast among both Dragons of Heaven and Earth, observing that after volume eight the narrative grows darker as character deaths accumulate en route to Armageddon.

Speculation among fans suggested romantic undertones between Kamui and Fuma; Sequential Art identified homoerotic subtexts in certain scenes. However, author Robin E. Brenner clarified that Clamp did not intend a romantic relationship between these characters, contrasting this with more overt pairings like Subaru and Seishiro. Manga News described their ultimate confrontation as one of the series’ most anticipated and poignant moments. In Manga: The Complete Guide, Jason Thompson lauded the destiny-driven storytelling despite its unfinished conclusion.

Clamp’s artistic work—including dream sequences, Seishiro’s sinister spells, and designs for Kamui and Hinoto—received widespread acclaim. The Fandom Post praised the energetic action illustrations, while Manga News noted that early artwork resembled Clamp’s style in works such as RG Veda and Tokyo Babylon, featuring predominantly androgynous character designs distinct from those seen in Angelic Layer and Cardcaptor Sakura. Comic Book Bin highlighted the vibrancy of fight scenes combined with magical effects set against detailed backgrounds. Critics observed an evolution in art quality over the lengthy serialization period, aligning it with later Clamp successes like Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle. Nonetheless, Anime News Network reported that graphic content—such as earthquakes and murders—was considered too intense for the target demographic of Monthly Asuka, leading to cancellation; although it briefly resumed, escalating violence toward the planned ending triggered another discontinuation. Thompson summarized the art style as "absolutely gorgeous."

External links

• at Viz Media