New French edition includes unfinished volume

Pika editions has released an excerpt from their upcoming French edition of the manga X by the studio CLAMP, scheduled for release on November 12 as part of the Clamp Universe collection. This edition will include volume 18.5, which had previously remained unpublished in France.

Manga's unfinished status and legacy

X remains unfinished after 18.5 volumes, but it is still considered one of the most famous and important works of the renowned studio CLAMP. The manga significantly influenced shōjo manga in the 1990s with its blend of dark, tragic, melancholic, romantic, and psychological themes, often centered around apocalypse and ecology.

Adaptations and cultural impact

The popularity of X was further reinforced by two major adaptations: a 1996 animated film directed by Rintarō and a 2001 animated series that emphasized atmospheric storytelling, particularly through its sound design. These adaptations helped solidify the manga’s place in popular culture.

Publication history and disputes

X was first published in Japan in 1992 in the Monthly Asuka magazine by Kadokawa editions. The series was originally intended to end in 21 volumes, but it was halted after 18 volumes in 2002 due to disputes between the authors and the publisher regarding the story’s ending.

Additional chapters and new edition

In addition to the 18 main volumes, five extra chapters were published in the magazine and later compiled into a volume named 18.5. The new French edition will include this volume, which had previously not been available in France.

Connections to other Clamp works

X is a cornerstone of the CLAMP universe and maintains deep connections with other works such as Tokyo Babylon, xxxHolic, and Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle. It continues the stories of several characters from these series.

Synopsis of the manga

X follows Kamui Shirō, who returns to Tokyo after years away, haunted by the tragic death of his mother. Upon his return, he behaves strangely, pushing away his childhood friends, Kotori and Fūma, without explanation. Unbeknownst to him, magical powers are awakening within him, drawing dangerous individuals and supernatural forces into his life. A fateful war for humanity is unfolding in Tokyo, and Kamui may hold the key to its outcome.