Kimihiro Watanuki's life was never really normal. But in addition to his ability to see spirits, this sequel to xxxHOLiC finds him still slaving away for Yuuko, the bizarre owner of a strange shop, who promised to rid him of this ability. However, this otherworldly woman can only do so when he has worked enough to earn his wish. Such is the way for anyone who finds their way into the shop to have their request granted: a compensation equal to their wish must be paid.
In this odd shop that straddles the world of the living and the dead, Watanuki finds himself doing household chores for the seemingly lazy Yuuko and her companions, while also helping out clients. Along with his classmates, supposed romantic rival Shizuka Doumeki and his crush Himawari Kunogi, Watanuki deals with the many misfortunes surrounding Yuuko's customers, as well as those that closely follow him and his friends.
Anime Review: xxxHOLiC◆Kei
Prepare to plunge into a whimsical universe wrapped with mystery, supernatural themes, and life lessons that stimulate your philosophical side. xxxHOLiC◆Kei proves to be an intriguing blend of the ordinary and the occult, boring into your brain with its infectious charm and immersive narrative. The storyline is centered around a high school student named Watanuki Kimihiro who is uniquely afflicted with the ability to see and attract spirits. His life takes a bizarre twist when he stumbles upon the mystical store of Yuuko Ichihara, a witch who offers to rid him of his troublesome ability — but for a price.
Watanuki’s quest for a normal life results in a flurry of intoxicating experiences with the bizarre. Yuuko’s store, it turns out, caters to clients with metaphysical problems, and Watanuki becomes her unwilling handyman. As he struggles to fulfill these eccentric requests, Watanuki encounters a variety of supernatural phenomena, and his experiences are both enlightening and chastening. All the while, his personal growth and evolution, humorously juxtaposed with the eccentric Yuuko’s escapist streak, become the cornerstone of the anime. xxxHOLiC◆Kei deftly weaves these elements into an absorbing narrative enriched with an aesthetic that’s delightfully quirky.
Storyline and Plot
The captivating story of xxxHOLiC◆Kei is known for its wealth of nuances. As we journey with our protagonist, we delve into deeply profound themes. Each individual episode carries a unique plot, yet is entwined with an overarching story. Yes, you’ll encounter the staple “this happened today” episodic narrative, but the charisma lies in the overarching consistency. The merit of xxxHOLiC◆Kei’s storytelling lies in its ability to transform the episodic pattern into an integrated narrative framework.
Characters
Oh, the characters! xxxHOLiC◆Kei presents a fascinating ensemble of co-stars aside from the delightful Watanuki. There’s the extravagant yet mysterious Yuuko, and Watanuki’s school friends—Himawari and Doumeki, who each carry their unique charm. Watanuki’s encounters with spirits and the like offer a plethora of unforgettable side characters that brighten the narrative with their every appearance.
Art and Sound
The artwork is simply spectacular. The unique style encapsulates a sense of the mystical effortlessly and subtly enhances the anime’s intense atmosphere. xxxHOLiC◆Kei boasts its own style, which breathes life into the world it fabricates. And let’s not forget the sound. The background scores do justice to the ethereal theme, successfully fostering a sense of eeriness, whimsy, or anticipation, depending on the plot requirement.
Verdict
If you’re looking for an anime that transcends the boundaries of the traditional, xxxHOLiC◆Kei is a top pick. From intriguing plotlines, multifaceted characters, noteworthy art style, and haunting sound design, the series checks all the boxes and then some. Different from your regular, action-packed anime, xxxHOLiC◆Kei beckons you into a world enigmatic yet filled with valuable lessons. Whether you choose to rent, buy, or stream, get ready to be thoroughly engrossed!
Be the first to leave a review.