The Top 10 of Clamp’s Manga! Who won the first place over xxxHolic? And our impressions of each work are included!

Clamp created many masterpieces, including Cardcaptor Sakura and xxxHolic.

 

Today, We’ll share “Ranking of Clamp’s Popular Manga Works” based on a questionnaire we did in advance.

 

This ranking will give you an overview of the popular Clamp works recommended by fans!

 

For those who have not read them yet, We will also share our impressions as a fan of Clamp’s works. So please check them out.

 

 

Who are Clamp?

 

Clamp is a group of female manga artists consisting of four members Nanase Ohkawa, Satsuki Igarashi, Tsubaki Nekoi, and Mokona.

 

They made his debut in a commercial magazine in 1989 with RG Veda 6 in issue 3 of South. Also, They have made a lot of masterpieces.

 

Not only a manga artist, thay are also a multi-talented artist. They’re designing jackets for soundtracks of dramas that are not based on Clamp’s works, and producing idols.

 

 

List of Clamp’s manga works (after debut)

1900s

• Derayd (The new edition is in the name of Tamayo Akiyama)
• Hagunsei Senki
• RG Veda
• Man of Many Faces
• Cluster (Since the first edition, under the name of Tamayo Akiyama)
• Combination (Later changed to the name Riiza Sei)
• Tokyo Babylon
• Duklyon: Clamp School Defenders
• Shirahimeshou: Snow Goddess Tales
• Clamp School Detectives
• X/1999
• Legend of Chun Hyang
• Rex Kyouryuu Monogatari
• Miyuki-chan in Wonderland
• Magic Knight Rayearth
• The One I Love
• Hidarite
• Princess Mokona’s Picture Book
• Mizuto no Shi Kyoudai Sohryuden – Gaiden
• Wish
• Cardcaptor Sakura
• Clover
• Suki: A Like Story
• Angelic Layer

 

 

2000s

• Chobits
• Legal Drug
• Kakyou no Chikyuu Seifuku Nikki (Kakyou’s Earth Conquest Diary)
• xxxHolic
• Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle
• Soel and Larg: Mokona = Modoki’s Adventure
• Kobato
• Gate 7
• High&Low g-sword

 

 

10th: RG Veda

 

RG Veda is Clamp’s commercial debut work, serialized from 1989 to 1996.

 

The story is set in a magnificent worldview based on the mythological world of ancient India.

 

And even now, more than 30 years after the serialization began, it still enjoys strong popularity among fans. OVA (Original Video Animation) was also released in 1999.

 

And there are several characters who appeared in Clamp’s past works in this story. Ashura and some of the other characters were depicted in Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle.

 

RG Veda Synopsis

Yasha-ō, the most powerful warrior-god general, rebels against the emperor Taishakuten, who rules the heavenly world in a harsh manner.

He sets out on a journey to protect the young Ashura-ō, the last survivor of the Ashura tribe that was destroyed by Taishakuten,
and to gather the “Six Stars” indicated in the prophecy to “destroy the heavens”.

The five of the Six Stars, who have gathered together at the cost of many sacrifices, attack Taishakuten’s castle and confront him.

In the process, Ashura-ō finally reveals his true form and attempts to fulfill the prophecy…

 

RG Veda Voice Actors(OVA version)

Ashura-ō: Kazue Ikura

Yasha-ō: Show Hayami

Ryu-ō: Kappei Yamaguchi

Kendappa-ō: Arisa Andō

Karura-ō: Yoshiko Sakakibara

Sōma: Yuriko Yamamoto

And others

 

<Our Impressions>

The characters kept dying and the end was quite spectacular and hard to read…

The pictures are really beautiful and the content is rich, and in a good way, it is a work that requires a lot of power to read.

It’s a work that has been showing off Clamp’s style since then, so if you’re interested in it, I highly recommend you read it!

 

 

9th: Chobits

 

Chobits was serialized from 2000 to 2002, and is a love story set in a world where humanoid computers have become popular as home appliances.

 

In 2002, it was made into a TV anime produced by Madhouse Inc with 26 episodes. Tomokazu Sugita, who is a voice actor, played the first starring role in this work.

 

Chobits Synopsis

Cute and invincible! The humanoid computer “Chii”!

Hideki Motosuwa, who is a ronin-student*, found a human-shaped PC at a neighborhood garbage dump.

He named it Chii and had high hopes for it, but it turned out to be a useless computer with no software on it…!

Clamp’s cute 21st century fantasy love comedy set in a world where computers are human-shaped!

(*ronin-student: student waiting for another chance to enter university after having failed the yearly entrance examination)

 

Chobits Voice Actors (TV anime version)

Chii: Rie Tanaka

Hideki Motosuwa: Tomokazu Sugita

Shinbo Hiromu: Tomokazu Seki

Sumomo: Motoko Kumai

Minoru Kokubunji: Hōko Kuwashima

Yuzuki: Fumiko Orikasa

Chitose Hibiya: Kikuko Inoue

Takako Shimizu: Ryōka Yuzuki

Yumi Ōmura: Megumi Toyoguchi

Hiroyasu Ueda: Yūji Ueda

Yoshiyuki Kojima: Junichi Suwabe

Kotoko: Yukana

Dita: Yuka Tokumitsu

Zima: Isshin Chiba

 

<Our Impressions>

This is a so-called machine and human love story.

Some people use humanoid computers because they are usually convenient, while others live together with them while harboring some feelings for various reasons.

This makes me think a lot about the theme of “Can humans fall in love with machines?”.

But it is a bit sexually explicit, so be careful if you are not a fan of it.

And I was surprised that the voice actor of Motosuwa in the anime was Mr. Sugita.

 

 

8th: Clamp School Detectives

 

Clamp School Detectives was serialized from 1992 to 1993 as a comedy that Clamp School Detectives solved troubles at the school.

 

In 1997, a TV animation produced by Pierrot was broadcast, and the opening theme was performed by Ali Project.

 

Clamp School Detectives Synopsis

Ther are three executives in Clamp School Students Association: Nokoru Imonoyama, Suoh Takamura, and Akira Ijuin.

The three are active as the Detective Boys in order to save women in trouble!

A school comedy representing Clamp’s early days!

 

Clamp School Detectives Voice Actors (TV anime version)

Nokoru Imonoyama: Akemi Okamura

Suoh Takamura: Shiho Niiyama

Akira Ijyuin: Omi Minami

Utako Ohkawa: Yūko Miyamura

Nagisa Azuya: Haruna Ikezawa

Chairman: Masako Ikeda

Idomu Yudaiji: Akira Ishida

And others

 

<Our Impressions>

This is a story about three super elementary school students who are intelligent, good-looking, and athletic.

So it is recommended for those who like young boys.

The three-volume series (two-volumes for the Collector’s Edition) can be read quickly and easily.

The three main characters are in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. But surprisingly, two of them have kindergarten partners.

 

 

7th: Kobato

 

Kobato is a work serialized from 2005 to 2011, the story that the main character, Kobato, collects a bottle full of “Konpeito,” which is obtained by healing the broken hearts of humans, in order to go to the place she wants to go.

 

The story is based on the same worldview as Clamp’s past work Wish, and a TV anime produced by Madhouse Inc. was broadcast from 2009 to 2010.

 

Kobato Synopsis

Kobato’s first step toward “the place she wants to go” is a common sense test to get a “bottle” to collect broken hearts!

She does her best to heal everyone!

 

Kobato Voice Actors (TV anime version)

Kobato Hanato: Kana Hanazawa

Ioryogi: Tetsu Inada

Kiyokazu Fujimoto: Tomoaki Maeno

Sayaka Okiura: Fumiko Orikasa

Chitose Mihara: Hōko Kuwashima

Chiho Mihara: Megumi Nakajima

Chise Mihara: Megumi Nakajima

Takashi Dōmoto: Hiroshi Kamiya

Kazuto Okiura: Shinichirō Miki

Genko: Rikiya Koyama

Ginsei: Daisuke Namikawa

Zuishō: Hiroyuki Yoshino

Kohaku: Chiwa Saitō

Shūichirō Kudō: Ken Narita

 

<Our Impressions>

At first, I thought the story was just a slice-of-life story about an easygoing girl who heals people.

Because details about Kobato were not revealed for a while.

But as Kobato’s true identity and her relationship with Fujimoto gradually became clear, I couldn’t help but wish them happiness…!

And Kana Hanazawa is perfect for the role of Kobato in the anime.

 

 

6th: Tokyo Babylon

 

Tokyo Babylon was serialized from 1990 to 1993 and tells the story of an onmyōji Subaru who solves bizarre phenomena and spiritual incidents that occur in Tokyo.

 

An OVA was released in 1992, and a live-action video drama was made in 1993.

 

In 2021, new anime Tokyo Babylon 2021 was scheduled to be broadcast on TV, but a number of imitations and plagiarism by the production company were discovered and it has been discontinued.

 

However, it has been announced that the production will be restarted under “a completely new production system”.

 

Tokyo Babylon Synopsis

Do you hate Tokyo?

Subaru Sumeragi, an onmyōji who is an exorcist by profession, solves crimes in Tokyo.

He is supported by his twin sister, Hokuto Sumeragi, and by Seishirō Sakurazuka, who hides the fact that he is the heir to an assassin group.

 

Tokyo Babylon Voice Actors

[OVA version]

Subaru Sumeragi: Kappei Yamaguchi

Hokuto Sumeragi: Miki Itō

Seishirō Sakurazuka: Takehito Koyasu

 

[TV anime version] *called off

Subaru Sumeragi: Shouta Aoi

Hokuto Sumeragi: Nana Mizuki

Seishirō Sakurazuka: Yūichirō Umehara

 

<Our Impressions>

Many of the stories are thought-provoking as they address a variety of social issues.

I think many fans may have cried at the conclusion…

The story continues in the later work X, so I recommend that you read this.

I am worried about how this anime would be, though…

 

 

5th: X

 

X is a manga series that began in 1992 and is currently on hiatus now (2022).

 

It depicts a battle between the Dragons of Heaven, which seeks to protect humans and preserve the current earth, and the Dragons of Earth, which seeks to destroy humans and transform the earth.

 

A film version was released in 1996, and an animated TV series was released and broadcast from 2001 to 2002. Both produced by Madhouse Inc.

 

X Synopsis

The battle for the fate of the earth is about to begin.

Kamui Shirō returns to Tokyo for the first time in six years.

His childhood friend, Fūma Monou, and his sister, Kotori.

When the three are reunited, the door of destiny opens.

Where will fate lead them?

The last battle on earth is about to begin.

Clamp’s greatest psychic battle story begins!

 

X Voice Actors

[Film version]

Kamui Shirō: Tomokazu Seki

Fūma Monou: Ken Narita

Kotori Monou: Junko Iwao

Sorata Arisugawa: Kōichi Yamadera

Arashi Kishū: Emi Shinohara

Seiichirō Aoki: Hideyuki Tanaka

Karen Kasumi: Mami Koyama

 

[TV anime version]

Kamui Shirō: Kenichi Suzumura

Fūma Monou: Junichi Suwabe

Kotori Monou: Mamiko Noto

Sorata Arisugawa: Mitsuaki Madono

Arashi Kishū: Ryōka Yuzuki

Yuzuriha Nekoi: Kumi Sakuma

Seiichirō Aoki: Toshiyuki Morikawa

Karen Kasumi: Yōko Soumi

Subaru Sumeragi: Tomokazu Sugita

Kusanagi Shiyū : Masaki Aizawa

Satsuki Yatōji: Hōko Kuwashima

Yūto Kigai: Michiaki Furuya

Nataku: Motoko Kumai

Seishirō Sakurazuka: Otoya Kawano

Kakyō Kuzuki: Yūji Ueda

Hinoto: Aya Hisakawa

Kanoe: Kaho Kōda

Daisuke Saiki: Kishō Taniyama

Hokuto Sumeragi: Satsuki Yukino

 

<Our Impressions>

I read this work when I was in elementary school and was slightly traumatized by its grotesque nature, but reading it now as an adult is still really interesting…!

I recommend reading X after reading Tokyo Babylon!

I’m surprised at the fact that it has been almost 20 years since it suspended.

I can’t die until I see the end.

 

 

4th: Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle

 

Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle was serialized from 2003 to 2009.

 

It depicts a so-called multiple world and has become a popular work because it features all the characters that have appeared in Clamp’s previous works.

 

The Japan Broadcasting Corporation produced this TV anime and it was broadcast from 2005 to 2006. The film version produced by Production I.G, Inc was released in 2005.

 

Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle Synopsis

The world is not one. But everything is connected.

A boy sets off on a journey to save the most precious person to him!

Syaoran and Sakura, who live in the country of Kurow, are childhood friends who have feelings for each other.

But something happens to Sakura in a mysterious ruin, and she loses all her memories!

The only way to save her is “to find her feathers, which are scattered all over the parallel world.”

Clamp’s all characters appear in this series. This is Clamp’s masterpiece!

 

Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle Voice Actors (TV anime version)

Syaoran: Miyu Irino

Sakura: Yui Makino

Kurogane: Tetsu Inada

Fay: Daisuke Namikawa

Mokona: Mika Kikuchi

Tōya: Shinichirō Miki

Yukito: Kōki Miyata

Fei Wang: Kazuhiro Nakata

Xing Huo: Sanae Kobayashi

Tomoyo: Maaya Sakamoto

Sōma: Yūko Kaida

Chii: Kaori Nazuka

Yūko: Sayaka Ōhara

Watanuki: Jun Fukuyama

Masayoshi: Fujiko Takimoto

Shōgo: Nobuyuki Hiyama

Sorata: Akio Suyama

Arashi: Akiko Hiramatsu

Primera: Hisayo Mochizuki

Kanio: Toshiharu Sakurai

Chun Hyang: Shizuka Itō

Chen Hyang: Yuriko Yamaguchi

Brugal: Hideyuki Umezu

Tanval: Chikao Ōtsuka

 

<Our Impressions>

There are Clamp’s past work characters.

It would be great fun to see the same characters even in a parallel world!

I also recommend reading xxxHolic. because it’s closely connected to this work.

If you read it after having read various Clamp works, you’ll enjoy it very much.

Of course it’s interesting to read only this.

 

 

3rd: Magic Knight Rayearth

 

Magic Knight Rayearth is a work based on a fantasy role-playing game world. This was serialized from 1993 to 1995.

 

The TV animation was broadcast from 1994 to 1995, and the theme song “Unyielding Wish” is still considered a famous anime song.

 

Magic Knight Rayearth Synopsis

Hikaru, Umi, and Fū are on a field trip to Tokyo Tower when they are suddenly summoned by Princess Emeraude of another world, Cephiro.

In order to save the captive princess, the three girls become legendary Magic　Knights.

And what happens next…!?

A Neo-RPG adventure from Clamp!

 

Magic Knight Rayearth Voice Actors (TV anime version)

Hikaru Shidō: Hekiru Shiina

Umi Ryūzaki: Konami Yoshida

Fū Hōōji: Hiroko Kasahara

Emeraude: Megumi Ogata

Clef: Nozomu Sasaki

Mokona: Yuri Shiratori

Ferio: Takumi Yamazaki

Zagato: Jūrōta Kosugi

Alcyone: Yuri Amano

Presea: Emi Shinohara

Ascot: Minami Takayama

Inōva: Ryōtarō Okiayu

 

<Our Impressions>

Although it seems to be a royal fantasy story, it also contains serious themes.

It’s hard to believe that it was serialized in Nakayoshi at that time.

I recommend reading this book because you will feel various emotions when you read it, such as being moved by the bond between Hikari, Umi, and Kaze, and not being able to hate them when you know the circumstances of the enemy.

The scenes in which they use magic tickle my Chuuni-Heart a little!

 

 

2nd: xxxHolic

 

xxxHolic has been serialized since 2003 but it’s currently on hiatus. A sequel, xxxHolic: Rei, is rescheduled to serialization in the spring of 2023.

 

The story depicts a fantasy with an extraordinary worldview, in which customers with various problems visit one after another to the owner of a shop. Yūko can fulfill any wish if the price is paid.

 

The first and second seasons of the TV anime were broadcast in 2006 and 2008. In the stage play version, all characters were played by male in 2021. And in a live-action movie, Ryûnosuke Kamiki and Kō Shibasaki lead actors in 2022.

 

xxxHolic Synopsis

One day, Kimihiro Watanuki, who is psychic and can see ayakashi (ghosts), is drawn to a house where he meets Yūko Ichihara.

Yūko Ichihara, who is the owner of the shop, grants any wish for the right price.

Kimihiro has no choice but to work there. What would he do today…?

 

xxxHolic Voice Actors (TV anime version)

Yūko Ichihara: Sayaka Ōhara

Kimihiro Watanuki: Jun Fukuyama

Shizuka Dōmeki: Kazuya Nakai

Himawari Kunogi: Shizuka Itō

Maru: Kazuko Kojima

Moro: Hisayo Mochizuki

Mokona: Mika Kikuchi

 

<Our Impressions>

The occult elements that sometimes creep me out and the unique worldview are one of the reasons for its popularity.

There are no extremely scary scenes, though.

The gradually changing relationships between the characters, such as Watanuki and Yūko, and Watanuki and Dōmeki, are also highlighted.

And please read Tsubasa too.

 

 

1st: Cardcaptor Sakura

 

Cardcaptor Sakura was serialized from 1996 to 2000, and the Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card is currently being serialized.

 

The story follows the main character Sakura, a magical girl who struggles as a Cardcaptor to collect the scattered Clow Cards.

 

Everyone’s favorite Sakura, who has captured the hearts of all girls, took first place. Congratulations!

 

Cardcaptor Sakura Synopsis

The sorcerer Clow Reed created the Clow Cards, which has magical powers.

When its seal is broken, it is said that a disaster will befall the world…

One day, Sakura awakens Cerberus (the Beast of Seals) and is ordered to capture the Clow Cards that have materialized.

Each time the card is sealed, Sakura’s magical power grows stronger…

A masterpiece by Clamp, who continues to build a fascinating world!

 

Cardcaptor Sakura Voice Actors (TV anime version)

Sakura Kinomoto: Sakura Tange

Cerberus: Aya Hisakawa / Masaya Onosaka

Tomoyo Daidōji : Junko Iwao

Syaoran Li: Motoko Kumai

Yukito Tsukishiro/Yue: Megumi Ogata

Tōya Kinomoto: Tomokazu Seki

Fujitaka Kinomoto: Hideyuki Tanaka

Nadeshiko Kinomoto: Yūko Minaguchi

Rika Sasaki: Tomoko Kawakami

Naoko Yanagisawa: Emi Motoi

Chiharu Mihara: Miwa Matsumoto

Takashi Yamazaki: Issei Miyazaki

Meiling Li: Yukana

Kaho Mizuki: Emi Shinohara

 

<Our Impressions>

It brought me to love girls’ anime.

I was really excited by the cute costumes, magical girls, and many exciting motifs in this series.

I was so fascinated by Sakura-chan that I practiced rollerblading desperately.

Now that I’m an adult, I’ve come to realize the relationships between the characters that I didn’t think much of at the time.

It’s an amazing work that can be enjoyed twice over the ages.

On the contrary, it is precisely because you are now an adult that I want you to see it!

 

 

In addition to the works introduced, Clamp’s manga is full of masterpieces!

 

It is recommended to start watching the works that have been animated, and for those who want to enjoy the beautiful drawings, it is also recommended to read the original work.

 

I look forward to reading many more works in the future!