[...] some of the things I’ve said here have appeared in the comments sections to Johanna’s reviews of previous volumes. [...]

[...] by CLAMP Publisher description Previous review of Book 2 [...]

[...] I don’t think I’ll be trying any more xxxHOLiC, but I still like Othello, and I’m thinking I should try Genshiken again, since I keep hearing good things. [...]

This is the way I understand the story. Because he was orphaned young, Watanuki is selfish, self-center, but not very self-aware. These traits may have served him well as a young boy living on his own, but now he needs to abandon these bad habits to mature into adulthood. Watanuki still hasn’t realized that he is Yuki’s apprentice and not simply a part-time worker saving up to pay for his wish. He isn’t aware that his hatred for Domeki comes from his jealously to be like him. Also Yuki keeps dropping obvious warnings about Himawari. It amazes me that Watanuki has yet to ask himself why Domeki hangs around him, given all the abuse Watanuki heaps on Domeki.

We do see changes in Watanuki. In vol 5, he admits a growing respect for Domeki. In vol 6, he shows incredible kindness to a lost spirit girl and helps her pass over to the next world. He also learning that the universe in not anthrocentric. Spritual beings have their own agenda and don’t care what happens to the humans who get caught up in its fulfillment.

Go occult comics are hard to find and I think this series ranks up there with the best. What I like about the series is seeing Watanuki and Domeki growth into maturity. I also like seeing how their relationship is being to grow and develop. Watanuki is a slow learner, but he does catch on. Plus his learning curve is finally beginning to speed up. I am interested to learn more about Domeki and what he sees his connection to Watanuki is. Plus I have a crush on Yuki. She has all the wonderful sensualness of a 30’s and 40’s hollywood leading lady.