3g6l4

Now that Yen Press’ run of the CLAMP Collection Tokyo Babylon manga is done, we once again get to see what happened to Subaru and Hokuto Sumeragi and Seishirou Sakurazuka. After all, volume 7 is dedicated completely to the major reveals and 

Editor’s Note: There will be spoilers for the Tokyo Babylon manga ending below. 64c4p

Throughout Tokyo Babylon, CLAMP keeps hinting at things not being exactly right. Seishirou engages in suspicious behavior that proves he not only has his own supernatural abilities and awareness, but may be an onmyouji on par with Subaru. Subaru constantly wears gloves he never takes off. There are times when we’ll see him think back to a childhood memory with a mysterious person. Hokuto seems especially aware of something to do with Seishirou, yet pushes him and her brother together. Once we start to get into later volumes, Seishirou’s activities become more blatant, and we start hearing about the Sakura Zukamori assassin. 

So Tokyo Babylon volume 7 is completely dedicated to giving us answers, yet with the ending also leaving us completely lost with new questions. The bet between Seishirou and Subaru? It’s completely revealed. Seishirou met Subaru when both of them were young and Subaru saw him committing one of his assassinations. Seishirou marked the boy as a possible victim, saying once they’d meet again that Subaru would have one year to get him to fall in love with him. If he failed, Seishirou would kill him. If he succeeded, he’d get to live. But Seishirou claims he failed, and we’re confronted with a scene that’s blatant torture. 

Considering the violence we’ve seen throughout Tokyo Babylon, which affected both Subaru and Seishirou in the past, this in itself isn’t shocking. Especially paired with CLAMP being realistic and showing the effect of this latest encounter on Subaru after the fact. He’s comatose. Completely broken. His mind and body is devastated after Seishirou completely revealed who he is. There’s no immediate recovery. We witness exactly how brutal it all was. 

These moments before the end also provide an opportunity for us to see the healthier loving relationships around Subaru. We know at this point that, age difference not withstanding, the primary pairing here is extremely toxic. But Subaru is initially saved because of an act of love and sacrifice by his grandmother. She resorted to extreme lengths to snatch him away from Seishirou, paying a price in the process. Then Hokuto, his twin sister, sets out as a secondary sacrifice to assure his safety after the previous encounter that left him broken. 

But more importantly, we don’t get to know what’s next. We only know what happened to Hokuto because of CLAMP’s narrative and Subaru’s ability. We don’t see him meet Seishirou again in the ending of volume 7 of the Tokyo Babylon manga. We don’t see the inevitable weeks and months it takes him to recover. We even don’t see him pick up the pieces. We only see him end up assisting on a final “case” to show that even after everything that happened, he’s still using his onmyouji abilities to help others.

I also think the fact that X/1999 remains unfinished helps the Tokyo Babylon ending stand out even further at this point. CLAMP got to offer us some resolution. Further confrontations between Subaru and Seishiro appear, as they meet again. Hokuto is referenced, and we get closure regarding that spell only she could use. But at the same time, we don’t get to know what becomes of Subaru. He still doesn’t get an ending.

The Tokyo Babylon ending still hits me every time I read it, even years later. There’s no mercy in this final volume. CLAMP set up a tragedy, leaving little clues along the way. Some more obvious than others, of course. There’s no closure here. No happy ending. Just like real life, things don’t come together perfectly. Instead, we see how different choices we’ve made and people we let in permanently affect our lives even after a short time together. And, because the follow-up work remains unfinished, we just never get to really know what happened to Subaru at the end.

All seven volumes of the CLAMP Collection Tokyo Babylon manga are available via Yen Press.

The post The Tokyo Babylon Ending Remains Striking Over 30 Years Later appeared first on Siliconera.

Not long after Yen Press started rereleasing the Tokyo Babylon manga as part of the CLAMP Collection, I brought up how the series still feels fresh despite its age due to the timeless nature of its scenarios. The thing is, this isn’t just a fleeting thing where, after reading volume 1 again, you realize how spot-on CLAMP was when incorporating societal concerns into the story. With volume 5, it once again hammers home from the very start that history repeats, we’re always going to experience certain concerns like debt and fleeting dreams of home ownership, and we need to be extremely careful when handling those sorts of stressors.

Editor’s Note: There are spoilers for the the story “Old” in volume 5 of the Tokyo Babylon manga. 45k3

So right away, Tokyo Babylon’s “Old” story hit me like a ton of bricks when I started it. Keep in mind, I did read this CLAMP manga years ago. But certain situations when Subaru is dealing with essentially a “monster of the week” can sometimes blend together or fade away when ing the more broad plot points. But upon revisiting it, there’s so much going on when it comes to issues in society caused by things like housing bubbles, inflation, and other economic issues.

Like many Tokyo Babylon stories that focus on Subaru meeting and assisting people with a situation, he takes more of a backseat and often feels more like a ing cast member than the star. Instead, the focus is on a struggling family. They’re living in the city in a small, cramped house. Though the husband works full-time and the wife has a part-time job, they’re barely getting by. Their two children are getting older, which means both are more expensive. The couple are also ing the wife’s father, who is retired and doesn’t have any income of his own. There’s constant shouting. Money is tight. It’s something that, given the struggles after the COVID-19 pandemic started in late 2019, any of us could be experiencing now. 

We even hear about the consequences of other people dealing with that kind of debt and pressure. Subaru’s introduction involves him being called by a real estate company to come in and cleanse a house. A family referenced in the introduction committed suicide due to mounting debts, with a couple and their young daughter being the victims. The head of the company even brings up how he can’t understand how unaffordable things became, and cites how it’s just impossible for people to own homes in Tokyo. That places that do end up being found are overcrowded and overpriced, and many are driven out to equally expensive suburbs and forced to commute.

Now, keep in mind, at this point Tokyo Babylon is over 20 years old. The situations CLAMP reference in the manga are still so applicable, and even more true. Leading into the story of Subaru’s encounter with the grandfather of the family in the introduction, a former Ueno zookeeper, and learning about his life becomes even more poignant. We’re experiencing this still, 20 years later. Things haven’t changed. They aren’t getting better. Stress is still driving people to abuse ones they love, to illness, and to death. 

I’m not going to spoil what happens in “Old” in Tokyo Babylon, but it continues to be a storyline that leaves a strong impression. Especially given how we’re seeing history repeat 20 years later and people now, in 2024, in similar situations. Again, I don’t know how many times I can say it, but CLAMP really crafted a manga that sticks with you and keeps remaining topical with Tokyo Babylon, and it makes it a joy to reread.

Volume 5 of Tokyo Babylon is available now, and Yen Press will release volume 6 of the CLAMP Collection version of the manga on February 18, 2025. 

The post Tokyo Babylon Manga Volume 5 Keeps Hitting Timeless Chords appeared first on Siliconera.

In the early volumes of the Tokyo Babylon manga, CLAMP is pretty tactful about Seishirou Sakurazuka. We get hints that there is more to him than there appears. These grow more obvious, until there are substantial actions like the one in the third volume. With the newly rereleased volume four of Tokyo Babylon, it’s much more clear what Seishirou is capable of and what this means for Subaru Sumeragi.

Editor’s Note: There will be spoilers for volume 4 of the Tokyo Babylon manga and Seishirou below. 6w6t3o

Throughout much of the Tokyo Babylon manga up to this point, Seishirou largely seemed a potential force for good. Yes, he’s hiding something. We definitely are aware of his own powers and strengths. But he’s still maintaining his identity as a veterinarian, is being kind toward both Subaru and Hokuto, and seems to adore Subaru. When he’s acted in past volumes, it’s been to assist in some way. With this latest entry, we’re getting more insights into what we should really expect from him. Plus, it’s handled in such a way that we’re forced to compare his still considerate actions with more ominous ones.

Things begin with the “Crime” case. After seeing a shrine torn down, we begin with Subaru ruminating about it with Hokuto and Seishirou about what it means when a seal like that is removed. It’s honestly a sweet sort of moment, even though repercussions are being considered. Because we have Seishirou providing food and offering to make a meal later for the young onmyoji. And it keeps seeming like a positive series of interaction when Subaru shows up at Seishirou’s door after a very rough day. The one encourages the other. Has food for him. Reassures him. 

But it’s at the end of this first chapter of volume 4 of the Tokyo Babylon manga that we start to get real, substantial proof that things are not good. After Seishirou puts an exhausted and depressed Subaru to bed, he promises to protect him and stay by his side. Subaru thanks him. When Seishirou leaves, he looks in a mirror that cracks and ominously suggests he’ll win the “bet” the two made. While the early parts of the next case, called “Save,” begin with Hokuto seemingly encouraging Subaru’s relationship with Seishirou while also questioning if the older man is as kind as he seems. 

This foreshadowing continues with a meeting between Subaru and his grandmother. In addition to tasking him with investigating the Ms Institute, she shares with him a warning about being swept away by the cherry blossoms. Seishirou’s name and the mysterious Sakurazukamori assassin’s aside, it seems further uncertain. CLAMP leaves us in the dark a little yet again, even though there’s more further movement on Hokuto’s part. 

It’s the end of volume 4 of the Tokyo Babylon manga that shows how well that Seishirou pacing paid off. Everything leading up to the end of the “Save” storyline is preparing us for what we learn as it draws to a close. The future for everyone is still uncertain, of course. But there is so much new insight into Seishirou here and pay off that it feels quite satisfying.

Volume 4 of the Tokyo Babylon manga is available now, and Yen Press will release volume 5 on November 19, 2024. 

The post Tokyo Babylon Volume 4 Drops More Hints About Seishirou appeared first on Siliconera.

In early Tokyo Babylon manga volumes, we get a good balance of seeing Subaru Sumeragi at work in various situations, but we don’t get to see as much of Seishirou Sakurazuka. However, in the third volume, the storyline focuses entirely on a single, harrowing case. As a result, we get to see more of what sets Subaru apart, as well as a hint at Seishirouo’s true power.

Editor’s Note: There will be some mild spoilers for the setup of volume 3 of the Tokyo Babylon manga, but the conclusion and major spoilers aren’t discussed. 5ss2e

Volume 3 of the Tokyo Babylon manga consists of two parts of the same story: “Call A” and “Call B.” It’s a continuing case in which three women calling in on a specific Dial Q Party Line, determining themselves to be warriors protecting against the end of the world by using magic against “bases” at phone numbers ending in 19■9. (Yes, it’s 100% referencing X/1999.) However, these are complete amateurs with no awareness of what sutras and the supernatural can actually do. So they’re causing tremendous damage to the people at those locations, as well as backlash to themselves that actual practitioners like Subaru are aware of. The storyline involves the tracking down of the trio and handling of the situation.

A great part of both “Call A” and “Call B” is that we’re seeing all sides of Subaru as an onmyoji. There’s the investigation portion, which involves him using actual detective-style footwork and his supernatural skills. Then, there’s the execution of handling the curses and spells the inexperienced practitioners are weaving. We are seeing him both informally and formally handling things in one of the most substantial and life-threatening situation so far, and it’s handled so well throughout both parts of this case.

What’s really important is the part Seishirou plays in Tokyo Babylon volume 3 and how it hints at his relationship to and power compared to Subaru. CLAMP did a great job of leading up to the reveals surrounding him. We have a general idea in the first two volumes. There are suggestions he possesses a strength that compares to Subaru’s. But it’s in the “Call B” portion that we really get the first real idea of what could be going on. It’s so satisfying, and it also means that the volume really helps make the wait for what happens next in the fourth one harder.

Two things constantly propel Tokyo Babylon forward, and both of them are at the forefront in volume 3 of the manga. One is seeing how Subaru deals supernatural situations. The other is the constantly evolving situation between Subaru and Seishirou. We get both of that here, and in each case the stakes and reveals are even greater than before. It’s a great showcase that helps build the tension on all fronts and leaves the reader wanting more.

Tokyo Babylon volume 3 is available now, and Yen Press will publish volume 4 of the manga on August 20, 2024.

The post Tokyo Babylon Vol 3 Shows Subaru and Seishirou’s Strength appeared first on Siliconera.

The first volume of the Tokyo Babylon manga involved CLAMP setting the stage with shorter stories involving Subaru and Hokuto Sumeragi and Seishiro Sakurazuka. However, it’s in the second installment of Yen Press’ CLAMP Collection edition that even more serious situations are addressed when each of the twins deals with their own, sometimes longer than usual, tales of how they deal with violence against women.

Editor’s Note: There are no spoilers for the events of the two stories in Tokyo Babylon volume 2, but it does discuss some of the nature of the violent acts against two women in the manga. 2g6y5s

The bulk of the volume involves a case on Subaru’s docket in a chapter called “Dream.” A young woman was sexually assaulted by a group of young men. We see her deal with the trauma and after effects of the incident in the opening manga, then watch as she falls into an endless sleep. After four months, the Sumeragi family — meaning Subaru — is tasked with investigating the incident. Once in the hospital, he begins his analysis and ends up reaching out by heading into her dreams.

I immediately felt for Mitsuki. The fact that this happened to her, she’s dealing with it on her own, these men are still lurking around her home, and she’s too afraid to come forward because she’s hearing about the “rumors” going around about the attack is horrifying. She’s completely alone and going through something unimaginable. 

Enter Subaru. While Mitsuki doesn’t explicitly give consent to him to enter, a certain supernatural situation leading up to it — which Seishiro rightfully identifies as being connected — and the fact that she is about to die if he doesn’t take such drastic makes the situation understandable. Seeing the continuing pain she’s going through, and the way the story plays out, hits so hard even after all these years since its original publication. And I appreciate that CLAMP’s execution at the end of this first story in volume 2 of the Tokyo Babylon manga offers a glimmer of hope. 

Meanwhile, “Smile” is a shorter story that deals with another kind of violence against women that also gives us our first chance to see Hokuto on her own without being a ing character pushing Subaru. She’s out one evening having fun, gets hit on by some guys, and sees another woman being harassed and grabbed by other men. She immediately jumps in to assist the stranger, helping her get away. 

What works so well about this story, so much so that I even would say it is the stronger of the two in this volume, is because we’re seeing three types of strength from Hokuto. There’s her physical strength, absolutely. She isn’t afraid to fight back against a group of strange men to help someone innocent and in danger. There’s her mental strength. While we’re constantly seeing Subaru’s onmyoji abilities, this chapter allows us to see her cast a spell to protect her and her newfound friend. 

But most importantly is her emotional strength. After the woman explains her situation, both in coming to this country and the reason for the actions against her, Hokuto is open, welcoming, and genuinely cares for her. She stands by her side and offers her friendship, wanting to be close, help her, and maybe even be that lifeline this woman needs. And, once again, we get this sense of hope on CLAMP’s part.

Covering violence against women in stories is difficult, and CLAMP didn’t shy away from addressing the sorts of things that happen in the Tokyo Babylon manga. I feel that in doing so, it’s encouraging people to talk about it, not look away when they see it happen, and encourage them to speak up and follow the examples of the Sumeragi twins to offer help and when they can.

Volume 2 of CLAMP Collection Tokyo Babylon is available now, and volume 3 of the manga will be out on May 21, 2024.

The post The Tokyo Babylon Manga Tactfully Handles Violence Against Women appeared first on Siliconera.

When I first read CLAMP’s Tokyo Babylon years ago, I was always struck by its execution and the nature of its spiritual situations. I’d started getting more into manga when Tokyopop started picking up series an making them more accessible. I’d been familiar with “monster of the week” situations. Due to an appreciation for Cardcaptor Sakura, Magic Knight Rayearth, and Clover and how they often did what I didn’t expect, went into thisseries hoping for the best as well. Years later, Yen Press picked up the series and is releasing the CLAMP Collection Tokyo Babylon manga volumes, and I’m amazed at how well elements of it hold up.

For example, the introductory exorcism Subaru is explaining as the volume makes the spirit seem more sympathetic than the person she was haunting. Akie was a woman led on by a celebrity. She committed suicide, and her spirit essentially attached itself to his bed. Right at the outset, it is presenting us with an unexpected situation. The “ghost” isn’t evil. Just broken and grieving. The person being haunted? Maybe they deserved it?

This sort of conflicted morality comes up in the second encounter. This segment also highlights the translation Amanda Haley did. I’ve seen impressions of the second situation, which involves a possessed Chanel suit. This localization makes it clear that the feelings of people who envied, but could never have it, when they saw it in a window and the feelings of greed, hurt, and anger from the others who attempted to buy the suit during the Isetan Big Summer Sale, but didn’t, all collected. It showed the power of strong emotions, particularly negative ones, and how they influence people. 

But what strikes me most is how hard the Tokyo Tower case still hits. Spoilers aside, this is a situation during which both Subaru and Seishirou face a spirit that has the potential to terrify, as well as maybe even harm, visitors to the Main Observation Deck. The conversation between the spirit and the two of them, and the developments that arise, are so identifiable. It’s so easy to connect with the ghost and understand their experience. It remains just as relevant, and I really appreciated seeing some of these cases and situations hold up.

However, I will note that now that I’m older, seeing the relationship between Subaru and Seishirou hits much differently. Part of that is likely due to being a “real” grown-up, now that I’m reading the series again. Another element is probably due to having finished this series before, read X/1999, and having the awareness of knowing everything that will happen between the two of them. 

Still, Tokyo Babylon is still something special, and the CLAMP Collection release of the first volume is well executed. The translation is good. The cover art is lovely. It really makes returning to the series and its story inviting. Especially when you realize how relatable some of the spirits and situations are. It also makes the situation surrounding the 2021 anime adaptation even more sad. 

Volume 1 of CLAMP Collection Tokyo Babylon is available now, and volume 2 of the manga will appear on January 23, 2024. 

The post The Supernatural Situations in Tokyo Babylon Still Remain Poignant appeared first on Siliconera.

CLAMP will re-release a special publication of Tokyo Babylon as part of its ongoing CLAMP Collection. As with the recently-announced xxxHOLIC tankobon, the publication will feature new fully illustrated covers. Kadokawa plans to release the tankobon in Summer 2022.

https://twitter.com/CLAMP_news/status/1423533735039758336?s=20

Recently, CLAMP announced that it would be working with Kodansha and Kadokawa to release a series of tankobon of its past titles, the first of which was a two-part publication of xxxHOLIC. The manga features new detailed covers illustrated by CLAMP, and each tankobon costs ¥880 (about $8).

While the next series of publications has not been announced, the company notes that the CLAMP Collection will be a monthly publication. Furthermore, CLAMP notes that once it has gotten approval, it also plans to release a media mix of Tokyo Babylon in the future with the artist taking part in the production.

The Tokyo Babylon 2021 anime was recently canceled due to accusations of plagiarism. The anime adaptation was set to release in April 2021, before production studio GoHands was removed from the project. However, CLAMP is still continuing with plans to create the anime adaptation. It is currently looking for a replacement studio.

The CLAMP Collection Tokyo Babylon publication will release sometime in Summer 2022.

The post Tokyo Babylon Re-Release s the CLAMP Collection appeared first on Siliconera.