Title: Cardcaptor Sakura Book 1 (omnibus)
Author: CLAMP; Nanase Okawa
Artist(s): Mokona, Tsubaki Nekoi, and Satsuki Igarashi
Author: CLAMP; Nanase Okawa
Artist(s): Mokona, Tsubaki Nekoi, and Satsuki Igarashi
Cardcaptor Sakura was originally published in 1996-2000 and is quite possibly one of the most popular magical girl manga in publication. The story centers around fourth-grader Sakura Kinomoto, who has been chosen to recapture the magical Clow Cards after awakening the Cards' guardian, Cerberus -- AKA Kero -- from a book found in her father's library. From early on, it is made clear by the author and artists that Cardcaptor Sakura was intended to be a children's manga. However, due to the story, which captures the reader and makes the book ultimately unputdownable and the beautiful artwork, it is easily something that can be enjoyed readers of all ages.
But because of the overall theme of love -- all kinds of love -- human to creature relationships and acceptance, some might believe that the book is more suitable for open-minded, adult readers. Even in this first omnibus book, which collects volumes 1-4 of the series, we see examples of same-sex romance and pedophilia. Because of the pedophilic relationships -- yes, there's more than one -- I would not recommend this book for someone under the age of thirteen and fourteen, and would urge adults to remind the readers that it's really just a story and things don't work that way in the real world.
Anyway, despite what some may consider a somewhat controversial theme the story, overall, is incredibly upbeat and moving. We see characters struggling to overcome their hardships with each other for the good of others involved, and Sakura's optimistic attitude is incredibly contagious and will leave the reader feeling good once they've finished. This really is a story anyone can enjoy reading, though. It has everything -- action, romance, drama, and comedy.
Not only that, but this is an example of some of CLAMP's finest artwork ever. I don't think anyone can look at the characters in this book and say they aren't all beautiful in their own way. While it is possible for some to argue that the artwork is too girly for male readers to enjoy, I would like to remind you that this does fall into the shoujo genre and really, since when is artwork "girly"? I didn't realize that artwork had a gender unless you're referring to the use of flowers and Lolita style outfits Sakura dons throughout the book, in which case you're just being gender biased. Hate to break it to you.
In any case, do not discount this book because it is a magical girl shoujo and certainly not because of the artwork. If anything, the artwork is one of the things that this series so great. There are so many beautifully depicted panels in this book, it's hard to describe them all. Plus, because it is an omnibus reprint, the book also includes some of the most beautiful color prints I've ever seen in any manga.
Overall, I'm going to give this book an eight of ten. The story grabs the reader tight from the very beginning and the artwork is beyond beautiful. Again, it's definitely something you do not want to pass up. Trust me. If you missed this series in the 1990s, go out and pick up a copy of the omnibus now. You won't regret it.
But because of the overall theme of love -- all kinds of love -- human to creature relationships and acceptance, some might believe that the book is more suitable for open-minded, adult readers. Even in this first omnibus book, which collects volumes 1-4 of the series, we see examples of same-sex romance and pedophilia. Because of the pedophilic relationships -- yes, there's more than one -- I would not recommend this book for someone under the age of thirteen and fourteen, and would urge adults to remind the readers that it's really just a story and things don't work that way in the real world.
Anyway, despite what some may consider a somewhat controversial theme the story, overall, is incredibly upbeat and moving. We see characters struggling to overcome their hardships with each other for the good of others involved, and Sakura's optimistic attitude is incredibly contagious and will leave the reader feeling good once they've finished. This really is a story anyone can enjoy reading, though. It has everything -- action, romance, drama, and comedy.
Not only that, but this is an example of some of CLAMP's finest artwork ever. I don't think anyone can look at the characters in this book and say they aren't all beautiful in their own way. While it is possible for some to argue that the artwork is too girly for male readers to enjoy, I would like to remind you that this does fall into the shoujo genre and really, since when is artwork "girly"? I didn't realize that artwork had a gender unless you're referring to the use of flowers and Lolita style outfits Sakura dons throughout the book, in which case you're just being gender biased. Hate to break it to you.
In any case, do not discount this book because it is a magical girl shoujo and certainly not because of the artwork. If anything, the artwork is one of the things that this series so great. There are so many beautifully depicted panels in this book, it's hard to describe them all. Plus, because it is an omnibus reprint, the book also includes some of the most beautiful color prints I've ever seen in any manga.
Overall, I'm going to give this book an eight of ten. The story grabs the reader tight from the very beginning and the artwork is beyond beautiful. Again, it's definitely something you do not want to pass up. Trust me. If you missed this series in the 1990s, go out and pick up a copy of the omnibus now. You won't regret it.
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