Synopsis:
It has been foretold that Kamui, a mysterious young man with psionic powers, holds the key to the world's fate. Kamui can choose either be the world's savior, or the world's destroyer. After being away for several years, Kamui goes back to Tokyo to rejoin his childhood sweetheart Kotori, and her older brother Fuma. Kamui swears to protect the two no matter what happens. But a strange twist of fate condemns Kamui and Fuma to a destiny of bloodshed... all because Fuma is Kamui's twin star -- existing to play the role opposite of Kamui. If Kamui chooses the side of good, Fuma would automatically belong to the side of evil. If Kamui falls to the evil side, Fuma would be on the good side... which side will Kamui take and what will become of the world's future? And what about Fuma and Kotori? Like that Highlander line says -- "In the end there can only be one...".

Review:
Although very intriguing and provocative, X/1999 is not for the faint of heart. It contains some of the most gruesome and horrific scenes ever drawn. From decapitations to dismemberings, everything is portrayed in its full uncensored glory. The mood is very dismal and tense. It's as if something very big and very sinister is always threatening to erupt. Chilling and suspenseful, this series will keep you at the edge of your seat. The art is exquisite -- which is always the case for Clamp works. Yet there is a dark overall tone in all the scenes that ties up the art and the plot. X/1999 is ridden with symbolisms, ranging from the religious to the occult. I found it really creepy. After experiencing the lighter side of Clamp through "Magic Knight Rayearth" and "Card Captor Sakura", X/1999 is a 360-degree turn from the cute girl mode. If you've always thought of Clamp's works as kiddie fare, this is guaranteed to break that stereotype.

Miscellanies:
The anime version of X/1999 is a 100-minute movie. It's not as much of a gore-fest as the manga though. Click HERE to find out more about X the Movie.

Sample Panels

Shopping - click on title to purchase:

Rightstuf X 1999 (Graphic Novel Vol. 1)