XXXHolic volume 3

Today's post is on XXXHolic volume 3 by CLAMP. It is the third in the series, so you need to have read the first two to understand the story. It is 176 pages long and is published by DEL REY. The cover has Yuko on it looking very pretty and wrapping around to Watanuki on the back. The intended reader is someone who likes Japanese mythology, ghost stories, and very pretty pictures. The story is told from Watanuki's perspective. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Kimihiro Watnuki is haunted by spirits- and the only way for him to escape his curse is to become the indentured servant of the mysterious witch Yuko Ichihara. But when Kimihiro's beloved, beautiful Himawari-chan, asks him for a favor, he and his eternal rival, the exorcist Domeki, must go on a spirit-busting adventure without Yuko there to save them!

Meanwhile, Yuko gives a young woman a precious cylindrical box from her treasure room. There's just one caveat: She must never open it. Inside is a magical device with a terrifying reputation! Can Kimihiro save an ambitious young lady from her own overconfidence?

Review- The two stories in volume are pretty creepy. Himawari asks for help because one of her friends is playing with dangerous things. It really deals with the power of suggestion and in Watanuki's world that makes things really happen and almost kill him. It is pretty creepy. The second story is about a monkey's paw. That story is not native to Japan but it fits very well into this world. With the woman making wishes and understanding how dangerous the paw is. You can see the ending coming but it is still shocking. There is a little ending story about Watanuki getting Oden noddles from a fox spirit and it very cute. Nice after this hair raising volume. Very little is done about Watanuki's eyes other than he uses them to help or at least try and help people. I like that Watanuki continues to try and help others even when he knows that they are not going to listen to him. More spirits and stuff coming up soon!

I give this one Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money many years ago.