Author: CLAMP
Copyright © 1996 Kodansha Ltd., CLAMP

When checking into the annals of EX, I was surprised that we really have not covered very much CARD CAPTOR SAKURA, considering how popular it has been (though we did report on the announcement that CARD CAPTOR SAKURA would be animated way back in EX 2.4). For a good overview of the story check out our initial Japanese anime review in EX 3.6.
The manga was created by CLAMP, the same crew that brought us RAYEARTH, X, and a whole slew of other shoujo manga with the tendency to become popular hits. CARD CAPTOR SAKURA is about Kinomoto Sakura, a fourth grader who opens a sealed book only to find it empty. However she soon finds out that disaster will befall the world if the magical cards that lived in this book, known as the Clow, are not returned. Thus becomes her task to round up these cards which tend to have a life of their own. Helping her is Kerberos (or Kero-chan), the small guardian of the book, and Daidouji Tomoyo, Sakura's best friend (with deep pockets and a keen fashion sense).
This issue of Mixx's English release of the manga series deals mainly with the introduction of Li Syaoran, a young boy Sakura's age who transfers to her class from Hong Kong. He takes an instant dislike to Sakura, and what's worse, he knows about the Clow cards and demands that Sakura give them to him. Sakura meanwhile also tries to decide what to give Yuki (whom she has a crush on) for his birthday.
Surprisingly, a lot of long term plot related events happen within this short issue, and I found it to be a very enjoyable read. The art style is undoubtedly CLAMP, and Mixx's transfer quality is very good. All the little elements and sound effects have been translated relatively successfully, and the lettering is easy to read, although a bit dull.
CARD CAPTOR SAKURA is an interesting twist on the standard "magical girl" genre, with very likable characters and interesting plots that will appeal to readers of all ages. If you like cute shoujo stories or CLAMP's work in general, by all means give Mixx's release a read.

English version published in North America by Mixx Entertainment, Inc.
Issue #8 (ongoing)
38 pages; b&w
$2.95
Available now in the USA
Where to buy