Anime Spotlight Apr'25

×××HOLiC, Pluto

📅   Last Updated: 25th April 2025

What happens when humans try to create robots which are as close as possible to humans? Pluto is a mystery anime about the coexistence of humans and robots in a futuristic world. There is a serial killer on the loose targeting a group of robots who are considered as heroes of the current generation. And it is upto the main character Gesict to solve this mystery who has a post of his own to uncover.

If you are a fan of mystery anime then this one is definitely a must watch as it is from the author Naoki Urasawa who has authored other famous works like Monster. This anime has a stellar dub performance from the voice actors and the animation quality is very good.

More Info: MAL, Anilist, Wikipedia
Official Streaming: Netflix
Credits: Anil (MAL)

CLAMP's ×××HOLiC (2006) and directed by Tsutomu Mizushima is a fine blend of supernatural, human psychology, and folklore. It tells the story of Watanuki Kimihiro, a high schooler cursed with the ability to see spirits, and the mysterious Yūko Ichihara, a witch who grants wishes—for a price. The anime touches on themes of addiction, obsession, and human weaknesses, intertwined with their working relationship.

The title itself, inspired by the concept of addiction, is a clever twist. CLAMP chose the suffix "holic" to reflect the struggles of people with their compulsions. In Japanese, "×××" acts as a placeholder, making the title pronounced simply as "-holic." This gives the series a unique angle, most evident in ×××HOLiC: A Midsummer Night's Dream, where "holic" directly refers to obsessive collectors.

Although ×××HOLiC is inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics, it borrows from modern gothic and avant-garde fashions. Yūko Ichihara’s extravagant outfits, adorned with kimonos, lace, and elaborate designs, became iconic. This fusion of classical and contemporary styles adds a remarkable visual dimension.

Breaking the screen in 2006, ×××HOLiC stood out amidst action-heavy narratives, offering introspective storytelling. Its cultural impact remains profound, exploring human flaws and influencing fan art and cosplay communities, solidifying CLAMP’s reputation as masters of intricate storytelling and design.

More Info: MAL, Anilist, Wikipedia
Credits: Viola Emanon

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