Ranked #145

Cardcaptor Sakura (Manga)

The manga for Cardcaptor Sakura is of course very similar to the anime however only includes the parts to the story that are important.

Story: 9/10

The story doesn't seem overly impressive at the start with the collection of the Clow Cards but with the introduction of the romances between certain characters they're is certainly a comedic, albeit strange, side to the story. The story is quick to start the introductions are generally done during the capture of cards and the little side notes they have showing all the likes, dislikes and what not. As the story continues the character development just gets better and better, how long will it take for to Sakura realise what she really feels is a key part to the romance side of the story. The thing that makes the manga better than the anime is that the final volume (Volume 12) is not included in the anime, The final volume is the main end to the story and it wraps up the story superbly. It explains why Sakura likes Yukito, it explains why Eriol looks similar to Fujitaka and also the last page of the story gives the reader that real feeling of joy for Sakura and Syaoran.


Overall an interesting story that was really gripping in my opinion even though I knew what would happen in most parts.


Art: 9/10

The art is great, the art suits the story perfectly epitomising the kawaii effect that the story gives and I cant really think of any faults with the art.

Character: 10/10

I don't know of any better story of any sort for the characters, they were quite typical of CLAMP and the build of relationships between the characters were just fantastic even if controversial in some cases, most notably Tomoyo's crush on Sakura. The love triangle of Sakura, Syaoran and Yukito develops superbly throughout the story. The characters are a real breath of fresh air compared to the dull and unimaginative characters from a number of other manga and anime stories.


Enjoyment: 10/10

I never thought I would ever put a 10 for enjoyment of manga because I don't like reading much but I thoroughly enjoyed this manga, it was rounded off brilliantly at the end, actually feeling that you knew why everything happened as it did. I never went even close to the thinking of dropping the this manga and it just got better and better as the story went on.

This manga would definitley benefit from either watching the anime as well or reading the manga again. I would definitely consider re-reading this manga.


Overall: 10/10 (9x2+2x10=9.5)
Cardcaptor Sakura had an interesting story and characters that were quite brilliant and I would recommend that you give this manga a try even if you aren't particularly into reading manga.

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There is only one official word that comes to my mind when I think of Cardcaptor Sakura: Beautiful.
Everything about it is simply the epitome of beauty. The story, the characters, the art.
It's a CLAMP cult classic, and perhaps one of the most famous mangas ever written.

You think you know magical girl manga? Well, you haven't seen ANYTHING until you've read Cardcaptor Sakura. As far as your concerned, this is the ultimate magical girl manga. This is what inspired 100's of other artists to rip off the idea.
(Oh, and as I usually say, the Cardcaptor Sakura Manga is waaaay better than the anime. So don't even think that you shouldn't read the manga series, if you've already seen the show)

Let's get started, shall we then?

Story:
Sakura Kinomoto is a do-good 10 yr old who finds a mysterious book in her father's library entitled " The Clow". Upon opening the book, Sakura discovers that The Clow is in fact not a book, but a container to a host of 19 magical beings who were originally sealed in "Clow Cards". As well as releasing the cards, Sakura also releases the guardian of The Clow, which appears as a plushie like animal with wings, whom Sakura nicknames "Kero". Kero tricks Sakura into becoming the next "Cardcaptor" after sensing that she had magic in her. And so begins the adventure of Cardcaptor Sakura, but collecting the cards is only the beginning.

Art:
CLAMP's art is always breathtakingly beautiful, so it's no exaggeration when I tell you that I have never seen anything more amazing than the art in Cardcaptor Sakura. Some of the designs for the outfits Sakura wheres while "Cardcapting" are so original that it begs the question "where did they come up with this stuff?". CLAMP is truly the best of the best, the creme of the crop.

Characters:
Throughout the manga, one has to just fall in love with Sakura and her optimistic views on life. Her character is developed very well throughout the series, and each volume she starts to look more and more amazing than the last. The Clow Card designs are equally as wonderful to look at, and leaves the reader anticipating what the next one will look like.

Enjoyment&Overall:
If this manga was a person, I would marry it. So yes, to answer the question "If you love it so much, why don't you marry it?", I would. I most definitely and without any hesitance, would.
Cardcaptor Sakura is like a nice batch of fresh-baked cookies, but for your eyes. And what always gets me is that it's not just the art that makes this manga great- it's the fact that it manages to keep a well-thought out plot with plenty of questions and mysteries to keep the reader going.
I truly and from the utmost pit of my heart, suggest that you give this manga a try.
Thanks for reading.



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