I've seen a few animes that have been based off of mangas [it seems like less and less anime these days are original] and it is very rare that the entire plot line will be in the anime. I was delighted with Itazura na Kiss because for the most part, it does follow the manga version very well, and the characters look the same in both anime and manga.
As for Tsubasa Chronicle, I have only glanced at the manga and never read it. However, I know how it is to read a manga, see the anime version, and be very disappointed. That is why I said if you have read the manga, you should probably not watch Tsubasa Chronicle, for you will be very upset. I know that it strays from it's original plot, but if you have just finished, say, Cardcaptor Sakura and want to watch the "next" thing, then I highly suggest Tsubasa Chronicle. Here is why.
Story: The story follows Syaoran and Sakura from Cardcaptors, but that is all they are. Their appearances are of a teenage Syaoran and Sakura, but their personalities are in no way the same, except that Sakura is still sweet. Syaoran does not still have that awkward temper of his from Cardcaptors, so when you are watching this anime you kind of forget who their original characters were [which is a good thing, because if you didn't, you'd watch the series very disappointed that Sakura isn't with Kero-chan whipping out Sakura cards with Syaoran trying to confess to her :p]. Anyway, Sakura has lost her memory through feathers that sprouted into wings out of her back, and Syaoran travels with the memory-free Sakura through different worlds to collect the feathers and return her memory. However, in exchange for being able to save her, Syaoran has to agree to let the memories of him be erased from Sakura's memory [and it is highly hinted that Sakura is in love with Syaoran, who, judging by his actions, is also in love with her]. So this time around, it is Syaoran fighting, and not Sakura. It's a good story, because traveling to different worlds is very interesting to watch. Instead of being like a normal plot line where you get a different world for every episode, they will stay in one world for around three episodes and develop characters in the other worlds, which I think is very interesting and nice, because normally anime only focuses on the central characters.
Art: Some people complain about the art. It is a little quick looking because their limbs are long lines with large hands, but I actually like it. It's a nice change from the usual super-detailed Clamp because it makes the characters move a little better and it looks a little more updated. I'm not saying it's the best ever, but it honestly doesn't bother me. There is still a lot of super-detailed Clamp things like the clothing, magical items, etc.
Sounds: The music is beautiful. It does get used a lot, the same thing over and over I mean, but all in all it's really pretty and epic. It's not something you'd expect from this anime, and I like the recurring themes so much I don't mind if they get played again.
Character: I personally like this Syaoran. He is a little predictable, but he is tough and fights with all of his heart to find Sakura's feathers, even though he has no motivation but to save her, since she has lost her memories of him. It is his love for her that makes him different from usual characters. He's not weak, he doesn't back down. All he needs is to look at Sakura and he is filled with the spirit to fight for her. Sakura, if you'll pardon me, reminds me greatly of Chi from Chobits when she loses her memory. If you watch the anime, you'll see what I mean. I half expected her to go "Chiiiiii?" every time she saw something like a bird or a new person. Thankfully, she doesn't go so far as to refer to herself in third person. She does, however, get the same happy, dazed looks that Chi gets, and smiles a lot which seems to turn even bad guys good. But hey, it's still Clamp after all. ;-] Sakura and Syaoran are also joined by Fai, who is a delightfully carefree magician that is so classic with Clamp because of his easy-going nature, and Kurogane, who is a tough warrior that works together with Fai and brings a lot of the comedy to the story. Mokona from Rayearth is also there, and he is just soooooo cute. :D You will see a lot of characters from other Clamp works, but be warned: THEY ARE NOT THE SAME. They only LOOK like their original characters, but their personalities are different. Although it has to be said...Yukito and Sakura's brother from Cardcaptor sort of hint at their original characters, especially when you see them in different worlds. :D
Enjoyment: So far, I'm enjoying it. Everyone said that I would hate it after I'd seen 10 episodes, but I am on 13 and still like it. I know I'll finish it. I mean yes, a lot of time is spent panning character's faces and doing flashbacks to the previous episode at the beginning of a new one, but if you skip it and just put up with a lot of zooming in on Syaoran's face, then you'll be able to finish it too. I have to admit, it is the worst zooming-in-on-a-character-to-use-up-time I've ever seen, but I just try to ignore it. But hey, I still look forward to each episode, so obviously it's not as big of a deal as everyone says it is.
Overall: Like I said at the beginning of my long review, just watch it if you haven't read the manga. It really is a good story if you just treat it like an anime and not an anime based off of a manga. Albeit the long pauses on someone's face, the repetitive themes, and the flashbacks, I'm still enjoying it. And I've given up animes before that were far worse. So give it a shot and try to finish it. ;-]
