The cover of this month’s issue of Bessatsu Shonen Magazine features XXXHOLiC and it was posted on the magazine’s official blog:
Click to enlarge it.
This issue also comes with an application service to win an original XXXHOLiC Fukusei Genga (original art reproduction) and goes on sale October 9.
A text-less, higher resolution version of the GATE7 promotional illustration was released to the japanese press and can be checked below:
Click to enlarge it.
Credits: Comic Natalie.
Jump SQ has put a hotsite for the upcoming GATE7 one-shot with a new B&W illustration.
Thanks radiomacrossing for the heads up!
Hana is sitting on a lamp post in the B&W picture, hummm (Chii much?). And new Hana no longer has braids as shown in the previous color illustration.
The image below has leaked in japanese board 2ch revealing that CLAMP’s new work, Gate 7, will run in the monthly magazine Jump Square (Shueisha).
Click to enlarge it.
The first chapter one-shot will feature color pages and will be published in the magazine’s December issue, to be released on November 4.
From Wikipedia:
Jump Square (ジャンプスクエア, Janpu Sukuea?, often written as Jump SQ.) is a Japanese monthly shōnen manga magazine with a circulation of over 500,000. Published by Shueisha, the magazine premiered on November 2, 2007 as a replacement for Monthly Shōnen Jump, another manga anthology that Shueisha discontinued in June of that year. The magazine is a part of the Jump line of magazines The manga titles serialized in the magazine are also published in tankōbon volumes under the Jump Comics label.
Thanks to clamp_now community for this news!
CLAMP x Shueisha? This is the first time that CLAMP is published in Shueisha. Also, wasn’t Gate 7 supposed to be a shoujo? And it’ll run in a Shonen magazine? Humm.
No word on the simultaneous release from Dark Horse yet, but maybe an official announcement is about to be made, considering that the picture above was leaked.
Needless to say that I’m veeeeeeeeeery excited about this!!! Next month!!! *_*
Update: According to ANN, the chapter will be a one-shot:
The November issue of Shueisha’s Jump Square magazine is announcing on Monday that the popular manga quartet CLAMP is drawing a one-shot Gate 7 manga in the next issue on November 4. The manga is part of the “Supreme Yomikiri Series” (Supreme One-Shot Series) the regular feature of one-shot manga by famous creators such as Yasuhiro Nightow (Trigun), Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball), Masakazu Katsura (Video Girl Ai), and Hideaki Sorachi (Gintama). Jump Square launched the “Supreme Yomikiri Series” in its first issue in November of 2007.
If it gets a positive response from the readers, the series might continue in Jump SQ or move to some other magazine?
Update 2: A bigger picture from the announcement can be seen here.
Here are the final reports of CLAMP’s research expedition in the Kansai area to collect data for Gate 7. After Kyoto they made a quick stop at Osaka and are now back to Tokyo.
If we were talking about a movie, I would call this the pre-production stage. I hope it won’t last long until we reach the production stage =)
旅行最終日！
今回の取材旅行は、今日が最終日。
せっかく関西に来たとなれば、やっぱり『鶴橋 風月』は外せないということで、
京都から大阪まで足を延ばしました（笑）。
このモダン焼き＆お好み焼きを食したら、東京に戻ります。
今回の取材は、これからの新作に反映されます。お楽しみに。
『鶴橋 風月』阪急３２番街店（『ツバサ』で登場した所）からお送りしました（笑）。
It’s the final day of the trip!
Today is the final day of our research expedition.
Having come all the way to Kansai [the area of Japan comprising Osaka, Kyoto, etc.], there was no way we could pass up going to Tsuruhashi Fugetsu [a famous Okonomiyaki chain, http://www.ideaosaka.co.jp/web/english/], so we made our way from Kyoto to Osaka. (laughs)
Having eaten modan-yaki and okonomiyaki, we will return to Tokyo.
The research we’ve been doing will be reflected in our upcoming work. We’re so excited!
This is being sent from the Tsuruhashi Fugetsu at the Hankyuu Line 32-ban-chou Store (the store that appeared in Tsubasa). (laughs)
戻りました。
全員、無事自分の部屋に到着しました。
とても楽しい取材旅行だったんですが、とにかく伊勢も京都も大阪も、寒かったです(泣)。
と、私たちが不在中に、「xxxHOLiC・籠」ＯＡＤ公式サイトが更新されてましたね。
アニメ中に出てくる、モコナ柄タンブラー台紙がプリントアウト出来ます。
「xxxHOLiC・籠」OAD公式サイトで、アニメ中に登場するモコナタンブラー台紙がプリントアウトできます。是非。
We’re back!
Everyone has safely returned to their rooms.
The research expedition was a lot of fun, but Ise, Kyoto, and Osaka all ended up being cold (cries).
Also, while we were away XXXHOLiC Rou’s official website was updated. [http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/tsubaholi/index.html]
You are now able to print out the Mokona-decorated image that covers the tumbler in the anime.
On the XXXHOLiC OAD official website you can print out the Mokona-decorated image that covers the tumbler in the anime. Promise.
The English translation was provided once again by Mia Lewis.
Speaking of which, Mia Lewis recently wrote a paper called Painting Worlds with Words: Ateji in CLAMP’s Manga, about the use of “ateji” in manga, having CLAMP as the main object of study. She will be will be doing a presentation about that paper at the Oscar Lee Symposium for East Asian Studies. She asked me to announce it here and those interested are welcomed to come.
Event Name: Oscar Lee Symposium for East Asian Studies (the Columbia University undergraduate East Asian Studies symposium)
Date: April 30, 3010
Location: Kent Hall, Columbia University, 116th st and Broadway, New York, NY
Time: 1-4 pm
The details of the individual panels are still being decided. The presentation on CLAMP and ateji will last approximately 10 minutes, and will be part of a larger panel on Japan, language, and perceptions created by media, with a question and answer session to follow. The Columbia East Asia Review (an undergraduate academic journal on East Asian Studies) will also be released at this event, and includes the paper “Painting Worlds with Words: Ateji in CLAMP’s Manga.” (See abstract below.) For more information, please contact Mia Lewis at MEL2148@columbia.edu.
Abstract: This study explores wordplay in the works of CLAMP, a popular Japanese mangaka (comic artist) group. Specifically, it examines CLAMP’s use of ateji, the pairing of kanji (Chinese characters) and furigana (a reading gloss) with different meanings. This allows two different words to become one, creating meanings that transcend words’ literal definitions. Original research on ateji in six different manga zasshi (comic magazines) and three of CLAMP’s works—Cardcaptor Sakura, Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, and Clover—identifies five distinct ateji techniques. This study focuses on the way these techniques are employed by CLAMP to express complex ideas, develop plot, and portray characters. As a technique embedded within the Japanese language, the implications of ateji use in manga extend beyond the medium of comics, pointing to shifting trends in the language as a whole.
Could be very interesting specially for those studying manga and Japanese culture. I know I certainly would go if I could (but New York seems a little too far for me xD)
As I reported previously, CLAMP members are on a trip to collect data for the upcoming work, Gate 7. Their first stop was the city of Ise (read report here), then they went to Kyoto. They are making real-time reports on their private boards and here are some of them, translation provided by Mia Lewis.
六盛茶庭
京都に到着しました。
早速、六盛茶庭に。メインのスフレは撮影ＮＧなんで（すぐに萎んじゃうからだと思います）先に頼んだシャンパン。
ただ今、スフレをうずうず待ってます（笑）。
Rokusei Satei (http://www.rokusei.co.jp/rokuseisatei/index.html) [A souffle restaurant in Kyoto]
We’ve arrived in Kyoto.
We’re heading straight to Rokusei Satei. The souffle from the main course is no good for filming (I think it’s because it deflates too quickly), so we’ll be having the champagne we preordered.
I’m just itching with anticipation for that souffle (laughs).
休憩中
六盛茶庭から平安神宮を廻って、八坂神社、清水坂の方に抜けてきました。
結構歩いたので休憩中。
梅園さんで、みたらし団子＆わらび餅とお薄（お抹茶）。
東京では、あまり みたらし団子は見ないので久しぶり。あまからが美味しかったです。
Taking a Break
We went from Rokusei Satei through Heian Jingu Shrine, Yasaka Shrine, and came out at Kiyomizu Temple.
We did a lot of walking so we’re currently taking a break.
We’re having midarashi-dango, warabi-mochi, and weak macha at Baien-san.
You don’t often see midarashi-dango in Tokyo, so its the first time we’ve had them in a while. Its sweet and saltiness was delicious.
京都２日目
京都二日目は、ちょっと雨が降ってます。
それでも頑張って、北野天満宮と金閣寺を廻って来ました。
で、イノダコーヒー本店にやってきました。
目の前で猫井ちゃんが、ジャンボシュークリームを撮影してます。
ちなみに、画像はウィンナコーヒーです（笑）。
Kyoto Day 2
On our second day in Kyoto it rained a bit.
Even so, we strove on and made it Kitano-tenmangu Temple and the Temple of the Golden Pavilion.
We also went to the original Inoda Coffee.
Nekoi-chan is filming the Jumbo Chou a La Creme right in from of me.
ここは京都
京都駅なのに、せんと君が幅きかせています。（笑）巨大せんとくんもいたのですが。握手して撮影すればよかったです。
This it Kyoto
Even though this is Kyoto Station, Sento-kun (http://image.blog.livedoor.jp/nhm_baby/imgs/8/c/8c272001.jpg) [Nara City’s mascot] is everywhere. (laughs) There was even a gigantic Sento-kun. [note: I assume this refers to a person dressed as the mascot.] I should have applauded and gotten it on film.
三十三間堂行ってきた
修学旅行生が多かった。
騒がしかったけど、お寺だから静かにという館内放送で、一発で静かになったよ。
日本の若者、まだまだ捨てたものではないね。
素直さは美点。
We Went to Sanjusan Gendo Temple
There were a lot of students on field trips.
It was noisy, but it went silent the instant the announcement was made to respect the temple and be quiet.
Japan’s youth are still far from being given up on.
Obedience is a virtue.
Today is the final day of the trip, they are coming back to Tokyo later. More reports to come!
Also, today is the 16th and there should be a CLAMP-NET.COM update. But there are no updates today. The website was updated on the 14th instead, launching its new menu. Have you checked it out? The major changes can be noticed in the “News” and “Serial” sections, which are now split.
“Serial” section now has more detailed information about the upcoming manga chapters, such as chapter numbers.
Sad news for those who liked them, but the english news are gone (they weren’t updated on a regular basis in any case).
No breaks scheduled for Kobato. and XXXHOLiC is back with Chapter 205 on June 9 in its new home magazine, Bessatsu Shonen Magazine. Please refer to the CLAMP Widget for more upcoming releases.
Lastly, the official website of the XXXHOLiC Rou OAD posted a Mokona pattern that you can print and use on your own tumbler. The pattern is told to be similar to the one used by Kohane in the upcoming OAD.
Go to the website, pick your size and have fun with your drinks =)
Satsuki Igarashi posted in her private board that today CLAMP started a trip to collect data for their next work, Gate 7.
Their first stop is the city of Ise, located on the Shima Peninsula in Mie Prefecture. The city is home to the Ise Shrines, Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrines. The choice of Ise was Nekoi’s recommendation.
The main character of Gate 7, Hana, comes from Kyoto and she is the daughter of a temple caretaker. CLAMP will most likely take pictures and collect other kinds of data to use as drawing references.
Below is Satsuki Igarashi’s original entry:
今日から！
『ツバサ』も終わり、少し余裕ができたので今日から次回作の取材も兼ねての旅行です。
まずは猫井ちゃんもオススメの伊勢。
小学校の修学旅行以来の伊勢神宮です。
修学旅行の時は雨だったので、楽しみです。
Translation here. She’s basically saying that since Tsubasa is now over, they now have more free time and thus they are out on a trip to start collecting data for their next work (I am assuming that is Gate 7).
So happy to see that things are finally moving forward with Gate 7!
Anime News Network has a report of Dark Horse’s panel at this year’s Sakura Con last Sunday.
No big announcements were made, but Carl Horn revealed that the release of Mangettes: Gate 7 was delayed due to XXXHOLiC taking longer than CLAMP originally planned:
Regarding CLAMP’s new work that is to be released simultaneously in Japan and the U.S., it’s still continuing, but it was delayed due to xxxHOLiC taking longer than CLAMP had originally anticipated.
So just as I thought, XXXHOLiC wasn’t supposed to be this long originally. But with XXXHOLiC moving to a new magazine, makes me think that the series still has a long running ahead. Will CLAMP wait until XXXHOLiC is finished to start Gate 7? Or did they move XXXHOLiC because it’s easier to handle 3 monthly works?
Carl Horn also revealed why Dark Horse hasn’t re-licensed X yet:
Regarding other CLAMP titles where the license has been lost, Carl said that he thought people would be upset if they rescue-licensed and released X before the series was actually finished.
What about CLOVER? It’s in the same situation as X (worse, I’d say) but they still released it.
Many thanks to wanderingdreamr for letting me know about this!
Tsubasa #27 appeared again in some of this week’s rankings! Check out more details after the cut.
• CLAMP-NET.COM
As promised, CLAMP-NET.COM updated again with messages from the CLAMP members. They are mostly welcome messages congratulating the website’s renewal. Mokona mentioned that now it looks more like a mangaka website, which is just what I thought too xD
There are brand new SDs too!
So adorable XD
• Tsubasa & XXXHOLiC OADs
The official website for the Tsubasa and XXXHOLiC OADs has a new illustration on its homepage, check it out!
• Mangettes: Gate 7
Amazon.co.jp no longer lists Mangettes: Gate 7 on their website. This is getting a little weird xD
• CLAMP Day
Happy CLAMP Day to you! Happy birthday to all Sakuras out there, all Watanukis and clone Syaoran! Am I forgetting someone? xD
I used to think (based on rumors I heard several years ago) that CLAMP’s own birthday was on April 1st, but I was never completely sure of that given that there was no official info to base on. Now, with the new addition on CLAMP-NET.COM that traces their time-line, it’s possible to see that the first chapter of RG Veda was published in March, not April. They don’t give specific dates, though.
The thing is, I don’t think CLAMP themselves know the date xD However, it’s very clear that they love this date, April 1st, therefore, I consider it as a very CLAMPy day.
So belated or not,
Happy 20th Anniversary CLAMP! ^__^
• Thank you
Lastly, lastly! I forgot to mention it yesterday because I was so excited with CLAMP-NET.COM’s new layout, but I’ll say it now.
I would like to deeply thank everyone who voted or somehow gave me support on my cover at the CLAMP Fanbook contest! I won! So I want to share this victory to everybody to helped for it! Thank you all so much, specially to all of you who voted without knowing the cover was mine!
Amazon.co.jp has the cover of CLAMP’s upcoming new manga, Mangettes: Gate 7!
Although Amazon reports it’ll be released in 2010, the release date remains being August, 2009 (got this confirmed by Dark Horse itself).
Major thanks to for pointing this out!
OMG!
First official art!!!!!!! XD
My impressions! It looks SO XXXHOLiC! I’m not sure if that’s a good thing. Sure, I love XXXHOLiC’s unique style, but I wanted something new? However, it’s just one picture, I’m sure it has its own singularities. But it looks very XXXHOLiC, the patterns and the lotus flower, etc.
The girl, Hana! I thought she would be older, the summary said she was a high-schooler but I expected someone like Arashi, but it’s fine! I thought she would have dark hair so that I was right about! And her hair is as long as Kobato’s, nice! Maybe the lotus flowers are because of her name, that means flower.
The creature! Is it a little calf? If that’s so, that’s new in CLAMP! It looks so cute xD It’s the creature that helps her when she’s in the dream world.
The logo! I don’t like the typography at first, looks simple to me O.o And what are those symbols? Is that japanese?
The art! Definitely Mokona. At least the girl, the creature might be Nekoi as usual.
Very very much looking forward to this! What do you think? ^^
Chibi Yuuto's CHRoNiCLEs 
