Watch xxxHolic Kei
- 1969
- 1 Season
xxxHolic Kei is a supernatural anime series that follows the story of a teenager named Kimihiro Watanuki, who can see and communicate with spirits and other supernatural beings. The show is a continuation of the previous season, xxxHolic, and features 13 episodes of eerie and mystical content.
The series begins with Watanuki continuing his job at Yuko Ichihara's wish-granting shop. The shop serves humans and spirits alike, providing both with whatever they most desire in exchange for a certain price. Watanuki works as Yuko's assistant, helping her grant wishes and dealing with the various supernatural phenomena that come to the shop.
The first few episodes are stand-alone stories that center on the shop's various clients. Viewers are introduced to a wide variety of characters, each with their own unique backstories and troubles. There is the man who wishes to see the ghosts of his ancestors, the young girl who wants to be a better artist, and the woman who longs for the return of her missing husband. Each episode takes viewers on a journey into the spiritual realm, exploring the intricacies of the supernatural world.
However, as the series progresses, a larger story begins to emerge. The show begins to focus on the relationship between Watanuki and his friend and fellow spirit-seer, Shizuka Doumeki. Together, the two boys navigate the worlds of the living and the dead as they try to unlock the secrets of the wish-granting shop and the mysterious woman who runs it.
The show's animation is both beautiful and haunting, featuring beautiful backdrops and eerie character designs. The animation style is very fluid and dramatic, which serves the show well in its many action scenes. The supernatural beings in the series are particularly well-realized, with each ghost or spirit having its own unique look and personality.
One of the most impressive aspects of xxxHolic Kei is its ability to seamlessly blend humor and horror. The series is rife with comedic moments and witty banter, but it never loses sight of its darker undertones. The show is not afraid to delve into serious issues such as death, loss, and the nature of humanity. What's more, these themes are explored through a uniquely Japanese lens that is both fascinating and thought-provoking.
The voice acting in the show is also top-notch. Both the original Japanese voice actors and the English dub cast do an excellent job of bringing their characters to life. In particular, Todd Haberkorn's performance as Watanuki is particularly noteworthy. He effectively captures the character's quirks and insecurities while still managing to imbue him with a sense of bravery and determination.
Overall, xxxHolic Kei is a must-see for any fans of the supernatural genre. The show features fascinating characters, a complex narrative, and a unique blend of humor and horror. Whether you are a longtime fan of the series or are just discovering it for the first time, this show is sure to leave a lasting impression.