New Age elements in the Clamp’s manga X

Abstract

In this article we maintain that manga X --created by the collective CLAMP between 1994 and 2003, and published in Mexico by Editorial Vid between 2002 and 2005-- is a story whose dominant principle are the various elements of New Age. Such claim is based on the following premises. Firstly, the sephirotic tree, the tarot B.O.T.A and the elements of Enochian magic, typical of Western esotericism, are iconographically seen in this manga. Secondly, Kamui, the subject of the story, represents God, so his actions determine the whole narrative. In addition to this, Kamui counts on a twin star (Fuma), that works as his complementary opposite. Finally, Apocalypse occurs for the sake of the Earth well-being, seen as a living organism that is meant to survive the destruction of mankind. The analysis is performed using two of the guidelines of the historical method: the notion of dominant principle, and the importance of the source. Moreover, we use the indicial paradigm proposed by Carlo Ginzburg, elements of structural analysis of the narratives by Helena Beristáin and the notion of postmodernity proposed by Fredrick Jameson. The primary sources are the 18 volumes of X published in México.