So I finished reading the manga version of Cardcaptor Sakura, this time now having read every single page from start to finish.
First thing is . . . the translation of volume 7 through 12 is actually outdated. They were printed before the "100% Authentic Manga" rewrites of the first six volumes. They are unflopped, thankfully, but there's no use of Japanese honorifics, which threw me off at first. Despite that, it still reads very well.
Volume 7, 8, and 9 are kind of formulaic. Not much different from the CCS anime's take on that part of the series. But suddenly, once you start volume 10, it suddenly becomes a lot more emotional, and more engaging than the earlier volumes, and even the best moments of the anime. Volume 11, which details Sakura's second trial, does take place at Tokyo Tower, unlike the anime, and that scene is far more engaging than the anime's take. Not only that, but there are things mentioned that weren't in the anime, most notably the connection between Clow and Sakura's father. And volume 12 . . . well, I already knew that the CCS manga had a better ending than the anime did, but now that I understand everything, the CCS manga ending is so much more poignant, more fulfilling. The anime's ending feels cheap and contrived in comparison. And you even get to see Sakura and Shaoran a few years into the future. (A foreshadow of their designs in Tsubasa, perhaps?)
But on the other hand, there were things about the anime I liked. I still prefer how the CCS anime introduced the setting and the characters. And while the anime had a lot more filler, some of that filler was really entertaining. And some of the Clow cards that only appeared in the anime actually were used by Sakura more than once. (Remember the Sleep card, anyone?) CCS the anime is my 4th favorite anime series of all time, and my favorite Japanese animated tv series from the 1990's. CCS the manga . . . I wouldn't place it in my top 5 favorite manga list. But then again, there's many more high quality manga series than there are high quality anime series, so it's rather unfair of me to make such a comparison.
So . . . the CCS anime starts off better, but the CCS manga has a better conclusion. So then . . . if you want to experience the most of what the Cardcaptor Sakura franchise has to offer . . . you're gonna have to read the manga AND watch the anime.
However, as much as I liked the CCS manga, I felt that there was something missing. That something I'll talk about next post. Also, I promised a CCS-themed link in the past. I will deliver that next post. Until then, let me just say that CCS is a near masterpiece. Now, when's CLAMP gonna finish XXXHolic and Tsubasa . . .
P.S. Terada and Rika are apparently an item in the manga. I sure hope to Kami-sama that Terada is willing to wait for Rika to come of age. I have read that's something Japanese people will do in case a coupling (or one partner) is too young for marriage. Hopefully. Maybe.
P.P.S. I know it goes way back to the first volume, but there was a picture of Sakura-chan when she was only three years old . . . . . . . . and even then, her cuteness knew no bounds!
