Tokyo Babylon

(Tokyopop, 2004-2005)
™ and © 2004 Tokyopop
reads right to left; b&w

This early (1991) Clamp manga is still one of the best from the studio. Subaru and Hokuto Sumeragi (16–year–old twins) and Seishiro Sakurazuka (25) are three modern onmyoji (Japanese priest–exorcists who dominated the 10th century Imperial court) who secretly keep present–day Tokyo free from dangerous spirits, ranging from actively evil to merely sad (tragic suicides). Stories are set throughout Tokyo’s different districts, each distinctly described, making the city itself come alive as a character.

Despite similar psychic powers, the three have very different personalities. Subaru is a timid, effeminate boy who is bossed around by his brash, extroverted sister Hokuto. Sakurazuka is a gentle, mature “big brother” magical teacher–advisor who is obviously homosexually attracted to Subaru but is too polite to insist where his interest is not wanted. It is the playfully sadistic Hokuto who thinks it amusing to push them together. Tokyo Babylon’s female readers will want to see how this strange romance works out. The manga also exhibits Clamp’s striking fashion sense; Subaru has been a favorite character with fan costume players for more than a decade.

— Fred Patten

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