Need a break from the angst and drama of X? Want to pause for breath after absorbing MAGIC KNIGHT RAYEARTH's fast pacing? Fortunately for CLAMP fans, the prolific foursome behind these works has published plenty of manga to choose from with a wide range of subject matter. One work still running is WISH a charming work that wins over fans not by intense art or drama, but by a simple story well-told.
Kudoh Shuuichiroh, a 28-year-old surgeon of cool demeanor and unflappable poise, discovers what appears to be a child caught on a tree branch. A crow mercilessly pecks at the unfortunate little one until Shuuichiroh comes to the rescue. The "child" turns out to be a winged angel named Kohaku (Amber) who relentlessly thanks Shuuichiroh by offering to grant any wish.
It is here that the plot veers from typical hackneyed manga setup. Shuuichiroh, being the very suave opposite of the pathetic protagonist stereotype that desperately needs an otherworldly companion (or heck, simply any mate), tells Kohaku that he can "grant any wish myself." Kohaku panics and insists on waiting until there is a wish that Shuuichiroh can't realize on his own. Since God would scold Kohaku if gratitiude is not properly given for Shuuichiroh's rescue, Shuuichiroh politely allows Kohaku to live and help around his home.
Naturally, there are complications. For one, Kohaku becomes a chubby cherub after sunrise, but can change into an enchantingly beautiful and slender youth during the day. In addition, the angel is altruistic and innocent to a fault. Using invocations of spells called "hougan," Kohaku tries to help with chores and adjust to the human world. The angel magically waters Shuuichiroh's courtyard garden with a localized shower—drenching Shuuichiroh in the process. Kohaku blithely flies through and lands in the middle of a city street, blissfully unaware of the stunned glances from humans.
Later, more colorful characters make their debuts. Meddlesome prankster and demon Kouryuu (Garnet) never overlooks the opportunity to torment Kohaku. Unfortunately, Kohaku is mainly versed in healing and aiding hougan, while Kouryuu knows attacking hougan. Often, it is the not-so-lowly human Shuuichiroh who must save the angel Kohaku, rather than the reverse. Undaunted, Kouryou summons the two mischievous demicats Hari and Ruri to spy on Kohaku. Even Hisui (Jade), one of the Four Archangels, and Kokuyou (Obsidian), the only son of the Devil, appear to take refuge in Shuuichiroh's home for the most human of reasons. Shuuichiroh's uncle makes a surprise visit from Canada and reveals to Kohaku a little of Shuuichiroh's tragic past. Kohaku's well-meaning search for more clues leads to an encounter with someone from Shuuichiroh's past who is not quite what the first impression may suggest. The angels' and demons' continued presence on Earth eventually causes ripples that travel back to Heaven—with some of the cast in tow.
Lest anyone think this is yet another series in which the main character is surrounded by beautiful specimens of the opposite gender, almost every single character is androgynous in appearance... and androgynous by nature. The authors neatly dance around the point when Shuuichiroh's uncle affectionately calls Kohaku "musume-san." "I'm not a girl... [but] I'm not what you would call a boy either... That's because I'm an angel," Kohaku innocently replies.
More than anything, this "wondrous magical comedy" delights in offering the whimsical. Winged bunnies carry messages aloft from Heaven. Squat little birds provide a running commentary to Kohaku's well-meaning antics. As a wide-eyed cherub, Kohaku is just impossibly cute. All of the adorable cuteness is offset by Shuuichiroh, though. Shuuichiroh's very presence on a panel exudes quiet, self-assured coolness.
Unlike in X, TOKYO BABLYON, and the more prominent CLAMP works, Mokona Apapa is not the main artist in WISH. Nekoi Mick draws most of WISH's artwork, and the difference in style is evident. Throughout the manga, the lines are simpler and less busy than in the titles mentioned above. Nekoi refrains from overusing shading and favors well-defined panels more than borderless, edge-to-edge artwork. Part of the reason for all this is the stark difference in subject matter; X's apocalyptic vision lends itself more to stunning, over-the-top layouts than WISH's intimate and personal drama. Nevertheless, reading WISH is often a welcome relief on the eyes after poring over a volume of X's dense artwork.
This is not one of CLAMP's great epics, and it was never intended as such. Instead, it's a light-hearted character sketch with some dramatic interludes. If your tolerance for cuteness is low, this manga may not be for you. If you're looking for a CLAMP manga that appeals with a winsome cast and gentle storytelling, though, WISH may be the one for you.

WISH, by CLAMP Monthly Mystery DX, 6 October 1995 (November 1995 cover date) - ongoing Compiled in: Volume 1: Asuka Comics DX ISBN4-04-852684-7 Kadokawa Shoten 1 June 1996 600 yen (tax included) Volume 2: Asuka Comics DX ISBN4-04-852771-1 Kadokawa Shoten 8 January 1997 600 yen (tax included)