For starters, I would like to start out with X (titled as X/1999 in America). It is a manga written by CLAMP from 1992 to about 2002. Alas, it remains unfinished, but more on that later.
The series focuses on two groups of powerful psychics and/or mages: the Dragons of Heaven, who fight for humanity, and the Dragons of Earth, who wish to see humanity purged from the world. CLAMP uses primarily Judeo-Christian symbols, but references to other faiths and beliefs (with an emphasis on dualism) can also be found.
Those familiar with CLAMP's works know to expect top-notch artwork and attractive character design. X certainly delivers in this regard; there are many double page spreads that really allow the artwork to reach epic proportions. This series is one of the best examples of how movement should be drawn. Whether it is a battle scene or feathers floating through the air, movement is gracefully detailed. Manga sometimes rely too heavily on speed lines or multiple panels to trick the reader into seeing motion where there is none. In X, however, characters leap across building tops blasting one another with energy or elemental spells in such a way that it is hard to believe that one is looking at a still image instead of watching an anime.
It is immeasurably frustrating that such a high quality work remains unfinished. Reportedly, the increasing violence of the material caused the magazine it was originally serialized in to pull the plug. CLAMP went on to pen other works while looking for another publisher willing to adopt the series.
Viz originally published all 18 volumes of X. Those volumes are hard to find nowadays, but despair not! Viz will republish the series in an omnibus edition.
Volume 18.5 was included as an extra in the Japanese version of Newtype magazine in 2006. It contains almost 100 pages of manga that was published before the series was cancelled.
If you have yet to read X, I urge you to do so. Even though the story has not concluded it is still a worthy addition to any manga fan's library.
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