For fans of CLAMP, CLOVER is long overdue. If you love the fantastic fantasy styling of X (X/1999) and the mystical, spiritual storylines of RG Veda and Tokyo Babylon, then CLOVER will quickly become your favorite CLAMP series. CLOVER is a combination of the mystical and spiritual styling of the groups' previous works with a definitive cyber-funk edge, that can only compared to the epitome of cyber-punk manga art of Gunnm (a.k.a. Battle Angel Alita).

     The entire premise of this series is a love song. The song was a mediocre hit for Oruha, the recently deceased girlfriend of one of main characters, Ryu Fay Kazuhiko. Ryu is a former government agent turned Private Investigator. He is recalled by the Government's Head Wizard a very old woman named General Ko (who coincidentally conducts business from an underground bunker-sound familiar?). General Ko wants Kazuhiko to transport a special government package, to an undisclosed location. The package; a young girl-half cyborg with psychic powers named Sue.

     Sue is a CLOVER. Now exactly what a CLOVER is remains uncertain as of volume four. But what I can tell you from what I have read thus far is that CLOVERs posses extraordinary psychic powers that allow them to manipulate the time and space around them. However, Sue is no ordinary CLOVER; she is the strongest of her type, a four-leafed CLOVER. Sue is so extraordinary that she is kept away from the world in a large type of greenhouse that looks like a birdcage. To keep Sue safe, a group of mechanical animal assassins dressed in European Medieval Flare to kill any unwanted visitors.

     Sue's connection to Ryu is through this song. This song is the root of why Sue needs to leave her compound with Ryu. It has inspired her and for some reason Ryu must be the one to help her achieve her secret goal. However, Ryu, distraught over Oruha's death, is not exactly in the mood to entertain a child. But Ryu pities her so much he cannot suppress his need to protect her. And Sue, who feels her life was in a sense given purpose by the words of Oruha's song, seeks to assist Ryu in his time of grief. But nothing remains lovey dovey for long, because a rouge groups seek Sue's unknown power and will destroy anyone and anything to have her.

     Assisting Ryu and Sue on their journey are Gingetsu, Ryu's former commander and Lan (Ran-Japanese), a three leaf CLOVER, whose story and power will dominate the fourth and to date final tankoubon of the series. Lan, though not as strong as Sue, was at one point himself locked away because of his power. Lan and his twin brother, who were known as A and C, were extremely powerful and destructive when together. Lan (A) finally runs away and Gingetsu is sent to retrieve him. However, once he finds Lan, he does not have the heart to return him to solitary confinement and decides to take on the responsibility of watching over him. The fourth tankoubon also introduces the readers to Oruha and her attempt at achieving a singing career, her blossoming relationship with Ryu, her connection to the CLOVERS, and her demise.

     CLOVER like CLAMP's other series is full of exaggerated Shoujo style drawings, little words, and just a plain story. It is a shame the series ends on a cliffhanger. Originally published in Amie (French for 'Friend') a shoujo magazine, published by Kodansha, from February of 1997 to July 1998, the series has been in hiatus for several years. But there are rumors that CLAMP might continue it in the future. Upon visiting their Official Web Domain, CLOVER is listed under the CLAMP's ongoing series section. Fans of the series in need of a fix should know that there is an animated music video for the manga series with an accompanying program book. Other than that, all fans can do is patiently hope. But for those of you who have not checked out this series GO AND GET IT!

     Send your comments and or questions about this article to CosmicNerd@ybfree.com.

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