Cardcaptor Sakura

***Cardcaptor Sakura*** (Japanese: カードキャプターさくら, Hepburn: *Kādokyaputā Sakura*, commonly abbreviated as ***CCS***) is a Japanese *shōjo* manga series written and illustrated by the manga group Clamp. The manga was originally serialized in *Nakayoshi* from May 1996 to June 2000, and published in 12 *tankōbon* volumes by Kodansha from November 1996 to July 2000. The story focuses on Sakura Kinomoto, an elementary school student in Japan who discovers magical powers after accidentally freeing a set of magical cards into the world; she must retrieve the cards to prevent catastrophe. Each of these cards grants different magical powers, and can only be activated by someone with inherent magical abilities. A sequel by Clamp, *Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card,* focusing on Sakura in junior high school, began serialization in *Nakayoshi* in 2016.

The manga was adapted into a 70-episode anime television series by Madhouse that aired on Japan's satellite television channel NHK BS2 from April 1998 to March 2000. Additional media include two anime films, video games, art books, picture books, and film comics. Tokyopop released the manga in English in North America from March 2000 to August 2003. After Tokyopop's license expired, Dark Horse Manga released the series in omnibus editions from October 2010 to September 2012. The anime was dubbed in English by Hong Kong's Omni Productions, and was aired in Southeast Asia and South Asia on the channel Animax Asia.

Nelvana licensed the TV series and first film for North America under the English title ***Cardcaptors***, which first aired on Kids' WB from June 2000 to December 2001. All 70 episodes were dubbed; while other English-speaking territories received the full run, the version aired on American television was heavily edited into 39 episodes. *Cardcaptors* also aired on Cartoon Network (Toonami), Teletoon, Nickelodeon, Channel 4, Network Ten, and RTÉ2. The TV series and films were sub-licensed by Geneon, which released them unedited with English subtitles. The TV series was also released by Madman Entertainment in Australia and New Zealand.

*Cardcaptor Sakura* was critically well received. Critics praised the manga for its creativity and described it as a quintessential *shōjo* manga, as well as a critical work for manga in general. The manga series was awarded the Seiun Award for Best Manga in 2001. The television series was praised for transcending its target audience of young children and being enjoyable to older viewers, and for its artwork, humor, and animation; it won the Animage Grand Prix award for Best Anime in 1999. The American edit of *Cardcaptors*, however, was criticized for removing elements essential to the plot.

## Synopsis

One day, Kinomoto Sakura, a 4th grader stumbles upon the mysterious book of Clow. Upon opening it and reading the name of The Windy aloud, Sakura scatters the cards to the winds. Sakura is elected and appointed by Keroberos, Guardian of the Cards to capture the remaining cards. With her friend Tomoyo and rival Syaoran, Sakura begins an adventure that will forever change her.

## MAL Info

Score:8.16

Ranked:#341

Popularity:#377

Studios:Madhouse

Source: Manga

Duration: 25 min. per ep.

Rating:PG - Children

Producers:NHK, Kodansha, Sogo Vision, YTV