CLAMP is a highly skilled female mangaka group that is well-known for popular series such as Cardcaptor Sakura, Code Geass (which exists as a collboration) and Clover, among many others. With plots full of twists that will keep fans guessing, deep characters who do not always do the right thing, and magical girls so kind and well-intentioned readers cannot help but cheer for them, it's no wonder CLAMP series' are so well-loved.
If there is one thing that rivals CLAMP's writing prowess, it is their fantastic art. While CLAMP art is consistently polished and pleasing to look at, the group goes above and beyond when doing illustrations for one of their many series. These illustrations are full-color, perfectly lined, and extremely detailed. With artwork across multiple series, CLAMP ensures there is a beautiful illustration waiting for every fan.
10 Sakura And Akiho Celebrate Winter
This CLAMP illustration from the Cardcaptor Sakura Exhibition artbook depicts Sakura and her new friend, Akiho, from the sequel series Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Arc, wearing winter-themed outfits as snowflakes fall in the background. The soft colors and gentle feel of this illustration are pleasing to the eye, while the amazing detail and delicate application add to its beauty.
The dresses, in particular, have an exquisite amount of detail with layer after layer of ruffles sitting very naturally and looking quite delicate. CLAMP shows just how far they've come with this beautiful piece of art.
9 Chii Relaxes In A Tree
From the ever-popular series, Chobits comes this beautiful and sweet illustration of Chii, featured in the Your Eyes Only artbook by CLAMP. The autumn colors contrast beautifully with Chii's neutral color palette as she lounges on a tree branch. Chii's exquisitely detailed dress, delicate pose, and fluttering ribbon add to the gentle aesthetic of the illustration.
Small details such as the grooves in the bark and the way the leaves cross over the smaller tree branches give the image a sense of realism. Special care has been paid to everything, right down to the way her hair hugs her face as she smiles out at the viewer. This illustration is a work of art.
8 Suu Blends In With The Birds
From the CLAMP artbook CLAMP: North Side comes this beautiful illustration of Suu as she leans on a broken statue. While the statue still shines, CLAMP has taken special care to show it weathering in various spots, a small detail that ages the statue nicely.
Suu relaxes on top in a contrasting black and white outfit with beautiful gold detailing to match the statue. The wires wrapping around her wings and spanning across the illustration contrast the mechanical birds, giving the image the feel of being both caged and free at the same time.
7 Fai Relaxes With Ashura
This stunning illustration of Fai and Ashura from the manga version of CLAMP's Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle is found in the Tsubasa Illustration Chronicle artbook. Set in a winter background, CLAMP displays their amazing skills with light and shadow, leaving no doubt as to what the ice in the background is. Fai and Ashura blend into the scene with their neutral colors, with Fai's cloak offering a nice contrast.
The detail from the cloak design to the subtle shading on the fur trim to the blended grays of the background sets the atmosphere so well, the viewer may feel chilled just looking at it.
6 Once Friends, Now Foes
Lelouch and Suzaku of Code Geass clash in this jaw-dropping illustration from CLAMP's Code Geass: Mutuality artbook. The amount of symbolism in this one image is stunning. The color palettes for each set of clothes sit opposite each other on the color wheel, creating a balance in the image. Suzaku is portrayed wearing white, while Lelouch sports darker clothing.
The choice is interesting, as, on the surface, Suzaku does appear to be the more classically good character, while Lelouch appears morally gray. However, there is always more than meets the eye with CLAMP. The gold detailing in the background and the way it opens into the sky resembles an eye, perhaps a nod to Lelouch's ability.
5 Kaho Dons Her Priestess Attire
This gorgeous illustration from CLAMP's Cardcaptor Sakura Artbook 1 features Kaho in a priestess outfit, complete with Clow Reed's bell in hand. Kaho draws her power from the moon, so it feels very appropriate for the background to feature a night sky that highlights the full moon.
With her hair blowing all around her and the wind pulling the ribbons on her bell, Kaho glows in this picture, looking somewhat ethereal. Her gentle expression matches perfectly with her robes. This CLAMP illustration is certainly more simple than some of the others but is strikingly beautiful nonetheless.
4 Watanuki Has A Moment To Relax
This fantastic CLAMP illustration of Watanuki from the manga version of xxxHolic comes from the Memories: The Art of CLAMP book. This image uses many of the colors of fall in its palette, featuring Watanuki relaxing on a yellow blanket as the autumn leaves drop around him. Watanuki's outfit includes many subtle nods to the season, featuring leaf-shaped pankou on the sleeves and front of the shirt, and an organic pattern used across the entire outfit.
With his glasses removed, a fan in his hand, and a gentle setting, viewers may find themselves relaxing as they soak in the atmosphere of this lovely illustration.
3 Suu and Kazuhiko Take A Break In A Garden
This stunning illustration of Suu and Kazuhiko from Clover is featured in the CLAMP: North Side artbook. The background of this image is one of the more elaborate CLAMP artworks, featuring a highly-detailed building with symmetrical window panes, and a lush garden of trees and shrubbery. As Kazuhiko rests on Suu's lap, the birds fly around them. Suu's elaborate white outfit and wings are contrasted by Kazuhiko's simple black suit.
The entire piece feels nicely balanced and tranquil, from the backdrop to the characters to the birds and gear in the foreground. The intricate details poured into this illustration truly makes this piece stand out.
2 Chii Shines Among The Flowers
From the CLAMP art book, Your Eyes Only comes a beautiful illustration of Chii from Chobits. Chii is clad in a veil and holding a bouquet in this artwork that feels reminiscent of Spring. The gentle veil blowing in the breeze coupled with the soft ruffles in her dress and the light pink trim contribute to a very feminine and gentle feel from this illustration. The flowers, in particular, are extremely detailed, with everything from leaves and stems to buds and full blooms included in this realistic bouquet.
Chii's happy expression completes the image, and its infectious nature will have fans smiling as they gaze upon it.
1 Nunnally Feels The Effects Of War
This Code Geass illustration of Nunnally comes from the Code Geass: Mutuality artbook. Nunnally's fancy dress and gentle nature are juxtaposed by the rubble around her and the bright red cloak embellished with the crest of the Brittanian Armed Forces. The crumbled structures have given Nunnally the appearance of having wings, which adds to her overall ethereal look amidst the rubble.
In her hand, Nunnally holds a cage. However, the birds inside are free and flying away. The entire illustration feels very symbolic, and ties in with the themes of the Code Geass series and with Nunnally nicely. This stunning piece is one of CLAMP's best creations.