Man of Many Faces

Man of Many Faces, known in Japan as Nijū Mensō ni Onegai!, was originally serialized in the monthly magazine Asuka from 1989 to 1991. Created by the all-female artist collective CLAMP, the story follows Akira Ijuin, a young boy who leads a secret life as a gentleman thief. The manga emerged during a prolific period for the group, serving as a lighthearted bridge between their earlier doujinshi roots and their later, more complex breakout series.

The character design reflects CLAMP’s signature aesthetic of the era, characterized by elegant, slender proportions and elaborate costumes that emphasize Akira’s dual identity as a schoolboy and a master of disguise. The narrative is heavily influenced by the classic mystery novels of Edogawa Ranpo, reimagined with a playful, shojo-influenced tone. Upon its release, it was well-received by fans for its whimsical charm and served as an early introduction to the interconnected nature of the CLAMP multiverse, with characters later reappearing in works like Clamp School Detectives.