The manga's plot and cast were praised. Animerica regarded it as one of Clamp's most iconic works from their early career. According to the site, "Part of the appeal of the X manga is its surreal blend of Taoist, Shinto, and even European mysticism with real-world locales and historical landmarks familiar to Japanese fans." According to Anime Nation, X "appears to defy the conventions of "boys' manga" and "girls' manga" because of multiple features provided by the authors such as violence and romance that will appeal to many types of reader. Anime News Network noted that while there are no explicit homosexual relationships, the shōjo appeal might give the reader this impression when the male characters interact, something the shônen demographic might not like.
