The anime adaptation of the manga concludes at Chapter 50. If you wish to transition from the anime to the manga, it is advisable to start with the Northern War since the differences between the two mediums become apparent there. The final three or four episodes of the anime were not canon.
Claymore is a manga that pleasantly surprised me, both in terms of its main storyline and its battles, representation, and execution. If you're seeking a compelling Dark Fantasy akin to Berserk, this series will undoubtedly satisfy. It's equally fascinating to observe how the mangaka's drawing style evolved significantly from the first chapter to the last, with an immense increase in detail.
However, where the manga excelled positively, it also cast shadows. Unfortunately, it contains several negative aspects that detracted from the title's overall impact.
Primarily, while the main story—especially concerning the background of the Claymores and the Organization—was subtly and solidly constructed, the continuous battles nearly served as story blockers. Story-relevant opponents were fine, but frequently irrelevant monsters were introduced merely to prolong the narrative by another eight chapters. This became particularly problematic around Chapter 120. Generally, the last three Awakened Beings could have been omitted without altering the ultimate outcome, yet these took up nearly 25 chapters, causing considerable annoyance and diminishing tension.
I have minor complaints about the finale; it wasn't perfect but offered a satisfactory conclusion for the plot and the main antagonist.
Regrettably, the anime suffered from inconsistent plot armor, where numerous characters died initially, yet almost none perished toward the end despite the enemies being vastly stronger.
Character development was another significant issue. While some backgrounds were provided, most characters remained flat until the end, making it impossible to garner sympathy for them.
Story
The fundamental concept and setting are intriguing and remain so throughout. The resolution and background explanations were fairly solid. However, as mentioned, too many irrelevant story elements bogged down the narrative. Skipping some chapters would hardly make a difference unless introducing a new character devoid of personality or background.
As the series approached its climax, complexity increased. New characters and enemies appeared rapidly, though it wasn’t confusing; rather, it felt irrelevant. Readers simply wanted to follow Clare's main storyline instead of enduring additional fights spanning ten chapters.
Ironically, non-story relevant opponents often had longer fight scenes than significant enemies, which was surprising.
Despite weak story blockers, the main plot had a subtle implementation, although much needed improvement.
Drawing/Illustration
Initial drawings were modest but improved quickly. Character illustrations and environmental depictions grew increasingly detailed, culminating in some exceptionally cool monster designs towards the end.
Characters
The focus never centered on character development, an undeniable fact. Providing backgrounds doesn't automatically create memorable characters. They lacked distinct personalities and depth. Only one or two Claymores displayed some personality; the rest seemed like copies with different hairstyles.
The antagonist received more effort, making her more understandable and less flat compared to other characters.
Conclusion
Claymore is undeniably an interesting and promising work, earning a relatively weak 7/10 rating from me. The manga had numerous qualities but was often undermined by a lack of creativity and flawed execution. At least the main story's implementation was preserved satisfactorily.
Starts off resembling Berserk, with a dash of "The Witcher" elements. However, it concludes akin to Bakugan or Bleach. A standard shounen tale, nothing out of the ordinary.
In its opening chapters, you might anticipate an intriguing narrative set in a dark fantasy world. Yet, it swiftly transforms into a typical shounen story, filled with unrealistic "power levels" reminiscent of certain Japanese RPGs.
This is precisely why I can't endure series like "The Seven Deadly Sins," "Overlord," "Goblin Slayer," "Sword Art Online," and their ilk—due to their lack of realism and weak plot logic. Don't assume "Claymore" escapes this critique.
It shares numerous similarities with "Berserk"—a medieval setting, demons and demon hunters wielding massive swords, a haunting atmosphere—but don't anticipate the same captivating, logical, and dark storyline. It's merely another shounen, perhaps slightly darker than most, but still just another shounen.
The main storyline may appear to be a straightforward tale of revenge, but the inclusion of side stories and political twists involving other characters adds depth. These subplots intertwine with the primary narrative, creating a rich tapestry that elevates the series.
Art:
While not as intricately detailed as Berserk or as meticulously crafted as Vagabond, the art has its own unique magical and surreal touch. It feels almost like an illusion, featuring both beautiful and less impressive moments. However, the second half of the series generally looks better compared to the beginning. Artistically, it stands out as one of the best monthly shounen series I've ever encountered.
Characters:
The characters are undoubtedly the highlight of this series. They are incredibly likable and memorable. Some of them have left such a strong impression on me that I will never forget them.
Enjoyment:
The series is filled with a mix of likable and unlikable characters, each driven by varied motivations. It's packed with plot twists and beautiful moments that keep you engaged.
Overall:
To me, this series rates between 90-93 out of 100.
Is the initial premise of a work of art enough to satisfy the thirst for something new and breathtaking when most of the other components collapse a few volumes later? Norihiro Yagi's dark fantasy, adventure manga 'Claymore' delves into a dystopian world with minimal technology where flesh-eating monsters known as 'Yoma' reign supreme. Humans depend on half-human, half-Yoma warriors named 'Claymores,' after their broadswords, for protection. Published by Shueisha in 2001, it appeared in Monthly Shonen Jump until 2007, then moved to Jump Square until its conclusion in 2014. While praised for its detailed artwork and compelling romanticism, these strengths are short-lived.
The protagonist Clare is initially depicted as an emotionless warrior. Sent on a mission by 'The Organization' to kill a Yoma hiding among humans in a remote village, she inadvertently saves Raki, a young boy whose family was devoured by the monster. Hated by his village for his connection to the Yoma, Raki follows Clare, who initially sees him as a nuisance but eventually grows fond of him. Clare’s backstory reveals her transformation from an ordinary girl seeking revenge against an 'Awakened being' that killed her mentor Teresa. Romance blooms between Clare and Raki, leading to their separation, with Clare battling numerous enemies while Raki trains to become a formidable fighter.
The early chapters showcase phenomenally detailed artwork, comparable to popular manga like 'Berserk.' The focus on gore enhances the grim atmosphere and reflects the characters’ inner turmoil. However, the quality diminishes in later chapters, with only a few panels maintaining the initial standard. Despite this decline, the artwork remains commendable, occasionally showcasing excellence.
The series suffers from an excessive number of underdeveloped characters. Claymores, designed to look alike, wear uniform outfits and have similar hair colors, making it difficult to distinguish them. Many characters are introduced and dismissed quickly, making it hard for readers to remember or care about them. Some characters are bland yet repeatedly emphasized as important without substantial reasons. The large cast, combined with the fast-paced story, makes it nearly impossible to make them memorable.
The storyline is both rushed and prolonged, resulting in a cluttered mess. Initially planned as a short project, the author fails to conclude conflicts meaningfully. Powerful characters die abruptly without explanation, Clare’s absence leaves readers confused, and dialogues are often simplistic and poorly worded. Unexplained lore and a lack of focus on the world's history further detract from the story. The romance between Clare and Raki is neglected, culminating in a rushed reunion. These issues result in a shallow exploration of the plot, leaving many unsatisfied.
In conclusion, 'Claymore' is renowned for its great artwork but falls short in character development, storyline, and storytelling. Its depiction of pain through gore and artistic nudity remains memorable. However, the story becomes a bloated collection of unexplored plot points, disappointing many readers. Nonetheless, Norihiro Yagi’s 'Claymore' will remain known as one of the best niche adventure manga, appealing particularly to newcomers to the medium.
A remarkable read that continually improves as you progress. Initially, it begins at a slower pace, but as the mystery intensifies and more details emerge, it transforms into something extraordinary. The characters may not be the best I've ever encountered, but they are likable. Though some can be hard to distinguish at times, the standout characters truly shine.
While certain twists are predictable, they remain enjoyable, and the unpredictable ones genuinely catch you off guard. The designs of the awakened Yoma are stunning and intricately detailed, creating an intriguing contrast with the more human-like and simply designed Claymores. To this day, the monster designs remain among my favorites in any manga.
The world is dark and serves as an ideal backdrop for the plot. The fights are brutal, with dismemberment being quite common. Although there's a fair amount of nudity, it’s never explicit or particularly sexual. It just happens—it's tasteful.
Overall, this is a fantastic read of reasonable length that keeps you engaged throughout, filled with mystery and violence.
Prologue:
Right from the beginning, I had a good feeling about this. It takes a slightly different approach to the Shounen genre with a female protagonist but still delivers solid entertainment. Claymore is a veteran in its field, not necessarily groundbreaking, but confident and well-executed.
Story [6]:
Starting with a typical Shounen foundation and focusing on the weakest character as our heroine, it was refreshing to see her growth wasn't instantaneous or unrealistic. There are plenty of cool fight scenes with great choreography and easy-to-follow action sequences. The story includes several mysteries and plot twists, which adds depth to its Shounen nature. However, pacing is a significant issue. Some might say it's slow, but I found many moments felt rushed, especially regarding character development. Few arcs truly delved into individual characters, leading to some unsatisfying conclusions. Towards the end, the story seemed more drawn out.
Art [9]:
The art really stood out for me. As someone who appreciates monster design and concept art, I was captivated by the monsters' appearances. It takes a few chapters to get into the better artwork, so patience is needed. Besides that, be prepared to be amazed by the detailed character designs and take your time to appreciate them. Backgrounds and details were also commendably done.
Character [6]:
Overall, there was decent development for most main characters. However, due to the poor pacing, you might find it difficult to connect deeply with certain characters. Apart from the protagonist, deeper reflection reveals something missing, whether it’s context or screen time. While there are distinguishing traits among the Claymores, such as hairstyles or combat specialties, it often feels like something is lacking.
Enjoyment [8]:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this manga, even shedding a tear here and there. I found myself racing through pages, eager for more. The use of expressive language added to the experience. I avoided overanalyzing to prevent finding flaws, choosing instead to just go with the flow.
Afterword [7.3/10]:
If you enjoy action-packed Shounen stories with a mix of mysteries, some gore, and fantastic monster battles, give this a read. You won’t be disappointed. Just dive in without overthinking or theorizing too much, and you'll likely find it very satisfying. Highly recommended!
Claymore is one of the finest Japanese manga I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Initially, the most glaring drawback of the series lies in its character art. While the author excels at illustrating monstrous entities, their depiction of human faces leaves much to be desired. The facial drawings appear somewhat uninspired. Another minor gripe concerns the lack of weapon diversity. True to its title, only claymores are wielded throughout the narrative. However, the story, character evolution, and action sequences are nothing short of exceptional. The overarching plot has been meticulously constructed. I particularly appreciate the conclusion; the strategy employed to vanquish the ultimate adversary was ingenious, eschewing the conventional Dragonball Z-esque resolutions. Additionally, I found it commendable that the final page served as a callback to an early character. It brought me immense joy to see that the author hadn't forgotten about them.
The storyline of Claymore is set in a medieval island world infested with monsters known as "Youma." These Youma can shapeshift, disguise themselves, and live among humans undetected. They retain the memories and knowledge of the human bodies they inhabit, making it impossible for ordinary people to recognize them. Youma sustain themselves by consuming human innards and cannot resist this urge for more than two weeks, eventually leading them to brutally murder humans.
A mysterious group called "The Organization" creates half-human, half-Youma hybrid female warriors who kill Youma in exchange for money collected by The Organization. These hybrid warriors are named "Claymores" because they wield large, heavy swords called "Claymores" that they always carry on their backs. People also refer to them as "Silver-eyed witches" due to their silver-colored eyes.
Youma and Claymores derive their power from a demonic energy called "Youki," which grants them immense strength and shape-shifting abilities. Only Claymores can detect Youma disguised as humans and eliminate them since they possess Youki, the same power as Youma. Despite being half-monsters, Claymores are despised by society. Consequently, they tend to be antisocial, cold-natured, and sometimes maniacal. Killing humans is taboo for Claymores, proving their allegiance to humanity despite their monstrous halves. Unlike normal humans, Claymores require little food or sleep and do not age, making them highly effective weapons against Youma.
The island world of "Claymore manga" is divided into 47 regions, each assigned a warrior ranked from 1 to 47 based on their overall abilities. The story begins with the protagonist, Clare, the weakest warrior at number 47, completing her missions. As the narrative unfolds, Clare's tragic past and reasons for becoming a Claymore are revealed. She gains comrades, experiences intense battles, and undergoes life-changing events. Characters grow stronger and more experienced over time, uncovering new mysteries. The origins of Youma, the true identity of The Organization, and its secrets add excitement throughout the manga. Powerful beings like "The Abyssal Ones" and the even more formidable 'Priscilla' drive the increasingly intense storyline.
Initially, Claymore appears as a straightforward action-supernatural manga but gradually captivates readers with heart-wrenching tragedy and intense battle scenes. Every part of Claymore serves a purpose, emphasizing the "survival of the fittest." While somewhat gory due to frequent bloodshed and death, the swordfighting styles and techniques depicted are realistic yet adapted for supernatural elements.
Art:
Claymore's art matches its compelling storyline. Action scenes are drawn with perfect clarity, complemented by eye-catching background art that often resembles photographic sketches. Initially, the character designs may not stand out due to the uniformity among many Claymore characters. However, YAGI NORIHIRO Sensei skillfully differentiates each character through slight variations in hairstyle, facial features, and unique personalities, overcoming the limitations imposed by their shared traits. He successfully maintained these minimal differences consistently throughout the series. Despite some gory scenes, NORIHIRO Sensei's execution ensures they aren't overly disturbing.
Why People Should Read Claymore:
Claymore offers an extreme display of swordfighting and splendidly drawn action scenes. Its captivating storyline will keep you hooked until the end (though it's ongoing). With excellent art and a plot superior to many popular literary works, Claymore is a must-read. Dive in as fast as you can and enjoy its awesomeness!
First review on this site =)
(Sorry for my English)
Spoiler review:
What can I say that hasn't been said before?
My honest overall rating in reality is probably around 5, but it was one of my first 100-chapter reads, and the good parts of the manga really gave me incredible feelings towards it, so I gave it a weak 6 out of 10.
In the Teresa arc, I thought I would give this manga a solid 9 or weak 10, but then it got really worse with time. The series only improved near the finale (which was enjoyable, to be honest; Teresa came back, and we saw great Clare-Teresa dialogue again).
For the good moments:
The deaths of characters were portrayed very well. You felt something for almost everyone, especially Teresa and Clarice.
The art of the Awakened beings was amazing, and the fighting scenes were somewhat great.
In terms of characters, Teresa, Clarice, Clare, Raki, and Riful were my favorites. I was more drawn to them than anyone else.
Clare's relationships with Teresa and Raki were the highlights of the show, which is why the start and ending were the most enjoyable parts of this manga.
So for the bad moments:
The main character's journey was absolutely boring and didn't spark any interest while reading.
There were a lot of tedious dialogues—dialogues and yes, more dialogues. Yes, the quantity was an issue, but also having them not add anything to the story was the most painful part.
The characterization of how awfully boring the Claymores looked was impeccable. You couldn't remember anyone besides the main characters. Many forgettable characters that we could have done without.
And of course, the number of chapters: As the mangaka himself said, it could have been done in just a few volumes, but he decided to stretch the series, which, in my opinion, made it worse.
Conclusion:
As I always say, everything is subjective, so don't throw tomatoes at me. It might be a series for you, so try it out. But if you're looking for greatness, try something else =)
Not a masterpiece, but a very commendable manga. The artwork might falter in certain sections, yet overall, it is undeniably stunning. The Yoma, or monsters within the story, are depicted with exceptional detail, particularly in the later chapters, earning an art score of 9/10. The storyline is engaging, albeit occasionally perplexing in some parts, but for the most part, it excels, resulting in a story rating of 8.5/10. Character development is robust; Raki emerges as both useful and cool, unlike his portrayal in the anime. Nearly all characters possess compelling backstories, with only one or two exceptions, leading to a character evaluation of 8.8/10. Overall, this manga deserves a solid 9/10.
Beginning with a somber narrative of the villagers suffering under Yoma oppression, this manga gradually expands into a deeper and more intricate story than initially anticipated. It quickly dispels any notion that it's merely another fighting shounen tale.
Beneath the vivid combat scenes and grotesque Yoma monsters lies an enthralling storyline set in the meticulously crafted universe of "Claymore." The plot accelerates, culminating in a captivating conflict between unlikely allies and enemies, so engaging that you'll feel the Youki coursing through you.
Story: 8/10
Though centered on combat, the underlying narrative is intelligent and brimming with unexpected twists.
Art: 9/10
The characters are well-proportioned and aesthetically pleasing, while the environments are equally impressive. In later chapters, the monster designs are particularly noteworthy. The combat scenes are brutal yet balanced, effectively immersing the reader.
Character: 8/10
A diverse array of characters is introduced, each given appropriate depth without overexposure. I haven't found myself disliking any of them, even those who seem one-dimensional at first glance.
Enjoyment: 8/10
"Claymore" is highly addictive to read, making it easy to lose yourself in its richly detailed world.
Claymore is an emotionally charged read. At times, it revolves around slaying yoma on missions, but as the story progresses, it delves deeper into a more intricate narrative driven by its characters. The author masterfully illustrates the extent of various powers present in the world of Claymore, sometimes even pushing the boundaries of believability. Despite this, the focus remains consistent and eventually loops back to reveal the underlying message of the entire story. It's a tale of life and love set against a backdrop of violence and malice.
The artwork never disappoints, nor does the enjoyment it brings. Claymore stands as my "Exhibit A" for an outstanding, mature action manga. 9/10
Popular Reviews
Claymore
The anime adaptation of the manga concludes at Chapter 50. If you wish to transition from the anime to the manga, it is advisable to start with the Northern War since the differences between the two mediums become apparent there. The final three or four episodes of the anime were not canon.
Claymore is a manga that pleasantly surprised me, both in terms of its main storyline and its battles, representation, and execution. If you're seeking a compelling Dark Fantasy akin to Berserk, this series will undoubtedly satisfy. It's equally fascinating to observe how the mangaka's drawing style evolved significantly from the first chapter to the last, with an immense increase in detail.
However, where the manga excelled positively, it also cast shadows. Unfortunately, it contains several negative aspects that detracted from the title's overall impact.
Primarily, while the main story—especially concerning the background of the Claymores and the Organization—was subtly and solidly constructed, the continuous battles nearly served as story blockers. Story-relevant opponents were fine, but frequently irrelevant monsters were introduced merely to prolong the narrative by another eight chapters. This became particularly problematic around Chapter 120. Generally, the last three Awakened Beings could have been omitted without altering the ultimate outcome, yet these took up nearly 25 chapters, causing considerable annoyance and diminishing tension.
I have minor complaints about the finale; it wasn't perfect but offered a satisfactory conclusion for the plot and the main antagonist.
Regrettably, the anime suffered from inconsistent plot armor, where numerous characters died initially, yet almost none perished toward the end despite the enemies being vastly stronger.
Character development was another significant issue. While some backgrounds were provided, most characters remained flat until the end, making it impossible to garner sympathy for them.
Story
The fundamental concept and setting are intriguing and remain so throughout. The resolution and background explanations were fairly solid. However, as mentioned, too many irrelevant story elements bogged down the narrative. Skipping some chapters would hardly make a difference unless introducing a new character devoid of personality or background.
As the series approached its climax, complexity increased. New characters and enemies appeared rapidly, though it wasn’t confusing; rather, it felt irrelevant. Readers simply wanted to follow Clare's main storyline instead of enduring additional fights spanning ten chapters.
Ironically, non-story relevant opponents often had longer fight scenes than significant enemies, which was surprising.
Despite weak story blockers, the main plot had a subtle implementation, although much needed improvement.
Drawing/Illustration
Initial drawings were modest but improved quickly. Character illustrations and environmental depictions grew increasingly detailed, culminating in some exceptionally cool monster designs towards the end.
Characters
The focus never centered on character development, an undeniable fact. Providing backgrounds doesn't automatically create memorable characters. They lacked distinct personalities and depth. Only one or two Claymores displayed some personality; the rest seemed like copies with different hairstyles.
The antagonist received more effort, making her more understandable and less flat compared to other characters.
Conclusion
Claymore is undeniably an interesting and promising work, earning a relatively weak 7/10 rating from me. The manga had numerous qualities but was often undermined by a lack of creativity and flawed execution. At least the main story's implementation was preserved satisfactorily.
Starts off resembling Berserk, with a dash of "The Witcher" elements. However, it concludes akin to Bakugan or Bleach. A standard shounen tale, nothing out of the ordinary.
In its opening chapters, you might anticipate an intriguing narrative set in a dark fantasy world. Yet, it swiftly transforms into a typical shounen story, filled with unrealistic "power levels" reminiscent of certain Japanese RPGs.
This is precisely why I can't endure series like "The Seven Deadly Sins," "Overlord," "Goblin Slayer," "Sword Art Online," and their ilk—due to their lack of realism and weak plot logic. Don't assume "Claymore" escapes this critique.
It shares numerous similarities with "Berserk"—a medieval setting, demons and demon hunters wielding massive swords, a haunting atmosphere—but don't anticipate the same captivating, logical, and dark storyline. It's merely another shounen, perhaps slightly darker than most, but still just another shounen.
Story:
The main storyline may appear to be a straightforward tale of revenge, but the inclusion of side stories and political twists involving other characters adds depth. These subplots intertwine with the primary narrative, creating a rich tapestry that elevates the series.
Art:
While not as intricately detailed as Berserk or as meticulously crafted as Vagabond, the art has its own unique magical and surreal touch. It feels almost like an illusion, featuring both beautiful and less impressive moments. However, the second half of the series generally looks better compared to the beginning. Artistically, it stands out as one of the best monthly shounen series I've ever encountered.
Characters:
The characters are undoubtedly the highlight of this series. They are incredibly likable and memorable. Some of them have left such a strong impression on me that I will never forget them.
Enjoyment:
The series is filled with a mix of likable and unlikable characters, each driven by varied motivations. It's packed with plot twists and beautiful moments that keep you engaged.
Overall:
To me, this series rates between 90-93 out of 100.
Is the initial premise of a work of art enough to satisfy the thirst for something new and breathtaking when most of the other components collapse a few volumes later? Norihiro Yagi's dark fantasy, adventure manga 'Claymore' delves into a dystopian world with minimal technology where flesh-eating monsters known as 'Yoma' reign supreme. Humans depend on half-human, half-Yoma warriors named 'Claymores,' after their broadswords, for protection. Published by Shueisha in 2001, it appeared in Monthly Shonen Jump until 2007, then moved to Jump Square until its conclusion in 2014. While praised for its detailed artwork and compelling romanticism, these strengths are short-lived.
The protagonist Clare is initially depicted as an emotionless warrior. Sent on a mission by 'The Organization' to kill a Yoma hiding among humans in a remote village, she inadvertently saves Raki, a young boy whose family was devoured by the monster. Hated by his village for his connection to the Yoma, Raki follows Clare, who initially sees him as a nuisance but eventually grows fond of him. Clare’s backstory reveals her transformation from an ordinary girl seeking revenge against an 'Awakened being' that killed her mentor Teresa. Romance blooms between Clare and Raki, leading to their separation, with Clare battling numerous enemies while Raki trains to become a formidable fighter.
The early chapters showcase phenomenally detailed artwork, comparable to popular manga like 'Berserk.' The focus on gore enhances the grim atmosphere and reflects the characters’ inner turmoil. However, the quality diminishes in later chapters, with only a few panels maintaining the initial standard. Despite this decline, the artwork remains commendable, occasionally showcasing excellence.
The series suffers from an excessive number of underdeveloped characters. Claymores, designed to look alike, wear uniform outfits and have similar hair colors, making it difficult to distinguish them. Many characters are introduced and dismissed quickly, making it hard for readers to remember or care about them. Some characters are bland yet repeatedly emphasized as important without substantial reasons. The large cast, combined with the fast-paced story, makes it nearly impossible to make them memorable.
The storyline is both rushed and prolonged, resulting in a cluttered mess. Initially planned as a short project, the author fails to conclude conflicts meaningfully. Powerful characters die abruptly without explanation, Clare’s absence leaves readers confused, and dialogues are often simplistic and poorly worded. Unexplained lore and a lack of focus on the world's history further detract from the story. The romance between Clare and Raki is neglected, culminating in a rushed reunion. These issues result in a shallow exploration of the plot, leaving many unsatisfied.
In conclusion, 'Claymore' is renowned for its great artwork but falls short in character development, storyline, and storytelling. Its depiction of pain through gore and artistic nudity remains memorable. However, the story becomes a bloated collection of unexplored plot points, disappointing many readers. Nonetheless, Norihiro Yagi’s 'Claymore' will remain known as one of the best niche adventure manga, appealing particularly to newcomers to the medium.
A remarkable read that continually improves as you progress. Initially, it begins at a slower pace, but as the mystery intensifies and more details emerge, it transforms into something extraordinary. The characters may not be the best I've ever encountered, but they are likable. Though some can be hard to distinguish at times, the standout characters truly shine.
While certain twists are predictable, they remain enjoyable, and the unpredictable ones genuinely catch you off guard. The designs of the awakened Yoma are stunning and intricately detailed, creating an intriguing contrast with the more human-like and simply designed Claymores. To this day, the monster designs remain among my favorites in any manga.
The world is dark and serves as an ideal backdrop for the plot. The fights are brutal, with dismemberment being quite common. Although there's a fair amount of nudity, it’s never explicit or particularly sexual. It just happens—it's tasteful.
Overall, this is a fantastic read of reasonable length that keeps you engaged throughout, filled with mystery and violence.
Prologue:
Right from the beginning, I had a good feeling about this. It takes a slightly different approach to the Shounen genre with a female protagonist but still delivers solid entertainment. Claymore is a veteran in its field, not necessarily groundbreaking, but confident and well-executed.
Story [6]:
Starting with a typical Shounen foundation and focusing on the weakest character as our heroine, it was refreshing to see her growth wasn't instantaneous or unrealistic. There are plenty of cool fight scenes with great choreography and easy-to-follow action sequences. The story includes several mysteries and plot twists, which adds depth to its Shounen nature. However, pacing is a significant issue. Some might say it's slow, but I found many moments felt rushed, especially regarding character development. Few arcs truly delved into individual characters, leading to some unsatisfying conclusions. Towards the end, the story seemed more drawn out.
Art [9]:
The art really stood out for me. As someone who appreciates monster design and concept art, I was captivated by the monsters' appearances. It takes a few chapters to get into the better artwork, so patience is needed. Besides that, be prepared to be amazed by the detailed character designs and take your time to appreciate them. Backgrounds and details were also commendably done.
Character [6]:
Overall, there was decent development for most main characters. However, due to the poor pacing, you might find it difficult to connect deeply with certain characters. Apart from the protagonist, deeper reflection reveals something missing, whether it’s context or screen time. While there are distinguishing traits among the Claymores, such as hairstyles or combat specialties, it often feels like something is lacking.
Enjoyment [8]:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this manga, even shedding a tear here and there. I found myself racing through pages, eager for more. The use of expressive language added to the experience. I avoided overanalyzing to prevent finding flaws, choosing instead to just go with the flow.
Afterword [7.3/10]:
If you enjoy action-packed Shounen stories with a mix of mysteries, some gore, and fantastic monster battles, give this a read. You won’t be disappointed. Just dive in without overthinking or theorizing too much, and you'll likely find it very satisfying. Highly recommended!
Claymore is one of the finest Japanese manga I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Initially, the most glaring drawback of the series lies in its character art. While the author excels at illustrating monstrous entities, their depiction of human faces leaves much to be desired. The facial drawings appear somewhat uninspired. Another minor gripe concerns the lack of weapon diversity. True to its title, only claymores are wielded throughout the narrative. However, the story, character evolution, and action sequences are nothing short of exceptional. The overarching plot has been meticulously constructed. I particularly appreciate the conclusion; the strategy employed to vanquish the ultimate adversary was ingenious, eschewing the conventional Dragonball Z-esque resolutions. Additionally, I found it commendable that the final page served as a callback to an early character. It brought me immense joy to see that the author hadn't forgotten about them.
Plot Development and Storyline:
The storyline of Claymore is set in a medieval island world infested with monsters known as "Youma." These Youma can shapeshift, disguise themselves, and live among humans undetected. They retain the memories and knowledge of the human bodies they inhabit, making it impossible for ordinary people to recognize them. Youma sustain themselves by consuming human innards and cannot resist this urge for more than two weeks, eventually leading them to brutally murder humans.
A mysterious group called "The Organization" creates half-human, half-Youma hybrid female warriors who kill Youma in exchange for money collected by The Organization. These hybrid warriors are named "Claymores" because they wield large, heavy swords called "Claymores" that they always carry on their backs. People also refer to them as "Silver-eyed witches" due to their silver-colored eyes.
Youma and Claymores derive their power from a demonic energy called "Youki," which grants them immense strength and shape-shifting abilities. Only Claymores can detect Youma disguised as humans and eliminate them since they possess Youki, the same power as Youma. Despite being half-monsters, Claymores are despised by society. Consequently, they tend to be antisocial, cold-natured, and sometimes maniacal. Killing humans is taboo for Claymores, proving their allegiance to humanity despite their monstrous halves. Unlike normal humans, Claymores require little food or sleep and do not age, making them highly effective weapons against Youma.
The island world of "Claymore manga" is divided into 47 regions, each assigned a warrior ranked from 1 to 47 based on their overall abilities. The story begins with the protagonist, Clare, the weakest warrior at number 47, completing her missions. As the narrative unfolds, Clare's tragic past and reasons for becoming a Claymore are revealed. She gains comrades, experiences intense battles, and undergoes life-changing events. Characters grow stronger and more experienced over time, uncovering new mysteries. The origins of Youma, the true identity of The Organization, and its secrets add excitement throughout the manga. Powerful beings like "The Abyssal Ones" and the even more formidable 'Priscilla' drive the increasingly intense storyline.
Initially, Claymore appears as a straightforward action-supernatural manga but gradually captivates readers with heart-wrenching tragedy and intense battle scenes. Every part of Claymore serves a purpose, emphasizing the "survival of the fittest." While somewhat gory due to frequent bloodshed and death, the swordfighting styles and techniques depicted are realistic yet adapted for supernatural elements.
Art:
Claymore's art matches its compelling storyline. Action scenes are drawn with perfect clarity, complemented by eye-catching background art that often resembles photographic sketches. Initially, the character designs may not stand out due to the uniformity among many Claymore characters. However, YAGI NORIHIRO Sensei skillfully differentiates each character through slight variations in hairstyle, facial features, and unique personalities, overcoming the limitations imposed by their shared traits. He successfully maintained these minimal differences consistently throughout the series. Despite some gory scenes, NORIHIRO Sensei's execution ensures they aren't overly disturbing.
Why People Should Read Claymore:
Claymore offers an extreme display of swordfighting and splendidly drawn action scenes. Its captivating storyline will keep you hooked until the end (though it's ongoing). With excellent art and a plot superior to many popular literary works, Claymore is a must-read. Dive in as fast as you can and enjoy its awesomeness!
First review on this site =)
(Sorry for my English)
Spoiler review:
What can I say that hasn't been said before?
My honest overall rating in reality is probably around 5, but it was one of my first 100-chapter reads, and the good parts of the manga really gave me incredible feelings towards it, so I gave it a weak 6 out of 10.
In the Teresa arc, I thought I would give this manga a solid 9 or weak 10, but then it got really worse with time. The series only improved near the finale (which was enjoyable, to be honest; Teresa came back, and we saw great Clare-Teresa dialogue again).
For the good moments:
The deaths of characters were portrayed very well. You felt something for almost everyone, especially Teresa and Clarice.
The art of the Awakened beings was amazing, and the fighting scenes were somewhat great.
In terms of characters, Teresa, Clarice, Clare, Raki, and Riful were my favorites. I was more drawn to them than anyone else.
Clare's relationships with Teresa and Raki were the highlights of the show, which is why the start and ending were the most enjoyable parts of this manga.
So for the bad moments:
The main character's journey was absolutely boring and didn't spark any interest while reading.
There were a lot of tedious dialogues—dialogues and yes, more dialogues. Yes, the quantity was an issue, but also having them not add anything to the story was the most painful part.
The characterization of how awfully boring the Claymores looked was impeccable. You couldn't remember anyone besides the main characters. Many forgettable characters that we could have done without.
And of course, the number of chapters: As the mangaka himself said, it could have been done in just a few volumes, but he decided to stretch the series, which, in my opinion, made it worse.
Conclusion:
As I always say, everything is subjective, so don't throw tomatoes at me. It might be a series for you, so try it out. But if you're looking for greatness, try something else =)
Not a masterpiece, but a very commendable manga. The artwork might falter in certain sections, yet overall, it is undeniably stunning. The Yoma, or monsters within the story, are depicted with exceptional detail, particularly in the later chapters, earning an art score of 9/10. The storyline is engaging, albeit occasionally perplexing in some parts, but for the most part, it excels, resulting in a story rating of 8.5/10. Character development is robust; Raki emerges as both useful and cool, unlike his portrayal in the anime. Nearly all characters possess compelling backstories, with only one or two exceptions, leading to a character evaluation of 8.8/10. Overall, this manga deserves a solid 9/10.
Beginning with a somber narrative of the villagers suffering under Yoma oppression, this manga gradually expands into a deeper and more intricate story than initially anticipated. It quickly dispels any notion that it's merely another fighting shounen tale.
Beneath the vivid combat scenes and grotesque Yoma monsters lies an enthralling storyline set in the meticulously crafted universe of "Claymore." The plot accelerates, culminating in a captivating conflict between unlikely allies and enemies, so engaging that you'll feel the Youki coursing through you.
Story: 8/10
Though centered on combat, the underlying narrative is intelligent and brimming with unexpected twists.
Art: 9/10
The characters are well-proportioned and aesthetically pleasing, while the environments are equally impressive. In later chapters, the monster designs are particularly noteworthy. The combat scenes are brutal yet balanced, effectively immersing the reader.
Character: 8/10
A diverse array of characters is introduced, each given appropriate depth without overexposure. I haven't found myself disliking any of them, even those who seem one-dimensional at first glance.
Enjoyment: 8/10
"Claymore" is highly addictive to read, making it easy to lose yourself in its richly detailed world.
Overall: 8/10
Claymore is an emotionally charged read. At times, it revolves around slaying yoma on missions, but as the story progresses, it delves deeper into a more intricate narrative driven by its characters. The author masterfully illustrates the extent of various powers present in the world of Claymore, sometimes even pushing the boundaries of believability. Despite this, the focus remains consistent and eventually loops back to reveal the underlying message of the entire story. It's a tale of life and love set against a backdrop of violence and malice.
The artwork never disappoints, nor does the enjoyment it brings. Claymore stands as my "Exhibit A" for an outstanding, mature action manga. 9/10
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