Claymore

I recently revisited one of the dark fantasy manga I read during my teenage years: Claymore. Back then, I remember eagerly waiting for each new fan translation and thought the series had the potential to be on par with Berserk. But on rereading it now, I can better see the shortcomings that led to its rather weak final act.

Claymore is a dark fantasy series centered on silver-eyed maidens with superhuman abilities—known as Claymores—tasked with hunting man-eating demons called Yoma. These warriors roam the land, eliminating threats in exchange for bounties collected by a mysterious organization that governs them. The story follows Clare, considered the weakest of the Claymores, who carries a mysterious past. Her life changes after meeting a boy named Raki, setting her on a perilous journey of revenge, self-discovery, and rebellion against the dark truths behind her own kind.

The series starts strong, with intriguing worldbuilding and intense battles between Claymores and monstrous Yoma. However, the narrative noticeably declines in the final 50 chapters. The pacing becomes erratic, and the worldbuilding—which had been unfolding steadily—comes to an abrupt halt. While the ending itself is serviceable, the path to get there feels rushed and, at times, uninspired.

Claymore likely remains Norihiro Yagi-sensei’s most popular work and served as my gateway to his other series, like Angel Densetsu and Soukyuu no Ariadne. Despite its flaws, especially in the final arc, Claymore had genuine potential. Something likely went awry in its development toward the end, resulting in a poorly executed climax. Still, if you’re looking for a dark fantasy series that’s solid, if not outstanding, Claymore is worth checking out.

The series also received a 26-episode anime adaptation, which concludes around the peak of the manga's story. While the ending diverges from the source material, it provides a bittersweet yet satisfying conclusion. It’s also a good alternative for those who may find Yagi-sensei’s art style less appealing.