Read ‘Claymore,’ Manga’s Best-Kept Dark Fantasy Secret
Summary
Norihiro Yagi’s acclaimed series is gaining attention ahead of its live-action adaptation, prompting fans to explore the original work before the adaptation arrives. The publication emphasizes the importance of experiencing this captivating series firsthand.
Key Insights
What are Claymores and how are they created?
Claymores are superhuman female warriors created by an organization that implants young women with Yoma (demon) DNA through surgery, giving them monstrous strength, agility, and perception. They are distinguished by their white hair and silver eyes and wield large swords to hunt and kill Yoma—powerful demon entities that infiltrate communities and eat humans. The warriors are ranked from 1 to 47, each with a unique symbol for identification.
What is 'Awakening' and why is it significant to the story?
Awakening is a dangerous process that occurs when Claymores release too much of their Yoma power (yoki) in battle and lose control, transforming into Awakened Beings—advanced, incredibly powerful Yoma that crave human flesh and become threats to humans, other Yoma, Claymores, and the Organization itself. To prevent warriors from suffering this fate, the Organization provides a 'Black Card' system that allows soon-to-be-awakened warriors to end their lives by the hand of their closest Claymore friend, allowing them to die as humans rather than become monsters.