Nakama Britannica

This post contains some spoilers of Norihiro Yagi’s manga ‘Claymore’.

‘Claymore’ is the brainchild of Norihiro Yagi, a mangaka whose previous works include the likes of ‘Undeadman’ and ‘Angel Densetsu’. ‘Claymore’ is a good read, especially if one appreciates a story told in such a bleak world, dark atmosphere and complemented with a compelling protagonist. However the manga is spoilt by a mediocre plot and sterile supporting characters.

In spite of this ‘Claymore’ can be interpreted in a number of different fashions and this article’s aim is to explore ‘Claymore’ and to peel away at its exterior to peer at the core of what drives the story forward; what ideas Yagi attempts to communicate through his manga.

This article covers volumes One to Three and scenes (Chapters) one to fifteen. Scene One ‘Silver Eyed

This artical covers volumes One to Three and scenes (Chapters) one to fifteen. Scene One ‘Silver Eyed Slayer’ introduces the reader to the two characters whom with which we are going to follow the journey of. Claire, a Claymore, ( a half-human, half-Yoma half-breed) breed with the sole intention to seek, locate and destroy Yoma. Raki, made an orphan by a Yoma attack, is the boy who will provide a channel for a Claymore’s humanity.

Claymores, themselves, are the personification of the theme running throughout the first three volumes: the conflict between the delicate humans and the resolute Yoma.

The conflict, itself, is simple: humans are portrayed as helpless and innocent creatures, not creators of a genetically engineered organism which is designed to kill which will become Yoma themselves in order to ensure a continuing supply of Yoma and therefore continued business for the Claymore.

The Yoma, alternatively, are nasty, malicious and evil creatures. This is reinforced when the Yoma, masquerading as Zaki (Raki’s brother), reduces human existence to merely that of being food for Yoma to consume.

So The Claymore encompass the inner-battle running between the two races. This demonstrates that Yagi is not developing any shades of grey in terms of the characteristics of both humans and Yoma. This is perhaps trying to communicate the idea that humanity should harness ‘morally dubious’ ideas in order to pioneer humanity’s continued existence.

It is this survivalism throughout the whole book that underpins the whole three volumes. For example Claire’s first words dismiss the offer of money because “If I get killed there’ll be no reason to pay.” This brings the reader back to the Claymore, the fusion of humanity and Yoma. In many ways Claire is more human than Raki or his pure-bred kind present in the manga.

Claire is an emotionally complex character, desiring a return to humanity whilst experiencing the positive characteristics of Yoma e.g. the resoluteness to be able to carry out a promise (like in scene four) whilst also being very human, she wants revenge for herself for all the maltreatment she received at the hands of Yoma in her youth.

Raki and Elena are the personification of the inner-turmoil being experienced by Claire. The fact that Claire kills Elena is an indication that she has both a human side that wants to keep Elena alive but at the same time has a utilitarian streak about her enabling her Yoma resoluteness to seal Elena’s fate. The fact that Claire kills Elena is an indication that human survival has been programmed into all Claymores too ensuring their slavery to human-kind.

Claymore is a good read and this can be read into it. ‘Claymore’ is a continually growing series and has eleven volumes released in the west through Viz Media and in Japan by Shonen Jump. If Yagi was a cricketer he would have a test batting average of thirty. He really needs to get up to forty to be with the best. Hopefully he can achieve this in due course as ‘Claymore’ has a lot of potential.