Miria is alive

I have an impression the storyline of manga “Claymore” went down in terms of quality in recent times. With a temporary dropout of the original hero, Clare, Norihiro Yagi created masses of new warriors and number ones we have never heard about. It still plays out somehow but obviously the author does not want to conclude the story yet. There have been some interesting developments and Miria survived after all but I am worried about possible ‘bleachisation’ of the story – when nobody dies and new superpowers pop out out of nowhere. Well, I may not know what I am talking about – I  don’t  really read (or watch) “Bleach”. Anyway, Miria is alive, Raki turned out to be a super hero and it seems main warriors don't die anymore. 

MG

How Yagi killed my favourite Claymores

Norihiro Yagi, the creator of the Claymore world, is known for killing off Claymore warriors. Sometimes it happens out of the blue – even to some awesome characters.  His latest victim was Miria aka Phantom Miria. Considering the fact she was regarded as a very intelligent and smart leader with a strong drive to topple the Organisation - in every aspect an awesome character (therefore her widespread popularity among Claymore fans) it is difficult to understand the latest and out of her character actions. After arriving to Rabona and defeating former number 2 Aghata, she divided her forces sending most of the Ghosts to their personal journeys. Finally she cut loyal to her Tabitha and attacked the Organisation all by herself. Although after deaths of Alicia and Beth she was not too far from succeeding in bringing the Organisation down, finally she lost by being confused and deceived by youki manipulation and memories of Hilda. Her almost certain death comes - although nothing can be certain with Yagi - as a rather wimpy kind of death, not enough epic for such a great character as Miria. Obviously Yagi tried to explore guilt, friendship and other emotions making Miria almost happy while dying.

Jean’s death was similar in that respect; it was in fact a sacrifice. Of course, she was mortally wounded but nevertheless her sacrifice saved Clare and helped her come back to normal. No surprise Clare is very sensitive about Jean.

Another likeable Claymore who died (among others) during the Northern Campaign was Flora. Beautiful, with her graceful personality and swordplay mastery, Flora had a great story potential and her sudden death was a real shock to many. Why she died? Maybe the ‘shock effect’ was not the only issue, maybe Yagi didn’t want to have another strong character too close to Miria. Or maybe she and her Windcutter technique were needed as another heritage for Clare? Yes, that’s probably the case.

Similarly was with Irene's death. Irene died (again almost certainly – and again nothing can be certain with Yagi) shortly after teaching Clare Quick Sword and offering Clare her arm (an interesting gift indeed). Irene’s arm and Quick Sword saved Clare’s ass many times.

And at last but not least, the greatest warrior of all times Teresa of the Faint Smile. Well, we can’t be really upset about Teresa’s death because her death was the foundation stone of the whole story, can we? But many Teresa’s worshippers still believe Yagi wil resurrect her somehow. Who knows, maybe he will.

"Claymore" - cute girls, huge swords and monsters

„This little girl, who’s not even half my size taught me that tears can flow even from these silver eyes.”

Action of "Claymore” (anime and manga) is a dark medieval world where dangerous monsters called Yoma prey on humans. They have unique capabilities that make them excellent predators. They are strong, fast, and able to assume human shape. After devouring a victim’s brain yoma can assimilate his or her memories and live in disguise among humans. Little towns and villages are practically defenceless against yoma.

However, there is a mysterious and shadowy organization which gathers little girls – often orphans who lost their parents to yoma - and train them into super soldiers. Those super warriors are called Claymores due to their huge swords. Claymores are able to find yoma and effectively fight them. Unfortunately, the price is very high – they are not human anymore – they are becoming hybrids: half human, half Yoma.

However, those women warriors still have human memories and experience human emotions. Although fierce fighters, they are traumatised young girls deep inside. Moreover, each claymore lives with a constant threat of losing her human mind and becoming a monster herself, monster even more dangerous than a regular yoma. Therefore, claymores say that since they were born humans, they want to live and die as humans.

The main character Clare is the only one who ever voluntarily subscribed to the Organization. As a little girl she met Teresa, number one among the claymores. Touching and shocking story of Clare and Teresa is one of the best I have ever seen (anime) or read (manga). Apart of Clare and Teresa author introduce to many other deep and compelling characters.

Created by Norihiro Yagi world, although dark is not depressing. The author of the manga masterly builds tension, surprises his readers and depicts deep human emotions and relationships in convincing manner. Manga “Claymore” belongs to the best and is very popular. Based on manga so far there has been created just 26 episodes of TV anime up to the North Campaign and the invasion of North Pieta. Unfortunately, the last episode differs from that one of the manga. In the manga the story of Clare and other claymores is continued. Music and voices of Japanese seiyū (voice actresses for animated characters in the anime TV series) are superb. In this month manga "Claymore" celebrated its hundredth episode. Naturally, "Claymore" is one of the best, but two words of warning: "Claymore" is addictive and not for children.

Apart of the manga and anime (both can be found on the web) two CDs have been released: Claymore TV Animation OST with music from the series, and Claymore Intimate Persona with ten songs; each reflecting different Claymore character and performed by different actress.

© copyrights MG