Anime Fix

Claymore : 8.0/10

TV Series; 26 Episodes
Apr 4/2007 – Sep 26/2007

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Supernatural

Author: Norihiro Yagi
Production: Madhouse Studios
Director: Hiroyuki Tanaka
Music Composition: Masanori Takumi

Plot
Demons arise throughout the land, acting as a scourge upon humanity. These demons hide amongst the people, often taking the form of humans, and preying upon unsuspecting neighbors. Raki is a young man whose village is being terrorized by one of these beings. The village enlists the help of a Claymore, half-human and half-demon, Claymores are feared by the people for their silver-eyes and rigid demeanors, but Claymores are the only warriors that can sense the presence of a demon. Raki soon finds that the demon had taken the form of his older brother, but in its attempts to devour him, a Claymore named Clare comes to his rescue and slays the demon. Clare reluctantly gains Raki as a traveling companion, and sets out on more missions to slay demons, all the while gaining strength, as she seeks vengeance upon one particular demon from her tragic past.

Conclusion
A detailed world is held in check by its lack of exploration. There is little by way of side story as the content seems hurried from start to finish. Amazingly though each episode, due to the adrenaline filled battles and explanations fills out well, always seemingly to elapse more time than it actually does. Though there could have been more exploration of other characters, the story of Clare is rendered beautifully and completely. Due to extreme violence and graphic attitudes, I don’t recommend this for viewers under fourteen, but Claymore is a highly entertaining series and opens up a world that deserves even more detail than it has been given.

Characters

Clare – acted by Houko Kuwashima
Having taken demon blood into her body, she battles by order of a mysterious organization to slay demons throughout the land. Though she is the weakest amongst the Claymores, she survives battles of terrible odds due to her incredible ability to sense Yoki, or demon energy and her ability to maintain control over the demon blood within her, allowing her to awaken its power, while she maintains her human emotions and agenda. Kuwashima manages to fill this role incredibly; severe voice alterations are frequent and performed magnificently as she switches between demon and human personas with high energy and strong emotion.

Raki – acted by Motoki Takagi
Proclaiming himself as Clare’s personal chef, he travels along side her, but soon realizes his ineptitude as she encounters foes of greater and greater magnitude. He dreams of growing strong enough to protect Clare, who once saved his life and moves forward, always remembering the promise he made and his love for Clare. Takagi does little to add to this series. His emotions though strong and spirited are shakily voiced, and his lines seem obtrusive and detract from the cinematic flow at many points.

Genre
This series finds its greatest strengths in two particular genres, action and horror. Battle scenes are gripping and never fail at producing a dynamic breakthrough to turn the tides of battle. The unique skill sets of each demon and Claymore add greatly to the entertainment value of their conflicts, as the viewer is showered with fast-paced blows from every direction. The grotesque appearances and ceaseless gore add to the horror aspect of this series. There is little by way of suspense which reduces the capability of this anime at terrifying its viewer, but shocking attitudes and the sliced arteries that turn demons and Claymores into fountains prevent this series from simply being action-adventure.

Themes and Style
Throughout this anime, characters are stricken with grief and despair, but for those that manage to find attachment, strength of will is added. They battle on for the memories of loved ones lost, and to protect those close to them. The Claymore’s battle with their inner demons is constant, as they attempt to control the raging emotions within, but maintain their humanity and not lose out to the bloodthirsty beast they contain. There is a dramatic merge of style and theme, as color changes occur. The grey and cloudy haze of war covers the series for a number of episodes, but as the road ahead brightens for the characters, the clouds lift to reveal a once again colorful and sunny future. There is some confusion in fast-paced battles, as many of the Claymores have strikingly similar appearances, but the detraction from entertainment value in negligible. The scenery is done magnificently in this fully developing world that follows the vagabond lifestyle of a Claymore. Music is intertwined masterfully, changing styles frequently to blend with the storyline. Heavy guitar riffs and drums sequence beautifully with the vigorous fight scenes, and symphonic melodies permeate the more dramatic moments.

Opening Theme
“Raison D’être” by Nightmare

Ending Theme
“Danzai no Hana~Guilty Sky” by Riyu Kosaka