Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Claymore.
What is Claymore?
Claymore is a dark fantasy manga series created by Norihiro Yagi that follows the story of female warriors known as 'Claymores.' These half-human, half-monster hybrids wield massive swords to hunt and slay shape-shifting creatures called Yoma for their organization.
Who are the main protagonists?
The primary focus is on Clare, a low-ranked warrior who seeks revenge against her former superior Riful after losing an eye. Her journey is later joined by Raki, a young boy she saves from Yoma, and eventually the powerful warrior Teresa of the Faint Smile.
Where should I start reading or watching?
Newcomers should begin with Chapter 1 of the original manga to experience the story exactly as intended. While an anime adaptation exists, it only covers a portion of the plot and ends on a controversial cliffhanger that contradicts the source material's conclusion.
Who is Priscilla?
Priscilla is Clare's primary antagonist in the early arcs and a high-ranking warrior known for her sadistic nature. She serves as a major catalyst for Clare's growth after brutally defeating her and stealing her left eye.
What are Yoma?
Yoma are malevolent, shape-shifting demons that consume human flesh to survive and reproduce in their numbers. Claymores were created specifically to hunt these monsters down before they can overwhelm the human population.
What is the significance of 'Awakening'?
Awakening occurs when a Claymore loses control of her Yoma power, transforming into a monstrous entity that consumes everything in its path. This fate usually results from pushing one's limits too far or suffering extreme emotional trauma during battle.
Who is Riful?
Riful is the mysterious and ruthless leader of the Northern Organization who possesses immense power and manipulates her subordinates for her own ends. She is responsible for the tragic events that drive Clare's initial quest for vengeance.
What happens in the final arc?
The conclusion, titled 'The Final Battle,' sees Clare confronting Riful to avenge Teresa while facing the ultimate threat of the organization itself. This section resolves the series' central mysteries regarding the origin of Claymores and the nature of Yoma.
Is there an official sequel?
No direct sequel exists, but Norihiro Yagi released a short side story titled 'Claymore: The Awakening of Teresa' that provides additional context on the character's backstory. Additionally, a spin-off manga called 'Claymore: The Last Battle' was briefly serialized before being cancelled.
Why is the ending controversial?
The anime adaptation ends abruptly with an original storyline that ignores the manga's actual conclusion and leaves major plot threads unresolved. Fans often criticize this deviation because it misrepresents the author's intended narrative arc for Clare and Raki.