Book Review: Claymore Vol 21: Corpse of the Witch

Title - Claymore Vol 21: Corpse of the Witch

Author - Norihiro Yagi

Series - Claymore #21

Genre - Horror Manga

Format - Kindle

Published - November 6th 2012

Publisher - Viz Media LLC

(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Reads R to L (Japanese Style). In a world where monsters called Yoma prey on humans and live among them in disguise, humanity's only hope is a new breed of warrior known as Claymores. Half human, half monster, these silver-eyed slayers possess supernatural strength but are condemned to fight their savage impulses or lose their humanity completely.

A battle begins between rebel Claymore warriors and the Organization that created them. When the team of seven notorious rebel fighters is joined by an army of newly minted soldiers loyal to rebel leader Miria, it seems their victory is a foregone conclusion. Then the Organization releases its newest secret weapon: reanimated high-level warriors from past generations of Claymores.

Review

Claymore is a manga about Yoma who pretend to be human in order to kill and eat the humans. The Claymore are the hybrid of the two stronger faster but still human with the ability to slay the Yoma which they do for a price. They travel from village to village slaying Yoma with nothing but the sword on their back using the Yoma abilities but slowly turning into a monster that they hunt. When the time comes a Claymore will send a black card to another claymore to be slain before the Yoma takes over and so they die as a human.

In the 21st installment the rebel Claymore warriors have arrived at the organization and things look like they may just have what it takes to succeed in stopping them for good this time. Only something that’s been locked inside of the organization has been released the last chance they will get to destroy the rebels. They have released three revived former #1 claymores that will change the balance of power in the world if they should be successful in destroying the rebel claymore attack. Will the Miria and her newly joined rebel warriors have what it takes to destroy the three new warriors who have joined the fight? Will the rest of her rebel comrades arrive in time to stop them?

I like Clare she’s a sword carrying slayer who isn’t afraid to die charging in risking her life. She's grown a lot in the last several volumes leading up to the battle in the north. After faking her death along with her fellow claymore's she's returned after seven years to battle the Organization. While she may not be the strongest she's determined and unwilling to give up. She's one of those underdog characters you can't help liking. We've seen a little of Raki having grown up into a man who fights yoma he’s been captured by the organization. Clare and Priscilla have been trapped in a ball of flesh locking them both away from the others.

I’ve seen all of the episodes on Netflix a few years ago actually binge watched them over a long weekend. While it’s been a while I don’t think the anime has gone this far in the series. I don’t remember the girls taking on the organization which is where the story has turned. It’s interesting learning that the organization which has been creating claymores for a long time may not be the good guys after all. I love the concept for the Claymore the hybrids created using parts from the monsters that they have been created to fight against the Yoma that they created. The art is great it gives me just enough to create the story in my head as I read each detailed page. This is only my 2nd manga so I don’t have a lot to base on but I’m super addicted to them. They are perfect for when I have some downtime or when I feel like reading back to back. I already know that the ending is close as I’m about halfway done. I’m anxious to see how it’s all going to play out.