Plot summary:
Basically, demonic creatures 'Yoma' consume human innards. To oppose the 'Yoma', we have a group of women known as 'claymores', who are half human - half Yoma. These silver eyed Claymores exist solely to eliminate the Yoma. Due to their Yoma anatomy, the Claymores are detested by regular humans.
Plot Analysis: 8
The plot, sure is capable of intriguing you. Raki, our main hero, sets out with Clare, a Claymore, after a Yoma attack. We see Clare encountering a variety of opponents, ranging from Yoma to Claymores. The battles aren't endlessly dragged, or the victor prevailing through 'laughable', illogical means. The main character has a sole purpose for her actions, and no arbitrary events are showcased.
Would you selflessly serve the society, which despises you? That's the question which lights the Claymores mind. Overall, the plot was fairly decent, may seem a bit episodic in the beginning, but it all fits up. One thing that may dissuade people from watching Claymore is that, towards the end it diverges from the Manga, and forms its own ending. As to that, I believe it solely depends upon the viewer's taste. It may seem a bit incomplete, but I for one found it satisfactory enough.
Sound: 8
The opening and ending songs are fairly decent, easily supplementing the anime's atmosphere. The soundtrack ranges from a beautifully executed melancholy orchestra to a more forceful thumping beat.
Art: 9
The art is magnificent. Set in a medieval period, the dark tone of the anime is beautifully animated. Its like reading a fantasy novel, coming across descriptions of crystal clear lakes or mountains. If you've read the Inheritance series by Christopher Paolini, you'll be reminded of Alagaesia. The action scenes look realistic enough, and the sequence pacing is decent.
Character: 7
This is where, I think the anime could have buckled up. No real character development really takes place. The characters who are pathetic remain pathetic(you'll know when you see), and you don't notice any visible changes in the characters. With that said, the main characters have relevant backstories, but barring that you don't see any further development. You also don't really get attached to any of the characters.
I personally don't have serious issues with that. It depends upon your taste. Should the characters remain the same, after the initial backstory/past introduction? Or would you want to see a visible change in their outlook? Since Clare primarily has only one goal, its clear why her character remained steadfastly firm, but as I remarked, this depends upon viewer interpretation.
Enjoyment: 8
So basically, despite all the inherent flaws, plot, etc, enjoyment is what really makes an anime for me. The above mentioned becomes irrelevant, if your time was well used. So yeah, for the most part I enjoyed Claymore. Occasionally, it may seem dragged or a tad bit repetitive, but watchable.
Overall: 8
Action, Gore, dark medieval setting, intriguing plot. If you are into this genre, you may consider checking Claymore out. Not my favorite but still pretty unique, and satisfactory.
