Reviews

I will attempt to be brief in this review and try not to reveal any spoilers. Claymore follows two lead characters named Raki and Clare, both whom are cast in a medieval era like Europe where dangerous demons named Youma hunt and feed on their natural and mostly helpless prey, humans. Raki himself is no more then a ordinary young Human boy until one day fate causes his path to cross with Clare, a powerful half human half Youma female warrior who's seemingly soul purpose in life, like many other claymores, is to protect humans and kill the Youma that hunt them. Adventure and much demon slaying ensues while the two not only set out to seek peace of mind in a bleak dark world but to also find the limits of there own humanity.

The story starts with potential but never lifts itself higher than that of a generic shounen and the ending is ultimately disappointing leaving many questions un-answered and character development lacking. The artwork however is good, the animation is smooth and fluid in the fight scenes and the backdrops of the scenery were drawn with care making the world appear a lot more believable. I liked the idea behind the design of most the characters but do to a weak plot and even weaker ending you never really build a large amount of attachment to any members of the cast as they are simply not flushed out enough. That being said the story wasn't bad, it just wasn't good either. Overall I would give Claymore a 6 out of 10. I enjoyed the action, the setting, and the art style but the story lack of strong character development held this anime back from being something really memorable.