Derailments of Thought

“I have no interest in miserable weaklings like you.”

While volume 18 technically starts a “new” arc it is an immediate continuation of the last one and the series in general builds off all that has come before. This is not the place to start reading – go back to the beginning.

The Ashes of Lautrec is the culmination the last several volumes have been building to and is the longest arc yet. It will span ten chapters (parts 1-6 here) and heavily involves all the major forces, established and new. Major changes and casualties are in store, with the shocking end of volume 17 merely the beginning. Besides just the incredible battles themselves, other big draws here are key reveals of true motivations and hidden agendas as well as finally getting a harsh glimpse of how the power levels of the seven, the Creatures of the Abyss, the Destroyer, Alicia and Beth, and another key awakened one truly compare.

This arc is a masterpiece of brutality, intrigue, despair, and sacrifice. It draws on story elements spanning all seventeen previous volumes and is as gripping as it is fittingly disturbing.

“We learned it by seeing with our eyes, hearing with our ears, and feeling through our blades.”

Not only does volume 20 directly continue an arc started in volume 19 the series is filled with layered storylines going all the way back to the beginning. This is not the place to start reading.

Phantoms of the Heart (parts 3-4) returns the warriors from the Western battle to Rabona, as we discover the fallout from both Miria’s choice to leave and Clare’s fight with the Destroyer and Priscilla. This is a step down in pace from recent events, but a breather was needed and a lot of needed information is filled in as we prepare for their assault on the Organization.

Remains of the Demon Claw (complete: parts 1-4) follows Deneve’s team through the mountains towards the Organization’s headquarters. Along the way they encounter some high ranking current warriors with interesting powers battling awakened ones. Word of their approach brings interesting preparations from the Organization, with the twisted scientist Dae given reign to unleash his most monstrous experiments yet. The twist that ends this volume is another completely unexpected masterstroke by Yagi. Logical but totally surprising and a severe manipulation on what we thought we knew.

Volume 20 slows a tad after the climactic Ashes of Lautrec arc, but there is still plenty of action and the closing hook ensures our next major battle is just moments away.

“I wish everyone in my way… would disappear.”

Not only does volume 19 directly continue a major arc started in volume 18 the series in general builds off all that has come before. This is not the place to start reading – go back to the beginning.

The end chapters of the massive The Ashes of Lautrec arc (parts 7-10) finish the Earth-shattering conflict between the greatest powers in the land. The ones left fighting are terrifying and near omnipotent, and a huge sacrifice will be required for anyone at all to survive. The all out action continues, more true natures are revealed this is a worthy end to this particular stage in the conflict and overarching story of the series.

The truly wonderful thing about Claymore is even with all the major developments, twists and closing threads in The Ashes of Lautrec and the preceding volumes it’s still clear there is a TON left to the story and it’s various mysteries and characters. Yagi wastes no time moving on to the next huge point of interest in Phantoms of the Heart (parts 1-2) by switching back to one of the few important established characters missing from the conflict in the West. Miria’s assault on the Organization begins in a quickly escalating conflict that features some of the most heart wrenching moments in the series. I have no idea where it will go from here and I can’t wait to find out.

A fantastic finish to the biggest story in the manga thus far and an equally strong start to our next tale.

While volume 17 technically contains a complete “new” arc it is an immediate continuation of the last one and the series in general builds off all that has come before. This is not the place to start reading – go back to the beginning.

The Claws of Memory (complete: parts 1-6) follows the major power shift at the end of The Lamentation of the Earth and features the intersection of many of the remaining players, and a new danger that might be greater than them all. The developments here are intense, and once again surprising. It amazes me how well and how often Yagi can spring the unexpected on the reader this late in the series and still have everything build and flow naturally and logically. Battle rages throughout the volume and several characters are permanently affected.

I can’t get into more detail without major spoilers so suffice to say this is a pivotal installment and with the conflict within just getting started the next volumes promise to be the same.

Volume 16 directly continues an arc started in volume 15 and has several major developments that depend heavily on prior events. This is not the place to start reading – go back to the beginning.

The entirety of this volume is devoted to the remaining chapters of The Lamentation of the Earth (parts 2-7). Last volume had a lot of heavy revelations, but Yagi is far from done with the surprises. Clare’s conversation with an “old friend” continues and portrays a intriguing tangle of complex loyalties and motivations, while filling Clare in on Riful’s machinations. Meanwhile Deneve and Helen encounter a terrifying new weapon of the Organization that made my skin crawl, leading to a dramatic change in the long running power struggle between the Organization and the Creatures of the Abyss.

Absolutely phenomenal stuff, with another fantastic ending hook for the next arc.

And then everything changed.

While volume 15 technically starts a “new” arc it is an immediate continuation of the last one and the series in general builds off all that has come before. This is not the place to start reading – go back to the beginning.

The Genesis of War (complete: part 1-5) opens with the continuing battle in Rabona against an awakened one. This is a strong follow up to last volumes events with Galatea and Miata and it’s quite interesting to see the seven in action. The remainder of this arc fills in a lot of important information on the existing status quo and where the series will be going from here, splitting time between the seven, Riful, and Raki.

The revelations here are absolutely amazing. To say that the information Miria shares from her investigation changes the landscape of the entire series is no exaggeration. But it doesn’t end there – Riful’s need for one skilled in reading Yoma energy is explained in another big twist that connects back to a separate lingering mystery from earlier in the series. All together this arc signifies a major shake up that will shape several plot threads going forward and yet fits beautifully with everything that came before.

This volume closes with part 1 of The Lamentation of the Earth. The seven have temporarily disbanded into smaller groups to settle remaining personal business before pursuing their main objective. Cynthia and Uma accompany Clare to the West in search of Raki, but it doesn’t take long to run into something else. This chapter ends on a very strong hook into the next volume.

More than any before this volume showcases what a masterful combination of layered storytelling Yagi is achieving with Claymore. Highly recommended.

“If that’s your reason, then it’s a laughably weak and foolish one.”
“Yes, isn’t it? To be honest, I think so too.”

Volume 14 directly continues an arc just begun in volume 13, as well as heavily building off of developments throughout the series. This is not the place to start reading.

A Child Weapon (part 2-5) follows Clarice and Miata’s hunt for the deserter Galatea to a familiar place: the Holy City of Rabona from volume 2. It’s an interesting place for Galatea to hide and provides a nice backdrop for what’s to come. This story is incredible, featuring several combatants with different power levels, goals and strategies in a battle that’s as intelligent as it is gruesome (and it’s one of the bloodiest we’ve seen). The jaw dropping two page spread that concludes the arc is gorgeous and impactful and is a gripping set up for the next arc.

We get another two single chapter side stories from the past to finish this volume. A Chance Encounter in the North takes us back to when Isley met Priscilla. Untarnished Resolve gives a glimpse of Clare’s training period as a Claymore. Both are nice character based supplements to the main series.

A great entry in the series that really builds momentum for future volumes.