Claymore, Vol. 22: Claws and Fangs of the Abyss

Claymore [クレイモア] #22

by Norihiro Yagi

A New York Times best selling, multi-arc, character-driven story with great battles and strong-willed females that will appeal to males and females alike.

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.

Rebel Claymores, the Organization that created them, and a host of reanimated top-level warriors clash with savage intensity. The Claymores’ demonic impulses are provoked, threatening to destroy their human consciousnesses. Meanwhile, Hysteria, animated by blind vengeance, grows stronger with each attack against her. Is it possible that the rebels will be defeated by their long-dead comrades?

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Horror, Comics, Graphic Novels, Shonen, Action

189 pages, Paperback

First published June 4, 2012

About the author

Norihiro Yagi (八木教広 Yagi Norihiro) is a Japanese manga writer and artist from Okinawa Prefecture. He started making manga in 1990.

Norihiro Yagi is a successful manga artist, having won the 32nd Akatsuka Award for his very first work, Undeadman. Undeadman appeared in Monthly Shōnen Jump and has had two sequels. Yagi's first serialized manga was his comedy-genre Angel Densetsu, which appeared in Monthly Shōnen Jump from 1992 to 2000. His most recent work, Claymore, has been running in the magazine since 2001.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I miss Clare. 😔

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hay un momento de la historia en donde se menciona que las Claymore no pueden subir de número, pero en la historia de Roxanne se menciona todo lo contrario. Al principio esa idea se respetaba, pero después aparecen personajes que si hicieron su social climbing xD Ya no sé que pensar.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

MIRIA is really a genius. She can device ways to give great injury to the opponent or even kill it. She is really amazing. However, where is Clare? They need to do something with Clare...

[Mandy Sickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 22nd installment the long dead warriors of the past have returned this time more powerful and stronger than before. After a brutal fight between the Claymores the dead warriors awaken but two are drawn to a brutal battle leaving just the one for them to destroy. Working together they team up using all their skills to slay the abyssal in front of them but when it’s not enough they choose to use the other abyssal’s to slay her leading her into their vicious battle. What will happen with the remaining abyssal.

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.

[Shi2chi · Rating 4 out of 5]

-"...she was FAINTLY SMILING..."
I wonder who that might've been🤡

[Etienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lot of battle and fighting but not much story evolution. Still Like it a lot! Maybe not the strongest of the series but good enough to deserve a fair five stars!

[hotsake (André Troesch) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just more of the same, I'm not invested in this never-ending battle.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

"One moment is enough."

While volume 22 technically starts a "new" arc we are well into the third or so major shift in a series filled with layered storylines going all the way back to the beginning. Don't start here.

Claws and Fangs of the Abyss (parts 1-6) features the rebelling Claymores facing the full power of Dae's three reanimated number ones. Cassandra and Roxanne's internal struggle has them distracted, but they won't hesitate to destroy anything else in their paths. And that still leaves the legendary Hysteria the Elegant. This story feels a little like filler in parts, but overall is still worthwhile and has the high quality action the series has been built on. We also get some more important clues about the Organization and the greatest threat they've ever developed, and a key character faces some hard realizations about her approach and choices. As interesting as Cassandra's sub plot is, things shine more here once the reinforcements from Rabona arrive and the focus is back on the Claymores of today. The monsters are getting even more grotesque as we go and the battles are as violent and gruesome as ever. If you're this far in the series it should be no surprise but I'll reiterate that this conflict is not for the faint of heart. Or stomach.

Volume 22 is a solid entry in the series with some important character beats but I will admit I'm glad this particular section of the story is coming to a close and that it seems we'll be moving on next volume.

11/13

[Roxana Chirilă · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claymore, Vol. 22: Do Not Ask About the Boobs is a fun, action-filled volume, wherein all the zombie-warriors turn into zombie-demons (some of which are featured on the cover) and the warriors who are still alive (and presumably wish to stay so) do their best to make them kill each other.

[Wing Kee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fight ended amazingly!

World: The art was magnificent this time, with the beautiful three awakened ones, all different, all nightmare inducing. The world building was also solid building on the battle with the characters all coming together for this fight. A lot of characters from the past and new from the last couple of issues. All the pieces since the Miria arc started and it's come to this.

Story: A lot of fighting but also a lot of character moments throughout and stakes that matter and mean something. There is a lot of plot armor around the characters but it's manga so I was expecting this. However it was still pretty well paced and exciting to read. This is a battle issue and the battles were simply stunning.

Characters: The cast of characters is large and I cared about all of them, from the old ones to the new ones. The backstory for the new Awakened Ones is great and the dynamic was fun. There were some nice little "oh yeah!" moments in this book.

Great fighting book.

Onward to the next book!

[Jenny Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally Raki meets back up with the Claymores! This fight was really well choreographed, though it doesn't feel any different than other fights in all honesty. That's the main issue with this series- the flights feel repetitive, mostly because it's easy to loose sight of whats at stake.

Check out my YouTube channel for bookish videos and monthly wrap ups!

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 First let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes those are breasts to either side of the torso coming out of that creature. So much strange demon nudity but I digress.

Deneve’s group meets up with Miria’s just as the 3 resurrected #1’s awaken into 3 brand new Abyssal Ones. Insane action and deranged art is definitely the flavor of this particular volume. Clare is still MIA but the action is nonstop nonsense.

A very bizarre Abyssal One on the cover of Volume 22.

Read 8/23/22

[Eressea · Rating 2 out of 5]

拉基o_O 這男主角的名字實在...

[Kira Thebookbella · Rating 4 out of 5]

The long descent into the final battle scene.

[MarinaLawliett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gurrrlllll

[Kyle Breton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle of the series was definitely a bit of a slog but as the end approaches the series is getting much better again.

[Melissa C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back, Raki, after 7 years

[RO · Rating 5 out of 5]

bu da okuduğum en iyi ciltler arasındaydı

harbiden çok iyi ilerliyor

[Casper Paaske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such fun this volume was! Miria is a great new protagonist! And Roxanne’s and the Dusteaster’s relationship is one the series finest! Maybe the best volume?

[MissAnnThrope · Rating 4 out of 5]

09 July 2013

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

Claymore, Vol. 22: Claws and Fangs of the Abyss begins with Cassandra transforming into a strangely erotic Abyssal One. The cliffhanger ending of the last volume left me anxiously anticipating the battle between Cassandra and Roxanne. But instead of being tense over a cutthroat battle, I couldn't stop laughing over their "crap" dialogue:

Cassandra: You taste awful. Exactly like crap.
Roxanne: You say that . . . but you're drooling all over!

Roxanne: I'm so hungry . . . I'd eat anything . . . even if it tasted like crap . . .

Cassandra: All of the food here is MINE. You're Number Two, so eat crap.
Roxanne: You got diced to bits . . . and then I killed you to become Number One! Remember?
Cassandra: I don't care. You're worse than crap . . . so from now on, eat crap and be crap.

In response to Cassandra's awakening and gobbling up her limbs, Roxanne then awakens to destroy Cassandra. While the two debate over who's crappier, Hysteria continues to dominate Miria in battle. In a last ditch effort, Miria sacrifices her limbs in order to land a fatal blow. Unfortunately, Hysteria isn't quite easily killed off. Hysteria awakens, sending Miria into a panic that convinces her she must also awaken to finally take down Hysteria. Thankfully, the voice of reason arrives just in the nick of time:

Deneve and the other Seven (minus Clare), Dietrich, Anastasia, and Nike. Woohoo!


At long last, the Seven Ghosts are reunited and it is absolutely thrilling to see. The bond between the comrades is obviously deep. They fight as a cohesive team as they take down Hysteria. Each of them is impressive on their own, but together they are freakin' badass. During Hysteria's last moments, Priscilla's image appears. I cannot wait to see how she is connected to the new Abyssal Ones and how Clare will play a part in it too.

After devouring Roxanne (a much-deserved fate, I believe), Cassandra turns away from the warriors and simply disappears off into the sunset. Puzzled and relieved, the warriors breathe a sigh of relief as they watch her go. As they stand there, the Claymore trainees stumble upon them with their newfound comrade - Raki!

The wait for the next volume is going to be torture. The reunion between old friends and comrades is heartwarming and exciting. I have a feeling these warm fuzzies won't last long as we have yet to discover Clare's fate, which I have a very ominous feeling about. I really don't want this series to end. It's getting so good!

[Nico · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel like Cassandra the Dust-Eater is what you write when you scrape the bottom of the barrel only to find out that it's run dry and you have to make something up on the spot. And Raki...

I can't even remember the last time a main character died. Has anyone died in this series? Undine? I've lost count of the number of times someone was fatally stabbed but got bet with five minutes rest. How many times per volume does Deneve lose a limb? 1 time? Five times? Fifteen times?

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today's post is on Claymore volume 22: Claws and Fangs of the Abyss by Norihiro Yagi. It is the twentieth-second the long running Claymore series, you need to have read the first twenty-one volumes to understand the story. It is 191 pages long and is published by Shonen Jump Advanced. The cover is an Awakened One on it. The intended reader is someone who likes dark plots, high action, and strong female characters. There is mild foul language, no sexuality, and lots of violence in this book. The story is told from third person close of the main character. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Rebel Claymores, the Organization that created them, and a host of reanimated top-level warriors clash with savage intensity. The Claymores' demonic impulses are provoked, threatening to destroy their human consciousnesses. Meanwhile, Hysteria, animated by blind vengeance, grows stronger with each attack against her. Is it possible that the rebels will be defeated by their long-dead comrades?


Review- The fights from the previous volume are finished in this one and it ends with a little hinting at what is going where Clare is. Miria comes very close to losing her mind to stop the most powerful of the re-awakened ones but she is stopped and saved by the other Claymores. Really nothing much plot-wise happens in this volume, just fighting, having a ghost of Priscilla appears to scare everyone, then Raki shows up with the younger Claymores. That is the whole volume. I want to get back to Clare and whatever is going on with her and Priscilla. I like seeing the other Claymores be cool but I'm here for Clare and her story. I still think that Raki does nothing for the story and I do not even like him as a plot device. But the fight scenes were good. I hope that we get back to Clare and her story.

I give this volume a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

[47Time · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confusion has set in the battle between the rebel Claymores and the organization's resurrected number ones. One of the latter, Cassandra Dusteater, Awakens after remembering she died at the hands of another resurrected named Roxanne. Cassandra cuts Roxanne to pieces, triggering the latter's Awakening. The third resurrected number one named Hysteria also Awakens after being defeated by Miria. All is going according to Dae's plan.

The Remnants of the North join the fight, but are outclassed by the Awakened Hysteria. They devise a plan to draw Hysteria into the fight between the other two resurrected number ones. It's successful. Hysteria falls to Cassanda, followed by Roxanne. Cassandra then retreats quietly.

[Reichis · Rating 3 out of 5]

We get a lot more from the Organization's perspective now, but this could have been so much better if happened sooner. Like, make the connecting factor or MC-Rubel or something :D
Clare isn't really a good narrator, but I think she could have a lot from her perspective too, especially since Rubel is her man dressed in black.
There just had to have been more foundation for things to build up. I guess it's hard to do with a weekly series.
Either way, the fights are awesome, but maybe a little too much talking that could have taken place before.

[Fluffy_Pomeroy · Rating 3 out of 5]

In praise of the artwork.

I think story wise its not getting more interesting than "I'm invested" at this point. But one thing to appreciate as these fight seemingly get more and more whatever it is they feel like being from one moment to the next: the creature designs are great.

I'm not really sure if the series has or will actually derive commentary from its one part hyper sexualization one part lovecraftian nightmare fuel. But in a vacuum these designs for the abyssal ones just feel inspired.

[David’s Book Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love this series but I’m deducting a star because Clare has been absent for like three volumes at this point. While the ensemble cast is great and well fleshed out and hold the story together—especially newcomer adversaries Cassandra and Roxanne—I can’t help but miss Clare after several chapters without her. The supporting cast is great but we need the protagonist to make an appearance and do something.

[Peter Barr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is about part human creatures who fight monsters to save humanity fighting against the organization that created them. In this episode, the part humans are fighting part humans that have become monsters and have been sent out by the organization to fight them. The organization seems to be finished and this episode has the feeling that it is the beginning of the end. It is interesting.

[Jesus Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peleas a tope en este volumen, mucha accion.

SPOILERS

SPOILERS


Pues resulta que dos de las tres enviadas especiales tenian pasado y terminan peleandose entre ellas en lugar de cnotra las claymore.

Y la tercera, pues de repente hay algo que permite tenderle una trampa.

Y los refuerzos.

Buen volumen, mucha accion



4 stars

[C.M. Chafin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The length of battles here didn't make sense. However, there is a really cool way it could go that's not a normal approach and I'm kind of hoping that happens. Others who have finished the series have called it predictable, so it probably won't, but we will see!

[Colby Wolford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad, Phantom somehow survived and reunited with her crew. I am just waiting for Claire to come back and destoy everyone, but before that happens everything has to get real, desperate of course. Rako meeting the gang after the gang called Clare crazy for years is pretty funny.