Claymore, Vol. 13: The Defiant Ones

This thirteenth volume of the `Claymore' manga sees the continuation of the battle against Riful of the West. As the Organizations warriors find themselves outmatched they are rescued by the ghosts of the past while Clare discovers some more information about Priscilla. Elsewhere Clarice and Miata get a mission and Clarice learns just how powerful the strange and unhinged Claymore actually is. This volume also sees a couple of flashbacks to the pasts of Teresa of the Faint Smile and Phantom Miria.This is a very good volume of `Claymore' with some good battles and some advancement of the plot. The volume also includes some more information about what happened when Isley fought Luciela seven years ago. The two extra chapters revealing more of Miria and Teresa's pasts were a bit random but they were entertaining and it is still nice to see the likes of Teresa and Ophelia in action again. The Clarice and Miata storyline is looking very good as well and it should be interesting to see how this develops.Overall this was a very good volume of `Claymore' and I am very much looking forward to the next few volumes.

As much as the art was as stunning as ever and the plot quite strong, I still find it difficult to accept that seven years have passed since the battle of Pieta. I understand that perhaps Claymores do not age, but the problem is, it doesn't feel like seven years.This made me wonder, why did it have to be seven? Couldn't have even 3? Sure, the Claymore claim they have hoend their skills in that time, but when you think about it, what can you do for that amount of time? Clare wasn't worried about Raki at all in those seven years? Whether he was alive or dead?Also, hoiw would they have suppressed their yoma energy during the first few years?These are questions I kept thinking about as I read. Aside from these issues, the story is taking a pretty interesting turn. We're introduced to various new Claymores, which have yet to shine. I know already that Claymore focuses on many plots at once, but I'm hoping that these develop properly and are not just included to fill space.Apologies for the barrage of questions, but if you read this volume you'll see what I mean. I can seee Norihiro Yagi really trying to create a sense that time has passed but it's just difficult to believe because of how unchanged everything is.

Perfect

Son loves this set of books.

If you love action n art, this is the manga 4 u! Riful of the west is my favorite and this issue has some beautiful art, clearer than similar pictures of her online. Time n money well spent.