A couple of years ago I began watch Anime more heavily. I had been a big fan when I was younger, but then I backed away for a little bit. When anime started to spark my interest again, I started looking for new shows to watch. One series that I really enjoyed is a little show called Claymore (I believe I have talked about it before).
Well, I have begun watching the series again; I started a couple of days ago. This makes the third time that I have viewed the series. But this time, I noticed something that I think is worth talking about a little bit. Claymore actually has very interesting view on men/women and their different roles in society.
First, it might be helpful to provide some background info. So, here is a passage from Wikipedia:
In a world where humans coexist with sentient monsters called yoma (妖魔 yōma?) that feed on human innards, a group, simply called the Organization, has created an order of half-human, half-yoma warriors to protect humans from yoma, for a large fee. Based on the large swords they carry, the people of this world have named these warriors Claymores. They are also referred to as “silver-eyed witches”, based on their appearance and seemingly cold nature toward others. Claymores, as well as yoma, possess bodily energy called yoki, which allows them to perform superhuman feats. Claymores who charge their yoki auras beyond the limit that their bodies can sustain turn into hideous creatures called awakened beings. Like yoma, awakened beings crave human flesh, the difference being that awakened beings are much more powerful. Each Claymore is ranked based on his or her strength and ability in comparison to other Claymores. There are 47 ranks corresponding to the number of regions of the continent, and each Claymore is assigned a different region of the continent wherein to slay yoma.
During the premise, a Claymore named Clare heads to a small town and meets Raki, a boy whose parents were killed by a yoma. Later that night, Clare heads toward Raki’s home and kills his brother Zaki, who is revealed to be the yoma that killed Raki’s parents. The yoma had taken over Zaki’s body when he and Raki witnessed the murder of their parents at the hands of the same yoma when they were but children. Out of gratitude, Raki ends up following Clare from town to town during her missions to exterminate yoma. The two travel together until they are separated when Clare is forced to battle a sadistic Claymore named Ophelia. Before parting, Clare promises to find him if she survives. The story becomes a tale of revenge, as Clare seeks to confront someone from her past.
Now for those of you all wondering, Claymore relies on a large group of female protagonists. There are actually very few males in the series at all.
But, since males are the minority, let’s start with them first.
Weak Males:
The main ma character is Raki. Raki is probably one of the weakest characters that I’ve ever since in a series. Rarely does he fight back when he and Clare are in a tough spot and for most of the series he can be seen crying in a corner somewhere (literally). What’s worse is that Raki really wants to be brave, but he can’t bring himself to actually do it. His saving grace is that he is very loyal.
Now, most of the evil creatures, the yoma, are portrayed as males. Many of them are slow and a lot of them are just dumb, which is high they are so easily beaten.
Let’s talk about the lore of Claymore for a moment. It is mentioned that back in the day, there were both male and female Claymore fighting evil, but event all the males were phased out.
But why!?
Well, here is how the series explains it. Since Claymores are both human and yoma, they have increase strength. In battle they are able to switch on their yoma side for more power. Now, each Claymore has yoki limits. Every time a Claymore passes their yoki limit, becomes harder for them to stay human.
Simple right?
Not so much.
You see, when a Claymore passes his or her limits, it’s the equivalent of a pleasurable sexual experience. When a Claymore surpasses it last yoki limit, not only do they turn into a great monster (an Awakened Being), but they also experience what is the equivalent of a giant orgasm.
It was said that the male Claymore turned into Awakened Beings faster because of the sexual aspect.
So, basically, according to this show, most males are slow and only want sex.
“Strong” Males:
The leaders of “the Organization,” the group that creates Claymores are males. They are portrayed as sneaky and manipulative. The only reason why I classify them as powerful is because they call the shots. But even then some female Claymores start to rebel.
Isley, the ruler of the North, is probably the only true powerful male in the series. He is all about war. But, unfortunately, he doesn’t show up till maybe the last six or seven episodes (there are 27), so there isn’t much to say about him.
Now, let’s go to the females!
Weak Females:
None!
Ha, just kidding, kind of. The only weak female characters in the show are children and woman who are being attacked by yoma.
Strong Females:
All of them!
Just kidding again, kind of. Like I said before, ALL the current Claymores (the ones that you get to know and love) are female.
Now, what I thought was interesting was the ranking system. Each Claymore has a rank; 1 is the highest, 47 is the lowest. Our main protagonist, Clare, is number 47. Even so, she is able to fight and contender with people who are in the single digits and she is able to fight the most powerful Awakened Being in the World.
That's Clare
By the way, the most powerful Awakened Being is Priscilla.
Dang, we men are too weak to even be the strongest monster!?
Conclusion:
I slightly noticed some of these sentiments the first two times I saw the series, but this third viewing really drove things home.
Now, I wonder if the creature had these views in mind when he or she created the idea for the show. Regardless, I just thought it was something to note.
BUT, I encourage you to watch the show; it’s still really great. It’s on my top 10 favorite animes of all time.
