Although I'm a huge comic fan, I've never read a Japanese Manga series and Claymore 8 was my first endeavor at this extremely popular medium. Grabbing the book, I was about to read it when I realised that the book was backwards. That's right and there is a page at the start explaining why this book is read in a reverse fashion in order to preserve the original artists vision.

Although quite confusing, I soon found myself unable to put this book down and an hour later, I had finished the book and was craving more. By keeping the book in line with the Japanese version, this ensures that not much in lost in translation but I must admit it's a tricky art to master. The story is written by Norihiro Yagi who is also the artists in the series that is set in the middle ages on what may be another planet.

The story revolves around a Claymore named Clare, a half human and Yoma (monster) who were created by the humans to protect them from these hideous monsters and the viewer is thrown right into the action as she battles Ophelia, a former Claymore.

We also learn which happened in previous books that Clare is a young Claymore who has "left" her organisation in search of Raki. Although the Claymore's are a powerful force, if they let their monstrous side overpower them, they are doomed forever to become Yoma which is the battle that Clare faces.

As Clare continues her search, she discovers a town plagued by the Yoma and with her giant sword, she decides to investigate, only to discover that another Claymore is hunting for her and she stumbles upon a deadly secret regarding the original Claymores.

The story is quite easy to follow, once you have unlocked the correct way to read it, however it's always difficult to review something when you walk in on a story already going. Thankfully Yagi ensures that enough of the back story is available for the reader which of course is complimented by his outstanding drawing skills.

Recommended!