Manga Review – Claymore, Vol. 02: Darkness in Paradise by Norihiro Yagi (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Teen or older
Genre: Fantasy/Manga
Size: 208 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Release Date: June 6, 2006
ISBN: 978-1421506197
Stand Alone or Series: 2nd book in the Claymore series
Source: Bought
Rating: 5/5 stars

This was another fantastic installment in the Claymore series. This book is only the first half of a story arc that continues in volume 3 of the Claymore series (Teresa of the Faint Smile). This is an action packed fantasy manga with excellent characterization and great world-building. I have watched all of the Claymore amine and have been eager to read the Manga in order to get more of the story.

This installment picks up shortly after where the first book left off. Clare is asked to hunt down a Yoma in the Holy City of Rabona. Claymore are illegal in Rabona, so Clare is forced to hide her Claymore abilities with a special pill. Raki, the young boy from the first novel, accompanies her and helps provide cover for her story of being a normal girl who is there to sell antiques in Rabone. Clare faces on her greatest challenge yet when she finds out the Yoma is a Voracious Eater.

As mentioned above this is only the first part of the story, the story of Clare’s battle with the Voracious Eater is continued into volume three.

I enjoyed how the Clare and Raki continue to develop a solid friendship throughout this book. It was also interesting to see Clare dressed and acting as a civilian. Of course when Clare goes out Yoma hunting she seriously kicks butt.

This is again read like a traditional Manga (back to front, right to left). The illustration is very well done. There is nice detail and it is never hard to follow what is going on. I really enjoyed it.

You learn a little more background on Yoma and Claymore as well. The world is definitely expanded beyond what we were introduced to in the first book.

Overall I am really enjoying how action packed this series is while doing an excellent job of having great character development and an engaging storyline. I am really enjoying this manga series so far. The illustration is well done, the world in intriguing, and the characters are likable and engaging. I am excited to see what the next installment brings to the story.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
– You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge
– 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge