Riful of the West's motives make her a more interesting enemy. Yagi puts forth a question that I see as a theme in many manga/anime: if you've become non-human--and even superior to humans--then doesn't that mean that you can treat humans like they treat cattle? By itself, it's moot because cattle aren't sentient. However, hearing that idea come from someone so childlike, sweet-looking, and who wants friends and gets bored as Riful does cause one pause. The counterpoint is provided by the claymores who want to stay at least in control of their humanity instead of becoming what they see as a blood-thirsty--or viscera-eating--killer.

Let's see how Yagi develops this theme. ( )

This is the eighth volume in the Claymore manga series. This continues to be a really excellent series, full of action and the mysteries behind the Claymore organization.

This book wraps up the epic battle that started between Clare and Ophelia in the last book. Things end up being different then you would expect, as Ophelia has an interesting request for Clare. Clare thens goes undercover from the Organization in an attempt to find Raki. However, while Clare is searching for Raki she stumbles upon a sorely injured Claymore who begs Clare to help her friends. Clare ends up captured, along with two other Claymore, by a truly terrifying young girl who has plans for the Claymore.

Clare’s battle with Ophelia was pretty darn awesome. In the end you actually begin to feel some sympathy for the treacherous Ophelia.

Clare then begins a desperate search for Raki in the nearby town. This starts a whole new storyline when Clare meets a Claymore that is near death. Clare goes to face off with this new Awakened threat and meets a little girl who is trying to form an army of Awakened Beings.

As with all the previous books the illustration is really well done and easy to follow. The story line is progressing wonderfully. It’s full of tons of action and we meet some interesting new characters.

Overall another wonderful installment in this series. I continue to really really enjoy this series. I highly recommend this manga series to all fans of dark fantasy manga, it is a very engaging read and really well done. ( )