I initially got into D. Gray-man out of curiosity because many of my friends were reading it and raving about it. I expected it to be just another typical shonen title with little to offer, but I soon realized how wrong I was. The first volume hooked me like no other, and I became obsessed, catching up to the Japanese releases through scans. For those who know me (which isn't many of you), I usually hate reading scans for various reasons, but it was a necessity for D. Gray-man because I couldn't wait for the volumes to come out, though I still buy them when they do.
-STORY-
While it's not the most unique storyline, so much feels fresh and different, especially for a shonen title. With no tournaments in sight, the series' darker edge, and its perfect blend of humor, drama, and action, D. Gray-man is a breath of fresh air in the genre. I love the setting, being particularly fond of the chosen time period, and the vibe the series gives off is really enjoyable, especially early on. The Rewinding City chapters were some of the best chapters in manga ever.
-ART-
The artwork amazed me from the start. It's some of the most detailed manga art I've seen. I love the character designs, clothing, buildings—everything. The Rewinding City truly looked like a small German town, and the Black Order's HQ is a treat to look at. Some characters have designs that are not only gorgeous but also unique. An example of this is Miranda Lotto. She doesn't look like your typical anime girl, especially with her eyes and hair, but she is still lovely.
-CHARACTER-
I haven't found a character I truly dislike in this series, except for some villains. They are all interesting to learn about and see interacting with each other, including minor characters like Komui, Miranda, and Reever. I'll admit that Lenalee can get annoying at times, but the others more than make up for that.
-ENJOYMENT-
All I can really say here is that this has to be my favorite manga I've ever read.
-OVERALL-
I've given it an overall 10, and you should all go out and buy volume 1.
There's something about this series that I find incredibly captivating. Before I started reading/watching it, one of my online friends would occasionally mention it, and she seemed to really enjoy it. Despite that, something held me back from trying it out, and now I fully regret that decision because there is very little about this series that I can't appreciate.
Let's get down to business. First, let's talk about the story. When I first heard the basic premise of humans versus demons, my initial thought was, "This doesn't seem like a very original story, and I might get bored quickly." But boy, was I wrong! While the concept of good versus evil isn't groundbreaking, there are numerous quirks and unique angles that give it an original twist. I am far from getting bored. One of the strongest points of the story is its perfect balance of comedy, horror, drama, fighting, and a hint of romance to top it all off. The only minor issue I have is that the main characters often find themselves in seemingly helpless situations, but that actually keeps filler chapters at bay and ensures the story keeps moving forward. This story put me through an emotional rollercoaster! I laughed, I cried, I felt angry, and I fangirled.
The art is some of the best I've seen in shonen manga. The character designs capture the essence of each character's traits and emotions so vividly that I can practically feel them leaping off the page. It makes me feel like I'm jumping right into the story, which is obviously a major plus. The action sequences are intense, the emotions raw, and the art definitely enhances all of that.
The characters are undoubtedly among the best you'll find in any story, whether manga or otherwise. They are far from one-dimensional, especially the main character, Allen Walker. If you were to compare Allen at the beginning—when he seems like the most innocent and adorable person in the world—to his development by the later chapters, you'd be amazed. And it's not just Allen; all the characters undergo significant growth. None of the characters are entirely good or entirely evil, and their flaws add depth to the series.
The enjoyment I've derived from this series is the highest I've had for any series in a long time. I seriously can't stop reading it; I always need to know what happens next.
Overall, this series is amazing, and I can't believe it was created by just one person. Anyone looking for a good series should definitely consider giving this a try.
Story: 7
The story of D.Gray-Man is complex and grows more intricate as the series progresses. Currently, there are still many unanswered questions that I hope will be resolved by the time the manga concludes. Despite the occasionally confusing narrative, the story remains compelling whether you fully grasp what's happening or not. My assessment of the story might change as more questions are answered, but for now, it’s a good story filled with twists and turns.
Art: 9
The art style of D.Gray-Man evolves as the story unfolds, which usually indicates an improvement from decent/bad to good as the artist gains experience. However, in this case, both the pre- and post-change art styles are stunningly beautiful. Every character is beautifully drawn, and every panel is gorgeous. Both styles can shift seamlessly from serious to comedic, effectively capturing the essence of all the characters in D.Gray-Man.
Character: 10
This is where the series truly shines. Every character is exceptionally well-written, each with their own motives, goals, and personalities. Each character is unique not just within this series but compared to any other series. The author ensures that even those initially perceived as villains have dynamic and interesting backstories, straying from the typical evil villain trope. None of the characters ever act out of character or do anything inconsistent with their situations. The characters are fantastic throughout.
Enjoyment: 9
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through this series. When it was recommended to me, I was told it felt like Fullmetal Alchemist in some ways, and I can now see why. Both series have heavy plots but balance them with comedic scenes that never detract from the seriousness. The comedic moments in D.Gray-Man were always enjoyable and never poorly integrated into serious scenes. I believe D.Gray-Man is a fantastic series that is vastly underrated and doesn't receive nearly enough credit.
The manga series "D.Gray-man," penned by Katsura Hoshino, stands out as my favorite in Shounen Jump. It masterfully blurs the line between good and evil, much like Bleach, steering clear of clichés. The art, characters, and world-building are the standout features of this graphic novel. My affection for D.Gray-man has never waned; it's an enduring truth. While the storyline can be somewhat confusing at times, it rarely detracts from the overall experience.
Originally intended to promote the concept of exorcism, the narrative also provides several characters with compelling goals, particularly Allen Walker, our protagonist. The world-building in D.Gray-man is commendable, striking a balance that feels neither too ordinary nor overly fantastical, making it universally appealing.
The art in D.Gray-man is genuinely impressive. I find it more appealing than Soul Eater's art, and every panel captivates me.
Character portrayal is another strong suit. Allen isn't your typical Shounen Jump protagonist; he exhibits a more mature personality, especially considering his age. This maturity is justified by his backstory and resolve, allowing him to evolve naturally within the story and remain likable. His character development took an intriguing turn in the second arc, but not in a negative way.
Overall, reading D.Gray-man was a fun and adventurous experience. I highly recommend it if you enjoy dark medieval tales or stories centered around thwarting a devil-like figure.
There is something uniquely captivating about D.Gray-man. Perhaps it's the ensemble of characters that evolve together, rather than one outpacing the others, or maybe it's the emotional rollercoaster the mangaka skillfully orchestrates for the readers.
Regardless, D.Gray-man exudes an enigmatic aura, a sense of impending apocalypse intertwined with reality, as if the characters are losing even when they seem to be winning. [But are they truly winning? Or are they losing?]
D.Gray-man compels you to think, to ponder, and to be startled by even the smallest details. The protagonist may not be immediately relatable, but he is easily understood. His emotions, aspirations, and dreams are subtly revealed to the reader, never overtly so, but in a way that makes them believable despite their potentially clichéd nature, typical of many shonen manga.
The series allows you to empathize with its characters; there are never too many, and none are truly hateable. Most villains, except for the main antagonist who embodies pure evil, possess an inherent innocence. Conversely, each hero has a hint of imperfection, blurring the lines between good and evil.
D.Gray-man challenges the conventional perception of good versus evil without completely overturning it. It prompts the reader to question, to contemplate, and to worry. The main villain is delightfully evil, yet possesses an almost childlike quality that resonates with the audience. The protagonist fights against this villain, but between them lies a complex grey area filled with mutual understanding amidst the hatred.
In D.Gray-man, the boundaries between good and evil, friend and foe, often become blurred. There is always something profound within the themes and characters, evoking deep thought.
D.Gray-man makes you think, and that’s much more than can be said for most other manga.
Good idea, with a distinctive drawing style. However, it didn't start well. The quality improved towards the middle and the end. I had to put it down three times before I reached the part where I could truly enjoy it. The power of the earl seems to fluctuate in an inconsistent manner.
When I first heard about D.Gray-man, I wasn't particularly excited. The synopsis sounded as generic and repetitive as most shonen series—a cursed boy joins an organization to fight some evil guys. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon Katsura Hoshino’s stunning art that my interest was piqued. I found the gothic setting aesthetically pleasing, so I decided to check out a few panels and illustrations before committing to reading the manga.
D.Gray-man is far from being just another generic shonen story. It's truly unfortunate that this manga isn't as widely recognized as many other works. Perhaps it struggled to fit neatly into any specific category. It didn’t align with typical shonen tropes due to its dark themes and narrative structure, but it also didn’t quite work as a seinen because of its relatively light atmosphere compared to series like Berserk, Claymore, or Tokyo Ghoul.
D.Gray-man shines in its own unique way, needing no box to define it. Its brilliance lies in its uniqueness and memorability. From the very beginning, it captivates you with Hoshino’s exceptional art and the gothic, dark, and melodramatic atmosphere. The diversity of elements—clowns, vampires, artificial intelligence, churches, oddly shaped Akuma, dolls—makes the story special and entertaining.
The plot can be confusing; it’s simple yet baffling. You can never predict what will happen next, but somehow, the storyline remains coherent and well-structured. Unlike many shonen stories where the plot is divided into clear arcs, D.Gray-man keeps readers guessing. It’s primarily a character-driven story, yet it never strays from its central goal or loses sight of the themes and symbols that build the narrative. With each chapter, the story becomes more intriguing and cryptic, and real questions start to emerge. However, the story unfolds slowly and cleverly. Hoshino has mastered every aspect of good manga: unparalleled art style, a grounded plot, a distinct atmosphere, astonishing storytelling, and balanced characters.
The characters are the heart of the story. It’s hard to dislike any character, even the villains. Each one is well-written and developed throughout the story. The cast feels realistic, human, and diverse, hailing from various parts of the world. There’s no stereotypical "stupid," "cold-blooded," or "genius" character. While they have distinct traits—Allen is sympathetic, Lavi is funny, Kanda is quiet, Crowley is somewhat silly, Komui is brilliant in his field, Miranda is goofy—these traits don’t fully define their characters. Allen can be ruthless, Lavi serious, Miranda devoted, and so on. Every character is useful and consistent throughout the story, even side characters leave a lasting impression. Every death is tragic and heartbreaking because this is the world of D.Gray-man. Everyone has their own stories, backstories, goals, and personalities.
The antagonists are just as compelling as the protagonists. One moment, Hoshino presents them as a sweet and normal family, and the next, she reminds you how merciless they can be. Despite their wicked actions, they aren’t entirely inhumane. They live ordinary lives, laugh (they’re actually quite funny), do homework, play cards. They aren’t morally black-and-white; they’re interesting and enigmatic. You can’t always tell what’s going on in their heads. They aren’t mindless killing machines driven by ideology. At first glance, they might seem shallow, but they’re anything but.
What I love most about Hoshino is her ability to never fully reveal everything at once. She gently cooks the story over low heat, peeling back layers until you reach the core. I also adore the little club she created at the end of each chapter—it’s cute and heartwarming.
If you haven’t read D.Gray-man, do yourself a favor and give it a shot. It’s worth it and is much more profound and amusing than it might appear at first glance.
D. Gray-man was a series I got into because my friends often talked about it. However, the first few chapters did not disappoint me, so I kept reading.
While the feeling of "this is your destiny, find these items" has been used time and again, D. Gray-man does bring some interesting twists. Nonetheless, this doesn't ignore the difficulty of such a broad thesis, so to speak. I think that Hoshino realized rather belatedly that it's challenging to keep readers interested in a manga that will go on for quite a while. There are 109 or so Innocence; the Order must find them all. I believe Hoshino realized this would take quite a long time, and it started taking on a Tsubasa Chronicle-feel (and we all know how that went...). It scared me a little when the plot seemed a bit similar to Tsubasa's. My belief is that after realizing this, she added, "Oh, wait! If the Earl finds the Heart, we're all dead!"
After that declaration, the story seems to peak at the arc with the Ark (hehe... is that considered punny?). After the Ark, everything had a new feel to it, yet Hoshino let me down by not taking advantage of this new start. Then there were complications, and the storyline slowed down, eventually becoming as twisted as Tsubasa Chronicle, which my gut had warned me about. What really disappointed me, as a former (well, more accurately, dormant) Yullen fan, was chapter 176. I remember it clearly because that chapter just killed me oh, so much. It is possible, though, for Hoshino to recover from this literary slump. Only time will tell, I suppose.
A very prominent factor in drawing me into this manga was the cast of characters. Though yes, they seemed to be easily grouped into certain "types" of characters (Kanda, for a while, seemed like a long-haired Sasuke to me, even though Kanda’s my favorite character and I can’t stand 95% of the characters in Naruto, including Sasuke), Hoshino finds little ways to begin to wedge them away from that grouping... and after the Ark, slaps them back into the category, which disappointed me—very much so. However, there is a chance for redemption.
Throughout the time I read the manga, I enjoyed it very much until it seemed like a down period for Kanda, and after chapter 176, I had no will to read it anymore because I was so shocked by what Hoshino had done to him. I got over it, though, and was shocked again. The plot twists involving Kanda wrenched my heart (but maybe that’s because I’m biased).
The artwork in the beginning was very good, but it became even more beautiful as the series progressed. Every panel was like a flower blooming; every battle scene was depicted with clarity—until after the Ark, when Hoshino began having health problems. I concede that carpal tunnel does impair an artist’s ability, but one of my closest friends has carpal tunnel yet continues to produce beautiful work whose quality surpasses everything she had ever drawn before. But I digress.
Character designs are all very unique; costumes and hairstyles are outlandish yet somewhat realistic at the same time. The only person whose hair is unnatural is Allen, and... well... he’s not natural. Also, white is a natural color... just not on a boy of fifteen (is that how old he is?). All of the designs are acceptable in a realistic, modern setting (costumes and clothing aside). It is filled with lots of eye candy (Kanda and Lavi ♥),
Overall, D. Gray-man is a very good manga—to a point. I would like to think that Hoshino has lost interest and needs to be invigorated with the power that once compelled this author to write such a great beginning. Although I have lost interest, perhaps I will come back.
I can't recall if this is one of those instances where the anime ended prematurely, prompting me to switch to reading the manga. Regardless, D. Gray Man has lost me over the past few years. Many chapters seem to jump in time and location, making the already confusing storyline even harder to follow. It becomes frustratingly unclear who is bad and who is good as the story shifts from a simple black-and-white narrative to a complex conspiracy theory.
A shonen I didn't think I would like but fell in love with.
My expectations: A basic shonen, filled with a messy plot, probably full of cliches and uninteresting characters. A bland manga with nothing special. Keep in mind, I had finished the anime before getting to it, so I thought the negatives would outweigh the positives as they did in the anime. But oh boy, was I wrong!
What I got: An amazing cast of villains, a great main character, insane reveals, and a truly enjoyable story. The tragic story of Allen Walker and how the author portrays it is absolute perfection.
-STORY-
Unlike most other shonen, this one has an overall dark and creepy tone to it. The story, while certainly not the most unique, is well-written and breathtakingly portrayed! The blend of comedy, character interactions, and drama feels fresh. The characters have unique personalities and roles, making you really get attached to them because of how the story is set up.
-ART-
The art may not be the best, but it's still great. At the beginning, it's not that good, but the art style evolves over the chapters and becomes really impressive. When it needs to, the art can reach godly heights! Pretty good, honestly.
-CHARACTERS-
The characters are amazing and well-developed, though some aren't as interesting or standout as others. However, the main characters are awesome, extremely interesting, and you can't help but love them. Allen Walker, especially, is the greatest shonen protagonist of all time. His backstory, the author's presentation, and his personality are all incredibly likable and amazing.
-ENJOYMENT-
How do I express the joy I get while reading it? It's literally 10/10 in this regard. The characters, the hype, the art, and even the anticipation for new chapters—it's all just so enjoyable.
Peak Shonen, the best of its kind. Beautifully tragic and well-crafted. A true piece of unforgettable art!
D.Gray-man was my gateway into the anime world. The first episode captured my attention immediately, and before I knew it, I had watched the entire series twice and started reading the manga, although understanding the story was still a bit confusing for me at the time. The storyline carried profound meanings that resonated with me, and it will always hold a special place among my favorite series.
The artwork in D.Gray-man was breathtaking, and this set a standard for other anime and manga I would later watch or read. If the artwork isn't good, I find myself less drawn to the characters and the story. D.Gray-man definitely played a role in shaping this preference for me.
I adored the character development; the Earl still gives me the chills, while Allen and Lavi are characters I just want to hug. The series has done an excellent job of establishing well-rounded character profiles. We know enough about the characters to love them, but their pasts continue to haunt us as the storyline progresses.
I’ve already expressed how much I enjoyed the series. Rating it is tricky because I’m considering both the manga and the anime. The anime, having concluded, was thoroughly enjoyable and something I could rewatch multiple times. However, the manga is quite frustrating. The artwork has changed, scanlations are released too slowly, and the plot has become so intricate that I often feel lost. I really miss seeing Lavi and am trying to figure out where the story is heading. At this point, I prefer the anime over the manga.
D.Gray-Man is definitely one of my favorite manga because it has the ability to be unique without falling into excessive anime clichés (looking at you, Black Clover).
No matter how many manga I read or anime I watch, whether it's Naruto or others, this one has a special place in my heart! I fell in love with this manga because I enjoy dark and gothic themes. It's like it transports you to a different world of fantasy and knowledge! The series is truly impressive. However, there is a concern along the way.
The only thing that really scares me about its current schedule is the possibility that it will never have a conclusion. I want D.Gray-Man to have the ending it deserves, and I want Katsura Hoshino herself to feel good about it too.
I believe the choice of characters in that piece of art that led her to cancel the DVD releases was a significant problem. The Hallow anime focused on Kanda’s relationship with Alma, not Allen. Not to mention the unauthorized sexualization of her characters by an official company probably ticked her off as well. But I guess we’ll never really know much about what happened with Hallow.
Anyway, my point is that I love D.Gray-Man and I wish the best for Katsura Hoshino, hoping that she feels better, both physically and mentally, in due time.
Popular Reviews
-STORY-
While it's not the most unique storyline, so much feels fresh and different, especially for a shonen title. With no tournaments in sight, the series' darker edge, and its perfect blend of humor, drama, and action, D. Gray-man is a breath of fresh air in the genre. I love the setting, being particularly fond of the chosen time period, and the vibe the series gives off is really enjoyable, especially early on. The Rewinding City chapters were some of the best chapters in manga ever.
-ART-
The artwork amazed me from the start. It's some of the most detailed manga art I've seen. I love the character designs, clothing, buildings—everything. The Rewinding City truly looked like a small German town, and the Black Order's HQ is a treat to look at. Some characters have designs that are not only gorgeous but also unique. An example of this is Miranda Lotto. She doesn't look like your typical anime girl, especially with her eyes and hair, but she is still lovely.
-CHARACTER-
I haven't found a character I truly dislike in this series, except for some villains. They are all interesting to learn about and see interacting with each other, including minor characters like Komui, Miranda, and Reever. I'll admit that Lenalee can get annoying at times, but the others more than make up for that.
-ENJOYMENT-
All I can really say here is that this has to be my favorite manga I've ever read.
-OVERALL-
I've given it an overall 10, and you should all go out and buy volume 1.
There's something about this series that I find incredibly captivating. Before I started reading/watching it, one of my online friends would occasionally mention it, and she seemed to really enjoy it. Despite that, something held me back from trying it out, and now I fully regret that decision because there is very little about this series that I can't appreciate.
Let's get down to business. First, let's talk about the story. When I first heard the basic premise of humans versus demons, my initial thought was, "This doesn't seem like a very original story, and I might get bored quickly." But boy, was I wrong! While the concept of good versus evil isn't groundbreaking, there are numerous quirks and unique angles that give it an original twist. I am far from getting bored. One of the strongest points of the story is its perfect balance of comedy, horror, drama, fighting, and a hint of romance to top it all off. The only minor issue I have is that the main characters often find themselves in seemingly helpless situations, but that actually keeps filler chapters at bay and ensures the story keeps moving forward. This story put me through an emotional rollercoaster! I laughed, I cried, I felt angry, and I fangirled.
The art is some of the best I've seen in shonen manga. The character designs capture the essence of each character's traits and emotions so vividly that I can practically feel them leaping off the page. It makes me feel like I'm jumping right into the story, which is obviously a major plus. The action sequences are intense, the emotions raw, and the art definitely enhances all of that.
The characters are undoubtedly among the best you'll find in any story, whether manga or otherwise. They are far from one-dimensional, especially the main character, Allen Walker. If you were to compare Allen at the beginning—when he seems like the most innocent and adorable person in the world—to his development by the later chapters, you'd be amazed. And it's not just Allen; all the characters undergo significant growth. None of the characters are entirely good or entirely evil, and their flaws add depth to the series.
The enjoyment I've derived from this series is the highest I've had for any series in a long time. I seriously can't stop reading it; I always need to know what happens next.
Overall, this series is amazing, and I can't believe it was created by just one person. Anyone looking for a good series should definitely consider giving this a try.
Story: 7
The story of D.Gray-Man is complex and grows more intricate as the series progresses. Currently, there are still many unanswered questions that I hope will be resolved by the time the manga concludes. Despite the occasionally confusing narrative, the story remains compelling whether you fully grasp what's happening or not. My assessment of the story might change as more questions are answered, but for now, it’s a good story filled with twists and turns.
Art: 9
The art style of D.Gray-Man evolves as the story unfolds, which usually indicates an improvement from decent/bad to good as the artist gains experience. However, in this case, both the pre- and post-change art styles are stunningly beautiful. Every character is beautifully drawn, and every panel is gorgeous. Both styles can shift seamlessly from serious to comedic, effectively capturing the essence of all the characters in D.Gray-Man.
Character: 10
This is where the series truly shines. Every character is exceptionally well-written, each with their own motives, goals, and personalities. Each character is unique not just within this series but compared to any other series. The author ensures that even those initially perceived as villains have dynamic and interesting backstories, straying from the typical evil villain trope. None of the characters ever act out of character or do anything inconsistent with their situations. The characters are fantastic throughout.
Enjoyment: 9
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through this series. When it was recommended to me, I was told it felt like Fullmetal Alchemist in some ways, and I can now see why. Both series have heavy plots but balance them with comedic scenes that never detract from the seriousness. The comedic moments in D.Gray-Man were always enjoyable and never poorly integrated into serious scenes. I believe D.Gray-Man is a fantastic series that is vastly underrated and doesn't receive nearly enough credit.
The manga series "D.Gray-man," penned by Katsura Hoshino, stands out as my favorite in Shounen Jump. It masterfully blurs the line between good and evil, much like Bleach, steering clear of clichés. The art, characters, and world-building are the standout features of this graphic novel. My affection for D.Gray-man has never waned; it's an enduring truth. While the storyline can be somewhat confusing at times, it rarely detracts from the overall experience.
Originally intended to promote the concept of exorcism, the narrative also provides several characters with compelling goals, particularly Allen Walker, our protagonist. The world-building in D.Gray-man is commendable, striking a balance that feels neither too ordinary nor overly fantastical, making it universally appealing.
The art in D.Gray-man is genuinely impressive. I find it more appealing than Soul Eater's art, and every panel captivates me.
Character portrayal is another strong suit. Allen isn't your typical Shounen Jump protagonist; he exhibits a more mature personality, especially considering his age. This maturity is justified by his backstory and resolve, allowing him to evolve naturally within the story and remain likable. His character development took an intriguing turn in the second arc, but not in a negative way.
Overall, reading D.Gray-man was a fun and adventurous experience. I highly recommend it if you enjoy dark medieval tales or stories centered around thwarting a devil-like figure.
There is something uniquely captivating about D.Gray-man. Perhaps it's the ensemble of characters that evolve together, rather than one outpacing the others, or maybe it's the emotional rollercoaster the mangaka skillfully orchestrates for the readers.
Regardless, D.Gray-man exudes an enigmatic aura, a sense of impending apocalypse intertwined with reality, as if the characters are losing even when they seem to be winning. [But are they truly winning? Or are they losing?]
D.Gray-man compels you to think, to ponder, and to be startled by even the smallest details. The protagonist may not be immediately relatable, but he is easily understood. His emotions, aspirations, and dreams are subtly revealed to the reader, never overtly so, but in a way that makes them believable despite their potentially clichéd nature, typical of many shonen manga.
The series allows you to empathize with its characters; there are never too many, and none are truly hateable. Most villains, except for the main antagonist who embodies pure evil, possess an inherent innocence. Conversely, each hero has a hint of imperfection, blurring the lines between good and evil.
D.Gray-man challenges the conventional perception of good versus evil without completely overturning it. It prompts the reader to question, to contemplate, and to worry. The main villain is delightfully evil, yet possesses an almost childlike quality that resonates with the audience. The protagonist fights against this villain, but between them lies a complex grey area filled with mutual understanding amidst the hatred.
In D.Gray-man, the boundaries between good and evil, friend and foe, often become blurred. There is always something profound within the themes and characters, evoking deep thought.
D.Gray-man makes you think, and that’s much more than can be said for most other manga.
Good idea, with a distinctive drawing style. However, it didn't start well. The quality improved towards the middle and the end. I had to put it down three times before I reached the part where I could truly enjoy it. The power of the earl seems to fluctuate in an inconsistent manner.
I can't recall if this is one of those instances where the anime ended prematurely, prompting me to switch to reading the manga. Regardless, D. Gray Man has lost me over the past few years. Many chapters seem to jump in time and location, making the already confusing storyline even harder to follow. It becomes frustratingly unclear who is bad and who is good as the story shifts from a simple black-and-white narrative to a complex conspiracy theory.
-D.GRAY.MAN-
A shonen I didn't think I would like but fell in love with.
My expectations: A basic shonen, filled with a messy plot, probably full of cliches and uninteresting characters. A bland manga with nothing special. Keep in mind, I had finished the anime before getting to it, so I thought the negatives would outweigh the positives as they did in the anime. But oh boy, was I wrong!
What I got: An amazing cast of villains, a great main character, insane reveals, and a truly enjoyable story. The tragic story of Allen Walker and how the author portrays it is absolute perfection.
-STORY-
Unlike most other shonen, this one has an overall dark and creepy tone to it. The story, while certainly not the most unique, is well-written and breathtakingly portrayed! The blend of comedy, character interactions, and drama feels fresh. The characters have unique personalities and roles, making you really get attached to them because of how the story is set up.
-ART-
The art may not be the best, but it's still great. At the beginning, it's not that good, but the art style evolves over the chapters and becomes really impressive. When it needs to, the art can reach godly heights! Pretty good, honestly.
-CHARACTERS-
The characters are amazing and well-developed, though some aren't as interesting or standout as others. However, the main characters are awesome, extremely interesting, and you can't help but love them. Allen Walker, especially, is the greatest shonen protagonist of all time. His backstory, the author's presentation, and his personality are all incredibly likable and amazing.
-ENJOYMENT-
How do I express the joy I get while reading it? It's literally 10/10 in this regard. The characters, the hype, the art, and even the anticipation for new chapters—it's all just so enjoyable.
Peak Shonen, the best of its kind. Beautifully tragic and well-crafted. A true piece of unforgettable art!
D.Gray-man was my gateway into the anime world. The first episode captured my attention immediately, and before I knew it, I had watched the entire series twice and started reading the manga, although understanding the story was still a bit confusing for me at the time. The storyline carried profound meanings that resonated with me, and it will always hold a special place among my favorite series.
The artwork in D.Gray-man was breathtaking, and this set a standard for other anime and manga I would later watch or read. If the artwork isn't good, I find myself less drawn to the characters and the story. D.Gray-man definitely played a role in shaping this preference for me.
I adored the character development; the Earl still gives me the chills, while Allen and Lavi are characters I just want to hug. The series has done an excellent job of establishing well-rounded character profiles. We know enough about the characters to love them, but their pasts continue to haunt us as the storyline progresses.
I’ve already expressed how much I enjoyed the series. Rating it is tricky because I’m considering both the manga and the anime. The anime, having concluded, was thoroughly enjoyable and something I could rewatch multiple times. However, the manga is quite frustrating. The artwork has changed, scanlations are released too slowly, and the plot has become so intricate that I often feel lost. I really miss seeing Lavi and am trying to figure out where the story is heading. At this point, I prefer the anime over the manga.
D.Gray-Man is definitely one of my favorite manga because it has the ability to be unique without falling into excessive anime clichés (looking at you, Black Clover).
No matter how many manga I read or anime I watch, whether it's Naruto or others, this one has a special place in my heart! I fell in love with this manga because I enjoy dark and gothic themes. It's like it transports you to a different world of fantasy and knowledge! The series is truly impressive. However, there is a concern along the way.
The only thing that really scares me about its current schedule is the possibility that it will never have a conclusion. I want D.Gray-Man to have the ending it deserves, and I want Katsura Hoshino herself to feel good about it too.
I believe the choice of characters in that piece of art that led her to cancel the DVD releases was a significant problem. The Hallow anime focused on Kanda’s relationship with Alma, not Allen. Not to mention the unauthorized sexualization of her characters by an official company probably ticked her off as well. But I guess we’ll never really know much about what happened with Hallow.
Anyway, my point is that I love D.Gray-Man and I wish the best for Katsura Hoshino, hoping that she feels better, both physically and mentally, in due time.
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