Episodes: Unknown

Year: 2006

Status: Ongoing

Subbed by: Shinsen Subs, Black Order Fansubs

Official D.Gray-man Site (Japanese)

Rating: Great

The story takes place in an alternative end to the 19th century. A conflict brews between the Millennium Earl and the Black Order. The Millennium Earl is the creator of all demons or “akuma” and he creates them using sorrow and tragedy to bind souls and do his bidding - which is usually to kill humans. The Black Order consists of exorcists - those chosen by God to rid the world of dark beings. It falls on the exorcists to destroy demons created by the Earl and to find fragments of a substance known as “Innocence” which is needed to defeat the Millennium Earl. Allen Walker is a young and rather unique exorcist joining the Black Order. Allen’s left eye, which is cursed, has the power to see the souls bound to demons. As the forces of evil gather their strength, will Allen and the other Exorcists have enough power to stop the Earl or will the Earl succeed in destroying Innocence and in ridding the world of humans?

D.Gray-man is quite the action-packed anime with a very interesting plot driving it. Although the series is well past the 40 episode mark, the story is far from slowing down. Allen’s comrades such as Kanda, Lavi, and Lenalee have significant roles to play in the development of the overall story. They give the story the vast breadth it needs to go beyond an “Allen vs. Earl” type plot. There is a healthy dose of humour by the supervisor of the Black Order - Lee Komui. And yes, it is sometimes much needed as the anime gets darker as the plot progresses. I would highly recommend D.Gray-man as a welcome change from vampires and shinigami!

Check out other great anime like this:

Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: This one’s about the journey of two brothers to regain what they lost when they broke the laws of alchemy. D.Gray-man and Hagane no Renkinjutsushi are both set in different worlds and have young heroes on a journey with tragic pasts. Both animes have great action with a darkish compelling plot.

Hellsing

Kekkaishi

Bleach: Its easy to see parallels between these two - D.Gray-man has the Black Order against demons while Bleach has Shinigamis against Hollows. Stylistically these animes are very different but both offer great action and storylines.