D.Gray-man Review: Dark Exorcists, Cursed Innocence, and the War for Humanity

1. Introduction

D.Gray-man is a gothic supernatural action anime set in an alternate 19th-century Europe, where exorcists fight against demonic entities called Akuma, created from the souls of the dead. Created by Katsura Hoshino, the series blends religious symbolism, tragedy, psychological depth, and high-stakes battles as humanity wages war against the enigmatic Millennium Earl and his deadly creations.

Equal parts grim and heartfelt, D.Gray-man offers a unique mix of shounen-style combat with melancholic themes and a dark, immersive world.

2. Plot Summary

The story follows Allen Walker, a kind-hearted young exorcist who wields a cursed eye and an anti-Akuma weapon in his arm. He joins the Black Order, an organization tasked with defeating Akuma and recovering fragments of Innocence, a divine substance used to combat evil. Standing in their way is the Millennium Earl, a villain who tricks grieving humans into turning their loved ones into monsters.

As Allen uncovers his mysterious origins and the true nature of his powers, he faces inner turmoil, betrayal, and the growing threat of the Noah Clan, elite beings aligned with the Earl who aim to remake the world in their image.

3. Main Characters

Allen Walker – The protagonist with a cursed eye that detects Akuma and an evolving anti-Akuma weapon for an arm.Yu Kanda – A stoic and sharp-tongued exorcist who values strength and clashes with Allen.Lenalee Lee – A compassionate and powerful exorcist who considers the Order her family.Lavi – A cheerful Bookman apprentice whose duty is to record history without becoming attached.The Millennium Earl – A twisted, jester-like antagonist who creates Akuma and seeks to destroy humanity.Tyki Mikk – A member of the Noah Clan with the power to phase through matter and switch between a charming man and a sadistic killer.

4. Arcs & Sagas

🕯️ Rewinding Town Arc – Allen’s first major mission reveals the cruelty of Akuma creation.

🛡️ Edo Arc – Introduces stronger Akuma and deeper Noah Clan lore, including Kanda’s past.

🔎 Noah’s Ark Arc – A pivotal arc full of loss, surreal battles, and shocking revelations.

🧬 Central Agency & Alma Karma Arc – Focuses on Kanda's origins and the inhumane experiments of the Order.

🌙 The Phantom G Arc (Hallow) – A continuation of Allen's unraveling fate and the growing schism between him and the Order.

5. Powers & Abilities

• Innocence – The divine material used by exorcists to create weapons that destroy Akuma. Comes in many forms (parasitic, equipment-based, crystal-type).

• Allen’s Crown Clown – His powerful Innocence form, including a clawed arm, cape, and cursed eye.

• Lenalee’s Dark Boots – Grants her high-speed aerial mobility and enhanced kicks.

• Kanda’s Mugen – A katana imbued with regeneration and spirit powers.

• Noah Abilities – Each Noah possesses supernatural powers tied to specific biblical traits (e.g., Joy, Pleasure, Wrath).

6. Top Moments & Highlights

⚔️ Allen vs. Tyki – A brutal fight showcasing Allen’s growth and the emergence of Crown Clown.

🕊️ Lenalee’s new Innocence – A desperate, emotionally charged power-up mid-battle.

🌪️ Noah’s Ark collapse – A race against time with high emotional stakes.

🧠 Allen’s dual identity crisis – The slow unraveling of Allen as the potential host for the 14th Noah.

🩸 Alma Karma’s story – A heartbreaking tragedy revealing the twisted nature of the Order’s experiments.

7. Influence & Legacy

• A key dark shounen series of the 2000s, praised for its gothic tone and emotional weight.

• Despite production delays, its cult following remains strong, especially in cosplay and fanfic circles.

• Noted for early horror aesthetics before shifting to existential and philosophical themes in later arcs.

• Frequently compared to Fullmetal Alchemist and Bleach in tone and structure.

8. Anime & Manga Status

• Manga – Ongoing (though sporadic) due to Hoshino’s health; currently published in Jump SQ Rise.

• Anime – Two series:

  • D.Gray-man (103 episodes, 2006–2008)

  • D.Gray-man Hallow (13 episodes, 2016), continuing the manga storyline.

9. Where to Start Watching?

🎬 Start with Episode 1 of the original 2006 anime.

• After Episode 103, transition into D.Gray-man Hallow to continue the story.

• For a deeper experience, read the manga from the beginning or from the Noah’s Ark arc for unfiltered plot details.

10. Manga vs. Anime Differences

• The 2006 anime contains some filler arcs and slight pacing changes, but remains mostly faithful.

• Hallow adapts important manga arcs but ends abruptly.

• Manga art style evolves significantly, becoming more refined and emotionally intense.

11. Movies & Specials

• No theatrical films, but there are OVA recaps and event shorts.

• A continuation via anime remains in demand due to the manga’s deep, unadapted arcs.

12. Fan Theories & Speculations

🧬 Allen as the 14th Noah – Fans speculate on whether Allen will become or overcome the Noah inside him.

📜 The true goal of the Earl – Theories range from him being a fallen angel to a corrupted version of God.

🧩 Bookman neutrality vs. fate – Can Lavi remain unbiased, or will his bonds lead to rebellion?

13. Final Episodes & Sequel Hints

• D.Gray-man Hallow ends on a cliffhanger, setting up future arcs but leaving many unresolved threads.

• No new anime adaptation has been confirmed, though the manga’s continuation suggests more material is coming.

• Many fans anticipate a reboot or sequel series, similar to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

14. Live-Action Adaptation

• No live-action adaptation exists as of now.

• The rich costuming and dark Victorian aesthetic could lend itself well to theatrical or streaming adaptation.

15. Ratings & Reviews

⭐ Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (8.5/10)

🕯️ Story & Lore: ★★★★☆ (8.8/10)

⚔️ Action & Pacing: ★★★☆☆ (7.5/10)

👤 Characters: ★★★★☆ (9/10)

🎨 Art Style: ★★★★☆ (8.7/10)

🎵 Soundtrack: ★★★★☆ (8.6/10)

📚 Manga Quality: ★★★★☆ (9/10)

16. Recommendations

🖤 Watch if you enjoy:

• Gothic action anime with deep emotional arcs

• Shounen shows with philosophical undertones

• Series with internal conflict, tragic villains, and mystery

🎭 Great companions: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Blue Exorcist, Seraph of the End, Black Clover, Pandora Hearts