TwiddleGeek

Based on the manga of the same name, D. Gray-man shows us an alternate picture of late twentieth century Europe, where “exorcists” are employed in the task of annihilating “akuma” - a combination of evil machine and tormented human soul. In the first episode, we meet our protagonist, Allen Walker, en route to the exorcist HQ, when he gets sidetracked by the local police and their encounter with an akuma. The basic premise of the plot is laid out, and we get small portions of action and Allen’s character, as well an exploding cat. Nothing riveting, but good enough to grab my attention for episode two. I can’t wait to see how Allen got the Golden Snitch away from Harry Potter.

Upon reaching the Exorcist HQ, Allen is mistaken for an Akuma by the gatekeeper, and is attacked by Exorcist Kanda. After Allen’s letter of introduction is recovered from the mess that is Komui’s desk, the attack is halted, but Kanda’s still resentful of Allen’s cursed existence. Allen is then guided around HQ by Lenalee, Komui’s sister, and forced into an examination by a big gray glowing… thingy.

Better than the first episode, this one has begun to endear the characters to me. The interplay between Komui and Allen reminds me of that between Hughes and Ed (of Fullmetal Alchemist). Kanda seems rather archetypical so far - elitist snob looking down on the main character for some minor imperfection - but we’re hoping he’ll develop a bit, since he’s pretty cool otherwise.

Allen and Kanda get off on the wrong foot (again), which according to article 32, section D of The Grand Laws Governing Anime, requires that they must be paired for a mission… And off they go! Because the mission was not completed by the end of the episode, I’m hoping it’s going to develop into something more than “mission of the week.” Still enjoying the characters though - Kanda rox my socks.

The Exorcists apprehend the Ghost of Mateel, who, predictably, is not an actual ghost, but they do throw in a little oddity here. The “evolved” akuma is still on the loose however, and it’s gained the ability to copy all, or parts of other people. A little put off by Kanda’s line, “I’m not gonna die until I’ve found ‘that person’,” as this is so undeniably cliche for anime. Frankly I’m not impressed with D. Gray-man’s plot so far, but it’s still fun to watch for good characters and action (that is, when the coloring’s not so dark that you can actually see the action…).