Without wasting anymore time I will start with the review.
- S T O R Y -
The plot is centered around Allen Walker, the protagonist who possesses both a cursed eye and an anti-Akuma weapon since as an apostle of God he bears the ''Innocence''. He joins the Black Order under the recommendation of his Master to exorcise Akuma and ultimately stop their creator, the Millenium Earl alongside his fellow exorcists.
The story is well paced, it develops the world of D.Gray-man enough for you to get a grasp on the overall situation that they're in with the Akuma and all and so you don't feel like they're walking in a generic 19th century setting.
Due to the manga changing from weekly to monthly at one point, you will notice that the quality in both art and pacing skyrockets as Katsura Hoshino has more time to think of how she should progress with the story and has more spare time to conceptualize other things that might come into play in the story as well.
The story is definitely not something unique but it's something refreshing than your typical Shonen, most of the cliché Shonen tropes are nowhere to be seen and the manga's edgier tone fits perfectly with the setting.(edited)
- C H A R A C T E R S -
The main characters all have their motives, their goal and their story.
They do feel pretty well developed through out the series while still staying true to their core personalities, the most interesting character so far is without a doubt the protagonist, Allen. He is presented in a manner that makes you feel you already know what you need to know about him but there's this feeling of vagueness and lack of knowledge about him as well and the story constantly teases the fans with a hint of something connected to his backstory and his origin.
Although the other characters also fare pretty well, all of them are likable and with an interesting backstory or motives and each has distinctive looks and personality.
- A R T -
D.Gray-man's art has a really charming gothic art style that perfectly fits the setting and tone of the manga.
While it does start out pretty simplistic, it does evolve drastically because of the jump from a weekly publication to monthly and is currently extremely crisp, detailed and the action is really clear. The gothing charm of the manga is kept intact and is even more apparent now.
- O V E R A L L -
I think D.Gray-man is definetely worth reading if you're looking for a Shonen manga that feels different from every other mainstream Battle Shonen.
D.Gray-man has it's characters as it's main focus and puts the battles in the back seat, although they are still present.
