▪	RELEASED BY:		FUNIMATION ENTERTAINMENT
		▪	ASPECT RATIO:		16:9 ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN
		▪	AUDIO:		ENGLISH DD 5.1 AND JAPANESE DD 2.0
		▪	RUNNING TIME:		300 MIN
		▪	RATING:		TV 14
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		03/31/2009
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		04/30/2009
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

Should he fail, Innocence will be lost forever.

REVIEW:
D. Gray Man is a thrilling Gothic series that blends the supernatural with action and unexpected comedy brilliantly.  It is suspenseful, mysterious, laden with inhuman dangers and otherworldly abilities, all while still having a sense of humor and a flair for the macabre. This first set of thirteen episodes introduces viewers to Allen Walker, a fifteen year old Exorcist that has been cursed with an eye that can see Akuma and born with an arm that can destroy them. He goes to the Black Order to join the anti-Akuma organization and stop the infinitely eerie Millennium Earl. Despite the already many tragedies Allen has witnessed in his past, it isn’t until he gets involved with the Order that the suffering and horror truly gets unleashed. An ancient prophecy, the rise of a pending cataclysm, and the origins of Allen are only the beginning in this engrossing new anime series.

It is based on the popular manga of the same name by Katsura Hoshino. The anime, like the manga, has far reaching tales that go through story arcs that span many episodes. Allen first arrives in a city where he is the prime suspect in a murder investigation. After that excitement he manages to finally reach the headquarters of the Black Order where he meets Lenalee, another fellow Exorcist, along with the monosyllabic and lethal swordsman Kanda, and their chief Komui. A three episode arc ensues when Allen and Kanda go to investigate the ghost of Mater. They clash, having very different personalities and opposing views on what an Exorcist is. Kanda insists it is the role of a destroyer, but Allen hopes and strives to be a savior for the tortured souls that have been unwillingly turned into murderous Akuma. It is a conflict that will come to the fore before the first box set comes to an end.

A two-part episode sees Allen meeting a young boy that pulls at Allen’s memories of his own childhood and how he became cursed. It also reveals one of his own comrades as another Apostle of God with an anti-Akuma weapon that is very different from his arm but just as effective. He too is an Apostle and he comes face to face with the nightmare of his past – the Millennium Earl, a creepy figure that will prove the insistent evil in Allen’s life, intent to undo all that Allen is striving for.

A one-shot episode involving robots running amuck at HQ and a surprise party throws in a wonderful splash of levity before the next intense story arc begins. In fact that anime has a lot more comedy than one might expect from such a darkly atmospheric series but they manage it strikingly well, especially with characters like Komui and a surprising amount with Allen. The darkness however does return and return full force when the followers of the Earl appear. Lenalee and Allen go to investigate a town that keeps reliving the same day. They end up meeting Road, a follower of the Earl and human. She’s not an Akuma but she does have supernatural powers that leave Allen wounded and Lenalee a lifeless hostage at Road’s side. The prophecy reveals that the Innocence lost in shards around the world will be gathered and the next Flood will occur, annihilating humanity. Road and the other members of the Clan of Noah cannot be killed and with their powers are all for the destruction of humankind. The battle between her and Allen is brutal and gives an all new purpose to the boy with the cursed eye.

The final episode introduces Lavi, another Exorcist with an anti-Akuma weapon, a war hammer that can change shape and function. During his recovery from his wounds after his battle with Road, Allen learns an important lesson from Lavi that will firm his resolve as an Exorcist even more. It is now a race to get to the lost pieces of Innocence before the Earl and his lethal minions do, because if the Earl gets them all the end of the world will be nigh!

Exciting, with a Gothic atmosphere and fantastical action, D. Gray Man has it all.  The production style TMS Entertainment (Lupin III, MAPS, Project ARMS, The Snow Queen) renders the anime with is fantastic. It is very vivid, dark, with great character designs that stay true to the original manga while adding to the smooth motions of the battles with the Akuma. The dramatic and tragic scenes with the Akuma and the lives that are destroyed are an immersing combination of fantasy style and emotionally intense ambiance. The anti-Akuma weapons add a shade of science fiction into this supernatural fantasy set in an alternate 19th century Europe. The show manages to capture the European settings well enough to invoke thoughts of England, small Germanic villages, and a world at the edge of a new turn of the century – or should Allen fail – the end of all of time.

The music stands out for it’s versatility as well as its catchy opening and ending themes. The score eases through the diverse emotional transitions in scenes with a rare ease. The opening song “Innocent Sorrow” sung by abingdon boys school and the ending song “Snow Kiss” sung by NIRILIS are each thrilling techno laced J-pop songs with a touch of rock to their flavor.

EXTRAS:
Bonus features include songs without text, trailers, and English cast commentary on episode 2 with Todd Haberkorn (Allen/Assistant Voice Director) and Luci Christian (Lenalee).

IN SUMMARY:
D. Gray Man is a fantastical Gothic anime that will leave you on the edge of your seat wanting more!