D. Gray Man

Written by animperialviolet on August 23, 2011 at 3:34 AM

Here's the thing, you know what anime looks like, sounds like, and how it works; unfortunately for DGM it has all of the ingredients to tell a familiar story that comes across in a famliar way - This would be the reason critics are unsatisfied with D. Gray Man. First of all, the title is awesome! it tells you more than you think at first glance but, i would imagine, a Dorian Gray man to be one with a terrible past, a tragic journey and the ability to live through it all regardless of whether he wants to or not; this is what happens (hence part of the "Formula" for anime problem). However, the direction, the progression and the charactor 'flaws' are beyond fomulaic. It's kind of a Watchmen approach: take a familiar story and create something twisted. The greatest point in this story BEGINS with episode 50, or so, and it's my contention that the critics gave up on it a long time before. Please, for your own sake, watch it all and then decide if I'm correct in viewing this as one of the greatest all time stories. It's not Baccano! or Paranoia Agent, but it is entertaining.

If you like Bleach, Dragonball Z, or any of the longer stories (even though this one did end (a big bonus in my eyes since I like everything I watch to have a beginning middle and end)) D. Gray Man will not dissapoint. Although, at times - just like Bleach and DBZ - it has episodes that don't quite fit (fillers) even then it was worth a giggle or two.

In summary: DGM is funny, weird, well drawn, emotional and a bit nerve racking.

P.S. The villians are a big part of the high level of entertainment factor, watching the English version irritated me because the Earl's voice was not in the least bit "Goofy". He is a big, evi,l sometimes dorky, often times quirky, sociopath and the English Dub ruined his atmosphere of Clown-like Creepiness.