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I loved this manga so much, and highly recommend it for people who will read it through to the end. Shouoto sensei's art has always held up to my sky-high expectations, and the story is so beautifully woven and has such a heartbreaking ending (no spoilers). It starts out light but has a dark twist in the twentiethish chapter, that wonderfully depicts the character Aki's pain and longing. Also is very educational for people interested in Japanese culture, as it has little tidbits of very cultural aspects. For example, the Hanafuda cards that tell a very grim story, as well as the characters' trip to ... the Onsen. One of my favorite aspects was the characters, who made a lasting impression on me. Everyone has their own painful backstory, some more painful than others. My all-time favorite character was Kirito Aki, whom I really rooted for to the end. He was childish and crude but at times showed a beautiful side of selflessness and unlimited love for his childhood love. As is typical of a shoujo manga, he was really devoted to Kana (main character) and went through a lot of pain and insecurity wondering whether he was worthy of her, having pined after her since he was like ten. He makes a lot of sacrifices, and I cried while reading the last chapter. I felt so sad it never got an anime, but this manga was definitely worth it. I really want to spread this manga to others who have never read it, it's really REALLY worth it!!!!

I have to admit, D. Gray-Man is a special anime for me. I became so attached to the characters and their internal struggles. Even if it was just a shounen anime, they managed to incorporate things like moral gray areas and the corruption of a religion. In the end though, they always fit in down light humor. Not to mention Sanae Kobayashi's screams were fantastic :). I think the entire first season was slow though. But that's just all the more reason to watch it, because season two gets so much better. I just wish it could've had a more filling ending. It's cancellation ... was pretty heartbreaking. Even the manga is at a standstill :(. All in all, this was a great anime, with enough blood to satisfy me but not too much to seem forced. The characters were realistic and relatable. The plot was somewhat original. Allen really kicks ass in season two!