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Title:  D. Gray-Man Vol 5

Author:  Katsura Hoshino

Publisher:  VIZ

ISBN:  9781421510538

May Contain Spoilers

Yeah, I’m definitely going to have to figure out what’s going on here – after hating the first volume of D. Gray-Man, I have now swung to the other end of the pendulum and have developed  an eagerness for more, as well as a fondness for several of the characters.  The delicate lines of the artwork have also won me over.  I love the elaborate costumes and several of the character designs, especially Kanda and Tyki.  I love, love, love the illustration of Allen on the title page of chapter 45 – I have a soft spot for guys in billowing coats – he looks so somber, though, which makes me wonder what really bad things are on the horizon for him.

The story arc with the vampire, Krory, wraps up here, though the ending was corny to say the least.  Even Lavi was skeptical of Allen’s logic when he coaxed him to join their little hunt for General Cross.  Reclusive blood-suckers must be easy to persuade, given their limited contact with other people.  I guess.  That’s the only explanation I can find for Krory wanting to join them, given his previous blubbering about Eliade.  Speaking of Eliade, I couldn’t help but find her preoccupation with her personal beautification and shopping amusing – too bad she’s just a bunch of somebody else’s skin stretched over a skeletal doll.  Her way of dealing with irritating suitors might need some consideration, though.

Events are starting to spiral out of control for the Black Order, as quite a few of them are meeting untimely ends.  General Tiedoll is intent on finding new recruits, but I’m not so sure how he’s going to sell this job.  The pay doesn’t seem enough to compensate for the hazardous work environment, though the medical benefits don’t appear too bad, what with the Bookman clan to tend to wounds.  Those akuma seem a little too tricky to tangle with, though, so I hope Tiedoll has one heck of a sales pitch for new job candidates.  I, for one, would be skipping out on that party.

The ending has me chomping to get my hands on the next volume.  Setting sail for Japan after getting a promising lead on Cross, it looks like the gang’s journey is going to be delayed.  Just out of sight, there’s a huge horde of akuma swarming to overtake our heroes.   What’s going to happen to Allen?  And his really cool coat?

Grade:  B

Rated for Older Teen