D.Gray-man 23

D.Gray-man #23

by Katsura Hoshino, 星野桂

「14番目」を知るため、教団を離脱し行方を晦ませたアレン!! ノアと教団、そしてアポクリフォスから追われる身になったアレンの行く先とは!? 一方、戦いの呪縛から逃れたはずの神田が教団に帰還し、再び六幻を手にする…!

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Shonen, Horror, Comics, Comics Manga, Action

196 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2012

About the author

星野 桂

Katsura Hoshino ((星野 桂 Hoshino Katsura) was born on April 21, 1980, in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, as the younger of fraternal twin girls and the second of three children. She drew her first manga at twenty-one. In 1998, Hoshino moved to Tokyo. She dreamed of bringing her mother to the city and was able to in 2006.

She made her debut with her comics in July 2003 with the publication of her first manga series Continue and is known for her work, D.Gray-man, which began serialization in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump in May 2004.

Reviews

[Nadiyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm sorry, however I have to strongly disagree with both of the people who has reviewed. Allen Walker is changing from boy to man in this story. Before he was a troubled young boy with a lot on his shoulders and now he is becoming a man with the strength to carry the problems of the world on his back. (Spoiler Alert) In all actually his real personality is coming out because after he killed Mana, he assumed a coma like state until finally coming out of it, only to take on the personality of his late father. If you reread the pass manga (somewhere late in the Ark part), in the flash back Allen has a completely different personality, it is his real personality. He is far from aghasty and closer to if not, spunky. As for Mary-Sue, Allen Walker is not a Mary Sue at all. His powers are evolving at a respectable rate and is still defeat-able to the powerful Noahs. The Parasite Type weapon evolves with the character in strength and mind. If you need explaining on the story line please come chat with me and I will gladly help. Katsura is not out of control in her story, and believe me I have seen to some stories spin out of control. Every character has a history which she has tied to together brilliantly in my opinion. The novel isn't just about Allen Walker, which to me, adds depth and interest to the story. To give more personality and character to the other players in the story, gives the reader a wider view of the world of D.Gray-Man. Its more realistic. It eliminates the black and white and good guy vs bad guy view and throws the theme of just survive and what the person is willing to do to survive and where they're morals stand. There a whole alot of grey in this manga. Thank you for allowing me to explain my piece and also if you wondering how I finished this novel before it came out in America, I read it on online. Thanks again, bye!

[John Egbert · Rating 2 out of 5]

NO Hoshino, NO.

WHAT are you doing.

Stop that.

Stop.

Allen has gone from lovable, cute, brave hero to a really angsty bleeding-heart Mary Sue. I didn't want to admit it. I denied the truth for so long, but it's true. His powers know no limit! I remember in the first few volumes he would get his ass handed to him all the time. Now? NOW? Now I don't even know what his powers are anymore! I mean he has his arm which used to be like a club, but now it's a sword and a gun and he has this strange feathery wing powers, and what, what is going on I don't understand.

I did the Mary Sue test on Allen, and he got a "it could go either way at this point". But, to be honest, I don't think it can. Allen is already a Sue, I hate to say it, but there's no pretending anymore.

And another thing.

WHERE THE FRICK IS LAVI?!

Okay, I've been very patient. Very very patient. But it's like we FORGOT about him. YOU CAN'T JUST DO THAT!

And, and, what ever will become of my Laven ship.

But that is the LEAST of the problems with, oh, I don't know, just forgetting about a major character after you show them in a cliff hangery life and death situation!

Hoshino, please, don't do this.

Don't pull a Kishimoto.

I stopped reading Naruto because it got confusing and stupid. DGM can't go down that path. It just can't. You have a choice! You don't have to do this. You don't have to ruin a perfectly good series!

I have to be honest, I am very close to giving up on DGM. I love the characters, I love the story, but the plot is going out of control. Right now, I can't say I'd recommend this series to anyone. It, to be frank, sucks. If it doesn't shape up soon I swear I'll abandon it and dive headfirst into Pandora Hearts.

[Samantha wickedshizuku Tolleson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume starts off with Chapters 206-212.

I'll write more when my editing mode hits.
Happy Readings!
Fly my Pretties! Fly!

[Thelma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll just be sobbing for the rest of this serie I guess.

[Debb Nitram · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No es que hayamos perdido nuestros lazos con ellos. Por más lejos que estén, seguimos conectados."

"Sos fuerte como una flor de loto. Esa flor que crece mirando hacia el cielo."

"El arrepentimiento me impide morir en paz."

"Los últimos momentos de Alma son míos y solamente míos. Porque esa es la evidencia de la libertad que nos concediste."

[Roxanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I still love the art style and I have invested enough time and emotion to want to know the ending but how Hoshino-sensei is taking his audience is starting to disenchant me. Might write more later.

[Elaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT?!? I have to WAIT for the next one.... *crumples*
(I can't say I like how the art-style is changing, though. The first time it changed, it was for the better. Now, I'm not so sure.)

[Michelle Kobus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love the way Hoshino's artwork has progressed throughout the series. I think I'm in the minority there, but I really think she draws her characters beautifully.

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ sᴛᴏᴘ. ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ᴡᴀʟᴋɪɴɢ.

[Laury Plum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I know why people like Kanda... the author draw him so well in this manga it's just too much (still #teamNoe tho)

[K.S. Trenten · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a moment when everyone deals with what’s happened, right before the intensity cranks up. Kanda achieves a measure of closure with the Order in some of the most beautiful panels yet. A little of Allen and Cross Marian’s past is revealed by a couple of characters who knew them long before Allen joined the Order. Cross Marian becomes a little more sympathetic in these moments. Things start to speed up when Kanda and Johnny tussle with the Order to go a questing to find Allen. A lot of people are hunting Allen; the akuma, the Noah, and Apocryphos. Not to mention Allen is having to fight the monsters within himself, light and dark. One of those monsters is reaching out to him in a more gentle and intimate way than ever before, the most likely way to reach him, yet perhaps the most earnest approach as well?

This was another amazing volume where readers are given the space to breathe right before the action cranks up once more. Following the path of Cross’s bills, the ruckus caused by Kanda’s beauty, and some complicated clowning around (pun intended) lightened the intensity as akuma, Apocryphos, Kanda, and Johnny all hunted for Allen. The Noah appear to be watching for now, even if they’re watching intently. Tyki Mikk’s attitude was as enigmatic as ever regarding Allen. Poor Lavi appears to be in as much trouble as Allen, not to mention much closer to the Noah that he’d like to be. I’m torn between wanting someone to help Lavi, pay attention to Lavi, yet not wanting to turn away from Allen, utterly riveted by what’s happening to Allen. I hope Allen and Lavi will have a chance to help each other or others will help them. Maybe we’ll learn more about the Bookmen while in their current crisis. It would be nice to tie the two together in tandem. It’s hard to look away from Allen, what’s happening to him, or Kanda and Johnny trying to help him. I feel bad for Krory, losing both Allen and Lavi. Maybe he, Lenalee, and Miranda can go do something. There’s so much going on, it’s hard to keep track of everything, yet it’s so exciting, intimate, and keeping me on my toes. I look forward to more.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 Allen is on the run, Kanda returns, and Johnny quits the order. Things are toned down a bit this volume which makes the story a little easier to follow. Kanda and Johnny take the lead this time around as they search for Allen who is running from The Order and The Millenium Earl all while a Noah is awakening inside him and wars with his parasitic Innocence. Yeesh how did we get here. Johnny and Kanda grace the cover this time with Timcampy.

Read 12/11/20 as part of a 3 in 1 volume.

[Lissa]

Why does Nea think he's hateful? Somewhat bipolar of him. Not long ago he was urging Alan to let him take over and threatening the Earl (whose human form threw me for a loop) and now he's hateful? Confuzzled. Also, how did Tykki survive? His Noah side was killed, he turned human, the Noah took over completely? And then spiraled out of control. and then he's normal, lovable Tykki again? I feel like I missed a book or at least a chapter.

[Sedna Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting volume. I found the backstory of how Allen Walker got his name and how he was able to end up in his masters hands very heartbreaking and yet bitter sweet.
I also loved how this explored the psychological side of things and what's happening in the present. Which just was playing my heart like a guitar!

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

i've finally caught up to where the anime ends. I'm about to tread into new territory and i cannot wait

i'm already loving it

Kanda & Johnny team up to find / save allen

Link has been secretly tracking allen

AHHH TEAM SAVE ALLEN

[Kirsten Simkiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally the exorcists begin to rebel openly against the church! I can't wait for the exorcists to completely do away with the church.

[Helene Falkinburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kanda's back, Link's back, and life is good.

[Kaitlyn]

4/5
I will never be as pretty as Kanda.

[Natilin Alpaca Saurio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creo que ya me estoy volviendo medio disco rayado so... fue un subí y baja emocional.


Fangirlee como una pelotuda, no más preguntas (?

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bae on the cover ✨🙏🏻

[lobelyys · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg i love me some reunions, they always give me so much light in my lil dark heart, i love this volume

[Kaojoua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kanda is super beautiful. Allen is super beautiful; I'm so glad his design has changed since the first volume.

[K.S. Trenten · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a moment when everyone deals with what’s happened, right before the intensity cranks up. Kanda achieves a measure of closure with the Order in some of the most beautiful panels yet. A little of Allen and Cross Marian’s past is revealed by a couple of characters who knew them long before Allen joined the Order. Cross Marian becomes a little more sympathetic in these moments. Things start to speed up when Kanda and Johnny tussle with the Order to go a questing to find Allen. A lot of people are hunting Allen; the akuma, the Noah, and Apocryphos. Not to mention Allen is having to fight the monsters within himself, light and dark. One of those monsters is reaching out to him in a more gentle and intimate way than ever before, the most likely way to reach him, yet perhaps the most earnest approach as well?

This was another amazing volume where readers are given the space to breathe right before the action cranks up once more. Following the path of Cross’s bills, the ruckus caused by Kanda’s beauty, and some complicated clowning around (pun intended) lightened the intensity as akuma, Apocryphos, Kanda, and Johnny all hunted for Allen. The Noah appear to be watching for now, even if they’re watching intently. Tyki Mikk’s attitude was as enigmatic as ever regarding Allen. Poor Lavi appears to be in as much trouble as Allen, not to mention much closer to the Noah that he’d like to be. I’m torn between wanting someone to help Lavi, pay attention to Lavi, yet not wanting to turn away from Allen, utterly riveted by what’s happening to Allen. I hope Allen and Lavi will have a chance to help each other or others will help them. Maybe we’ll learn more about the Bookmen while in their current crisis. It would be nice to tie the two together in tandem. It’s hard to look away from Allen, what’s happening to him, or Kanda and Johnny trying to help him. I feel bad for Krory, losing both Allen and Lavi. Maybe he, Lenalee, and Miranda can go do something. There’s so much going on, it’s hard to keep track of everything, yet it’s so exciting, intimate, and keeping me on my toes. I look forward to more.

[Cornerofmadness · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very hard volume to review without ruining it so it’ll be short. First off I was lost and even though I review issue #22 it seems I only read half or only remembered half, either way I’m disturbed. #22 ended with Kanda MIA and presumed dead. Lavi is missing and presumed who the hell knows. Allen is missing and presumed Noah. Howard Link has been killed, theoretically by Allen.

#23 opens with an odd chapter about Allen and Cross’s first meeting when Allen was a very damaged child. It then goes back to the main story three months after Allen disappeared. Lenali is busy crying that she chose the Order over helping Allen (which she did and isn’t in any hurry to go find him but at least they hint she’s trying to protect her brother by not making too many waves). Johnny is trying to quit the science department of the Order to go find Allen which is forbidden (heck even quitting is practically forbidden). Johnny has some pretty neat ideas on how to find Allen. No one seems to care about finding poor Lavi.

As for the rest, let’s just say we see some characters return and others not and we catch up on Allen’s internal battle. Will he become a Noah (and his ‘family’ is waiting to cut off his innocence arm when he does)? Will he stay an exorcist?

Sometimes this story line gets incoherent but it was good this time. Some of the fight scenes were less coherent with so much going on you have no idea what really happened. And I’m not the only reviewer saying this, but the art has changed drastically. If Hoshino is really still doing the art, then there was a conscious decision to go over to the Shojo girlie-man art style. Seriously, there are times Allen looks so much like a woman I’m nearly laughing. He didn’t start out the series like this. I actually wondered from time to time if the Noah is changing his sex, that’s how girly the art is now.

It does feel like we're winding down to the final confrontation but since I haven't been following the fandom that hard any more I have no idea.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

When people say how much they love the D.Gray-man manga, it's because of volumes like this one. Not those volumes where it's a lot of confusing interpersonal relationship drama and the plot drags across the floor like a wet sack of cement, definitely not because of those. The 23rd volume of Hoshino's series is the kind of volume DGM fans wait for eagerly: there's a great deal of plot stuff, lots of favorite characters rear their heads, and there are at least a handful of twists in the story to keep things interesting.

You can read my complete review of D.Gray-Man volume 23 at my manga review blog, Nagareboshi Reviews: http://nagareboshi-reviews.blogspot.com/

[sitting pretty on the throne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Der Anfang und der Mittelteil des Bandes waren langweilig und es wurden auch keine Enthüllungen dem Leser gegeben. Das Ende war wieder Actiongeladener und hat mir besser gefallen. Ich frage mich trotzdem wo das alles hinführen soll mit Allen, dem Vierzehnten und nun auch noch dem Apokryphos. Die sollen einfach den Grafen ausschalten und das war's xD Den Zeichenstil finde ich noch immer wunderschön, auch wenn er sich im Laufe der Jahre doch ganz schön verändert hat. Ich will den nächsten Band, aber bis der mal erscheint.. Ob die Reihe jemals ein Ende finden wird? Und dazu noch ein gutes? Ich hoffe es sehr..

[Amira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'v been reading this since I was 11, and although it's been on and off hiatus for the last 5 years or so it still has an excellent following or fans.
Personally, with the later volumes the manga has really got a bit convoluted but I think thats more of a case of things being set up plot wise and not really being finished (hiatus wise).
The art has also changed, not really a bad thing, but I guess rather then evolving it's actually just changing.

Seriously though, my favourite manga, I hope hope hope this doesn't end without being finished.

[Viridian5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kanda comes back to the Exorcists--whom he has every right to hate and flee--and gives up his freedom to find and help Allen. How could that not make me melt? *g* Plus, he's so pretty to look at... and snarky as ever. Now we just have to get Lavi out of the Noahs' clutches. Also, lots of people are stalking Allen.

Less shallowly, it's nice to get a look at Cross and Allen's early days together. Allen would be a mess at that time after what he'd gone through and done.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how this book ended, I cannot wait for the next Tankobon to come out. Especially that the mangaka Ms Hoshino don't have the series come out on a weekly basis, so it will be a while before the Viz English edition comes out. I like how there are so many revelations in this arc creating questions to be answered/build up in upcoming chapters.