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D.Gray-man #9
D.Gray-man, Vol. 9
Nightmare Paradise:
Hordes of akuma are arriving in Edo to join the Earl, who has found a nefarious use for one of the greatest of all Biblical artifacts. Meanwhile, one akuma has invaded the Asian Branch of the Dark Order to take care of Allen once and for all. Allen doesn't appear to stand a chance, but the very nature of the akuma's attack starts something no one could have anticipated, and might wind up changing the fate of the world!
200 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2006
22 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Katsura Hoshino
88 books646 followers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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 14, 2016
Another terrific volume in this series. Boy, it is getting better and better with each volume. This one focuses on our team in Japan, and Allen. Allen and his innocence. I already knew what his final form would be, but it is great fun to see it in the manga as well.
Such a shame that they didn't pick those 2 covers for the previous volume (there is a note by the author/mangaka about the cover).
Such a shame that they didn't pick those 2 covers for the previous volume (there is a note by the author/mangaka about the cover).
January 1, 2016
The Crowned Clown.
September 25, 2017
It was nice to see Allen again, and Kanda showed up at the very end, which hopefully promises he will be in the next installment. This installment is split between Allen's storyline and Lavi and Lenalee's storyline. I have no feelings for Lenalee and Lavi; I won't say I hate them, that's too strong an emotion. I just don't love them. But fans of those two will love the last few installments of this series because they have been featured very prominently.
April 2, 2012
KANDA!!!!! COME BACK!!!!!
March 25, 2017
WOW. WOW. THAT WAS AMAZING. THIS IS STARTING TO TURN OUT WELL...I think.
March 27, 2022
Covers Chapters 77-86
The past few volumes have been action packed! Allen is back in action and learns his true motivation in life. Very excited to see how everybody will react in the next volume ❤️
The past few volumes have been action packed! Allen is back in action and learns his true motivation in life. Very excited to see how everybody will react in the next volume ❤️
June 30, 2018
Edición argentina impresa en España. Vol. 9: Nuestra esperanza.
June 11, 2018
In an alternate late 19th Century, European and Asian civilization is under attack by beings called “akuma.” These monsters (made by tricking/bargaining humans into wearing mechanical bodies that then wear the skin of the original human) are under the loose control of the Millennium Earl. He and his “Noah Family” bear a grudge against humanity and God for deeds in the distant past.
Standing against the Earl is the Black Order of exorcists, who work for the Catholic church (but very independently.) They wield weapons called “Innocence”, parts of an initial whole now split into 109 fragments. Innocence comes in “Parasite” (becomes part of the user’s body) and “Equipment” (can be worn or carried) types and grants different powers to the wielder it chooses.
Our protagonist is Allen Walker whose left arm has been replaced by an Innocence that has superhuman strength and powerful claws. Due to a childhood encounter with the Earl, Allen also has a scarred left eye that can detect akuma even in human disguise. He’s a recent recruit to the Black Order, just in time for the Earl and his Noah Family to step up their activities.
At the beginning of Volume 9, Allen was severely beaten and believed killed by Tyki Mykk, one of the most powerful Noah. In reality, he is healing up in the Order’s Asian headquarters somewhere in China, while the rest of the team heads for Japan. There, they discover that 90% of the population has been transformed into akuma. This is unsustainable as the akuma have begun feeding on each other due to the shortage of humans.
Friendly akuma Chomesuke (having been restored to free will by Allen’s mentor, General Cross) reveals that the Earl is in Japan, and mentally summoning all the akuma to the capital city of Edo. As well, five of the Noah are here, though four arrived mostly by coincidence while chasing exorcists.
The Earl explains to his minions that he is activating the Ark, and briefly recaps the official story of Noah’s Ark. Left unsaid is how this differs from the backstory of the current Noahs. The presence of two Exorcist Generals in Japan could upset his plans, and Allen is a danger as well. So a high-level Akuma is teleported to China, while the others are sent out to find and destroy any exorcists that might be in the area.
The first part is easy, since the Black Order team (except the Generals) is right there ready to attack. Destroying them is another matter, but Tyki Mikk is willing to give it a try.
Most of the volume is Allen’s fight in China, as he reconnects with his Innocence and gains a power-up. Back in Japan, the Exorcists are having some difficulty as one of their best fighters, Lenalee, is still too wounded to battle effectively. And there are a lot of Akuma to fight, including a giant one assembled of many others.
The volume ends with Allen entering the Ark, which on the inside appears to be a city.
This shounen (boys’) series started in 2004, and spawned an animated adaptation as well as some tie-in light novels. It’s still running, but due to the author’s health issues it went from weekly to monthly and now quarterly chapters. You can see a bit of change in the art for these volumes as it became more painful to draw.
To be honest, jumping in on these volumes would be a mistake–we’re in the middle of a plotline and the author doesn’t make allowances for a reader who doesn’t already know who most of the characters are. (Why does that guy look like a vampire? You’ll just have to read the volume he was introduced in.)
Most of the characterization is only at the surface level as people react to battle situations. Only Skin Boric gets more depth this time.
The art is nifty, even if some of the battle sequences are confusing. There’s a bit of male gaze as Road and Lenalee both get symbolic sequences in skimpy nighties.
The “gothic” feel of the series is good, but the big battle sequences here tend to fight against that. Recommended for those that like their shounen battle manga on the depressing side.
Standing against the Earl is the Black Order of exorcists, who work for the Catholic church (but very independently.) They wield weapons called “Innocence”, parts of an initial whole now split into 109 fragments. Innocence comes in “Parasite” (becomes part of the user’s body) and “Equipment” (can be worn or carried) types and grants different powers to the wielder it chooses.
Our protagonist is Allen Walker whose left arm has been replaced by an Innocence that has superhuman strength and powerful claws. Due to a childhood encounter with the Earl, Allen also has a scarred left eye that can detect akuma even in human disguise. He’s a recent recruit to the Black Order, just in time for the Earl and his Noah Family to step up their activities.
At the beginning of Volume 9, Allen was severely beaten and believed killed by Tyki Mykk, one of the most powerful Noah. In reality, he is healing up in the Order’s Asian headquarters somewhere in China, while the rest of the team heads for Japan. There, they discover that 90% of the population has been transformed into akuma. This is unsustainable as the akuma have begun feeding on each other due to the shortage of humans.
Friendly akuma Chomesuke (having been restored to free will by Allen’s mentor, General Cross) reveals that the Earl is in Japan, and mentally summoning all the akuma to the capital city of Edo. As well, five of the Noah are here, though four arrived mostly by coincidence while chasing exorcists.
The Earl explains to his minions that he is activating the Ark, and briefly recaps the official story of Noah’s Ark. Left unsaid is how this differs from the backstory of the current Noahs. The presence of two Exorcist Generals in Japan could upset his plans, and Allen is a danger as well. So a high-level Akuma is teleported to China, while the others are sent out to find and destroy any exorcists that might be in the area.
The first part is easy, since the Black Order team (except the Generals) is right there ready to attack. Destroying them is another matter, but Tyki Mikk is willing to give it a try.
Most of the volume is Allen’s fight in China, as he reconnects with his Innocence and gains a power-up. Back in Japan, the Exorcists are having some difficulty as one of their best fighters, Lenalee, is still too wounded to battle effectively. And there are a lot of Akuma to fight, including a giant one assembled of many others.
The volume ends with Allen entering the Ark, which on the inside appears to be a city.
This shounen (boys’) series started in 2004, and spawned an animated adaptation as well as some tie-in light novels. It’s still running, but due to the author’s health issues it went from weekly to monthly and now quarterly chapters. You can see a bit of change in the art for these volumes as it became more painful to draw.
To be honest, jumping in on these volumes would be a mistake–we’re in the middle of a plotline and the author doesn’t make allowances for a reader who doesn’t already know who most of the characters are. (Why does that guy look like a vampire? You’ll just have to read the volume he was introduced in.)
Most of the characterization is only at the surface level as people react to battle situations. Only Skin Boric gets more depth this time.
The art is nifty, even if some of the battle sequences are confusing. There’s a bit of male gaze as Road and Lenalee both get symbolic sequences in skimpy nighties.
The “gothic” feel of the series is good, but the big battle sequences here tend to fight against that. Recommended for those that like their shounen battle manga on the depressing side.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2017
Again, I find myself so grateful that I have watched this series before reading it!! Some of the scenes are so darkly drawn that it is hard to make out what is going on.
I noticed a few differences in this book compared too the series. For one, in the series, after Chomsuki's friend was eaten by three evil akuma, the gang then ran into these evil akuma again, and fought against them before Chomsuki even started receiving the message from the Earl. But, in the book, after ariving in Japan, while Chomsuki's friend was still eaten, it was then - straight away - that Chomsuki received the message and the gang just went straight to the Earl from there, rather than dealing with the three evil akuma.
Another difference I noticed is that in the previous books, the "Millinium Earl" (as noted by the series), was called firstly called the "Earl of 1000 years" (or something along the lines of that), then the translator fixed this to the "Earl of Millinium" and now suddenly the Noah have started calling him the "Duke Millimium". Why does his name keep changing? I mean, I know at the end of the day, they all mean the same thing, but ugh...it's doing my head in.
Also saw that Rhode (her name in the series) is called Rodo in the book. I can't remember if I noted this difference down in the previous book reviews, but it's just so weird how the names are so different in the book compared to the series. Like, I understand why words such as - kan, san, chun etc - are in it. Because, that's the way people address one-another in the authors culture, but, I don't get why the anime has the names so differently from the manga. Too me, it doesn't make sense.
Other than those noted differences, everything was pretty much the same. And again, I remember this storyline happening over what felt like 10 episodes, whereas in the manga, it fitted nicely into one book. So glad I have reached the point where Allen has received his "Crown Clown". It was epic in the series and it was epic in the book! Now getting into the best part of the story. Can't wait to read more!
I noticed a few differences in this book compared too the series. For one, in the series, after Chomsuki's friend was eaten by three evil akuma, the gang then ran into these evil akuma again, and fought against them before Chomsuki even started receiving the message from the Earl. But, in the book, after ariving in Japan, while Chomsuki's friend was still eaten, it was then - straight away - that Chomsuki received the message and the gang just went straight to the Earl from there, rather than dealing with the three evil akuma.
Another difference I noticed is that in the previous books, the "Millinium Earl" (as noted by the series), was called firstly called the "Earl of 1000 years" (or something along the lines of that), then the translator fixed this to the "Earl of Millinium" and now suddenly the Noah have started calling him the "Duke Millimium". Why does his name keep changing? I mean, I know at the end of the day, they all mean the same thing, but ugh...it's doing my head in.
Also saw that Rhode (her name in the series) is called Rodo in the book. I can't remember if I noted this difference down in the previous book reviews, but it's just so weird how the names are so different in the book compared to the series. Like, I understand why words such as - kan, san, chun etc - are in it. Because, that's the way people address one-another in the authors culture, but, I don't get why the anime has the names so differently from the manga. Too me, it doesn't make sense.
Other than those noted differences, everything was pretty much the same. And again, I remember this storyline happening over what felt like 10 episodes, whereas in the manga, it fitted nicely into one book. So glad I have reached the point where Allen has received his "Crown Clown". It was epic in the series and it was epic in the book! Now getting into the best part of the story. Can't wait to read more!
June 29, 2025
This was my favorite volume of the series and it’s not even close. First of all I like the introduction to more members of Noah and how they have their own banter between eachother. You know they are powerful but they talk trash on eachother like one is stronger than the other. I like the fact one group of exorcists including lavi and lenalee are now in a head to head conflict with 4 members of Noah and the millennium earl. I like the fact the mends of noah are using the Noah’s ark as a factory producing akuma which is very dark in theory. Allen walker is attacked by an akuma as he’s trying to regain his innocence and arm back. During the attack he regains not only his arm back but a whole new form which is like he’s going super sayian haha, his new character form design is very cool. There’s also a new plot point that says that the earl cannot control the ark but there is one person who can and that person isn’t named but is hinted to be either general cross or.. Allen. Thats why both Allen and general cross are both on the hit list of the earl. Also one more thing, I love the cover art of the volume. It’s a simple cover art that shows a lot of the characters but it’s very cool and my favorite so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2017
This one feels much more coherent, and we're finally up and moving again in the main plotline as Allen figures himself out.
The delay turns out to be the necessity of Allen making some character growth before he can reactivate his innocence. Within this volume it was handled pretty darned well, but it could have been handled much faster if the Walker struggles bits had been toned down a touch and the focus had been more entirely on where the action was. Honestly, the "Allen Struggles to Recover" bits felt a bit drawn out and more like padding to fill-in volumes where the Edo action wasn't sufficient alone. Still, the culmination, the moment Walker comes to his maturing realization in this volume are well handled, the build-up is just a bit strung out, and that's not this volume, that's the last couple.
The delay turns out to be the necessity of Allen making some character growth before he can reactivate his innocence. Within this volume it was handled pretty darned well, but it could have been handled much faster if the Walker struggles bits had been toned down a touch and the focus had been more entirely on where the action was. Honestly, the "Allen Struggles to Recover" bits felt a bit drawn out and more like padding to fill-in volumes where the Edo action wasn't sufficient alone. Still, the culmination, the moment Walker comes to his maturing realization in this volume are well handled, the build-up is just a bit strung out, and that's not this volume, that's the last couple.
July 24, 2021
... leí este tomo en varios días, por lo que pasó no está muy fresco en mi memoria, aun lo estoy procesando. En si, pasaron muchas cosas, pero las sentí algo...vacías? Nose bien, aun estoy pensando de si ese power up es un deuz ex machine o no y está justificado...ummm,creo que está justificado, algo que no me queda muy claro es de que si ya se conectó con su inocencia al 100% o esta solo tomo forma y ahora tiene nombre(?
Nuse bien.
Tampoco me quedó muy claro lo de los Noe, con esto del arca y todo, también quizás es porque estoy dias ando muy despistada y me cuesta concentrarme, quizás es eso también.
Ah...mejor ya me voy a mimir uwu.
Bye a cualquier persona que llegue a leer esto, le deseo un feliz día o le mando un abrazo reconfortante si tuvo uno mal(? Porque paz y amor dijeron los dreamis(?
Nuse bien.
Tampoco me quedó muy claro lo de los Noe, con esto del arca y todo, también quizás es porque estoy dias ando muy despistada y me cuesta concentrarme, quizás es eso también.
Ah...mejor ya me voy a mimir uwu.
Bye a cualquier persona que llegue a leer esto, le deseo un feliz día o le mando un abrazo reconfortante si tuvo uno mal(? Porque paz y amor dijeron los dreamis(?
May 1, 2018
This one was not my favorite volume. Like I said before in earlier reviews, for some reason it really bugs me that there isn't a lot of explanation for some of the Biblical references in this series. Noah is usually portrayed as a good guy so why is his family serving as the main villains in this series. Also, I think this series can get a little overly philosophical. I didn't care for Allen's big revelation about akumas and humans. It seemed to take forever. I get it. You're doing it for both akumas AND humans. Cut. Print. Check the gate. Moving on! However, Kanda has returned and if nothing else he keeps things interesting. I'm looking forwards to the next volume.
September 20, 2022
Rebirth. Rediscovery of his own motives and power. These are the challenges which faced Allen Walker. He came up with some surprising answers about himself, yet the groundwork has been laid for these answers by Allen himself in the story up to this point. His enemies, particularly the one whose formed a deadly bond with him, continue to stalk him, taunting his friends as they continue on a quest which perplexes me. They have some surprising allies while their foes reveal secrets and layers even while hunting the Exorcists. The tension builds toward a climax with hints that the overall picture may be more complex than anyone realizes.
March 29, 2024
This volume did well to show good fights and did well to show the power difference between the members of Noah and the exorcists. Yet it also did well to keep the fights gripping. Then having this lead to the revelation of someone who was of the Noah organization was in the exorcists base was also shocking.
Yet this also did well to progress Allen's arch to regain his power in a verry satisfying way. Which led to a good fight and moments that I just could not help but feel sorry for him
Yet I just could not help but feel this sense of dread as the one that tried to kill Allen now knows that he is still alive.
Yet this also did well to progress Allen's arch to regain his power in a verry satisfying way. Which led to a good fight and moments that I just could not help but feel sorry for him
Yet I just could not help but feel this sense of dread as the one that tried to kill Allen now knows that he is still alive.
March 21, 2025
Character 4| Setting 5| Art 5| Plot 4| Enjoyment 5
Rating: 4.6
First off, the art just pops off in this volume! I loved the artwork on Allen fighting that Akuma and coming into his innocence.
Also his talk about being a weapon to Bak -chef's kiss- Allen Please don't be a little martyr(even though we know he is.)
rereading this like ten years later(god I feel old) really puts into perspective the Earl and the arc and what exact info does the earl have???
so excited to continue on!!
Rating: 4.6
First off, the art just pops off in this volume! I loved the artwork on Allen fighting that Akuma and coming into his innocence.
Also his talk about being a weapon to Bak -chef's kiss- Allen Please don't be a little martyr(even though we know he is.)
rereading this like ten years later(god I feel old) really puts into perspective the Earl and the arc and what exact info does the earl have???
so excited to continue on!!
October 16, 2018
The team collectively moves toward Edo, where they meet with Allen's attacker Tiki Mikk in their hunt for General Cross. Meanwhile, Allen Walker is finally able to remaster his innocence as it takes a new form, the Crowned Clown. It's a good volume, though I wish they'd slow down a little. It feels like a lot of story is crammed in between long fights.
January 13, 2019
It always gets better! Please read the whole manga because I know Hoshino has everything to make D. Gray-man better.
This volume is more of feelings and fights but here, Allen becomes someone stronger and a new level is unlocked which I was surprised in the way it happened. I liked the whole volume so I highly recommend it!
This volume is more of feelings and fights but here, Allen becomes someone stronger and a new level is unlocked which I was surprised in the way it happened. I liked the whole volume so I highly recommend it!
October 3, 2020
4/5 After a volume without Allen we get back to him and his recovery at the Asian base of the Black Order. Meanwhile the grunt of the team of exorcists start a confrontation with The Millenium Earl and 4 Children on Noah. We also start to learn what The Ark is. Another good volume.
Read 10/3/20
Read 10/3/20
March 25, 2023
An interesting volume with a lot of sneaky world lore -- akuma can be fine, if they've had the requirement to obey the earl removed, along with their bloodlust? the things going on with the Eastern branch? THE ARK? etc. The actual storyline is a bit lower in this one, though.
September 26, 2017
Can't wait figure what happens next
June 29, 2019
Allen's power-up.
September 19, 2020
This is a solid entry. Great combats. Love to see Allen progress always.
October 11, 2020
hoshino's art sure has improved huh. allen and kanda got such glow-ups dang
December 12, 2020
so good! the end of the 83rd night gave me chills 😭😭
March 7, 2022
Thank god this volumes is consist of intense fight only and not the heartbreak one.
A further explanation about the ark, Allen is fully healed and Kanda is back! So excited for the next volumes.
A further explanation about the ark, Allen is fully healed and Kanda is back! So excited for the next volumes.
May 14, 2022
i desperately need allen to take a break
also the crowned clown is very cool
also the crowned clown is very cool
May 17, 2024
finally we see allen’s form and he’s getting back in action! i need to read the next volume, i need it like oxygen!
March 31, 2025
Yes! Allen got his power back, and now it's time to kick some butt!! I'm so ready for this!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2025
amo demasiado a esta gente
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews