I've only read volume 1 so far, but D.Gray-Man is totally my new manga obsession. I've read volume 1 almost three times now, and I love it. I can't wait to get to volume 2.
To start out with, Allen Walker is a very likable character. He is spunky, and kind of reminds me of Edward Elric. I guess it would make sense that I'd like a character who reminds me of Ed, because Fullmetal Alchemist used to be my anime obsession.
The artwork is gorgeous, and I especially love the Millennium Earl's character design. I know he's not meant to be cuddly, but he sure looks that way! Allen is adorable too- I love that way Katsura Hoshino drew Allen's cursed hand; the lines and depth really look realistic. The reader gets the sense that he truly is cursed.
Moa was an interesting opening minor character- I loved her backstory about her sister and Pastor Marc. I became very emotional when Moa realized that Marc was an Akuma.
I also thought that John was a fun, spunky character. I liked the look that Hoshino drew on Allen's face after John tackled him- so cute!
I also liked that Allen met his opponent, the Millennium Earl, in the first volume of the series. It was a refreshing change from manga in which the protagonist meets his antagonist after a few volumes (Death Note and Fullmetal Alchemist come to mind.)
In addition to that, I also liked that Allen met the Millennium Earl before he came to the Black Order; that was also refreshing. The scene in which John yells for Allen to destroy the Akuma of his friend Leo was heartwrenching and entertaining.
I also thought it was interesting that Allen was thought to have been one of the Millennium Earl's men when he first went to the Black Order. He wasn't accepted right away; he had to step back and prove that he was human. That was very unexpected and fun to read; Hoshino is very good at avoiding cliches.
A couple more things... Timcanpy is such a cute sidekick! I want a plushie of him! ^_^ I also want a figure or a doll of the Millennium Earl! I can't decide if my favorite character is Allen or Earl... I guess I'll probably decide after I read volume 2!
I absolutely love D.Gray-Man!
