D. Gray-man HALLOW

D. Gray-man Hallow is an enthralling anime series produced by TMS Entertainment and distributed by FUNimation in 2016. As the captivating continuation of the original D. Gray-man anime series launched in 2006, the show pulls you deeper into the dark, supernatural world filled with exciting adventures and complex characters.

The narrative centralizes around the protagonist, Allen Walker, who is a member of an organization known as the Black Order. This group of exorcists is dedicated to combating the Millennium Earl, who intends to wipe out humanity. The story is set in a fictitious nineteenth-century backdrop, which gives this engaging anime an alternative historical touch, beautifully bringing art and drama together for the audience.

Allen Walker, charismatic and surprisingly cheerful despite his troubled past, is one of the youngest members of the Black Order. Unlike typical exorcists, Allen possesses an eye that can see ‘Akuma’ - evil spirits created by the Millennium Earl using the souls of the deceased. These Akuma, disguised in human form, bring forth havoc and destruction to the world of the living. With the aid of his cursed eye and an arm that can transform into a weapon termed as "Innocence," Allen wields the unique power to detect these creatures no matter their disguise and vanquish them.

Each episode of D. Gray-man Hallow brings a new twist and turns, making the series an exciting roller coaster of events. The series dives deep into the mysteries of the pasts of its compelling cast of characters, revealing secrets that shape their motivations and their perspectives on their war against the Millennium Earl. Be prepared to embark on an enthralling journey enriched with a mix of different emotional hues; there's exhilaration, despair, terror, humor, empathy, and more.

D. Gray-man Hallow smoothly transitions from high-intensity battles to profound emotional moments, ensuring viewers remain strapped to their seats. The fight scenes are breath-taking, artistically choreographed, and imbued with a unique blend of drama and suspense. The characters, each with their distinctive abilities and ideologies, provide an enriching diversity to the tale.

From an artistic standpoint, D. Gray-man Hallow shines with gorgeous aesthetics. The animation is impressive, seamlessly switching between light and dark tones to match the storyline's mood. Each character design is excellent, reflecting the nature and personality of the character quite accurately. Even the environments are splendidly detailed, engendering the atmosphere of a 19th-century world under threat of supernatural forces.

The audio aspect of this series is another of its many strengths. With a robust soundtrack consisting of stirring orchestral melodies and moody pieces, the music effectively sets the tone for epic confrontations and emotional moments alike. The themes are catchy, and the background scoring always seems to amplify the scene's vibe just right, making the tale even more engaging and immersive.

As for the voice work, which is quite crucial for any anime series, D. Gray-man Hallow doesn’t disappoint. The FUNimation voice cast does an outstanding job bringing the characters to life, each actor impeccably portraying the varying emotional states of their characters, whether they are in the heat of battle or quietly reflecting on their past.

Were there any drawbacks? Some fans of the original series felt the plot seemed rushed, with multiple arcs crammed into a mere thirteen episodes. Yet, this speed often enhances the electrifying pull of the narrative, keeping viewers hooked on every revelation and plot twist.

D. Gray-man Hallow is doubtlessly a splendid continuation of the original series, with its mix of engaging characters, an immersive story, and an utterly absorbing world. Whether you're a fan of the original D. Gray-man or simply a lover of quality anime storytelling, D. Gray-man Hallow offers all the high-stakes action, emotional depth, and riveting suspense one could ask for in an anime series. It's a definite must-watch, ready to deliver a plethora of emotions wrapped up in a world of supernatural battles and secrets waiting to be unveiled.