19 Years Later, This Supernatural Shonen Jump Classic Needs an Anime Remake

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Katsura Hoshino’s cherished work, D.Gray-man, first appeared in the popular Weekly Shonen Jump magazine back in 2004. Its anime adaptation followed suit in 2006. Over the span of two decades, this series has managed to retain a fervent fanbase due to its exceptional world creation, distinctive power system, superb artistry, and gripping narrative. Regrettably, the series didn’t receive the acclaim it merited because of frequent pauses in production, and the studio failed to produce the anime adaptation promptly. The manga experienced multiple transitions over time due to recurring breaks in publication and Hoshino’s health concerns. D.Gray-man is set in the late 1800s and revolves around Allen Walker, a gifted exorcist with an extraordinary ability to see the souls of the Akuma – malevolent creatures crafted from human souls.

In this rephrased version, the character known as the Millennium Earl, who crafted the Akuma, aims to obliterate individuals endowed with exorcist powers and reenact a devastating event from ancient times. With his unique talents, Allen becomes part of the Black Order, an entity established specifically for thwarting the Millennium Earl. Yet, as his odyssey unfolds, he gets nearer to the gruesome reality concerning the Earl, the legendary Noah Clan, and his own persona. The narrative offers a harmonious blend of action, terror, tension, and comedy, making it an ideal fit for contemporary animation.

D.Gray-man Releases New Chapters Only for Japanese Fans

Beginning in April 2018, the popular manga series D.Gray-man shifted to a quarterly magazine called Jump SQ. Rise, resulting in less frequent updates for fans. Furthermore, Volume 28 of the manga was published on October 4th, 2022, marking a significant slowdown in its print release schedule. This means that non-Japanese readers have been waiting even longer than usual to continue reading the series. After an extended hiatus of three years, Volume 29 was finally released on July 4th, 2025. Regrettably, the English version of this latest volume has yet to receive a release date. Mainstream platforms like Viz and the Shonen Jump app currently only offer up to chapter 245 in translation, while readers using Manga Plus are unable to access the series at all.

In January 2023, Chapter 246 was made available, and the most recent Chapter 255 came out at the end of July 2025. Despite the fact that the release frequency has been a letdown for international fans, it’s crucial to acknowledge that there’s still ample content for an anime remake. There are numerous justifications for why an anime remake would be a shrewd move on the part of TMS Entertainment or any other studio involved.

What Happened With the Original D.Gray-man Anime?

In 2006, the anime series started airing and ran for 103 episodes until it was halted in 2008 due to insufficient content, following a pattern of early terminations, similar to the case of Black Clover before its revival. TMS Entertainment then launched a sequel titled D.Gray-man: Hallow in 2016 with 13 episodes, but no further sequels were announced. The anime has adapted over 200 chapters, implying that a significant amount of content is needed for a new season, which might take several years given the current production schedule. Although it may take Hoshino some time to prepare, an animated remake could thoughtfully reinterpret the material at a manageable speed, ensuring the story’s intended vision remains intact.

Due to the extended duration of the original anime, which mirrored trends from the 2000s, it significantly altered the pacing of the manga, resulting in tonal discrepancies and a departure from its darker mood. Moreover, although Hallow boasted impressive visuals, it overlooked crucial plot points and failed to accurately adapt the manga. As Hallow was launched several years after the original anime, the cast was also replaced, adding to fan bewilderment.

D.Gray-man Anime Remake Can Fix the Major Problems With the Original

The irregular release pattern of the manga has hindered the anime’s potential for broadening its fanbase, particularly nowadays. The animation quality of the 2000s and unnecessary episodes make the anime less attractive to new and casual viewers, as they have superior alternatives like “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Dandadan,” which boast excellent animation and captivating storylines. Yet, these issues could be resolved if a remake is produced, adhering to a seasonal format. This would enable the studio to depict the manga more accurately while also providing breaks between seasons.

The manga version of D.Gray-man is significantly darker than the anime suggested, with an increasingly intense tone as the story unfolds. Hoshino’s art style, influenced by Gothic architecture, religious symbolism, and classical European motifs, further emphasizes the grim reality of Allen’s world. Unfortunately, these intricate details were not fully captured in the anime due to production limitations. With a captivating plot, advanced animation, and strategic marketing, the series has the potential to reach a broader audience, thereby boosting the popularity of the manga once more. Given the frequent resurgence of shonen series, D.Gray-man deserves its moment in the spotlight, or in this case, under the moon’s glow.

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2025-08-07 18:35