Underrated Exorcist Series Fans of Jujutsu Kaisen Must Read

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Despite wrapping up in September 2024, the fame of “Jujutsu Kaisen” remains unabated, maintaining its position among top-selling manga today. Although the main narrative has ended, the animation studio is busy crafting Season 3, based on the Culling Game Arc. Moreover, the film, titled “Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death—The Movie,” has been screened in Japan and will premiere in U.S. cinemas on July 16th, 2025. The ongoing anime projects help sustain the excitement around the series, but there are additional “Jujutsu Kaisen” stories for enthusiasts to explore in the interim. This dark fantasy series plays a significant part in making the narrative all the more intriguing.

Fans should definitely make time for reading “D. Gray Man,” a dark fantasy manga crafted by Katsura Hoshino. The series premiered in 2004 and was subsequently animated by TMS Entertainment. Originally published on a weekly basis, the manga switched to a monthly schedule in 2009 before going on an open-ended hiatus due to Hoshino’s health concerns in 2013. The manga resumed publication in 2015 and later moved to a quarterly release schedule. One of the reasons this remarkable work may not be as well-known among newer generations of anime fans is that its production has faced challenges due to its irregular publishing schedule.

What Is the Plot of D. Gray Man?

In ancient times, a select group of individuals were endowed with divine energy, known as “Innocence,” powerful artifacts that could purge evil entities called Akuma. These Akuma were engineered by the Millennium Earl, a being who constructed them using human souls as raw material. His ultimate goal was to eliminate the Innocence, causing global destruction and triggering another Great Flood similar to the one from a century ago. The Millennium Earl’s plans were supported by the Noah Family, direct descendants of the biblical Noah, who possessed extraordinary abilities and retained memories from their ancestors.

In my observation, I’ve come across a group known as the Black Order, whose mission is to locate shards of something called Innocence and the individuals – known as Accommodators – who can naturally harmonize with these fragments. These Accomodators are then schooled within the Order to transform into powerful Exorcists, a necessity in the face of the Earl’s ominous presence. The narrative unfolds in the latter part of the 19th century, focusing on Allen Walker, a fresh and young initiate of the Black Order, who carries a unique form of Innocence within his left arm.

I, being an ardent observer, am not just set apart by my purity, but also by my uncanny knack for perceiving the true essence hidden beneath the human masks of the Akuma. The world I traverse is a far grimmer landscape than what ordinary Exorcists encounter on a routine basis. This very reason fuels my solemn vow to bring solace to the tormented souls of Akuma and shield humanity from the tyranny of the Earl of Millennium.

Jujutsu Kaisen and D. Gray Man Share Thematic Similarities

In contrast to their distinct storylines, there are striking similarities between Jujutsu Kaisen (JJK) and Demon Slayer (DGM) when it comes to how their respective characters handle malevolent entities. These series introduce creatures born or nurtured from human despair and negative feelings. By doing so, they delve into the idea that human suffering can give rise to monstrous beings that perpetuate further misery in the world. Their grotesque forms serve as visual reminders of how unchecked negativity can transform into something truly repugnant.

As the narrative unfolds, the characters encounter increasingly formidable foes. Remarkably, these series portray villains in a way that provokes reflection on the flaws of society, challenges our moral compasses, and hints at the origins of evil – often stemming from disappointment, sorrow, or misguided justice. Similar to Jujutsu Tech High School, The Black Order manages the education and missions of Exorcists. Furthermore, both main characters are burdened with enigmatic abilities.

Yuji is uniquely chosen as the host for Ryomen Sukuna, the King of Curses, marking him as the first human to bear such a title. Unlike Allen, whose abilities are innate, Yuji is labeled “cursed” due to his extraordinary powers. These extraordinary powers, shared by both protagonists, often raise suspicion among others. Rapidly, their powers grow more potent, a result of their “cursed” status. Given the dark themes of these series, they are riddled with numerous tragedies and casualties, serving as grim reminders of the harsh realities of their cruel world.

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2025-06-02 03:11