This volume deals with the aftermath of the last volume...and also throws in a new villain at the worst possible moment. Fabulous characterisation all around, and that Level 4 Akuma is seriously THE most creep-tastic thing ever. Ugh. *shudders*

*3.5

Sometimes D. Gray-Man is so good you sit there in awe of the really cool and poignant storyline. Sometimes you sit there going ‘Did half the panels disappear and not get translated?’ This is the latter. I even went back to #14 and tried to find the narrative thread but no such luck. I’ve noticed this happens when Hoshino tries to do battle scenes. She seems to miss a step when she does and since this is pretty much one long (and important) battle scene there is this sense of ‘did I miss something?’

Long story short, Lavi, Krory, Lenalee Kanda & Allen have returned to the Black Order to rest and have their innocence repaired, which is still a very strange concept to me. Krory is still unconscious. Lavi & Kanda’s weapons are broken. Lenalee can no longer synchronize with her innocence, which is something I wish had been clearer earlier and I might have been less harsh in my judgment of her. I have to admit the parts I liked best about this dealt with Lenalee in that it’s really the first clue we have that her dark boots are icy cold and heavy and hurt her but she’s willing to risk dying if it means she could resynchronize with her innocence.

The Lust Noah, Lulu Bell (seriously? Wasn’t there a cow with name…no I think that was Clara Bell but that’s where my brain went) has infiltrated the science department to retrieve the egg that makes the Millennium Earl’s ark work and scientists are falling left and right (not exactly a good thing for Komui and Reever). Allen and the generals go off to fight. Unfortunately something happens no one is expecting, an akuma evolves to an unheard of Level 4 and the entire Black Order complex may have to be deserted. The ideas in this are good. The character development is as well. However, the action scenes are choppy and occasionally hard to follow.

Holy cheetos.

The headquarters is under attack by a new villain in Noah Clan. Ohmygod. I was scared the whole time, so many died, too much blood.

But i'm glad we get too see the general fight alongside with other exorcist. They really are 'general', you can see the difference of their ability.

Overall, another intense battle and heartbreak volumes.

Hoshino sure knows how to write tension. I'm so worried about these characters omg.