Monday, October 20, 2008
d.grayman!!!!The plot revolves around Allen Walker, an exorcist, in the midst of an imaginary 19th century Europe. Allen is a member of the Dark Religious Organization, which contains exorcists, connected with Vatican. The mission of the Dark Religious Organization is to stop The Millennium Earl, an evil demon-like entity intending to cleanse the world by destroying all the human in it in the manner of Noah's great flood.
The exorcists themselves are special people gifted with compatibility with Innocence, divine substance created in the ages past to combat the Earl's minions, the Akumas. It is said that there are exactly 109 units of Innocence scattered around the world. Once an Innocence finds its compatible person, it will evolve to become a weapon to fight the Akumas.
As the story goes, Allen Walker is introduced with more Exorcist characters, among them are Kanda Yuu, Linali Li and Rabi. Also in the spotlight are Komui Li, the church's science department supervisor and older brother of Linali Li, Bookman, a mysterious colleague within the church, and Cross Marian, a general in the Organization and Allen's master.
More villains also appear along the way. There are higher level akumas, with greater power, skill and wit. Newly appearing as of this article is the Noah's family, humans gifted with great power allied with the Earl.
Category: Action, Comedy, Horror, Shounen, Supernatural.
Alternative titles: DGrayMan, D-Grayman
AKUMAThe main army of the Earl of Millenium are creatures called AKUMA. AKUMA vary in size, appearance and abilities, depending on how evolved they are.
AKUMA (アクマ)
The AKUMA are constructed by the fusion of a human soul and a skeleton (the Build). But, that’s not all they require. When a person loses someone close to him or her, especially in a tragic incident, they are approached by the Earl and offered the chance to have their loved ones back. Those ignorant enough to accept the Earl’s offer give him the power to call back the souls of the dead and create the AKUMA. These souls are forever chained to their AKUMA constructs, condemned to serve the Earl for eternity. Often, their first kill is the very person who called them back, taking their form at the same time.
Because the AKUMA are also half-sentient, they can evolve to become Level II AKUMA (and above). The more an AKUMA evolves, the more powerful and “intelligent” it becomes. But, the human soul within the AKUMA worsens as it evolves, becoming nothing more than fuel for the AKUMA’s existence. The souls can be freed only if the AKUMA is destroyed (or exorcised) by Innocence. AKUMA destroyed by other means also condemn the souls within to destruction.
Builder (製造者 せいぞうしゃ)
The Earl’s “name” to the AKUMA because he is responsible for creating them.
Broker (ブローカー)
Sometimes, the Earl has a human conspiritor who contacts him with potential candidates to assist in creating AKUMA. These brokers, as they’re called, tend to work as care givers to place themselves near those who may be grieving for lost ones.
Dark Matter (ダークマター)
Unholy material used by the Earl to create his AKUMA army. The skeletons of the AKUMA (the Build) are made of Dark Matter.
Build
The mechanical, lifeless skeleton created by the Earl for human souls to possess and become AKUMA. It is sometimes also referred to as a machine (機械 きかい).
Virus (毒 ヴィルス)
Weapons of the AKUMA, as well as its blood, can infect living things with a poison that causes instant death and disintegration. The Exorcists (or those armed with Innocence) are immune to the virus, and can cleanse it from within. However, they are unable to do so for anyone else.
Allies of the OrderChina
Anita (アニタ)
Mahoja (マホジャ)
Other characters
Mana Walker (マナ．ワォーカー)
Mana is Allen’s foster father. The exact circumstances of the adoption are unknown, but it’s assumed that Allen was abandoned at birth and picked up by Mana later. Mana gave him his name, and birthdate (Christmas Day), and taught Allen the values that he shows today. Three years ago, when Allen was about twelve, Mana passed away.
Lala & Gsor (ララ＆グゾル)
In the ancient city of Matel, the inhabitants used to build dolls to entertain themselves. Miraculously, these dolls came alive, but were abandoned when the inhabitants moved out of Matel. Lala is the last of these dolls. About seventy years ago, Gsor wandered into Matel and found Lala. Gsor was disfigured and often buillied by other children. With Lala, he finally found acceptance and peace, and decided to stay in Matel with Lala for the rest of his life.
Eliade (エリアーデ)
Exorcists (エクソシスト)The Exorcists of the Order are all fit, combat-capable, and able to invoke the Innocence in their anti-AKUMA weapons. When they join the Order, they’re trained to improve their synchronicity with their Innocence, as well as in physical combat (presumably). At the same time, their Innocence is constructed into an anti-AKUMA weapon by the scientists of the Order.
The main list below is arranged in order of appearance. At the start of the series, there were nineteen Exorcists in the Order (including Allen). Two more have joined, but six have died. So, we’re currently at fifteen. I’m not sure if the Headmasters are considered Exorcists though.
Allen Walker (アレン.ワォーカー)
Allen is the sort of person who strongly believes in what he fights for, even when it seems the whole world is against him. Despite his youth and tragic past, Allen is remarkably mature and selfless. Much of this, in my opinion, is thanks to his father, Mana, evidenced by the strong attachment Allen had for him. Still, Allen is young, and when provoked enough, he has a tendency to attack with far too little care for his own safety. Personality-wise, he’s very honest about his feelings and he will show exactly what he feels, and say exactly what’s on his mind.
The thing I like most about Allen is that he’s very independent. He doesn’t rely on anyone else for favours even if it means sacrificing himself, nor does he need a silly crutch like rivalry to excel. Oh, and he’s cute too. XD
Official Profile
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English (about 15 years old)
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Height: 168 cm
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Weight: 58 kg
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Birthday: unknown (Mana gave him the birthday of Dec 25th Christmas)
Allen's Eye
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Allen’s left eye is not powered by Innocence. In fact, it’s referred to as a curse. When activated, it turns red and the pentacle on his forehead glows. The eye can differentiate between humans and AKUMA, but more than that, it can see the human souls trapped inside the AKUMA. Allen believes this to be a gift in his mission to save these souls. See 3rd Night.
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After the mission in the rewinding town, Allen’s eye evolved in a very AKUMA-like manner. Now, when activated, it can detect AKUMA from far away, as well as allow people around him to see the souls trapped inside the AKUMA.
Anti-AKUMA Weapon
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His left arm, with the Innocence embedded in a cross-shaped mark on his hand. Allen is a Parasite Type. When dormant, Allen’s arm is a scaley dark red colour. When invoked, it enlarges into a claw that can cut through all AKUMA. It is virtually indestructible except by high level attacks and other Innocence.
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十字架ノ墓 (Cross Grave) is a multiple slice attack that can destroy many Level I AKUMA at one time.
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After the mission to Matel, Allen’s arm evolved further into a spear-like weapon (think lightsabers), as well as a canon-type weapon which shoots projectile spears that can destroy AKUMA.
Kanda Yuu (神田(カンダ).ユウ)
Kanda is the first Exorcist that Allen meets at the Order though a misunderstanding and difference of opinions caused a bad start to their relationship. Not that Kanda is a sunshine of personality, mind you. He’s rude and looks down on people “beneath” him, such as Allen (who is cursed), and the lower ranking members of the Order. Kanda’s master is Headmaster Tiédeur.
There is some mystery surrounding Kanda, in particular, a tattoo on his chest above his heart. It is perhaps tied to his ability to heal faster than average, no matter how serious his injuries, as well as his remaining lifespan. The novel revealed that Kanda has a lotus flower in his room, sealed in an hour glass. Somehow, this flower is tied to his life because when the flower starts to wither, it would mean that he’s run out of time (he will die). The flower has dropped two petals, but is otherwise in full bloom. It was also implied (though this is my interpretation) that Kanda wishes the flower would wither (i.e. he will run out of life) but not before he finds a mysterious person he’s been searching for.
Official Profile
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Japanese (18 years old)
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Height: 175 cm
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Weight: 61 kg
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Birthday: June 6th (Gemini)
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Blood type: AB
Anti-AKUMA Weapon
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Mugen (六幻 ムゲン), a katana. It means, literally, Six Illusions. When dormant, the blade of the katana is black, but invoked, it gleams in metallic silver.
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「六幻, 災厄招来!」 (Mugen, saiyaku shourai!) is just Kanda being show-off-y. He says that as a prelude to releasing Mugen’s attack spells. Literally, “Mugen, bring forth calamity!”
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「界蟲, 『一幻』!」 (Kaichuu, Ichigen!) is Mugen’s first attack. Literally, “World of Bugs, First Illusion!” It’s a projectile attack.
Hebraska (ヘブラスカ)
Hebraska is possibly not human, or a mutated human, that is one of the most powerful Exorcists in the Order. He lives permanently in the Order’s headquarters and is in charge of taking care of all the pieces of Innocence recovered by the Order. He also possesses the power to examine (or measure) a person’s Innocence, and all those who wish admission into the Order are brought to him first.
Linalee Lee (リナリー.リー)
Linalee appears earlier than Kanda, actually, but she wasn’t revealed to be an Exorcist until later (although you’ll notice she’s in an Exorcist uniform from the very start). She is the very cute younger sister of Komui and about the same age as Allen. It is well-known that where she is concerned, Komui would do anything.
For as long as she can remember, Linalee has been at the Order. Her parents were killed by AKUMA when she was very little, and her only surviving relative is her brother, Komui. When members of the Order found out that she was an Accomodator, she was taken away and separated from Komui. For three years, she lived in the Order’s headquarters feeling like a prisoner, alone and frightened. She even attempted suicide. Thankfully, Komui entered the Order at that time, and promised to make this their new home. As a result, Linalee now fights for her brother’s sake as well.
Official Profile
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Chinese (16 years old)
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Height: 166 cm
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Weight: 48 kg
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Birthday: February 20th (Aquarius)
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Blood type: B
Anti-AKUMA Weapon
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Dark Boots (黒い靴 ダークブーツ). When invoked, the boots increase speed and strength in the user’s legs.
Miranda Lott (ミランダ.ロットー)
All her life, Miranda has been ostricised by people around her because she’s clumsy, and tends to screw things up. And... she really is pathetic. But, I still love her. XD All she needed was for someone to appreciate her for who she is, and thank her for her help.
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Appearance: vol.3, 19th-26th Night, 57th Night onwards
Official Profile
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German (25 years old)
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Height: 168cm
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Weight: 45kg
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Birthdate: 1st Jan (Pisces)
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Blood type: O
Anti-AKUMA Weapon
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Time Record (刻盤 タイムレコード), a disc-shaped device attached to her arm.
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The weapon was constructed from an antique grandfather’s clock that was abandoned in an antique shop. Later, it was discovered that the clock was powered by Innocence that only Miranda could synchronise with. When Miranda was yet unaware of her powers, the clock simply catered to her wishes as far as controlling time is concerned.
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After Miranda invoked her Innocence, the clock was able to create a bubble in time, by which even the effects of time (such as past injuries) could be reversed. However, this reversal is strictly temporary, and holds up only for as long as Miranda can keep her Innocence invoked.
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Miranda’s Exorcist training at the Black Order allowed her to improve her syncronicity with the clock’s Innocence so that her invocation could last longer.
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Recovery (時間回復 リカバリー) creates a field around a selected area. While in this field, Miranda’s Innocence can cause all injuries and physical damage, even to non-living things, to disappear, as if reversing the effects of time. However, this is only a temporary relief, as all the injuries and damage will re-appear when the Recovery is deactivated. Therefore, death is one thing Miranda cannot erase.
Ravi (ラビ)
Although Ravi is an Exorcist, he is also the successor to the title of Bookman. In terms of personality, Ravi fills in the shounen manga stereotype of brash and outgoing kid, who enjoys the fun of battle. He appears to be on a first name basis with Kanda, though I would hesitate to say that’s reciprocated. On the other hand, he loves to pick on and tease Allen. In a good way. “Ravi” is not his real name. He stopped using his real name when he became the successor to Bookman.
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Appearance: vol.3, 26th Night onwards
Official Profile
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Mixed race (18 years old)
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Height: 177 cm
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Weight: 68 kg
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Birthday: August 10th (Leo)
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Blood type: O
Anti-AKUMA Weapon
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Big Hammer Small Hammer (大槌小槌 おおずちこずち). When not in use, it shrinks into a little hammer that Ravi keeps in a holster on his thigh.
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「満」 (Man) enlarges the hammer head; repeat as many times as necessary. Very good for smashing things.
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「伸」 (Shin) stretches the handle; repeat as many times as necessary. Not so good (but viable) for transportation.
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The Sermons - Ravi has a number of Sermon attacks that uses the flat side of the hammer head.
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「火判 劫火灰燼」(Hiban Gouka Kaijin) - Fire Sermon is a fire-based attack.
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「天判 雷霆回天」 (Tenban Raitei Kaiten) - Heaven Sermon is a lightning-based wide-beam attack.
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「木判 天地盤回」 (Mokuban Tenchi Bankai) - Wood Sermon gives Ravi the ability to control nature.
Bookman (ブックマン)
Bookman is both a name and title given to the person who records the hidden history, that is, the history that the world is not allowed to know. Bookman is still considered an Exorcist though. Apart from his duties, Bookman is also an expert healer (apparently, he has some l33t acupuncture techniques from ancient China). He is training Ravi to take his place as Bookman, but doesn’t think Ravi is ready yet by far.
Official Profile
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Mixed race (88 years old)
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Height: 140 cm (not including his hair)
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Weight: 38 kg
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Birthday: August 5th (Leo)
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Blood type: A
Baron Aleister Crowley III (アレイスター.クロウリー.III 男爵)
Crowley fits the stereotype of a vampire in appearance. Except, he’s not one and appearances can be deceiving. XD On the one hand, he is very fierce and powerful when his Innocence is activated. But, when it’s not, he’s a cry-baby, highly sensitive, easily bullied, wibbling...er, good guy. I’m being kind here. Oh, and Ravi calls him Crow-chan. Bwahaha.
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Appearance: vol.4 & vol.5, 31st-40th Night and beyond
Official Profile
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Romanian (28 years old)
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Height: 190cm
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Weight: 77kg
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Birthday: 1st December
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Blood type: AB
Anti-AKUMA Weapon
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His teeth. It was... er, passed on to him, by Headmaster Cross via a carnivorous(?) plant. The plant originated from Crowley’s grandfather, the first Aleister Crowley. Crowley is a Parasite Type.
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Crowley’s teeth resonates to the presence of AKUMA, and his Innocence is such that when he drinks the blood of AKUMA, he can regenerate himself.
Team Tiédeur
Kanda and two other Exorcists were trained by Headmaster Tiédeur.
Deesha Barri (ディシャ.バリー)
Deesha loves playing pranks on others, and when he was still in training, he used to break Headmaster Tiédeur’s glasses often with his Charity Bell.
Anti-AKUMA Weapon
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Charity Bell (隣人ノ鐘 チャリティ.ベル), a spherical, football-sized object used as a projectile weapon. When invoked, it leaves a sound wave in its wake, capable of destroying AKUMA.
Noise Mari (ノイズ・マリ)
Mari is a very tall and big man. Not much else is known about him, nor what sort of weapon he uses.
Team Zocalo
The three exorcists under Headmaster Zocalo.
Suman Dark (スーマン.ダーク)
Suman became an Exorcist in order to earn money for his young daughter’s medical fees, even though she didn’t want him to leave home.
Anti-AKUMA Weapon
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His right arm, with the Innocence embedded in a round, gem-like stone near his thumb. Like Allen, Suman is a parasite-type.
Kazahna Reed (カザーナ.リド)
Chakar Rabon (チャーカー.ラボン)
Team Cloud
The three exorcists under Headmaster Cloud. This is speculation, but from their names, I would guess they are female.
Tina Spark (ティナ.スパーク)
Gwen Flail (グエン.フレール)
Sol Garen (ソル.ガレン)
The Headmasters (元師 げんすい)There are only five Headmasters in the Order, and their duties involve seeking Innocence, as well as looking for and training potential Exorcists. Part of this also means they have to find Accomodators for the unclaimed pieces of Innocence already recovered by the Order. They mostly operate on their own outside the Order and receive their orders directly from the Grand Masters. The Headmasters (with the exception of Cross) check back with the Order about once every month.
Cross Marian (クロス.マリアン)
Cross found Allen in the streets shortly after his father passed away, and recognised the anti-AKUMA weapon on his left arm. He took Allen in and became the boy’s teacher to train him to be an Exorcist. Cross is a mysterious and eccentric character, who wears a mask covering half his face (he was unmasked at least once, which revealed a long, disfiguring scar across his face). For the longest time, he was thought missing, if not dead, by the rest of the Order, until Allen turned up.
Cross travels a lot, and has contacts from all over the world. Friends, in a way, whom he owes a lot of money to, because Cross gets around by constant loans and favours. When Allen was living with Cross, he was forced to help his master relieve some of his debt by gambling (and cheating) for money. Despite his eccentric nature, Cross is deadly serious about his duties for the Order, though his motives are yet unknown.
Kevin Yeegar (ケビン.イエーガー)
The oldest Headmaster of the order and always the first to be on the frontline of the war. He has already retrieved eight pieces of Innocence for the Order, plus his own anti-AKUMA weapon makes nine. Not much else is revealed about him other than story spoilers.
Froi Tiédeur (フロワ.ティエドール)
He is Kanda’s master, though Kanda doesn’t seem to like him very much. (Then again, does Kanda like anyone?) Theodore is very much an artist, and has a strong faith in God. He truly believes in his mission to find and train Exorcists for the good of the world. He is a middle-aged man with glasses, and very emotional.
Winters Zocalo (ウィンターズ.ソカロ)
Headmaster Zocalo is a large, well-built man who wears a mask. Not much else is known about him yet. By the way, Zocalo is a brand of silver accessories.
Cloud9 (クラウド.ナイン)
The only female Headmaster. She appears to have a pet monkey. As for her name, I’m guessing that’s not her real name. :p Cloud9, btw, is a brand of silver accessories.
The House of Noah (ノーアの一族)They were revealed as a huge surprise, forming a council of allies for the Earl of Millenium. So far, not much is known about them nor their members, but it is clear that the House are all humans, and ‘Noah’ is a reference to Noah’s Ark. They think of themselves as “super-humans” and therefore, the rightful apostles chosen by God. Certainly, they have powers beyond that of ordinary humans. In their opinion, the Exorcists follow a false God.
The Noah seem to have (at least) three appearances: white, black, and “true”. Their white appearance looks as normal as any human being, and is depicted in the manga as white-skinned. Their black appearance is almost the same, with dark skin, but marked by a scar across their forehead. As for their “true” appearance... well, the couple we’ve seen so far are monstrous and grotesque.
Listed here in order of appearance.
Lord Camelot (ロード.キャメロット)
She first appeared in Miranda Lott’s rewinding town (vol.3 arc) and is the first of the Noah to reveal themselves to the Black Order, or Allen in particular. She’s sadistic, eccentric, and cares little for the AKUMA army at her disposal. She’d heard from the Earl about Allen chosing to be an Exorcist in order to save the condemned souls inside the AKUMA, and is determined to break that promise for him. Apart from controlling the AKUMA, she is also able to create a dimensional space outside reality. Lord is always accompanied by her sentient umbrella, Lelo (レロ).
Sir Tiki Mic (ティキ.ミック卿)
Tiki is a tall, well-dressed gentleman who doesn’t look like he would hurt anyone. But, the truth is, Tiki is lethal and ruthless. He has a split personality between his white and black sides. The “white” side dresses sloppily, wears a pair of geeky glasses, and enjoys having fun. The “black” side is exactly that–evil and takes joy in killing. Tiki has the ability to pass his hands (or any part of his body, I guess) through anything, unless he consciously decides he wants to touch something.
Official Profile
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Portuguese (26 years old, maybe)
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Height: 188cm
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Weight: 70kg
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Birthday: Unknown
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Blood type: O
Jasdebi (ジャスデビ)
A pair of twins, named Debitt (デビット) and Jasdero (ジャスデロ). Debitt seems to be the more short-tempered one, while Jasdero appears rather insane.
Skin Boric (スキン.ボリック)
Boric is a large-sized man with a sweet tooth (apparently).
EarlThe Bad Guy. ‘nuff said. There are certain characteristics about the Earl which may not come across in translations or summaries and that is he speaks with a certain style. For example, he ends all his sentences with the last syllable in katakana, and half his sentences end with a heart mark. Note that the appearance of the heart mark usually has no bearing on the content of his words. He could be threatening someone with death, or greeting his new toy, and they’d all have heart marks on them. Another thing of interest is that the Earl refers to himself as 我輩 (wagahai), which is a very archaic, and slightly arrogant form of “I”.
As far as being The Bad Guy goes, the Earl’s ultimate goal is Armageddon, starting with turning humans into his army of evil AKUMA, and destroying or collecting Innocence before the Order gets to them. Only the Black Order and the Vatican (or those related to them) know of the existence of the Earl, but even so, not many have met him. Later, we find out that the Earl has a council of allies called the House of Noah, and their purpose is still being revealed as the story progresses.
The Earl is also known as Builder to the AKUMA, and the Noah call him Lord Millenium (千年公 せんねんこう).
d.grayman rocks!!!
10/20/2008 11:33:00 PM
