Trip Down Memory Lane...

Katsura Hoshino | 2003 - Present

1. Why did you choose your current free reading book?  What about the title, cover, or book description appealed to you?
     The art style in the first few volumes may not have been all that appealing when it began serializing in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. D.Gray-man's plot is set in a fictional version of the 19th century, telling a story about young Allen Walker, who joins an organization of exorcists called the Black Order. And in order to combat the a man known as the Millennium Earl and his demonic army of Akuma who intend to destroy humanity, the exorcists has to rely on an ancient substance called Innocence to cancel out Dark Matter, a material making up the forces under the Millennium Earl's control.
     It was a series that I was previously exposed to on the internet but never once found the will to search for its title. It wasn't until a classmate filled in the blanks and recommended a briefing over the animation series, therefore opening a door to a community in which its doors locks you in before you can exit. Till this day, this on-going series takes a spot in my heart. It's always worth re-reading when so much nostalgia and good memories entailed after the first complete run-through of the series. It's a go-to read when the skies are gray and crying, like comfort food when the day turns dull and depressing.

2.  Select a memorable quotation from what you've read so far.  Post this quotation below, with a brief explanation of the context.  Why did you find this quotation memorable?  What importance does it hold for the text?

" I want to be a destroyer that can save people..." ~ Allen Walker

     In chapter 008-016, main protagonist Allen Walker, accompanied by Kanda Yu, was sent off to a mission to retrieve Innocence in the Ancient City of Martel. Both demons and members of the Black order occupied the area in search for the Ghost of Martel, a doll created by man with the miracle of Innocence for the purpose of entertaining citizens of the city to thwart them from darker times. Unfortunately, the Ghost of Martel was damaged during the battle against the enemy and lost its human-like life. 

     Awaiting for the opportunity to retrieve the innocence, Kanda joins Allen along the flight of stairs suggesting to stop the doll dubbed The Ghost of Martel as "it's hard to bear," and "it isn't Lala anymore, right?" Allen refused, persisting on to keep his promise with Lala that Guzol will be "the only one to break" her and so allowed her to sing her melodies until she breaks.

     Kanda seems disdainful by the younger man's words, calling him "naive" and that they [exorcists] " Were destroyers, not saviors." to which Allen agrees. Once the Ghost of Martel ceased her song, Allen left to retrieve the Innocence only to hears her last words of gratitude.

     It's most likely that Allen was reminded of his late foster father, eventually breaking down helplessly to another loss. While he was quite aware of the destructive nature of their profession, Allen was determined and willing to risk anything to prevent the growing casualties in this war against human and immortal. Even if it means sacrificing himself to fulfill that promise. That's why this quote is so memorable and inspiring.

Quotations — Chapter 016: The Aria of the Land the Clear Skies Pg.15 - Pg.19

3. If you were the author of your book, what would you do differently?  Why?
     I would personally change the portrayal of the main female protagonist, Lenalee Lee. Despite her strength, her personality makes her seem like the princess character, thereby ignoring her potential as a strong female lead. It's transparent that her past traumatic experience would fuel her desire to protect the things she cares about. However, it probably wouldn't hurt to build her character to be more resolute. It's an appeal I would prefer more in a female protagonist. But considering the environment she grew up in, I can empathize to why Katsura Hoshino made her the way she is.