D.Gray-man: Reverse

D.Gray-man Reverse is a novel written by another author, kaya kizaki, with the permission of Hoshino Katsura, the original mangaka. Reverse focuses on each major character's past, a portion of it, before they actually met up in the series. Some portions of the novels were simply for humor's sake and others were just the ideas of kaya kizaki as to what might have happened. These spinoffs could be taken together with the original running of both manga and anime as they can clarify certain parts left unanswered by Hoshino-sensei. Though finding translations online can be difficult, the reading experience is worthwhile. Chapter 1 is actually episode29-30 of the anime, while Chapter 2 is episode 33-34. Chapter 3 is about Bak Chan and his aspirations and frustrations. Chapter 4 shows how the earl's influence really moves. Chapter 5 is about Lavi before episode 13. One can see a different side of Lavi in this chapter. Chapter 6 is just a comic relief to lighten up all the serious chapters previously, it is simply read for laughs with lots of imagination. Chapter 7 is Lou Fa's episode and her thoughts, occurs as a side story after episode 95. Chapter 8 can be considered as the most tragic since it centers on Allen before meeting Mana and how Allen ended up being with him. The chapters all wrap up to create a good story that amplified a reader's interest in DGM. despite lacking in pictures because it is a novel, the small snapshots of pictures by Hoshino sensei can give one a clear picture of what the chapters are about. I liked the stories because they are really told in character. The emotions can be felt and the thoughts are told in perspective. Instead of simply reading/watching from only one angle as in the manga and anime, the novel makes you feel that you are the main character of the chapter. This adds to the reader's excitement in seeing the story to the end. Overall, I gave it an 8 because there is nothing exceptionally great about how it was told, it only served to clarify things and complemented Hoshino-sensei's work. The novel could be overlooked and still make DGM a good series altogether.