D.Gray-man (Volumes 1 through 17) by Katsura Hoshino

Set in Victorian England, we follow the adventures of Allen Walker in his search for Innocence as one of the Black Order’s Exorcists. Innocence is vital to the Black Order and the world’s survival as it is their only weapon against the Millennium Earl and his akuma. Allen is important to their cause as he was cursed and now can see the trapped soul that is used to create akuma. It is a race against time to see who will get the innocence and save or destroy the world.

This gothic story may seem familiar as there are some elements that are in other supernatural narratives. What really captures your attention is the art style and character design. This is a very visually beautiful work that grabs you and sucks you in to this alternate reality. D.Gray-man has very interesting characters, especially the main character of Allen Walker. He is a young man with a dark past. As the series progresses, his character develops and even physically changes. You will want to keep turning the pages to see all of these compelling characters and experience the fight between the Exorcists and the Millennium Earl.

While the art style has been criticized for being generic, I find the character designs to be fascinating and unique. The akuma and exorcist transformations are so interesting that I can't wait to see the next one to see what reality will be completely altered. I will admit that the backgrounds are dark and the action sequences can be difficult to decipher. I still like the alternate reality created that I keep coming back for more.

D.Gray-man was awarded the prize for best manga series 2006 at the Anime and Manga 2007 French Grand Prix. It was also awarded the manga of the year in 2006 by Webotaku.

To enhance your enjoyment of this story, why not check out the anime based off of the manga. D.Gray-man transports you to an alternate Victorian England. Enjoy the world that Hoshino created in vibrant color. Experience the exciting action that you can only get a glimpse of in the manga. The anime follows the storyline of the manga closely and allows the characters to come alive.

You can find the D.Gray-Man manga and anime by Katsura Hoshino on the CPL Catalog. If you enjoyed D.Gray-Man, you may want to try Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa or Bleach by Tite Kubo.

Bleach (Volumes 1 through 28) by Tite Kubo (Story and Art)

Ichigo Kurosaki can see dead people. Most people would be somewhat disconcerted to see apparitions before them, but not Ichigo. Being the nice guy he is, he tries to help these poor souls. Then one day he meets Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper from the Soul Society, and his life changes forever. In order to save his family from an attack by Hollows, evil spirits that prey on humans with spiritual energy, Ichigo absorbs some of Rukia's reiatsu, spirit pressure, and defeats the Hollow. However, Ichigo grabbed a bit more of Rukia's power than either of them thought and he now has to be a Soul Reaper in her place as she is now trapped in the World of the Living (or Earth for us human folk). The series follows the story of Ichigo and the Soul Society into many different adventures and battles.

It is easy to see why Bleach has become the phenomenon that it has. From the start of the series, you are transported to a world where things are not always what they seem. Soul Reapers walk the streets (and skies) defending humans and souls alike. Tite Kubo has created such fantastic characters that you can't help but feel that they are real. If you can't wait for the manga volumes to come out, why not catch this on-going series in Shonen Jump Magazine.

What makes the art of Bleach so outstanding is the fight sequences. With many manga with action sequences, you tend to miss some of what is going on. Somehow Kubo makes the action stand out and you really don't miss anything. In addition to the great action sequences are the two additional worlds Kubo has created, the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo (where the Hollows dwell). You really are transported to another time and place in Bleach.

Bleach was awarded the Shogakukan Manga Award in the shonen category in 2005. In addition to this, the volumes are frequently on the New York Times Manga Best Seller List (volume 30 is currently on the list and has been for the past four weeks).

If you enjoy the manga, you will love the anime series. You can now see all the action jump from the page to the big screen. While the anime does follow the manga storyline quite close, there are a few additional story arcs. Even with these arcs, the anime is quite enjoyable and will make you to want to see more.

In addition to the anime series, two of the Bleach movies have been released here in the United States. These films are fantastic on their own and you don't have to know anything about the manga or anime series to enjoy them. In Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody, Ichigo comes across Senna, a Soul Reaper who has lost her memory. With a superb soundtrack and excellent fight sequences, you can't help but love this movie. In Bleach Movie 2: DiamondDust Rebellion, Captain Hitsugaya is wanted by the Soul Society for apparently stealing the King's Seal. Ichigo and friends try to get to the bottom of this mystery disappearance and help Hitsugaya clear his name. Another stand alone piece that fans and non-fans can enjoy. Look for more movies to be released later this year.

You can find the Bleach manga and anime by Tite Kubo on the CPL Catalog. If you enjoyed Bleach, you may want to try D.Gray-man by Katsura Hoshino or Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa.