D. Gray-Man: Season One, Part One

Set in late 19th-century Europe, this 13-episode collection from the first season of the 2006-launched anime D. Gray-Man revolves around teen protagonist Allen Walker, whose parents abandoned him as a child because of his deformed arm. When Allen crosses paths with Millennium Earl—a sorcerer who collects souls, turning the recently deceased into monsters called Akuma—the lad is left with the ability to see the Akuma through their human disguises, while his arm becomes an Akuma-fighting machine. After this engaging opening, D. Gray-Man quickly falls into predictable anime territory (à la Devil May Cry), as plucky Allen joins the secret group called the Exorcists of the Black Order and embarks on Akuma-related adventures full of sound and fury (and blood). Although Allen himself isn't a particularly memorable hero—except for the shock of white hair and Akuma-spotting red eye that makes him stand out from the other teenagers—much of the series' personality is fueled by Kanda, a samurai-exorcist who partners with Allen. A fairly run-of-the-mill series, suitable for 14-up, DVD extras on this dual-language two-disc set include an audio commentary. Optional. [Note: D. Gray-Man: Season One, Part Two is also newly available.] Aud: P. (P. Hall)