Anime-Manga Differences

The D.Gray-man anime first aired on October 3, 2006 and ran until September 30, 2008 and produced 103 episodes. The anime was produced by TMS Entertainment and directed by Osamu Nabeshima.

The anime adaptation of the manga is fairly faithful to the source material, occasionally rearranging events for pacing reasons. It is divided into two "stages"; the first stage is episodes 1-51 and the second stage consists of episodes 52-103. In America, these stages are further divided into two seasons each. Because of its dedication to its source material, it does not have a definite end, instead ending at around chapter 155 of the manga. There have been no plans to continue the anime.

Episodes
The anime consists of a total of 103 episodes.

Manga to Anime Differences
Although the anime is fairly loyal to the manga, it does take some creative liberties, particularly in the first stage.


 * Episodes 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 45 are original stories that do not center around the main plot.


 * Jean is introduced differently. In the manga he is simply a boy with an absent father who knows of Akuma and Allen meets him before he joins the Black Order. However, in the anime Allen meets him shortly after joining the Black Order and Jean is the son of Russell. Lenalee is also present during Allen's brief battle with the Millenium Earl and learns how he gained his cursed eye.


 * The search for General Cross is re-organized. Instead of stumbling upon Krory by chance, Lavi and Allen come across him after receiving reports that Cross was seen there. After recruiting Krory, instead of continuing with their search as they did in the manga, they return to HQ. Allen is not officially dispatched to search for Cross until episode 27. He does not join up with Lavi and Krory until episode 40. Allen is also unaware of Timcampy's ability to instinctively know where his creator, Cross, is until General Tiedoll tells him; in the manga Komui knew this and told Allen right away.


 * The Akuma are given a reason for attacking Barcelona: they believe that Generall Tiedoll is there. This battle depicts some of the many deaths in the Black Order. Allen and Lenalee, who are nearby, attempt to join the battle but come too late.


 * The fact that Kanda is looking for someone and has a mark on his chest is not introduced in the Aria of the Land and Clear Skies arc, but rather in episodes 33 and 34, a two-episode arc that focuses on him investigating rumors of a witch. It also establishes the importance of lotus flowers to Kanda.


 * Suman is introduced much earlier and, alongside Lenalee, protects villagers from Akuma in episode 35.


 * Daisya is introduced a little differently, with some hints that he is friendly with Kanda. Episode 37 is dedicated to his backstory.


 * Lulu Bell is introduced much earlier (episode 40) and is given the assignment to eliminate Cross's unit. An important part of this arc is her Akuma servant, Mimi, who is only present in the anime.


 * There is a three-episode arc (47-49) about a newly-discovered exorcist, Mei-Ling. While the Black Order attempts to bring her to a safe place, Lulu Bell attempts to destroy her Innocence.

Less significantly:


 * The anime provides an explanation as to how the Black Order knows that there is Innocence in the Rewinding Town.


 * General Kevin Yeegar, who is merely mentioned in the manga, is briefly met by Allen in episode 25, who delivers a package to him.


 * Episode 27 is an original story concerning Allen's past with General Cross and the tragic loss of a friend in India.


 * Episode 36 has Lenalee join Allen on his search for Cross; they also meet up with a group of Finders on their way to Barcelona.