Allen Walker

Allen Walker (Japanese: アレン・ウォーカー, Hepburn: Aren Wōkā) is a fictional character and the protagonist of the manga series D.Gray-man, which was created by the Japanese artist and writer Katsura Hoshino. In the series, which is set in the 19th century, Allen is a teenager who joins the Black Order, a group of soldiers known as exorcists. Allen uses an object called Innocence to fight demons known as Akuma. Allen's Innocence initially assumes the form of a gigantic left arm that evolves to give him new abilities. Allen also uses his Innocence to fight the Millennium Earl, who created an army of Akuma to destroy the world, and his superhuman followers the Noah Family. Allen learns he is connected to Noah and that he might become one of them. Hoshino based Allen's characterization on Robin, the shorter-haired female protagonist of the one-shot comic Zone. Hoshino designed Allen's clothing to resemble that of the 19th century, giving him a ribbon tie and other accessories to make him appear gentlemanly. Hoshino gave Allen a calm demeanor in contrast with her typical rambunctious, rude characters; and to make him look intimidating she gave Allen a pentagram-shaped scar. The manga was adapted for television as an anime series in which Sanae Kobayashi voiced Allen. The voice actors were recast in the 2016 anime television series D.Gray-man Hallow, in which Ayumu Murase replaced Kobayashi. In the English adaptation of the anime series, Allen is voiced by Todd Haberkorn. Allen is popular with D.Gray-man readers; he is usually ranked in the top three in the series' popularity polls. Reactions to the character in manga and anime publications, and other media, have been generally positive. His characterization has been praised; critics said his calm demeanor and mysterious origin are atypical of a shōnen protagonist. Some reviewers enjoyed Allen's...