First impressions: D Gray Man dub. (Part 2)

Alright, I'm back.

Now, you may not consider this a proper review on the dub for at least one reason...

I didn't watch the japanese version for comparison.

*DRAMATIC CHIPMUNK!*

But I am doing this anyway to express my thoughts, based on what I know of the characters in the manga.

Before I go through the list of some yet to be reviewed characters, I'll like to re-comment on a couple of the already reviewed.

Millenuim Earl: It was only recently did it hit me on what this villian sounded like.

A demonic prospector/character from a western film.

Whilst this approach makes him sound like a deviously trusting character, it doesn't exactly make him sound sinister enough.

Though I haven't gotten to Todd Haberkorn's portrayal (episodes 27-39) of him yet, so stay tuned.

Lenalee: Now that I've heard it again, I don't think it sounds like Kaname Chidori at all. But I still think it's a solid performance as Luci's sweet (but not too sweet) portrayal manages to capture the girls warmth but is strong spirited enough to work in action scenes...

(Okay 'strong spirited' might not be the right word. But if I come up with a better term, then I'll edit this blog.)

Anyway, to the new characters...

Miranda Lotto (Colleen Clinkenbeard): For all the hysterical wailing and despair that she delivers in her early episodes, Colleen fits the job of this unlucky woman very well.

And then, to prove Miranda isn't all "AGH I'M IN DESPAIR!" she gives her a mature, calm tone when she speaks out Miranda's letter to Allen in episode 12.

Road Camelot (Cherami Leigh): An awesome display from this rising newcomer, who gives Road a wicked and sadistic tone, whilst keeping the characters child-like demeanor.

Lavi (Jason Liebrecht): Now, like the Earl, apparently Lavi gets a voice actor change in episodes 27-39 (Chris Patton) because Jason was...

...actually I don't know the reason, but I'll assume he was busy or sick. Anyway, it'll be interesting to see which does the better job.

Jason's portrayal of Lavi is a mixture of jovial and laid back, yet for some reason there is also some slight rasp in the delivery. However I wouldn't say it's a bad performance. It's just I was expecting him to sound a little more badass like Train Heartnet...though I've long forgotten what he sounded like then.

Grade so far: -B. Hit-and-miss casting, but a few good performances (Miranda, Road) shine through.

Before I go, one more observation.

I find it interesting that volume two of the anime isn't following the manga. Apparently, the whole business with Krory which is supposed to happen immediately after the events of episode 13 (according to the manga) appear to wait about 4 or 5 episodes to happen. Not sure if the stuff in-between is filler or the manga plot was re-arranged. Please contact me if you know.

Anyway, I might post another dub review in the future as soon as I can watch volume 2.

Until then...HANDS OF LENALEE YOU DOUCHE! SHE'S MINE!