Is the Anime Really Finished?#
If you are wondering whether you can dive into Darker than Black without worrying about an eternal cliffhanger, the anime experience is relatively self-contained. The series spans an original run, a sequel, and a prequel. While these provide a significant narrative arc, those seeking every possible angle of the story may want to explore the written materials. Specifically, there is a manga that serves as an alternate retelling of the story, meaning the “conclusion” can vary depending on whether you stick to the anime or branch into the manga.
If you’re ready to start your journey, you can watch the anime on Prime Video to see how the mystery unfolds.
What to Expect: Plot and Appeal#
Darker than Black is a moody, atmospheric blend of science fiction and supernatural mystery. The story is set in Tokyo, where a mysterious and impenetrable field called “Hell’s Gate” appeared a decade prior. Alongside this event, the world saw the emergence of “Contractors”—psychics with paranormal powers who must pay a specific price (often a loss of conscience or a repetitive compulsive action) to use their abilities.
Themes and Genre#
The series heavily emphasizes:
- Espionage and Crime: The story follows Hei, a powerful psychic agent and assassin, and his associate Yin, as they navigate a web of rival agencies.
- Psychological Drama: It explores the cost of power and the nature of humanity.
- Conspiracy: Much of the plot revolves around unlocking the secrets of Hell’s Gate and the political maneuvering of those who want to control it.
Because of its focus on assassins, police work, and superhuman fighting, this series is best suited for viewers who enjoy “seinen-style” psychological thrillers and complex mysteries rather than lighthearted action.
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Recommended Watch Orders#
Depending on your preference for spoilers or chronological storytelling, there are a few ways to approach this series. For specific details on how these entries connect, please refer to the relationship tree provided below the article.
The Release Order#
This is the way most fans experienced the story. It allows the mysteries to unfold as the creators intended:
- Darker than Black (2007)
- Darker than Black: Gemini of the Meteor (2009)
- Darker than Black - Kuro no Keiyakusha: Gaiden (2010)
The Chronological Order#
If you prefer to see events unfold in the order they happened in the timeline, you should start with the prequel:
- Darker than Black - Kuro no Keiyakusha: Gaiden
- Darker than Black
- Darker than Black: Gemini of the Meteor
The Completionist Order#
For those who want every piece of the puzzle, we recommend the release order for the anime, followed by the related manga. Keep in mind that Darker than Black: Shikkoku no Hana is an alternate retelling, so it provides a different perspective on the events rather than a direct continuation. You can buy the manga to see how the retelling differs from the anime.
Additional Resources#
Whether you are a fan of the brooding protagonist Hei or the mystery of the Contractors, there are plenty of ways to bring the series home. You can buy Darker than Black merchandise to commemorate your journey through the mysteries of Hell’s Gate.
Darker than Black • anime • 2007-04-05 to 2007-09-27
└─(sequel)→ Darker than Black: Gemini of the Meteor • anime • 2009-10-08 to 2009-12-24
└─(prequel)→ Darker than Black - Kuro no Keiyakusha: Gaiden • anime • 2010-01-27 to 2010-07-21
└─(alternate retelling)→ Darker than Black: Shikkoku no Hana • manga • 2009-06-05 (serialized in Young Gangan)
└─(related)→ Darker Than Black • manga • 2007-08-25
