Series & First Appearance
Gilbert Nightray appears in the manga and anime series Pandora Hearts, created by Jun Mochizuki. He first makes his appearance in Chapter 1 of the manga, which began serialization in 2006, and has been adapted into an anime series by the studio Xebec, released in 2009.
Profile at a Glance
Gilbert is 24 years old and stands at 182 cm tall. He serves as a loyal friend and protector to Oz Vessalius, acting as both a companion and servant. As a member of Pandora, he wields the chain known as Raven, which enables him to tap into significant powers to aid in his pursuits, including the retrieval of Oz from the Abyss.
Personality & Motivations
Gilbert is marked by unwavering loyalty, especially towards Oz, whom he considers his "most precious person." His motivations revolve around safeguarding Oz and seeking redemption for his family’s dark past—specifically, their suspected involvement in the murder of Oz’s mother, something he feels deeply guilty about. He harbors a quirky disdain for cats and possesses exceptional culinary skills. After consuming alcohol, he occasionally reverts to a more vulnerable version of himself, showcasing his insecurities.
Abilities / Powers
As the inhabitant of the chain Raven, Gilbert can control significant aspects of his environment and combat, albeit with limitations. His combat style often entails gunmanship, honed through years of training to deal with the challenges presented by the Nightray family’s legacy. Gilbert’s primary structural ability is taming his chain to mitigate the adverse effects of Oz’s own chain, B-Rabbit, specifically preventing the ominous clock hand movements that signal danger. Despite his considerable skills, Gilbert’s emotional turmoil can hinder his effectiveness in battle, showcasing a duality between strength and vulnerability.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Throughout Pandora Hearts, Gilbert undergoes substantial growth, shaped by pivotal events:
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Coming of Age Ceremony: During this event, he is manipulated by the Baskervilles, leading to a traumatic moment where he attacks Oz, only to later sacrifice himself to protect him. This marks the beginning of his complex feelings of guilt and his path toward redemption.
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Becoming Raven: After years of training, he becomes a prominent member of Pandora and is instrumental in retrieving Oz from the Abyss, which serves as a significant turning point in his character arc.
- The Revelation of Family Ties: Learning about his ties to his brother Vincent Nightray complicates his feelings about his past and his role in the Vessalius family’s tragedy, leading to further emotional conflicts as he navigates his past while trying to protect his present.
Notable Relationships
Gilbert’s relationships are central to his character development:
- Oz Vessalius: The cornerstone of Gilbert’s motivations; their bond is characterized by loyalty, love, and tragedy.
- Vincent Nightray: His younger brother serves as a source of internal conflict for Gilbert, as they both navigate the legacy of their family.
- Ada Vessalius: A key figure in his life, Ada’s gift of a hat holds considerable sentimental value for Gilbert, emphasizing his attachment to the people he cares about.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
- In a particularly moving moment from Chapter 12, Gilbert pushes Oz out of harm’s way, illustrating the depth of his loyalty and his willingness to sacrifice himself for Oz’s well-being, a hallmark of his character arc.
- His emotional breakdown when confronting his past, frequently evoked through his dialogues, encapsulates the themes of guilt, redemption, and platonic love.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Gilbert was exceptionally popular, ranking 2,998 in member favorites, showcasing his resonance with the audience.
- The character has been poignantly characterized by Nobuhiko Okamoto in the Japanese version and Matthew Mercer in the English dub, marking his emotional depth and complexity.
- His aversion to cats and remarkable cooking skills have become fan-favorite quirks, often leading to humorous moments that lighten the darker tones of the series.
Gilbert Nightray stands as a multifaceted character whose evolution throughout Pandora Hearts not only draws on compelling personal stakes but also emphasizes overarching themes of friendship, loyalty, and the struggle against one’s dark past. His intricate relationships with the other characters serve to enhance his narrative importance within the series, cementing him as a fan favorite.
