July
July |
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|---|---|
 |
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| Statistics | |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | Doll |
| Medium | Glass |
| Former Affiliation | MI-6 |
| Team | Hei Mao Suou Pavlichenko |
| Debut | |
| Anime | Season 1, Episode 5 |
| Actors | |
| Japanese | Kiyomi Asai |
| English | Cherami Leigh |
July (ジュライ, Jurai) is a Doll character in the anime series Darker than Black. He initially works as part of MI6 under the supervision of Contractor November 11. July’s unique observer ability allows him to track targets through the medium of glass, distinguishing him from other Dolls who typically use water. Following the events of the first season, he later becomes a close companion to Hei and Suou Pavlichenko, playing a key support role in their journey. Despite being a Doll, July gradually exhibits subtle signs of emotional awareness and independent will.
Appearance
Suou Pavlichenko and July
July appears as a small boy with a youthful and expressionless face, characteristic of Dolls. He has short, pale blond hair and light blue eyes. He typically wears a dark green coat over a collared shirt and tie, along with dark trousers and shoes, giving him a tidy and formal look that aligns with his role as a support operative for MI-6. His emotionless attitude and childlike form contrast sharply with the heavy responsibilities he carries as a tracking Doll.
Personality
Like most Dolls, July is typically emotionless, reserved, and mechanically obedient, carrying out his tasks with quiet precision. However, on rare occasions, he demonstrates behavior that deviates from the norm for Dolls. One notable moment is when he refers to November 11 as a comrade, an expression of emotional attachment that surprises both November and Misaki Kirihara, since Dolls are not supposed to form personal bonds or think independently. July’s emotional evolution continues as he later chooses to stay with Suou Pavlichenko, displaying warmth and affection by hugging her. These actions hint at his growing autonomy and emotional depth. After November 11’s death, April and July are seen paying tribute to their fallen teammate by visiting his roadside memorial, leaving flowers, cigarettes, and drinks further suggesting that July has developed the capacity for grief and remembrance.
Background
July is a Doll who serves in the British intelligence agency MI-6, assigned as part of a special team led by November 11 and supported by April. As a surveillance and tracking specialist, July plays a vital support role during the team’s missions, using his observer spirit through reflective surfaces such as glass. Though Dolls are generally treated as tools by organizations, July is regarded with surprising respect by his teammates. His quiet presence often aids in covert operations, and his abilities are frequently essential for mission success. After November 11’s death, July’s loyalty and emotional awareness begin to emerge more clearly, culminating in his decision to accompany Suou Pavlichenko, further suggesting that he is evolving beyond his original Doll programming.
Abilities
July is a Doll with observational powers that function through glass as his medium. Like other Dolls, he can project an observer spirit to track or surveil targets as long as there is a suitable reflective surface nearby. What distinguishes July from others of his kind is his exceptional perception and directional precision. This is notably demonstrated when he provides highly accurate sniping coordinates to Suou Pavlichenko, significantly improving her aim and effectiveness in combat. His guidance reflects an advanced understanding of spatial positioning, which, combined with his quiet dependability, makes him a critical support asset in the field.
Part in the Story
July plays a consistent support role throughout the series, primarily as a tracking Doll for MI-6. He first appears alongside November 11 and April during their mission to locate Havoc in Romania. After locating her, July accompanies his team to Tokyo to deliver Havoc to PANDORA. When Hei abducts Havoc, July successfully tracks them en route to Hell’s Gate.
During a bombing that injures April, July and fellow agent Decade wait outside her treatment room. He then joins November 11 in the investigation of a bombing campaign targeting multiple intelligence agencies. As November prepares for a potentially fatal encounter, he entrusts July with a card containing Misaki Kirihara’s contact information. When November is captured by the Evening Primrose, July seeks out Misaki, informing her of the situation. Misaki is shocked when July refers to November as a friend, an emotion Dolls are not supposed to possess.
July later guides Misaki and a unit of armored police to November’s location, using his observer spirit to track him. He assists November during his battle with Maki, warning him about traps and enabling his victory. Afterward, July, April, and Decade attend a briefing with Misaki and Yoshimitsu Horai to discuss November’s disappearance following an attack on the American embassy.
In the aftermath, July accompanies April as she reflects on the situation. When they locate November again, July rushes to his side. After November 11’s death, July and April are seen visiting the site where he died, often leaving small offerings such as flowers, cigarettes, or beer. In one poignant moment, July waves goodbye to Misaki before walking away further hinting at the emotional depth he developed despite being a Doll.