Ranked #26

Dengeki Daisy (Manga)

“No matter what happens, I’ll protect you.”

Where have I read this line? Wait. Let me think.

Oh right, from oodles of shoujo mangas I read. I remembered dropping a lot because they were a lot too similar to each other. It just differs from the art to its supporting characters and leads. There’re a lot of arcs being used over and over and over again. Hotsprings, going on field trips, getting locked in a gym storage room and whatnot.

Of course, Dengeki Daisy springs out the cliché plots at its peak.

As another fan of the shoujo genre, I am once again amused on how Motomi Kyousuke handles his way of manga clichés. I never imagined myself loving another shoujo manga to this point. And to add up to that, the author is male. A he, making a shoujo manga that gets a high popularity, now this is something.

So what makes it differ from the others?

Is it the art?

The art is dramatic and humorous often times. Fully detailed, from emotions to bony structures. One thing I noticed was the eyes for every character describes what they are. For instance, Teru’s eyes. They were set to kill. It helps her give the impression of a strong and honest girl. For Kurosaki’s, his eyes gives off the mysterious and arrogant feel. Not that it isn’t cliché, but it gives the characters a sense of individuality.

Is it the storyline?

It follows a story of Teru, a smart girl who lives alone with a cellphone as a memento from her late older brother and Kurosaki, some weird janitor slash programmer who is actually in imminent danger of having his head bald. Joking aside, the cellphone serves as a communication device between Teru and an unknown guy who he calls himself as DAISY. Teru finds him as her security blanket and often emails him on what is going on with her everyday life. Kurosaki, however comes up and treats her as a servant because Teru, as we all know, is poor. She agrees to be his servant to pay off a debt. The story goes on and eventually, this two, seems closer than before. So at the end of reading a short sneakpeak, you end up questioning yourself, who is DAISY? What happens to Teru and Kurosaki?

Dengeki Daisy is actually easy to predict, at first. But then, when you are at the point of making sure that this event is going to happen, it surprises you with another blast, and this is what makes the story interesting.

Is it the humor? The drama?

There’s always a page or two that you can’t help but laugh. A dramatic or romantic scene abruptly shifts to a comical scene makes it double the laughs. It just pops out when you least expected it. I avoid comparing a manga from another but for Dengeki Daisy, in terms of comedy is one of the best I have read. It feels all natural and not too much of a trying hard.

Dengeki Daisy clearly defines what the word drama means. Its emotionality and depth makes the characters more realistic and melodramatic. Though I say it is dramatic, it can be more of mysteric.

Motomi’s good sense of humor and drama makes every chapter healthy in a theoretical sense. He knows what shoujo manga fans look for and he blends it amazingly well together.

Taking a quick look of another shoujo manga wouldn’t hurt, why not give it a try for a change? You’ll never really know unless you give one. You might end up getting bald if you don’t. read more

I recall my initial thoughts on Dengeki Daisy as I first came across its information page: Another overrated shoujo manga with a simple plot and the cliche catch phrase "I'll protect you".

Oh, how wrong was I.

Shoujo is known for its obscenely perfect guys as well as the air-headed heroines who fall for them. On the outside, our cast here seems to be no exception. However, the protagonists contain a surprisingly high amount of depth. In essence, we follow the lives of two characters at the same time. Teru, who is cheered on by a text-friend whom she has never met, and Kurosaki, who lives a double-life of a school janitor and a hacker. Teru is a girl with a strong will and great sense of justice. She also maintains the common sense that shoujo girls tend to lack. Kurosaki protects Teru behind the shadows, both insuring her safety and comforting her when she feels down. Behind his cruel, extortionist attitude, lies a side of him that is kind, determined, and thoughtful. What is really special about this situation is the fact that we know more--yet less--than both of the main characters.

The plot is, without a doubt, original. If so, what makes it so special? To put it in simple words, it is the pacing in which the story progresses. While the pace of the manga seems trivial to it's overall enjoyment, it is one of the important elements that make Dengeki Daisy truly great. Instead of a sudden twist that tries to force the readers to gain interest, it discretely leaves us hints and slowly reveals the secrets that we are so dying to know. It does not unveil high amounts of information at a time, and yet it does not make us wait for it. The execution is flawless. In this manga, we start out knowing nothing. Conflicts continue to arise as we are given pieces to a puzzle which will explain just what exactly drives the characters to act as they do.

What are DAISY's motivations? How will the character's relationships evolve? What is the truth behind the secret surrounding Teru? For a manga that has so well exceeded many people's expectations so far, there is no doubt that it will continue to deliver a unique and interesting story here on out. Definitely a recommended read. read more

Even though I don't usually read Shoujo, after going back to Kaichou wa Maid-sama, I found this Dengeki Daisy. I thought 'since they are similar why not try it?'

I didn't regret my choice at all, because I do love this manga. I've just recently started, and in just a few hours, I can't stop reading, I've cried MORE than just "a couple times," but I've also laughed, actually laugh.

The art is great; the story line is very interesting and mysterious; even though it has many cliche ideas like hot springs trip and whatnot, it still manages to make it look unique and just plainly interesting. It doesn't have many complicated factors, and just makes everything interesting with just a few jokes. The pace is also good, it's not developing too fast, but not too slow either.

Overall, I would rate this as a 10 because it managed to make me, a yaoi-only-lover, read a shoujo manga. read more

If there were one shoujo manga I could have everyone read, regardless of gender or personal preference, it'd be this one.

I first heard of it when it began being scanlated (is that a word??) and the summary made me scoff. "I will always protect you.."? What kind of crap is that? Sometime in early 2010, I went by the Dengeki Daisy page on mangaupdates.com and looking at the ratings, I was shocked. An average of 9.1/10? It is a standard unheard of in shoujo manga. The shoujo genre is always one riddled with criticism due to its reliance on cliches and stock characters, however, this one had one glowing review after the other. There must be something great about it if it were rated so high...right?

This led to the following lesson - never underestimate overtly good ratings.

I would start by stating that Dengeki Daisy (or DD, as it will be called now on) is not some incredibly ingenious and new story. I am pretty sure that this story has been done in a lot of media, by a lot of people and to death. Where it differs is execution. Motomi Kyosuke is a brilliant storyteller - he takes this mundane and done concept and puts his own spin on things. He knows what the target demographic wants and he gives it to them without making it obvious and leaving room for wanting more.

STORY - 9/10

There is no surprise in who Daisy is - it is made pretty clear in the first chapter itself. The events that unfold in the manga speak of a larger plot point and the proceedings towards it has been great. What I liked best about it is that despite the fact that DD is a predictable story, the mangaka handles it well. Everytime we're told a little something more about the story, I wasn't surprised by it but it didn't make me bang my head against the wall or scream at the computer screen in frustration. I consider that a good thing in any shoujo manga.

Another great thing about DD is that the romance flows at a believable pace. Midway into the 7th volume and nothing really earthshattering has occured between Teru and Kurosaki but whatever has leaves me to think that this is one of the sweetest shoujo romances I have read in a long time. And how the age difference between these two doesn't bother me is a testament to how great I think this manga is.

The comic timing here is nothing short of absolutely flawless. All comedy comes whenever you least expect it, literally doubling the funny factor. I particularly like the self aware nature of the manga and its cracks on the shoujo genre. An early example of this comes in the first chapter itself when Teru, rather honestly, proclaims that she was the one to break the window and is poor. Kurosaki sweetly claims that it'd be alright and not to worry about it but takes it back almost immediately stating incredulously, "You really think I was going to say that???"

ART - 8/10

I don't judge manga based on art but the story it is telling. I am yet to decided if this is a good thing or bad. DD has a typical shoujo style without being excessively flowery. I enjoyed seeing all of Kurosaki's overhyped reactions and getting his ass kicked by Riko. I must say, Motomi Kyosuke does a great dark and dangerous Kurosaki face.

CHARACTERS - 9/10

DD has a great array of characters. That said, my issue was definitely the fact that some of the back characters stay exactly that till the 7th volume. I could even go far as to state that only Teru and Kurosaki have received any development. However, I am willing to overlook that since the manga isn't finished yet.

Teru is a great shoujo protagonist and I love her to bits. She is the main reason I read shoujo, hoping to find someone like her. While she has suffered hardships in her life, she does not dwell on it and instead chooses to move forward. She does not have any of the unnaturally excessive traits I have come to liken with typical shoujo girls - unwavering optimism, airheadness, naivete and helplessness. Teru is far from these stereotypes. She is independent, intelligent and rational. There are times in the manga when she reacts in what I call a typical shoujo-girl reaction but she always, always turns it right around and surprises me. I love the fact that she breaks all these molds but remains pretty damn human as well, with her own weaknesses.

Kurosaki Tesuku is close and at the same time, pretty far from the shoujo boy stereotype. He is a tsundere character (always my favorite type) which lends to much in terms of the shoujo bashing I mentioned earlier. He is flawed - excessively so. He is rude, violent, mean and he smokes like a chimney (I usually hate that) but is remarkably intelligent and a competent hacker. But offsetting this 'bad' side of him is his inner turmoil relating to the main plot and his feelings for Teru as both Daisy and himself. In these places he is vulnerable and sweet. I love this guy, his dedication to Teru yet the distance he puts between himself and her is a part of the plot too and I am frankly dying to know more.

That said, my favorite back character is definitely Teru's brother, Souchirou. At least the incredibly idiotic side of him. He is hilarious with his sister complex! I am pretty sure we'll be seeing more of him.

ENJOYMENT - 10/10

DD caters to all my needs - shoujo romance, mature angst, nerdy factor (well, I am a computer engineer...) and most of all, comedy. Best of all, its well put. I enjoyed it a lot. My biggest complaint is its addictive nature. DD is so good without it being overtly in your face. It leaves subtle hints along the way making you want to read more - just another volume. Not much to ask right? I can't stop wishing for faster scans.

OVERALL - 9/10

DD is a great manga. I can't stress that enough. While it is no epic love story, it works with what it has so well, you can't help but want more. That is one of the primary reasons I want it to end soon - if it did, I could read the whole thing with satisfaction and stop checking if the latest scans are in yet or not like an obsessive fangirl that I am.
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I loved this manga! even though it's not done yet i know that there will be an excellent ending!

The story is quite amazing! And I loved the characters. Kurosaki is good-looking, hot, and always there when teru needs him the most, even though he's often cruel to Teru. Kurosaki is always looking after Teru, and had always loved her. Teru in the other hand have this very special person to her, Daisy, a text mate who her brother introduced to always help her in her times of need. Teru is quite smart and hard-working, she lost her brother a year ago, she is currently working as an assistant for Kurosaki in order repay her debt for the glass she broke on the first chapter. Now she has to deal with the loads of work Kurosaki is giving her and with Kurosaki himself. The only thing I dislike here is that there are no signs of romance yet but there will be in the future I suppose! Cant wait!!!


I loved this manga because of the art (good), Characters (fine), Enjoyment (enjoyable!), and the story (very unique and cute), overall this manga is magnificent!
A story that will keep you turning the pages!!! read more

I can't believe that there isn't any review yet.

The story is just amazing.

The art is really detailed. en kurosaki is just hot. Motomi Kyousuke is a really nice drawer. The art has it own style, if you see it, you know that Motomi Kyousuke is the drawer, because al of his characters in al of his manga's are the same, and that means. really much hotties^^

Characters are just amazing either, the female lead, teru, is strong willed, and really sturborn, she is not a annoying weak girl, but she ins't to perfect either, its a nice combination, and kurosaki, the male lead, is really not to perfect, but really nice. he looks like he's mean, but that is just a act, beceause in reality, he's just someone who worries a lot.

Enjoyment is definitelly a 10+. I really fell laughing out of my chair.

I just can't give any less than a 10.
This review ir probally full of unreadable senctaces, because my english is really bad. But i just wanted to write a review (this one is my first either XD) zo my apologizes. read more

To put it: Dengeki Daisy is not your common shoujo manga.

STORY : 10/10
This story is purely original. I'm serious, after reading the first 10 chapters of DD, I dropped reading most of the flowery shoujo manga I had.

My reason? When you laugh, you laugh until your oxygen supplies run out. When you go all "Kya~!", you wake up your roommate or your neighbor. When the plot gets serious, you take time to understand everything. When the story gets touching, fat tears come down from your tears. When you got confused, you go back to reread. When you get angry with a character, you curse them with all your might.

Intrigued? Go ahead. Read it!

ART : 10/10
The characters were drawn great, but not to the extent that you'll be drowned in flowery stuff. Kurosaki Tasuku was drawn... HOT.

Oh, my fangirl fantasies with him.

CHARACTER : 10/10
Kurebayashi Teru is your typical girl: not necessarily the "damsel-in-distress" type and she can save herself most of the time. I can say that she's really witty and not as gullible as she looks. She's not a weakling, and although on the first parts of the manga she was often bullied, as the story progresses, she's much a strong girl as she is.

Kurosaki Tasuku is the most badass guy leads I've ever seen. He really is a good guy at heart, but he's a PERVY, MEAN BULLY in front of Teru. He's not the perfect guy you can hope that could exist... and that's the main reason why I love him. He's there for Teru and at the same time, he loves to make her miserable.

ENJOYMENT : 10/10
I enjoyed reading it. I wait IMPATIENTLY for the next chapters every month, but every update is worth it. It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me mad.

OVERALL : 10/10
One thing I want to say to Motomi Kyousuke:

MAKE THIS AN ANIME SERIES SOON, PLEASE? :)

[Again... intrigued? Haha. Go ahead. Read the manga. NOW] read more

This is something that you can expect more out of a shoujo manga. Not only the storyline is really interesting that is very attracting, it makes you want more of this manga. If you are the kind that hates crying and irritating female leads, expect none from this manga! *Time to rejoice*
The female lead (Teru) is a very very strong girl and has a very likable character, I really like her.

This is not your typical romance story where the two male and female leads get together in the first few chapters. There's more to it; that can make you happy, and sad.

As for the art, it's pretty awesome, it's one of the fewer mangas out there that has such nicely draw art, and lovely storyline with strong characters. I'm pretty impressed. Not to forget Kurosaki, the male lead is... really HOT!

What I really like about this manga is the characters, every single one of them left an impression on me, because they were all quite outstanding in their own way. Because normally when you read a manga, you'd tend to forget the characters, but not for DD.

The captivating storyline, strong characters, beautiful art, what more can you expect? It's the perfect manga that everyone should read.

* P/S: This manga shot up to number 1 ranking amongst all the mangas I've read once I started on it, craving for more everyday.
BE PREPARED TO GET ADDICTED.
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Don't let the title or anything else fool you, this manga is not like anything else you have ever read before, its much, much better! Not only will the story make you want more and more, the art work is simply beautiful., Plus the heart warming relationship between Teru (Main) and Kurosaki (Main) I highly recommend this manga to anyone. One if the things i Love most is it not a manga thats just so gross you wanna puke. (so far, so good) Its also Super super funny! I recommend it to all ages and genders. :)

I really love how this manga is going. I've only read 7 chapters, but already it's got me hooked.

Story: 10/10
Why? It's original. A hacker protecting a girl...and all around it are story developments in both the past and future. Not every manga I've read has the same quality of intriguing development in BOTH past and future. It's hard to do that, but I believe Dengeki Daisy has done that fairly well.

Art: 10/10
I really like the art. Better than most manga I've read. It's not messy and it really adds to the enjoyment of the manga.

Character: 9/10
The characters are incredibly interesting and eye-catching, but there are some characters that I wish I could change. I won't mention which ones here since it would spoil it, but there are just some personality traits in characters that you just wish you could remove.

Enjoyment 10/10
I loved it.

Overall: 10/10
It's a MUST-READ for Shoujo maniacs! You may not enjoy it as much as I have, but it's definitely something you should pick up if you have spare time. read more