Dengeki Daisy Volume 3 cover image is courtesy of barnesandnoble.com.

Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”

An orphan, Teru Kurebayshi also lost her brother, Soichiro, but she wasn’t alone.  Teru exchanges messages with DAISY, a mysterious figure who can only be reached through a cell phone her brother left her.  Meanwhile, another mysterious figure comes into Teru’s life; Tasuku Kurosaki, a janitor, is always around when she needs him.

As Dengeki Daisy, Vol. 3 opens, Teru moves out of Kurosaki’s apartment and moves in with her friend, Riko Onizuka, but where the two young women move will be a surprise.  Then, a dark figure from her and her brother’s past returns to visit Teru, but he wants something.  Also, Teru gets closer to discovering DAISY’s identity.

THE LOWDOWN:  The creator of Beast Master, Kyousuke Motomi, presents another romantic tale feature a beastly male love interest.  Tasuku Kurosaki isn’t an animal, but he is exceedingly stern with Teru, which not only gives the story a bit of an edge, but also keeps the conflict going.

This is a story that needs edge and conflict, because, in spite of the humorous moments, Dengeki Daisy is a romantic drama.  Since the readers know who DAISY is, the narrative focuses not on solving a mystery, but rather on the notion that the romance at the center is equally destined-to-be and doomed-to-failure.  This is a bit darker than the typical romance-shojo and is similar in tone to Nana, but for a younger audience.  Unlike Nana, Dengeki Daisy is more mood than character, so hopefully the series will strengthen the characters as it continues.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Readers looking for shojo romantic drama will like Dengeki Daisy.

B

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