Creative Staff
Story/Art: Kyousuke Motomi
Translation/Adaptation: JN Productions
What They Say
After orphan Teru Kurebayashi loses her beloved older brother, she finds solace in the messages she exchanges with DAISY, an enigmatic figure who can only be reached through the cell phone her brother left her. Meanwhile, mysterious Tasuku Kurosaki always seems to be around whenever Teru needs help… Could DAISY be a lot closer than Teru thinks?
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
This high school romance/cyber thriller has had crazy things happen over the course of its run (furniture falling from great heights, kidnappings, exploding boats) so it’s only fitting for the series to end with a really big bang. The remainder of the main story only takes up one chapter in the final volume, but it is a long one. It’s fraught with tension as Kurosaki strives to redeem Akira, but Motomi-sensei still manages to insert her particular style of goofy humor in the midst of the turmoil before getting everyone to a happy ending.
Thus concludes Dengeki Daisy, a series that remained consistently engaging through the years (and I didn’t realize exactly how many years until I saw Motomi-sensei’s “Daisy Chronology”). While the ending makes clear Kurosaki and Teru will be together, it might not be lovey-dovey enough for Teru/Kurosaki fans. That’s where the remainder of the volume comes in. Four bonus chapters present character postscripts and flashbacks. Anyone who’s wondered what the lead couple would look like with a baby will enjoy “Daisy Special Episode Part II.” The baby’s not actually theirs, but that warm, fuzzy family vibe definitely comes through, not that Kurosaki’s crossed the line with our underage heroine. He remains a gentleman throughout, despite the yearning Motomi-sensei so exquisitely portrays, and the Kurosaki sutras jokes continue to the very end.
These chapters also offer insight into Soichiro, who has been a vital part of the cast despite being dead, and his relationship with Riko. Riko’s mainly been portrayed as a support for Teru, first as school counselor, then as roommate. But the extras offer a glimpse of her in the context of her relationship with Soichiro, and the angst she suffered at losing her lover.
Extras also include Motomi-sensei’s debut manga, No-Good Cupid; the final installment of “Baldly Ask!!!”; and closing remarks from the mangaka.
In Summary
It’s the final explosive chapter of Dengeki Daisy! The ending is Akira and Kurosaki centric, but never fear, Kurosaki/Teru fans. This volume contains over 100 pages of extras that offer a glimpse into our main characters’ future together as well as some hitherto unseen moments from the past. Motomi-sensei’s created some unbelievable situations through the years, but her characters have such depth and appeal I can’t help but smile to see them all come to a happy ending.
Content Grade: A-
Art Grade: B
Packaging Grade: B+
Text/Translation Grade: B
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: April 7th, 2015
MSRP: $9.99