Diamond Head

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Diamond Head was a really beautiful story. It's about Ichihashi Nanoe and her experiences with the Judicature Club at her school. The friendships she forms with the other members of the club, Leica, Kirihiko, Setsu and Katsuma, are what drive the plot forward, as well as the court cases that the club tries in every chapter. I really enjoyed this manga, but there were some things that I felt could have been improved.

Story:
There were things I liked and didn't like about the plot of Diamond Head. I really enjoyed the unique plot device they used, namely the cases that they focused on in each of ... the chapters and the actual plot they brought to the manga. On the other hand, I wish the story would've focused a bit more on character relationships and development. I was also a bit disappointed with the ending, which did wrap things up nicely, but felt somehow inconclusive to me.

Art:
I read Diamond Head in one sitting, so I saw the art progress and improve throughout each of the chapters. I didn't particularly enjoy the way characters were drawn in the first volume. I didn't like how their faces were shaped, the way their lips were rendered and a whole buncha other stuff. But as the story progressed, the art definitely improved and I got used to it and even started to like it.

Character:
I have a thing for reverse harem stories and while this isn't really a manga that has every male character falling for the main female lead, the fact that there were so many bishies around to stare at was something I liked. I also liked how each of the character personalities were depicted. Leica as the beautiful, adorable boy with the mysterious past; Kirihiko as the controlled perfectionist; Setsu as the distant troubled one; and Katsuma, as the adorable cheery one.

I definitely wish there would've been more character development. Although Mizushiro was definitely able to convey the unique relationships that existed between Nanoe and the other characters, I wanted their interactions and feelings to be fleshed out further. I especially wish I could've gotten to hear more about Setsu and his inner turmoil. I would've also liked to read more about Katsuma and Nanoe's relationship. But for a 5 volume series, I definitely feel that Mizushiro did an excellent job characterizing and conveying her characters' personalities.

Enjoyment:
I really enjoyed Diamond Head. The plot was unique and unpredictable, the characters were endearing, and the romance was definitely cute. There may have been things that I felt were lacking, but I really did love this manga. I was really touched by the Setsu's story in particular and I did get teary.

In short! If you have time, please pick up this manga. It's a really good read and it'll definitely leave an impression on you. I feel like an 8 is too low of a score, but that a 9 is a bit too high. I wish there was an 8.8 score!

_Diamond Head_ was a curious read. I started it for http://www.gwern.net/hafu#list but the hafu aspect of Leica was completely downplayed so I can't even assign tentative nationalities to his parentage. But I didn't mind too much because I liked the basic storyline and the judicial proceedings, and I also liked it for not going the obvious cliched route of finishing with Nanao/Leica but rather the regular guy. I'd say it's better than the manga I rated 7s, but looking at the other 8s, I see ones I'd rate higher...

HOW I WAS INTRODUCED TO DIAMOND HEAD:
After reading "After School Nightmare" recently, I felt compelled to see what else Setona Mizushiro had written. This lead me on the path to find "Diamond Head".

STORY (6/10):
Honestly speaking, I can think of no other story quite like "Diamond Head"! At the same time, however, the story doesn't strike one as being particularly unique at the time of reading it. After all, the story of the high school club has become somewhat popularized, but Mizushiro took the right note with the story by making it about the characters. The only drawback is that Mizushiro ended ... up using something like the "Monster A Day" theme that anime directed towards young audiences take. Each chapter or two centers around a specific conflict, which is then resolved before introducing another. This form of story telling can become quite tedious.

ART (6/10):
I have a feeling Mizushiro is an artist who's talent increases exponentially after each manga series. "Diamond Head" is definitely not on part with her more recent series "After School Nightmare", but at the same time is incredibly improved from her early works. In the end, the art of "Diamond Head" is best described as good with some exceptional layouts and scenes--but also with some bland and awkward ones. The art never detracts from the series, but can't be described as anything better than "fair".

CHARACTERS (7/10):
The characters of "Diamond Head" are no doubt the strong point of the series. Nanoa provides a strong, caring protagonist who is easy to identify with. The remaining members of the judicature club are all distinct and provide great interactions with Nanao--each relationship is unique.

ENJOYMENT (6/10):
"Diamond Head" is a good series to pass the time with. Also, it's quite interesting to see Mizushiro develop as an artist and writer from her earlier series to "Diamond Head" and eventually to "After School Nightmare". This series is enjoyable, if you happen to have time to kill.

OVERALL (6.25/10)

- Spiffyish

NOTE ABOUT THIS REVIEW: Also, if you find this review unhelpful in anyway, send me a private message saying why (please) so that I can improve it for future readers! :D