About the Site
What is this site about?
This is primarily a manga review site. Unlike many other blogs that concentrate on individual volumes, I gear my reviews towards manga series, whether they be in progress or complete. I’d rather find out if a whole series or arc is worth the investment. Three volumes is usually my minimum for new series. The focus will be on series licensed in the U.S., but unlicensed series will occasionally be promoted as well. I review all genres, but I lean towards shoujo and josei. Reviews will cover both recent series and older (in terms of US publication date) manga. Most reviews are spoiler-light or spoiler-free unless otherwise marked.
The other thing this blog focuses on is finding deals. Saving money means buying more manga, and buying manga is the best way to support the industry.
I will occasionally post news (mostly about manga licenses). My opinions on translation and localization or anime and game reviews also sneak on here.
I also post on TheOASG at least once a week, so check there as well. You can find my reviews of individual volumes as well as thoughts on the industry.
All views and opinions are my own unless stated otherwise. I may post affiliate links. For more information, please see the disclaimers page.
What does the site name mean?
“Daiya” is the shortened version of “daiyamondo”, the Japanese pronunciation of “diamond”. “Daiyamanga” sounds like and is similar to the full word “daiyamondo”. It’s a pun, but the site is basically “Diamond Manga”. It refers to finding the brightest, most brilliant manga.
How often do you post?
Generally I try to post a “main” post (review, opinion, deal roundup, etc.) at least every three to four days. Additional posts may be added depending on whether there’s news or a major deal alert. If it doesn’t look like so on my homepage, it’s probably because I’ve posted a deal alert or roundup that’s been hidden. Expired deals are still available in the Deal category, but they are excluded from the home page.
What’s the recommended age to read these reviews?
13+. While some of my reviews are about manga that could be read by all ages, most manga are rated T for Teen. Some reviews are clearly labeled for mature audiences, but most of my writings are catered to middle school aged-readers and above. That’s because many series include some topics or visuals that are not recommended for younger readers. Most manga do have ratings on the books themselves or on their digital download pages, so you can consult them as well.
What does “redux” mean?
A “redux” post is an updated version. In most cases, this is a case of the original covering the first few volumes, but now I’ve read more or completed it. I may also occasionally go back and redo/revive old posts. I may feel like the series needs more attention or that my original post just wasn’t up to snuff.
Any rules?
No spam, and no excessive swearing. Otherwise, your comments may be deleted.
Please also try to keep spoilers to a minimum, and clearly mark any such information.
I like your content. How can I support you or your site?
Daiyamanga currently is ad-free. I also currently do not have any Patreon account or a donate button. Instead, if you could use my referral and affiliate links, I would greatly appreciate it.
Here’s a quick rundown of my current links:
Amazon
BeFrugal
Ebates
Play-Asia.com
TopCashBack
Tokyo Otaku Mode
Can I nominate you for [insert award]?
I appreciate all award nominations. However, due to a lack of time, I am unlikely to get around to doing it. I may do it someday, but I just have been overwhelmed by the kindness of all of you that I can’t keep up.
About My Style
Why do you list the author’s surname (last name) first?
While the obvious reason would have to do with Japanese name order, the even bigger reason is that the last name is more important than the personal (first) name when looking up the author. While even shopping sites are switching more to Personal Surname order instead of Surname, Personal when browsing books and stuff, it’s still a habit of mine. Capitalizing also makes it clear which is the surname, and SURNAME Personal just looked more visually appealing than Personal SURNAME.
As for Western names, I also list their surnames first. Again, it’s because surnames are more reliable ways to look up an author and also the way used in more academic writings. I’m not saying my posts are academic journal-quality (I try to write in a fairly casual manner), but it also helps keep things consistent. I use the format surname, given name to show this.
Why don’t you give scores in your reviews?
I feel that qualitative information is better than a quantitative rating. Long story short, numbers and grades are hard to give and sometimes worthless. Is a 7/10 pretty good or average? What constitutes a 10/10? Should the majority of series get a C like in a bell curve? There are so many conundrums. That’s why I generally stick to words and phrases like “worth it”, “pass”, and “recommended”. If you want to see me rate titles, check out my (and others’) reviews on TheOASG.
What does [insert word] mean?
I recommend checking out my Glossary page, as I tend to use Japanese words to describe specific tropes, cliches, and characterizations. It’s a shorthand way for me to refer to those situations. A lot of those words are routinely used in anime, manga, and video games, so I think some are just “must know” words for fans.
About Me
Who are you?
Just a fangirl.
How did you get into manga?
Like many others, it started with Sailor Moon. I rented a tape from Blockbuster after seeing previews on Cartoon Network and fell in love with the series. My father then started buying the old Chix Comix from TOKYOPOP, and it just spread from there.
What’s your favorite manga?
I have too many to name. Sailor Moon will always have a special place in my heart as my first, though.
What series do you recommend?
Depends on the genre. I recommend clicking on a tag on my sidebar and checking out some of my reviews.
Do you speak Japanese?
No, not really. I know enough from all the exposure I’ve received from anime, manga, and games to pick up on the gist of the language, but that’s it. I call it “anime Japanese”. It’s enough to get me through most media, but I couldn’t have a regular conversation.
How can I contact you?
Please go to the Contact page or e-mail me at krystallina@daiyamanga.com.
Heya, I’ve nominated you for a Liebster Award! 😀 https://fiddletwix.wordpress.com/2015/07/25/liebster-award/
Wow, thank you!
You already did this award post, but I am just going to nominate you again because you are too cool.
https://lynlynsays.wordpress.com/2015/07/27/ojitosperle-nominated-me-for-the-liebster-award-part-4/
Also, here is a song. Clean Bandit’s Rather Be.
Thank you so much! And nice song!
You are welcome 😀
You really do have a great story behind the name of your site.
You also have a great site in general!
So here I am nominating you for the Liebster Award! https://wethehunted.wordpress.com/2015/07/29/lynlynsays-nominated-me-for-the-liebster-award/
Wow, thank you!
I’ve nominated you for the Liebster award! https://marvelouslymismatched.wordpress.com/2015/08/02/the-nominees-liebster-award/
Aw, thank you!
Your welcome I love your blog and your posts so I really wanted to give it to you.
Hi! I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award. 🙂
https://animatedit.wordpress.com/2015/08/09/liebster-award/
Aw, thank you!
I’ve nominated you for the free spirit award! I hope you love it and make it your own thing. https://marvelouslymismatched.wordpress.com/2015/08/14/my-nominees-are/
Aw, thank you!
Your welcome I can’t wait to see your post and what your going to do with this award.
Hey Krystallina, Rogue and I wanted to let you know we nominated you back for Creative Blogger Award! As bloggers new to the scene its really inspiring to see your work! Keep on keeping on!
Aw, thanks a lot!
I have nominated you for the 3 day quote award.
Aw, thank you!
No prob! I’m looking forward to seeing your quotes.
I have nominated you for the Infinity dreams award! https://marvelouslymismatched.wordpress.com/2015/09/13/infinity-dreams-award-2/
Thank you!
No prob I can’t wait to see what you’ll write about!
Heya! I’ve Nominated you for a Creative Blogger Award! 😀 I know you were one of the people who nominated me, so you don’t have to do it again. You ended up in my mega-mix of nominees when I was going through my follows, and I figured the nomination at least wouldn’t hurt lol
I’ll probably do it anyways just for kicks. I just won’t nominate anybody since I think you did a good job of that, lol. 🙂
Cool 😀 And yeah I’ve gotten that with a couple nominees now. lol
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Hiya I nominated you for the Real Neat Blogger Award 🙂 https://kurosamareviews.wordpress.com/2015/09/20/nerdutlife-nominated-me-for-the-real-neat-blogger-award/
Aw, thank you!
Hey, I nominated you for the Liebster Award. Enjoy! https://funnyanimepics.wordpress.com/2015/09/22/liebster-award-3-with-lots-of-funny-pics-so-hopefully-its-not-too-boring/
Thank you, but since I’ve done the Liebster Award several times now, I’m going to decline.
I nominated you for one lovely blog award! https://marvelouslymismatched.wordpress.com/2015/12/27/one-lovely-blog-awardx2-nominees/
Awww, thanks!
XD No prob!
Thanks for the follow! Since we have similar interests, I hope we can be blogging buddies!
Of course! (❁´◡`❁)
After all this time I have finally checked your About page. I now know the rules and promise not to swear too much. 🙂
Keep up the good work covering manga. I tried reviewing Japanese comics for a while, but my readers seemed to be more interested in anime and games. Like me they must be lazy readers 😉
It balances out because I’m a lazy anime watcher! XD
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Thank you for following.Love your blog.
Thank you! 🙂
You are welcome.
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Hey there! I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award! 😀
https://fiddletwix.wordpress.com/2019/06/07/the-sunshine-blogger-award/
Thank you!
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