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Demon Diary #1
Demon Diary, Volume 01
Raenef is the black sheep of the demon court, with minimal knowledge of magic and courtly etiquette. In order to help him claim his birthright as a demon lord, the demon masters send him the wise and noble teacher Eclipse to be his tutor. As Raenef and Eclipse begin their journey of discovery, they find that the bonds of friendship are stronger than the teacher/student relationship.
This volume also includes two bonus stories drawn by the same illustrator but by a different author; "Crystal Heart" and "Terra".
This volume also includes two bonus stories drawn by the same illustrator but by a different author; "Crystal Heart" and "Terra".
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2000
23 people are currently reading
2458 people want to read
About the author
Kara
101 books53 followers"Kara" consists of two illustrators: Yoon-Gyeong Kim and Eun-Sook Jeong.
Not to be confused with French author Philip Kara who uses the same pseudonyme.
Not to be confused with French author Philip Kara who uses the same pseudonyme.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
July 13, 2011
I can't remember another manga that made me laugh so much as this one!
Hilarious and very good plot!
I want more!!!!
PS: Eclipse is HOT!!!!!!
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Hilarious and very good plot!
I want more!!!!
PS: Eclipse is HOT!!!!!!
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August 15, 2016
nebavilo me to ani trochu. mozna kdyby ty kresby byly propracovanejsi, tak by me to bavilo vic.
May 19, 2016
I am definitely interested, and am looking forward to the next installment in the series.
There's a humorous twist to the Demon Lord character in that he's not particularly evil. At all.
I am now into the fourth book in this series and have completely changed my mind about how much I like it, hence the new rating of five stars. This is a keeper, a lender, and a definite recommendation to anyone who enjoys fantasy and/or manga!
There's a humorous twist to the Demon Lord character in that he's not particularly evil. At all.
I am now into the fourth book in this series and have completely changed my mind about how much I like it, hence the new rating of five stars. This is a keeper, a lender, and a definite recommendation to anyone who enjoys fantasy and/or manga!
August 18, 2009
Aaaaah, Demon Diary! I remembered the pretty art and the incoherent storytelling, but I had totally forgotten how crackalicious you are. What other book has dialogue like this:
Eclipse: What should you do if someone sees you taking a bath?
Raenef: Say "harumph" with aplomb, cast a faint prevention spell and then administer 99 wedgies. Finish by butchering him with a butter knife. Right?
You have to admit, that does have more panache than just turning the guy into a stag and setting his own dogs on him. The spell to prevent someone from fainting during the wedgie administration is a nice touch.
The back up stories strive for profundity and crash on the rocks of cliche.
Eclipse: What should you do if someone sees you taking a bath?
Raenef: Say "harumph" with aplomb, cast a faint prevention spell and then administer 99 wedgies. Finish by butchering him with a butter knife. Right?
You have to admit, that does have more panache than just turning the guy into a stag and setting his own dogs on him. The spell to prevent someone from fainting during the wedgie administration is a nice touch.
The back up stories strive for profundity and crash on the rocks of cliche.
July 3, 2021
Review for complete series
Raenef is an orphan and part of a thieving guild that steal to get by. He himself doesn't have much of a talent for theft, nor in anything much else. The renowned demon Eclipse is surprised to find that this naive street boy is destined to become his new master and Demon Lord. Although Raenef does seem to hold the powers of a Demon Lord, he is proving as inept at being one as he is at everything else. Soon, his new domain starts to attract visitors who sense a weak demon has taken up residence.
Firstly, I have always found it baffling and incredibly misleading that people mark this as LGBT/BL. While one could interpret Reanef and Eclipse's relationship as romantic, there is nothing specific enough to suggest things one way or another. Their relationship could just as well be platonic or even fatherly. And while I would be perfectly happy to see these two as a romantic couple, the fact remains that there is not enough to suggest so, especially considering that this is a comedy that is almost completely free of romance.
Demon Diary is from my favourite Korean manga (or manhwa) artist duo. I'm not overly fond of manhwa as the art often doesn't appeal to me, however, Kara's art has always reminded me more of the Japanese manga style. Demon Diary isn't their strongest work in terms of art - don't get me wrong, I like Kara's art, but it isn't quite as pretty and refined yet as in their later works.
However, it is, one of the funniest I have ever read. Do you know that kind of comedy that is so over the top that it's not actually funny anymore? Demon Diary pushes to the next boundary and is just so ridiculous that it's funny again. Raenef is adorable but hopelessly dense and naive. His complete inability to read situations or people has him walking from one witless act to the next, and that's really not the image anyone expects of a great Demon Lord.
Eclipse is a perfectly dignified demon who has a reputation to think of. Rather than a servant, he becomes more of a babysitter and protector of Raenef and is usually the one who feels the embarrassment the most. As Eclipse tries to push Raenef onto the right track of being a good - by that, I mean evil - Demon Lord, various other characters venture through their castle and the one thing they all have in common is their belief that Raenef is completely unsuitable for this role.
Among these characters are Erutis and Kiris - both of who didn't initially stay in the castle voluntarily but ended up being a fixed part of the residents. Erutis is a female swordmaster who doesn't quite know how to act ladylike yet throws a fit if anyone mistakes her for a man. Kiris is a cleric in training and thus a sworn enemy of demons. Somehow, these four end up co-living and even building friendships in which they are willing to take life-threatening risks for each other.
So yes, there is also a slightly darker plotline running in the background, and there are some meaningful relationships between the characters. But when it comes down to it, this is and remains a comedy - and an absolutely hilarious one at that. It was among my first manga (manhwa) and it's one that I have been pleasantly surprised to find that even non-manga-loving friends of mine have had laughing fits when flipping the pages of Demon Diary.
March 27, 2015
Hm.. Že by reinkarnace? Jinak si vážně nedokážu vysvětlit jak může být stejná osoba ve dvou příbězích muž a ve třetím žena. Ale bylo to krásné. Obzvlášť samotná část Deník pána démonů.
April 19, 2020
***THIS IS NOT A REVIEW OF THE COMPLETE BOOK, THIS IS ONLY A REVIEW OF THE PORTION OF THE VOLUME PERTAINING TO THE TITLE STORY. I HAVE ELECTED NOT TO READ THE TWO SHORT STORIES THAT TOOK UP THE REMAINING PORTION OF THE VOLUME DUE TO A LACK OF INTEREST.***
Normally when I review these older, out-of-print manga titles, I typically preface them with the explanation that it was something I recall reading in middle or high school, usually thanks to the generosity of the friends who owned the volumes loaning them to me during a lunch period. Believe it or not, the story here isn't that I read this one. I had a friend who collected Demon Diary, but I never once had an interest in trying it myself; instead, when Ice Kunion later began releasing Angel Diary, I was the only one in my friend group who took a significant interest in that particular series, and was only vaguely aware that the two series shared a universe.
Now, as an adult looking to go back and try out older series, with Angel Diary being one I want to work on collecting again, I figured it was finally time to give Demon Diary a try right before diving full-in to the series I'm already familiar with. So far, I've enjoyed the first volume, it's a quick, fun little intro to two of our main characters (possibly three, I think one of the other characters that appears will be recurring.)
I will say that personally, I'm not sure yet what I think about this series based on the first book alone, due to the difference in set dressing. This feels like it takes place within a more fantasy-flavored realm, whereas Angel Diary mentions the realm of Heaven, and takes place within the modern world. I'm left feeling a little confused then, about how the two intersect, but I'm hoping the further I read, the more clarity I'll get on that front.
That aside, this was a quick, decent introduction to the series, and I certainly enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Normally when I review these older, out-of-print manga titles, I typically preface them with the explanation that it was something I recall reading in middle or high school, usually thanks to the generosity of the friends who owned the volumes loaning them to me during a lunch period. Believe it or not, the story here isn't that I read this one. I had a friend who collected Demon Diary, but I never once had an interest in trying it myself; instead, when Ice Kunion later began releasing Angel Diary, I was the only one in my friend group who took a significant interest in that particular series, and was only vaguely aware that the two series shared a universe.
Now, as an adult looking to go back and try out older series, with Angel Diary being one I want to work on collecting again, I figured it was finally time to give Demon Diary a try right before diving full-in to the series I'm already familiar with. So far, I've enjoyed the first volume, it's a quick, fun little intro to two of our main characters (possibly three, I think one of the other characters that appears will be recurring.)
I will say that personally, I'm not sure yet what I think about this series based on the first book alone, due to the difference in set dressing. This feels like it takes place within a more fantasy-flavored realm, whereas Angel Diary mentions the realm of Heaven, and takes place within the modern world. I'm left feeling a little confused then, about how the two intersect, but I'm hoping the further I read, the more clarity I'll get on that front.
That aside, this was a quick, decent introduction to the series, and I certainly enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Read
January 16, 2019Demon Diary take place in Medieval times and focuses of the main protagonist, named Raenef, and his journey in becoming a fully fledged demon lord. He is a very childish character, whereas demon lords need to be strict and stoic. He is learning how to become a demon lord from his instructor, Eclipse, who served all 4 of the other Demon Lord Raenefs before our current protagonist. He soon finds that he has his work cut out for him and that teaching this Raenef how to become stern is a difficult task at best. They eventually meet and recruit Erutis, a young sword master and mercenary who tried to kill Raenef when they first met, and Chris, a High-Priest in training, who used a spell to summon Raenef to his temple to try and kill him (And ends up being punished by the current High-Priest by being sent to live with Raenef for awhile). The art style is very old-anime esc I believe, with pointy chins and hair. I really liked Demon Diary, with its lovable characters and funny scenarios. The characters are very likeable, and their are some good turns and twists throughout the story. The characters do grow and change where the humans grow to like Raenef and Eclipse, and Eclipse. I think people should read this comic because it is really funny.
March 11, 2021
I felt the urge to read this again for the first time in I don't even know how many years. I'd forgotten how not coherent the story is. It's kind of a thread in the manga I've read when I was younger, that the story is just bizarre. I think my focus was mostly on the art styles. And the style of Demon Diary is really pretty, but what is even going on? Also the translation is so weird.
November 27, 2021
Immagino possa piacere a chi sia abituato ai manga e cerchi un fumetto simile nello stile, ma pubblicato in Corea. Per quanto riguarda la vicenda... la riassumerei così: "è così confuso da colpirsi da solo".
1.5 arrotondato per eccesso.
1.5 arrotondato per eccesso.
April 28, 2018
I have loved this manga for years and i thought it would be fun to read it again. I was not disappointed! I loved it yet again! I can totally recommend! <3
January 31, 2020
Definitely one of the funniest Mangas I've read in a long time!
September 14, 2020
I'm still very new to reading manga and decided to give this a try. It was a bit funny and enjoyable enough but I'm not totally in love with it
Read
November 21, 2023it was a very great book and i really loved a lot i plan to read the second book
June 1, 2011
I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this manga! It is so much fun! It's mostly crack... but that's okay! There's nothing wrong with reading crack! The intro to this manga series was just amazing, the characters are hilarious and caring, and the world building was great! I love how everything just seemed to flow so well. I can read this manga over and over and never get tired of it!
Lee Chi Hyong did a great job with telling this story. The dialogue of the characters are so silly you just can't help but laugh at it most of the time. Hyong also went in depth with describing how the demon system works and also did a fantastic job with explaining what mezraez is and how it works. I was really taken in with the world and its beauty. Speaking of beauty, Kara, the illustrator, did an amazing job with the artwork. I'm telling you, the artwork is so beautiful! Highly detailed and pleasing to the eye. Even when she draws in chibi version, she makes it stand out. Plus, it's just so cute! <3
Yes, I found the story intriguing but what made the story for me was the characters. God, I love these characters! Raenef, the main character and demon lord, is just so adorable! He's a little... slow but that only adds to the charm of his character. He's not your average demon lord as he's very kind and forgiving. He cares deeply about those surrounding him, especially Eclipse. Eclipse is Rae's servant. He is considered to be one of the most powerful demons in the Demon Realm. He's cold, heartless, and a bit of a grump but... being with Raenef softens that coldness about him. He tends to get frustrated easilly with Rae but that's only because he cares about him and wants him to be the best demon lord ever. These two grows from where they are now to something so much more by the end of the series (I would know, this is my sixth time reading through it. XD). Even by the end of this volume, you see how Eclipse slowly warms up to Raenef. It's very sweet! There aren't many supporting characters in this volume, they come later. However, you are introduced to a knight to who becomes one of the main characters in this series but I will not talk about the character in this review since the knight only appears for only a few short pages.
In this volume comes two short stories as well by Soome Lee with illustrations by the same artist. Crystal Heart was a very good but sad story. I quite enjoyed the aspect of one's love crystallizing into a gem so that one day you will be able to give it to your true love. It's a very sweet thought... if you didn't have to give up something in return. Now, I won't say what it is but let's just say that the Crystal Heart was given up for someone who doesn't deserve it. I mean, the main person who receives it deserves it but the one who's going to get it after that doesn't... I hope that makes sense. If it doesn't then... just read the manga and you'll see for yourself. Anyway, I love the characters! Monika is so protecting! He would do anything for those he cares about. He even stopped a perv from doing something really bad to Mano! I love him! Speaking of Mano, he's just a sweetie. He is so dedicated to Monika and he does something that one won't ever be able to forget. I shall always love him. Lilith... she's a bitch and deserves to die. That's all you need to know. All-in-all, this story was amazing. It's tragically beautiful.
The second short stroy is called Terra. I'll admit that I like this story, too. The concept about there being a goddess to protect the Earth from becoming completely polluted was an excellent idea. However, I felt that it wasn't executed perfectly. It was interesting but a bit dull compared to the rest of the manga. We don't get a huge sense of what's going on and why the characters are doing what they are doing. We don't even get to know who the characters are. I know it's a short story but in Crystal Heart I felt we got to know the characters in just a few pages. Not so much in this story. Jen is a guide for Vice and they are... well, I can't say what they are doing because that'll give everything away. Just know that Jen is goofy and Vice is the quiet-type. That's all you get to know about them.
Despite this last short story, I really, really, REALLY love this manga! It is so worth the read for anyone! Well, no. I can't say anyone. There are hints of shounen-ai and if you are not into that then maybe you won't like this manga. However, the main focus is Raenef becoming a powerful demon lord and not the romance between the two male leads so I think you should check it out just in case. It has great action, comedy, drama, and, for those who can handle it, romance. Seriously, this was the first manga I ever bought when I was a child and I do not regret it one bit! If you can, try to get your hands on a copy! It's worth it! ^_^
Lee Chi Hyong did a great job with telling this story. The dialogue of the characters are so silly you just can't help but laugh at it most of the time. Hyong also went in depth with describing how the demon system works and also did a fantastic job with explaining what mezraez is and how it works. I was really taken in with the world and its beauty. Speaking of beauty, Kara, the illustrator, did an amazing job with the artwork. I'm telling you, the artwork is so beautiful! Highly detailed and pleasing to the eye. Even when she draws in chibi version, she makes it stand out. Plus, it's just so cute! <3
Yes, I found the story intriguing but what made the story for me was the characters. God, I love these characters! Raenef, the main character and demon lord, is just so adorable! He's a little... slow but that only adds to the charm of his character. He's not your average demon lord as he's very kind and forgiving. He cares deeply about those surrounding him, especially Eclipse. Eclipse is Rae's servant. He is considered to be one of the most powerful demons in the Demon Realm. He's cold, heartless, and a bit of a grump but... being with Raenef softens that coldness about him. He tends to get frustrated easilly with Rae but that's only because he cares about him and wants him to be the best demon lord ever. These two grows from where they are now to something so much more by the end of the series (I would know, this is my sixth time reading through it. XD). Even by the end of this volume, you see how Eclipse slowly warms up to Raenef. It's very sweet! There aren't many supporting characters in this volume, they come later. However, you are introduced to a knight to who becomes one of the main characters in this series but I will not talk about the character in this review since the knight only appears for only a few short pages.
In this volume comes two short stories as well by Soome Lee with illustrations by the same artist. Crystal Heart was a very good but sad story. I quite enjoyed the aspect of one's love crystallizing into a gem so that one day you will be able to give it to your true love. It's a very sweet thought... if you didn't have to give up something in return. Now, I won't say what it is but let's just say that the Crystal Heart was given up for someone who doesn't deserve it. I mean, the main person who receives it deserves it but the one who's going to get it after that doesn't... I hope that makes sense. If it doesn't then... just read the manga and you'll see for yourself. Anyway, I love the characters! Monika is so protecting! He would do anything for those he cares about. He even stopped a perv from doing something really bad to Mano! I love him! Speaking of Mano, he's just a sweetie. He is so dedicated to Monika and he does something that one won't ever be able to forget. I shall always love him. Lilith... she's a bitch and deserves to die. That's all you need to know. All-in-all, this story was amazing. It's tragically beautiful.
The second short stroy is called Terra. I'll admit that I like this story, too. The concept about there being a goddess to protect the Earth from becoming completely polluted was an excellent idea. However, I felt that it wasn't executed perfectly. It was interesting but a bit dull compared to the rest of the manga. We don't get a huge sense of what's going on and why the characters are doing what they are doing. We don't even get to know who the characters are. I know it's a short story but in Crystal Heart I felt we got to know the characters in just a few pages. Not so much in this story. Jen is a guide for Vice and they are... well, I can't say what they are doing because that'll give everything away. Just know that Jen is goofy and Vice is the quiet-type. That's all you get to know about them.
Despite this last short story, I really, really, REALLY love this manga! It is so worth the read for anyone! Well, no. I can't say anyone. There are hints of shounen-ai and if you are not into that then maybe you won't like this manga. However, the main focus is Raenef becoming a powerful demon lord and not the romance between the two male leads so I think you should check it out just in case. It has great action, comedy, drama, and, for those who can handle it, romance. Seriously, this was the first manga I ever bought when I was a child and I do not regret it one bit! If you can, try to get your hands on a copy! It's worth it! ^_^
November 4, 2012
2010 bookcrossing:
I got this in the post yesterday from a UK bookmoocher. I read it this morning. To be honest, it really wasn't my thing, and the way everyone talks like an american teenager seemed to be particularly annoying in this book.
Even though it's a series, this one seems to be about 3 short stories. The first one is about the title, the war between demons and gods on earth. It's about this demon lord in training Raenef, who is a bit dim and too nice to be a demon. And he drives his tutor, Eclipse up the wall. He is very feminine looking and towards the end it looks as though teacher and pupil are going to have an affair in the future.
Then there's a story about a guy who wants to save this girl from a demon lord, who tells him he will swap for a crystal heart. So he has to find one...
And the third is about the world in some environmental apocolypse and a magician who decides to trap the goddess Terra into the earth so that the world can heal itself.
None of this particularly amazed or interested me in any way, so I don't think I will hang on to this book.
I got this in the post yesterday from a UK bookmoocher. I read it this morning. To be honest, it really wasn't my thing, and the way everyone talks like an american teenager seemed to be particularly annoying in this book.
Even though it's a series, this one seems to be about 3 short stories. The first one is about the title, the war between demons and gods on earth. It's about this demon lord in training Raenef, who is a bit dim and too nice to be a demon. And he drives his tutor, Eclipse up the wall. He is very feminine looking and towards the end it looks as though teacher and pupil are going to have an affair in the future.
Then there's a story about a guy who wants to save this girl from a demon lord, who tells him he will swap for a crystal heart. So he has to find one...
And the third is about the world in some environmental apocolypse and a magician who decides to trap the goddess Terra into the earth so that the world can heal itself.
None of this particularly amazed or interested me in any way, so I don't think I will hang on to this book.
March 22, 2018
this rating is mostly for nostalgia because wow does this seem dated now. so this was one of the first manga series i read back when i was a teenager, even though now i realize it's actually a manhwa [korean, not japanese] but back then i didn't know the difference. anyway i don't remember the full story so i actually have no idea where this is going, but this first volume was just absolutely RIDICULOUS. like ...just think of every anime cliche you remember reading/seeing [and probably putting in your own horrible script-style fanfic on fanfiction.net, come on don't lie] and that is this book. it's so painful that it's actually hilarious, but like i said i'm running on nostalgia here. so basically if you're trying to remember those anime-filled early 2000s then maybe pick this up, but otherwise it doesn't really have any substance.
August 14, 2009
I absolutely ADORE Demon Diary!! XD I love the characters and the story, and how it manages to have a good, suspenseful plot and still be funny enough to make me laugh out loud! I enjoyed all the books, but was slightly relieved when the author changed after book 1. The illustrations at the beginning looked a bit odd, and I was glad that the new author never continued that plot hint. The bonus stories at the end are completely off-topic though. I did not read most of them, but they looked ultra-violent. :( However, Demon Diary itself is one of my favorite series. I love Eclipse and Raenefs father/son relationship, and also Krayon and Erutis' love/hate relationship. And Chris is just good because of his huge ego. :P
February 7, 2010
I actually quite enjoyed this story by Lee Chi Hyong...the art by Kara not as much. The basic story established in volume one is that Young Raenef, heir to demon royalty, has to be trained to be a proper evil demon. But Raenef has a more gentle nature than most of his demon peers, so he is assigned the legendary demon teacher Eclipse to help him grow into the expectations of his future role. The most captivating element of this first volume is the developing camaraderie between Raenef and Eclipse and the true concern/paternal love that Eclipse discovers he has for his young charge.
February 16, 2018
Raenef is a demon lord in training, but his sunny disposition makes it hard to believe he's capable of evil. Much to the despair of his long-suffering tutor, Eclipse. Lessons don't seem to be sticking (Raenef's none too bright), but there's no denying the boy's power.
This main storyline is mostly lighthearted. The two short stories included in this volume are bittersweet bordering on tragic.
This main storyline is mostly lighthearted. The two short stories included in this volume are bittersweet bordering on tragic.
April 27, 2011
Great concept, good art -
Eclipse, a high-ranking demon, has his hands full training Raenef, a reluctant demon lord-to be. The problem is...Raenef is basically good, which makes him, and thereby Eclipse, the laughing-stock of the demon court.
Eclipse, a high-ranking demon, has his hands full training Raenef, a reluctant demon lord-to be. The problem is...Raenef is basically good, which makes him, and thereby Eclipse, the laughing-stock of the demon court.
April 30, 2016
Really enjoyed the beginning of this manga series
November 1, 2020
Demon Diary Band 01 von Chihyung Lee
Zum Inhalt:
Götter und Dämonen befinden sich in einem unendlichen Krieg; das Reich der Toten ist ihr Schlachtfeld. Die Gründe für diesen Krieg sind bereits längst vergessen, und es regiert nur noch der Hass. Die Orakel sagen voraus, dass eines Tages jemand kommen wird, der den Frieden wieder herstellt: Der junge Lord Raenef! Doch dieser ist so unangemessen herzensgut und nett, dass die Dämonen ihre berechtigten Zweifel an seinen diplomatischen Fähigkeiten haben…
Als der vierte Dämonenlord stirbt, wird ein neuer Dämonenlord aus den Reihen der Menschen bestimmt. Der junge und unschuldige Raenef. Er bekommt den Lehrmeister Eclipse zur Seite gestellt, der ihn in die Gepflogenheiten eines Dämonenlords einweisen soll. Doch zum Leidwesen von Eclipse ist sein neuer Meister so gar nicht grausam und auch schwer von Begriff. Immer wieder schafft es Raenef trotz seiner magischen Fähigkeiten Probleme zu erzeugen. Sei es durch die Verweigerung einer Verwüstung oder eben durch tollpatschiges und unschuldiges Verhalten. Während Raenef zur Lachnummer der anderen Dämonenlords wird, versucht Eclipse die Wogen immer wieder zu glätten.
Der Manga an sich hatte mich sehr interessiert, weil ich mir von Titel, Inhalt und Cover viel versprochen habe. Jedoch sind lediglich beim Cover viel Herzblut eingeflossen. Das Charakterdesign ist sehr detailliert, aber beim Hintergrund hat der Zeichner einfach sehr viel Arbeit gespart. Der Hergang der Geschichte ist zuweilen lustig und kurzweilig, wird jedoch durch die zu oft tollpatschige Art und das Verständnis von Eclipse immer wieder fraglich. Ein Dämon soll grausam sein, seine Mitdämonen auch. Und dann kommt der liebe Raenef daher und alle scheinen eine Engelsgeduld mit dem Bengel zu haben. Zwischendurch gibt es immer wieder ein paar Chibi-Szenen, die das ganze durch Witz auflockern sollen. An sich nicht schlecht, aber auch nicht unbedingt großartig herausragend. Zwar wird in dem Manga viel erklärt, aber an gewissen Stellen fehlt mich das Detail. Einige Fragen bleiben offen, vor allem, warum Raenef noch nicht von anderen Lords angegriffen wurde oder wieso er sich denn wirklich für den Posten als Dämonenlord eignen soll, denn den kauft man ihm so erst einmal nicht ab. Der Manga ist an einigen Stellen für mein Empfinden einfach zu überkitscht, ein bisschen mehr Spannung wäre wünschenswert gewesen.
Empfehlen möchte ich den Manga allen, die etwas für Zwischendurch suchen, sich jedoch auch gern beplätschern lassen wollen. Einen wirklichen Tiefgang gab es in diesem ersten Band nicht. Deswegen konnte mich die Story auch nicht wirklich überzeugen. Ich bin gespannt, ob der Manga noch die Kurve bekommt.
Idee: 4/5
Emotionen: 3/5
Spannung: 3/5
Details: 3/5
Design: 3/5
Gesamt: 3/5
Taschenbuch: 184 Seiten
Verlag: TOKYOPOP; Auflage: 1., Aufl. (1. November 2004)
Sprache: Deutsch
ISBN-10: 3865800718
ISBN-13: 978-3865800718
Vom Hersteller empfohlenes Alter: 13 - 16 Jahre
Größe und/oder Gewicht: 12,6 x 1,9 x 19 cm
Zum Inhalt:
Götter und Dämonen befinden sich in einem unendlichen Krieg; das Reich der Toten ist ihr Schlachtfeld. Die Gründe für diesen Krieg sind bereits längst vergessen, und es regiert nur noch der Hass. Die Orakel sagen voraus, dass eines Tages jemand kommen wird, der den Frieden wieder herstellt: Der junge Lord Raenef! Doch dieser ist so unangemessen herzensgut und nett, dass die Dämonen ihre berechtigten Zweifel an seinen diplomatischen Fähigkeiten haben…
Als der vierte Dämonenlord stirbt, wird ein neuer Dämonenlord aus den Reihen der Menschen bestimmt. Der junge und unschuldige Raenef. Er bekommt den Lehrmeister Eclipse zur Seite gestellt, der ihn in die Gepflogenheiten eines Dämonenlords einweisen soll. Doch zum Leidwesen von Eclipse ist sein neuer Meister so gar nicht grausam und auch schwer von Begriff. Immer wieder schafft es Raenef trotz seiner magischen Fähigkeiten Probleme zu erzeugen. Sei es durch die Verweigerung einer Verwüstung oder eben durch tollpatschiges und unschuldiges Verhalten. Während Raenef zur Lachnummer der anderen Dämonenlords wird, versucht Eclipse die Wogen immer wieder zu glätten.
Der Manga an sich hatte mich sehr interessiert, weil ich mir von Titel, Inhalt und Cover viel versprochen habe. Jedoch sind lediglich beim Cover viel Herzblut eingeflossen. Das Charakterdesign ist sehr detailliert, aber beim Hintergrund hat der Zeichner einfach sehr viel Arbeit gespart. Der Hergang der Geschichte ist zuweilen lustig und kurzweilig, wird jedoch durch die zu oft tollpatschige Art und das Verständnis von Eclipse immer wieder fraglich. Ein Dämon soll grausam sein, seine Mitdämonen auch. Und dann kommt der liebe Raenef daher und alle scheinen eine Engelsgeduld mit dem Bengel zu haben. Zwischendurch gibt es immer wieder ein paar Chibi-Szenen, die das ganze durch Witz auflockern sollen. An sich nicht schlecht, aber auch nicht unbedingt großartig herausragend. Zwar wird in dem Manga viel erklärt, aber an gewissen Stellen fehlt mich das Detail. Einige Fragen bleiben offen, vor allem, warum Raenef noch nicht von anderen Lords angegriffen wurde oder wieso er sich denn wirklich für den Posten als Dämonenlord eignen soll, denn den kauft man ihm so erst einmal nicht ab. Der Manga ist an einigen Stellen für mein Empfinden einfach zu überkitscht, ein bisschen mehr Spannung wäre wünschenswert gewesen.
Empfehlen möchte ich den Manga allen, die etwas für Zwischendurch suchen, sich jedoch auch gern beplätschern lassen wollen. Einen wirklichen Tiefgang gab es in diesem ersten Band nicht. Deswegen konnte mich die Story auch nicht wirklich überzeugen. Ich bin gespannt, ob der Manga noch die Kurve bekommt.
Idee: 4/5
Emotionen: 3/5
Spannung: 3/5
Details: 3/5
Design: 3/5
Gesamt: 3/5
Taschenbuch: 184 Seiten
Verlag: TOKYOPOP; Auflage: 1., Aufl. (1. November 2004)
Sprache: Deutsch
ISBN-10: 3865800718
ISBN-13: 978-3865800718
Vom Hersteller empfohlenes Alter: 13 - 16 Jahre
Größe und/oder Gewicht: 12,6 x 1,9 x 19 cm
January 15, 2024
3.5* stars.
Demon Lord Demon Lord, where art thou Demon Lord.
Raenef is the newly appointed demon Lord, and he has no idea how to be a Demon Lord. He's nice, a little dimwitted, and completely oblivious to the hierarchy of demons. His predecessor was a "good" demonic leader, however Raenef has a very good teacher to help him guide his way through his lordship. Can Eclipse teach Raenef how to be rude, selfish, and the best magic user in the demon court, or will their teacher/student relationship turn from friends into something deeper?
Going into this I thought I'd really like it, and while I like what I think the story is and where could possibly be going, I frankly have no what's going on in this first volume. I can follow panel to panel, but there's no back story, no explanation of how Raenef got this position, and I can't tell if there's any sort of plot other than just him learning to be a demon Lord.
All that being said, I'm still holding out hope that as the 7-volume series progresses it gets better and more plot driven, especially since there are mentions of Nordic gods and goddess, a subject I love. Also, in the end there was a moment where this could turn slightly BL (boys love,) which would be interesting.
The art is similar to old school shojo style; the action scenes are well drawn though. The comedy is definitely on point with this volume, and both sides stories were also interesting. I preferred the last one titled "Terra," it felt like the world had more stories to offer than just one. While the first bonus story was well told and interesting, it felt a bit morbid to me and like it needed more space for the emotions conveyed to really entrap the reader.
All in all, a decent first volume. Enough to wet your whistle, but nothing to write home about. However, I'm looking forward to diving into the next volume as the story may differ a little bit because the authors changed; I'm curious if that will bring a bit more story to the series.
Demon Lord Demon Lord, where art thou Demon Lord.
Raenef is the newly appointed demon Lord, and he has no idea how to be a Demon Lord. He's nice, a little dimwitted, and completely oblivious to the hierarchy of demons. His predecessor was a "good" demonic leader, however Raenef has a very good teacher to help him guide his way through his lordship. Can Eclipse teach Raenef how to be rude, selfish, and the best magic user in the demon court, or will their teacher/student relationship turn from friends into something deeper?
Going into this I thought I'd really like it, and while I like what I think the story is and where could possibly be going, I frankly have no what's going on in this first volume. I can follow panel to panel, but there's no back story, no explanation of how Raenef got this position, and I can't tell if there's any sort of plot other than just him learning to be a demon Lord.
All that being said, I'm still holding out hope that as the 7-volume series progresses it gets better and more plot driven, especially since there are mentions of Nordic gods and goddess, a subject I love. Also, in the end there was a moment where this could turn slightly BL (boys love,) which would be interesting.
The art is similar to old school shojo style; the action scenes are well drawn though. The comedy is definitely on point with this volume, and both sides stories were also interesting. I preferred the last one titled "Terra," it felt like the world had more stories to offer than just one. While the first bonus story was well told and interesting, it felt a bit morbid to me and like it needed more space for the emotions conveyed to really entrap the reader.
All in all, a decent first volume. Enough to wet your whistle, but nothing to write home about. However, I'm looking forward to diving into the next volume as the story may differ a little bit because the authors changed; I'm curious if that will bring a bit more story to the series.
June 17, 2019
Insecure and uncomfortable with the ruthless behaviour expected of a demon lord, Raenef goes off on a quest, hoping to return to his castle as a much stronger and wiser demon lord, impressing Eclipse. Eclipse is not impressed, he’s worried. He sets out to the west, hoping to find his young master (intimidating one confused human leader into rounding up all the local blonde youths in an attempt to placate him), never suspecting Raenef journeyed into the cleric-dominated east. In the land of his enemies, Raenef meets Chris, a cleric-in-training who’s having about as much success as Raenef is in becoming a demon lord. Chris’s long-suffering mentor’s exasperation with his pupil is about to make Raenef’s household even more crazy. These adventures are followed by the tale of how Eclipse went seeking the next Lord Raenef, only to meet the sweet, unsuitable boy who would become his master.
This time, it’s the clerics’ turn to be teased in this wacky plot, all part of a serious backstory and setting. The dialogue is almost slapstick comedy, yet it stays very true to the story and the characters, showing Raenef and Chris’s first meeting. When the plot goes into the backstory of Eclipse and Raenef’s past, it starts taking a deeper, more intimate tone, intensifying the bond between them with its troubled beginning. The world around the characters develops along with them, intensifying this reader’s interest in both, while keeping me laughing with all the humour. For all of these qualities, depicted in an attractive art style consistent with the first volume, I give this four stars.
This time, it’s the clerics’ turn to be teased in this wacky plot, all part of a serious backstory and setting. The dialogue is almost slapstick comedy, yet it stays very true to the story and the characters, showing Raenef and Chris’s first meeting. When the plot goes into the backstory of Eclipse and Raenef’s past, it starts taking a deeper, more intimate tone, intensifying the bond between them with its troubled beginning. The world around the characters develops along with them, intensifying this reader’s interest in both, while keeping me laughing with all the humour. For all of these qualities, depicted in an attractive art style consistent with the first volume, I give this four stars.
August 16, 2018
WELCOME to what is possibly one of my favorite Korean comics. Well top ten - in recent years I've started to read quite a few more. It's also one of those heel turn comics that seriously likes to pivot back and forth in comedy and darkness.
We have Raenef, Fifth of his name, Demon Lord and puppy. Likes: making Eclipse smile, sleeping, eating and sparkles. Dislikes: hard work, blood, terrorizing folk.
Eclipse, pretty grand demon with lots of power and some sort of bad luck. Likes: terrorizing mortals, smacking Raenef, being a badass Demon General. Dislikes: humans, clerics, knights, Raenef's puppy-ness
We also meet...Erutis? I honestly remember how to spell her name so we'll go with that. A Knight who attacks Raenef and nearly dies not because of him but from exasperation that HE is the Demon Lord.
First book is pretty much information heaven. Lots about what demons should be like as well as world background.
Two short stories are included, also drawn by KARA - Crystal Heart which dear lord it's dark and Terra which holy stars it's darker. They're not written by the same person as Demon Diary (tho...I think that person may leave after this volume?) but it does give you a good idea of how freaking dark Demon Diary gets.
Fun fact: Kelly Sue DeConnick, yes she of Bitch Planet and Captain Marvel, was the English adapter of this for TokyoPop back in the day (2003). How cool right?
We have Raenef, Fifth of his name, Demon Lord and puppy. Likes: making Eclipse smile, sleeping, eating and sparkles. Dislikes: hard work, blood, terrorizing folk.
Eclipse, pretty grand demon with lots of power and some sort of bad luck. Likes: terrorizing mortals, smacking Raenef, being a badass Demon General. Dislikes: humans, clerics, knights, Raenef's puppy-ness
We also meet...Erutis? I honestly remember how to spell her name so we'll go with that. A Knight who attacks Raenef and nearly dies not because of him but from exasperation that HE is the Demon Lord.
First book is pretty much information heaven. Lots about what demons should be like as well as world background.
Two short stories are included, also drawn by KARA - Crystal Heart which dear lord it's dark and Terra which holy stars it's darker. They're not written by the same person as Demon Diary (tho...I think that person may leave after this volume?) but it does give you a good idea of how freaking dark Demon Diary gets.
Fun fact: Kelly Sue DeConnick, yes she of Bitch Planet and Captain Marvel, was the English adapter of this for TokyoPop back in the day (2003). How cool right?
April 16, 2023
Raenef isn’t exactly what one pictures when they think of a demon.
He’s young, delicate, and kind of scrawny.
But, he’s the next heir of the demon king.
In order to prepare Raenef for the role, he is appointed a demon lord over an assigned area and given an aid—Eclipse, a wide and noble demon. He’s to be Raenef’s tutor, essentially.
With Raenef’s meek attitude and kind heart though, whipping him into demon king shape is going to be a challenge. But, as tensions between demons and other races continue to perpetuate, there is also a need for a strong leader to rise up and assume that mantle.
Will Eclipse be able to help Raenef become a demon of nightmares?
So, this is such a delightful start to an exciting little fantasy series~
I enjoyed this more than I was expecting. This story has some basic works building but the characters are quite interesting. You can clearly see some modern parallels in these characters. You get the sense that this series is one of the touchstones for the royalty/subordinate forbidden romance genre.
I’m definitely interested in reading more. I think this is a unique, “off the beaten path” choice for a reader who enjoys a cute, fantasy romance story~
He’s young, delicate, and kind of scrawny.
But, he’s the next heir of the demon king.
In order to prepare Raenef for the role, he is appointed a demon lord over an assigned area and given an aid—Eclipse, a wide and noble demon. He’s to be Raenef’s tutor, essentially.
With Raenef’s meek attitude and kind heart though, whipping him into demon king shape is going to be a challenge. But, as tensions between demons and other races continue to perpetuate, there is also a need for a strong leader to rise up and assume that mantle.
Will Eclipse be able to help Raenef become a demon of nightmares?
So, this is such a delightful start to an exciting little fantasy series~
I enjoyed this more than I was expecting. This story has some basic works building but the characters are quite interesting. You can clearly see some modern parallels in these characters. You get the sense that this series is one of the touchstones for the royalty/subordinate forbidden romance genre.
I’m definitely interested in reading more. I think this is a unique, “off the beaten path” choice for a reader who enjoys a cute, fantasy romance story~
July 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this book!
I loved how the author took the age old concept of Gods and Demons in a never ending battle and made it something unique with their main character- Raenef.
Raenef is an heir to demon royalty and must learn the ways to be feared and respected yet he's demeanour is friendly, joking, and sweet overall. He finds it hard to learn how to be a Demon Lord, and is mocked for his naivety by his teacher Eclipse and the higher up Demons.
The first volume is set up very well with the reader learning the basics of the world. That demons take training to be a Lord, that the magic system is a little different and they Demons have to gather energy to use magic (which reminded me of games) and the introduction of Gods who hired a teacher for Raenef and I'm curious to see why the gods would interact with Demons like that in future novels.
Not to mention the Gods are known as Odin and Freya, so I'm especially curious to see if this story is going to be more Christian biblical or we will see more influences of other Gods from different cultures.
Overall, I enjoyed this and when I find the time I would like to continue on with the story!
I loved how the author took the age old concept of Gods and Demons in a never ending battle and made it something unique with their main character- Raenef.
Raenef is an heir to demon royalty and must learn the ways to be feared and respected yet he's demeanour is friendly, joking, and sweet overall. He finds it hard to learn how to be a Demon Lord, and is mocked for his naivety by his teacher Eclipse and the higher up Demons.
The first volume is set up very well with the reader learning the basics of the world. That demons take training to be a Lord, that the magic system is a little different and they Demons have to gather energy to use magic (which reminded me of games) and the introduction of Gods who hired a teacher for Raenef and I'm curious to see why the gods would interact with Demons like that in future novels.
Not to mention the Gods are known as Odin and Freya, so I'm especially curious to see if this story is going to be more Christian biblical or we will see more influences of other Gods from different cultures.
Overall, I enjoyed this and when I find the time I would like to continue on with the story!
March 30, 2024
Whoever heard of a lovable demon lord...?
I first read this soo long ago. I had let a friend borrow the first two of this series and they ended up lost somehow. I recently reacquired them, remembering how much I love the series.
I didn't remember the first book having barely anything to do with the actual story! The other two here are still interesting. But it was disappointing that Raenef and Eclipse's part of this are only about half the book.
I also forgot that you're just dropped into this story. All of a sudden Raenef is the new demon lord cuz of Odin/"old fella"... xD
Raenef is super cute and is already growing on Eclipse (even to him losing focus during meetings). I love the art. Remember this being ridiculous but will definitely see how it holds up!
Most of me wants to rate this higher just cuz of nostalgia, however, I just can't. I also really doubt I'd rate it much higher anyway since I really feel that it's the later books that are the ones that really make this series shine. We'll see if I remember properly...
Can you stay with me forever?
Forever...
...if you wish.
March 2, 2019
I haven't read much manga in my time, but this was a super fun and enjoyable read!
What I didn't like - I didn't like how short the main arc of the story was, this volume contains two short stories which have nothing to do with the main arc, and although I did enjoy these to a degree, I would have loved more of the main arc rather than filler. The tone was quite different, a lot more serious in the bonus shorts, which was probably more of a reason they felt out of place.
What I did like - I loved the characters, they are fun and silly but also bad-ass, and the whole idea of this Demon Lord who is actually pretty lame is genius! I don't often laugh at books, but this is genuinely funny, and I'm so glad it was recommended to me! I've already bought the next 3 volumes off ebay :D
What I didn't like - I didn't like how short the main arc of the story was, this volume contains two short stories which have nothing to do with the main arc, and although I did enjoy these to a degree, I would have loved more of the main arc rather than filler. The tone was quite different, a lot more serious in the bonus shorts, which was probably more of a reason they felt out of place.
What I did like - I loved the characters, they are fun and silly but also bad-ass, and the whole idea of this Demon Lord who is actually pretty lame is genius! I don't often laugh at books, but this is genuinely funny, and I'm so glad it was recommended to me! I've already bought the next 3 volumes off ebay :D
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