Series & First Appearance
Diamond (ダイヤモンド) is a character from the manga and anime series "Land of the Lustrous" (宝石の国, Houseki no Kuni), created by Haruko Ichikawa. The character made their first appearance in Chapter 1 of the manga, which was serialized in 2012, and subsequently in Episode 1 of the anime adaptation produced by Studio Orange, released in 2017.
Profile at a Glance
Diamond appears to be in their late teens based on their youthful appearance. They play a significant role as one of the protagonist gems fighting against the Lunarians, a race that seeks to harvest them for their beauty. Diamond exhibits a unique fighting style, utilizing the reflective qualities of their sword to deflect attacks. They are known to have a hardness rating of 10, making them one of the tougher characters among the gems.
Personality & Motivations
Diamond possesses a gentle and friendly demeanor, cultivating positive relationships with their fellow gems. However, they also display an inferiority complex, particularly in relation to Bort, whom they admire deeply. This admiration can lead to feelings of hostility, manifesting in aggressive behavior when Bort is involved. Diamond has a tendency to express quirky thoughts and phrases, adding a layer of charm to their character. Their main motivation includes longing to prove themselves worthy, which significantly influences their decisions throughout the story.
Abilities / Powers
Diamond possesses the unique property of being exceptionally hard, rated at a hardness of 10, akin to that of diamond in real life. Their signature ability lies in their specialized fighting style, where they utilize the sides of their sword to reflect the arrows of the Lunarians. This skill highlights their strategic thinking in battle. However, Diamond struggles with self-doubt and an inferiority complex, particularly in combat situations which can lead to reckless decisions. Their powers evolve as they experience growth throughout the narrative.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Diamond’s storyline is marked by several significant arcs. In the early chapters, they grapple with their feelings of inadequacy in comparison to Bort. A pivotal moment occurs when Phos tries to persuade the gems to join them on the moon. During this encounter, Diamond confronts Phos and reveals their understanding of Phos’s deceptive nature. Ultimately, this leads to them agreeing to accompany Phos to the moon, showcasing a critical development in their character. In the raid against Kongou, Diamond’s desire to confront Bort leads to a tragic clash that results in both characters shattering each other, marking a significant turning point for Diamond in the series.
Notable Relationships
Diamond’s relationships are pivotal to their character development. Their admiration for Bort drives much of their conflict and self-discovery, while their friendly interactions with other gems like Phos and the other members of the gem community foster a sense of camaraderie. Diamond’s relationship with Bort is particularly complex, characterized by a mixture of admiration, rivalry, and eventual hostility that underscores their personal struggles and motivations.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable moment occurs when Diamond acknowledges Phos’s facade, stating, "You think you can fool everyone, Phos?" (Chapter 18), which highlights their perceptive nature and their role as a moral compass among the gems. This confrontation illustrates not only Diamond’s evolving awareness but also serves to deepen the interpersonal dynamics within the story.
Another significant scene is the raid against Kongou, where Diamond, driven by their complex feelings towards Bort, attacks indiscriminately, resulting in their and Bort’s shattering. This tragic moment not only emphasizes the risks of their personal conflicts but also leaves a lasting emotional impact on the audience, as it represents the cost of obsession and rivalry.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Diamond has garnered popularity, with a notable member favorite count of 680, indicating a strong fanbase. They are voiced by Mitsuki Saiga in the Japanese version and have yet to receive an English voice actor. In broader cultural contexts, Diamond symbolizes the struggle between self-acceptance and admiration, resonating with fans who relate to the complexities of identity and rivalry. The character’s design and portrayal in "Land of the Lustrous" have been praised for their depth and exploration of themes surrounding beauty, strength, and vulnerability.
Diamond’s characterization, paired with their unique abilities and narrative arcs, makes them a profound figure in "Land of the Lustrous," resonating deeply with fans and providing essential themes about self-worth and identity in the face of external pressures.
