Series & First Appearance
Lapis Lazuli is a character from the manga and anime series Land of the Lustrous (Hoshi no Koe), created by Haruko Ichikawa. She first appears in Chapter 38 of the manga, which was serialized in 2012, and is also featured in the anime adaptation produced by Studio Orange, which premiered in 2017.
Profile at a Glance
Lapis Lazuli appears to be ageless, distinctly appearing as a young gem. She serves as a supportive character, initially introduced as a former partner of Ghost Quartz. Lapis Lazuli is affiliated with the Lunarians and is known for her unique ability to communicate through dreams, acting as a guiding figure for Phos. Her primary ability involves influencing thoughts and decisions rather than direct combat prowess, which sets her apart from many other gems.
Personality & Motivations
Lapis Lazuli is characterized by her introspective and sometimes melancholic demeanor. She is curious about the Lunarians and seeks to understand their motives, leading her to engage in complex dialogues with Phos. Lapis displays qualities of wisdom and empathy, and she often serves as a voice of reason. Her notable quirk includes her deep connection with dreams, through which she guides Phos. While she does not have a catchphrase, her contemplative nature often leads her to ponder existential questions, reflecting her longing for understanding and connection in a fragmented world.
Abilities / Powers
Lapis Lazuli’s primary ability revolves around dream communication, which allows her to appear to Phos, navigating her complexities and influencing her decisions. Although she does not possess combat-based powers, her ability to pierce the veil of dreams signifies a unique form of mental manipulation. This power not only highlights her role as a guide but also positions her as an essential character in supporting Phos’s evolution. Limitations arise from her own predicament—having only her head on the moon restricts her potential for physical action, making her reliance on dreams the core of her interaction with the world.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Lapis Lazuli’s story arc centers on her relationship with Phos, particularly how her past experiences with the Lunarians shape her insights. Initially, Lapis engages with the Lunarians in an attempt to rationalize their behaviors, resulting in her capture, where only her head survives. Once in Phos’s care, she begins to manifest in Phos’s dreams, guiding her through critical decisions that impact the overarching plot concerning gem society and the Lunarians. Her influence becomes pivotal as Phos grapples with identity and purpose, leading to significant character growth. This dream-communication dynamic establishes a rich narrative thread that underscores themes of connection and understanding amidst chaos.
Notable Relationships
Lapis Lazuli’s most significant relationship is with Phos, in whom she instills a sense of purpose. As a former partner of Ghost Quartz, their bond plays a role in Lapis’s motivations and backstory, reflecting her longing for companionship and understanding. Additionally, her ties to the Lunarians and their society create a complex relationship dynamic that helps explore themes of alienation and misunderstanding within the series.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One iconic moment occurs in Chapter 41, where Lapis communicates a vital realization to Phos about the nature of one’s existence and purpose—"Understanding others begins with understanding oneself." This quote not only encapsulates Lapis’s philosophical nature but also serves as a turning point for Phos, reinforcing Lapis’s role as a guide and mentor. The impact of her dream sequences and messages resonate with fans, offering profound insights into the challenges of identity and connection within the fandom.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Despite her significant role, Lapis Lazuli has not yet been assigned a voice actor in the anime adaptation of Land of the Lustrous. She has garnered a solid fanbase, evident in her popularity poll rankings, where she is listed among the top characters with 247 member favorites, demonstrating a considerable following within the community. Her design and thematic depth align with artistic influences found in Eastern philosophies, particularly concerning concepts of existence and identity. Additionally, her unique situation as a disembodied head brings a distinct layer to her character, symbolizing the fragility of relationships and the quest for understanding in the series.
Lapis Lazuli’s enigmatic presence and her thematic contributions continue to engage fans and enhance the narrative complexity of Land of the Lustrous, marking her as a significant figure worth exploring within the realm of anime and manga.
