Death Note, Volume 3: Hard Run

Author: Tsugumi Ohba
Illustrator: Takeshi Obata

U.S. publisher: Viz Media
ISBN: 9781421501703
Released: January 2006
Original run: 2003-2006 (Weekly Shōnen Jump)

Hard Run is the third volume in the Death Note manga series, collecting chapters seventeen through twenty-five. Hard Run, along with the first two collected volumes (Boredom and Confluence), was included on the Top Ten list of the 2007 American Library Association’s Great Graphic Novels for Teens. This is not to say that older audiences won’t enjoy the series as well—its sophistication is sure to win the appreciation of many adult readers in addition to teens.

Despite being the main suspect in the Kira case, Light has so far been able to avoid leaving any concrete evidence leading to him as the killer of criminals worldwide. In fact, his alibis come across as being too perfect and L, the brilliant detective heading the case, becomes even more interested in him. So much so that he follows Light as he begins college, posing as a fellow student. Surprisingly, he ultimately reveals his identity and invites Light to join the investigation even though he is suspected to be Kira. But the battle of wits is cut short, or at least put on hold, due to a family emergency. It appears another Death Note may have been dropped and now there is a second Kira on the loose.

Hard Run was a little more quickly paced than the previous volume, Confluence. Light and L still seem fairly equally matched, but when it looks like the eccentric investigator might be starting to get the upper hand, the possibility of a Kira copycat complicates everything for both him and Light. The introduction of a second Death Note in the human realm ensures the continued complexity of this series and I expect that things will be kicked up another notch at least in the upcoming volumes.

Death Note is a popular manga series, and for good reason. It’s smart, well drawn, and complex. The characters are engaging and the story addicting. I am fascinated by Light and how his obsession with creating a perfect world is steadily corrupting him. L still is a bit creepy although I am beginning to get used to his bizarre behavior. Ryuk (a Shinigami death god and original owner of Light’s Death Note, which he dropped out of boredom) continues to amuse me, especially in regards to his supposed apathy and his delight in the whole situation. I remain impressed with this series and definitely look forward to reading the next volume, Love.

Death Note, Volume 2: Confluence

Author: Tsugumi Ohba
Illustrator: Takeshi Obata

U.S. publisher: Viz Media
ISBN: 9781421501697
Released: November 2005
Original run: 2003-2006 (Weekly Shōnen Jump)

Confluence is the second American collection of the wildly popular Death Note manga series, bringing together chapters eight through sixteen. It immediately follows Boredom and is just as good if not better than that first volume. By writing the name of a person in the Death Note while visualizing their face they may be killed. The specific circumstances of their death may also be indicated, otherwise they will die of a heart attack. Of course there are some rules and limitations to the Death Note’s power which must be discovered through its use.

Light initially had good intentions when using the Death Note, focusing on convicted criminals for his victims. He is determined to eradicate evil from the world. But as the investigation into the murders intensifies, he resorts to less honorable killings to keep his identity a secret. Fearing for their lives and safety, most of the investigative force has dropped off the assignment. In the meantime, the mysterious and reclusive master detective known as “L” has been forced to reveal himself to what is left of the team.

Death Note is a very clever series and I’m really enjoying watching Light and L try to outwit each other. Sometimes its hard to tell exactly who has the upper hand. It’s still early enough in the story that I could imagine either of them winning out in the end. At the moment, I find Light to be the more sympathetic character, although I’m sure his descent into corruption is far from over. L I just find kind of creepy. Ryuk, a death god and the original owner of the Death Note, is still hanging around to see the show, although he is finding himself being manipulated into actions he probably wouldn’t otherwise take.

As the plot grows in complexity it is also increasing in depth. The character development, especially that of Light, is fantastic. The artwork has improved over the last volume, particularly in its consistency. I didn’t notice as many translation problems as there were in Boredom, but Confluence still had some translation issues in addition to a few cultural reference that some readers (myself included) might not entirely understand. These for the most part were rather minor and were not critical to the enjoyment of the book.

I can tell that Death Note is a popular series from the simple fact that the books are rarely found on my library branch’s shelves as they are usually checked out (or in some instances have gone completely missing). Almost the only way to get a hold of a copy is to join the waiting list. Even though I’ve only read the first two volumes of the series, I’m already impressed and understand the manga’s popularity. Confluence is a great follow up to Boredom, and I’m definitely looking forward to finding out what happens next in Hard Run.

Death Note, Volume 1: Boredom

Author: Tsugumi Ohba
Illustrator: Takeshi Obata

U.S. publisher: Viz Media
ISBN: 9781421501680
Released: October 2005
Original run: 2003-2006 (Weekly Shōnen Jump)

I’m not entirely certain where I first heard of the Death Note manga series, but I think it first began with a National Public Radio segment. Then I started seeing it everywhere and hear mostly good things about it. Well, at least about the “original” series—a fair number of fans weren’t very happy with the direction it took after it was extended past its initial ending point. Finally, I discovered that my assistant at work was reading through the series and I was subsequently strongly encouraged to do so myself. So, I did.

The first volume quickly introduces the premise and main players of the story. Ruyk, a Shinigami death-god, “accidentally” drops one of his Death Notes in the human world, mostly just because he’s bored. It is found by Light Yagami, the top student at his school in Japan, who quickly discovers what it is and what it can do. Any person who’s name is written with intention in the notebook will die—the writer even has the option of choosing the ways and means of the death. Of course, there are rules and limitations to this power which Light must learn as he goes, because he has a plan—to rid the world of criminals and evil-doers.

But when massive numbers of inmates begin to die in prisons around the world, the world’s governments launch an investigation, turning to the mysterious and brilliant detective known only as “L.” L quickly begins to close on Light, but Light, too, is extraordinarily clever. The battle of wits has begun.

I enjoyed this first installment of Death Note. I wasn’t blown away by the artwork, but it worked well enough even if it wasn’t entirely consistent. I must admit though, the visual design of the Shinigami is quite creative. As a warning, Death Note comes “unflipped” (reading from right to left), which I think is becoming increasingly more common for manga published in the United States. It’s not the first unflipped manga that I’ve read, but it can be disconcerting for newcomers.

The book also seemed to suffer, albeit slightly, in its translation into English. Some phrases just weren’t quite right. I did very much enjoy the storyline though, and will most likely pick up a few more volumes my next trip to the library—I have a feeling they’ll make for quick, entertaining reads.