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Death Note [デスノート] #1-13
Death Note
The entire
Death Note
manga story arc is now available in a box set for the first time! This custom box set includes all 12 books from the
Death Note
series, the information
How To Read "Death Note 13"
and exclusive
Death Note
premium gifts! The high gloss printed box set also comes with a recessed handle and velcro closure. The box set is 10% off the total retail price of 13 volumes of
Death Note
! This is a perfect gift for either yourself or anyone not yet exposed to the amazing intrigue of this Obha / Obata masterpiece.
Light Yagami is an ace student with great prospects - and he's bored out of his mind. But all that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by a rogue Shinigami death god. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and now Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. But when criminals begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective L to track down the killer. With L hot on his heels, will Light lose sight of his noble goal...or his life?
Light tests the boundaries of the Death Note's powers as L and the police begin to close in. Luckily Light's father is the head of the Japanese National Police Agency and leaves vital information about the case lying around the house. With access to his father's files, Light can keep one step ahead of the authorities. But who is the strange man following him, and how can Light guard against enemies whose names he doesn't know?
2400 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2006
562 people are currently reading
2603 people want to read
About the author
Tsugumi Ohba
351 books2,814 followersTsugumi Ōba (Profile in Japanese: 大場 つぐみ), born in Tokyo, Japan, is a writer best known for the manga Death Note. His/her real identity is a closely guarded secret. As stated by the profile placed at the beginning of each Death Note manga, Ōba collects teacups and develops manga plots while holding his knees on a chair, similar to a habit of L, one of the main characters of the series.
There is speculation that Tsugumi Ōba is a pen name and that he is really Hiroshi Gamō. Pointing out that in Bakuman the main character's uncle was a one-hit wonder manga artist who worked on a gag super hero manga, very similar to Gamō and Tottemo! Luckyman in all aspects. Also that the storyboards drawn by Ōba greatly resemble Tottemo! Luckyman in style.
There is speculation that Tsugumi Ōba is a pen name and that he is really Hiroshi Gamō. Pointing out that in Bakuman the main character's uncle was a one-hit wonder manga artist who worked on a gag super hero manga, very similar to Gamō and Tottemo! Luckyman in all aspects. Also that the storyboards drawn by Ōba greatly resemble Tottemo! Luckyman in style.
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May 23, 2021
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Death Note is a masterwork that eventually will become a classic in the manga/anime industry; in my opinion, it already did.
This is my first ever manga review on Goodreads, and it probably will be my last unless a special edition like this one comes out again in the future. I know I’ve stated I won’t review manga series I’ve read on Goodreads because of the sheer amount of volumes manga usually has. Plus, the huge amount of manga I’ve read (including reread, it has reached at least 2000 volumes read) makes it even more difficult for me to start. But I’ll have to make an exception because of this particular Death Note: All-in-One edition. Do note that this is not a box set; this is a single 2400 pages paperback that miraculously encompassed all 13 volumes of Death Note—and one never-before-released epilogue chapter in English—into one thick book. I will get into more detail on this edition at the last section of this review, but now let’s get on with the spoiler-free review of the entire series itself.
Throughout my time on Goodreads, I’ve been asked several times which manga I recommend. I struggle with this; it’s not that easy for me to recommend a manga series. I have different types of recommendations depending on who’s asking and what they're looking for. But Death Note is one of the few manga series that I often recommend to practically everyone. This reread marked the third time I read the entire series, plus I’ve watched the entire anime adaptation two times as well. This means that I’ve experienced this particular story five times, and it’s still as amazing as the first time. I’m confident in saying that Death Note is a manga/anime series that will be accessible to both newcomer and veteran to manga due to how appealing the storyline and artworks are.
For those of you who don’t know, Death Note is a manga series created by the now-famous duo Tsugumi Ohba (the writer) and Takeshi Obata (the artist). The manga series has its run from 2003-2006; it is their first collaboration, and it’s what made them became one of the most highly acclaimed duos in the industry. Death Note’s genre, in general, can be stated as thriller and mystery with a touch of the fantasy element, but this doesn’t mean that this series will appeal exclusively to the fans of the genres. Unlike novels, from my experience, manga usually needs a few volumes for the story to get going; if you’re really expecting to be impressed by the first volume, the majority of manga will probably disappoint you. That said, Death Note is one of the few rare cases where it managed to grab my attention immediately right from the first chapter for its originality and simplicity concept.
This is an example of a simple concept executed brilliantly. Think about it; who the heck could come up with this idea in the first place? It seriously never crossed my mind that someone would actually start a story that revolves around this concept and transform it into something special. Death Note is an incredibly compelling series that focused highly on justice and moral compass. It’s one of the most thought-provoking series I’ve ever read or watched out of all mediums of storytelling. And to this day, I still sometimes think about what would happen to this world if Death Note truly exists.
Let’s be honest, every one of us has at least considered the line of thinking above at least once or multiple times; I still do sometimes. That’s part of being human, especially when everything you hear or see around the world is filled with injustice. The main character, Light/Kira Yagami, is a genius that accidentally obtains a Death Note, and he wants to use it for one single purpose: to make the world a better place by killing all scums, rapist, criminals that exist in the world; untouched or touched by laws, there’s no exception. This makes him an ultimate vigilante that practically untraceable by anybody because of its killing method, almost as if he’s truly a god. The plot, of course, became more complicated and engaging once his main rival, L, came into play. Not only Kira and L are both one of the finest characters I’ve ever read in manga, but their rivalry also to this day stands as one of the most highly praised rivalry in the world of manga/anime for many great reasons. To state a few, their characterizations and their deadly game of cat and mouse were so well portrayed that you can’t help but root for both of them.
Kira Yagami is also one of the reasons why I have very high standards towards characterizations in grimdark. Up until now, I still haven’t come across many authors—whether it’s manga or novels—who can write a grimdark character as well-written as Kira.
The majority of readers think that the series got weaker during the second half; although I can certainly understand why, but I have to disagree. Death Note glued me to the last page from the start; even during my third read, the narrative remains very compelling. I won’t go into tons of detail on why this series is so special, but let me just say that the plot was magnificently done, and the artworks were beautifully drawn. Every character in this series, just like each one of us, has their own sense of justice. Instead of preaching to you about which sense of justice is better or not, I will just say: please give this series a read.
It’s a highly influential and immersive series. In fact, Death Note has sparked plenty of real-life copycat crimes and attempted malicious behavior around the world, mostly among students. One minor case for example: In May 2010, a middle school student in Avonworth School District in Pennsylvania was suspended for a "Death Note" with names of fellow students and pop singer Justin Bieber. This is, of course, just one case out of many; you can search up Death Note copycat crimes, and you’ll find so many cases. This is obviously not a good thing, but looking at the bright side, this also shows just how great this series is. It ended up influencing a lot of people around the world. Whether the influence is for good or worse depends entirely on the individual.
For newcomers to this series, I know Death Note has been adapted several times. But trust me, don’t watch any of the live adaptations; they just pale in comparison. It’s like comparing the smell of perfumes to excrement, especially the newly released Netflix adaptation. If you check your desktop, there’s this little icon called “recycle bin”, the Netflix adaptation belongs there; it’s pure garbage. You want the best version of Death Note? Read the manga or watch the anime adaptation.
Before I close this review, let’s talk a bit about this edition. I strongly encourage you to get this all-in-one edition. Novels are expensive, but they’re nothing compared to collecting manga or graphic novels. Manga is extremely expensive, especially after considering how fast it takes to read through one volume. Let’s say each volume costs $10; Death Note consists of 12 volumes, and to get all of them or the box set, you at least have to pay $90-$120; the price depends on which edition you get. Comparatively, this All-in-One edition is just so cheap; it allows you to get the entire series for $30-$40.
There is no downside to this edition, in my opinion, other than it is heavy. But look at it this way, isn’t it just the same as reading novels in hardcover format? With hardcovers, I usually lay them down on the desk or my bed, and then I read i. Reading while lifting hardcovers equivalent to training to become One Punch Man. And this edition can be read the way you read your hardcover; you don’t have to worry about breaking the spine. The spine is supposedly made of enhanced binding technology that made it extremely durable; it’s even stronger than the floppy trade paperback novels. Due to its durability, I read the entire series without any worries of breaking the spine. If you’re still not sure, check out this youtube video and fast forward to the 6:00 timestamp to see how extremely durable this edition is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGq3X...
In conclusion, Death Note is one of the best manga series I’ve ever read. Give it a few more years and it will become a classic in the genre; in my opinion, it already did. It’s one of the most popular manga/anime series of all time, it’s and one that I will always recommend. Once again, dive into this series either through reading the manga or watching the anime; those are the only options you should consider, and then you can thank me later for one of the best escapism experiences once you get to it. Also, I would like to give my special thanks to my dear friend Haifa for getting me this fantastic edition as my early X-mas present.
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Dylan, Edward, Ellen, Gary, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Luis, Lufi, Melinda, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Sarah, Seth, Shaad, Summer, Wendy, Zoe.
Death Note is a masterwork that eventually will become a classic in the manga/anime industry; in my opinion, it already did.
This is my first ever manga review on Goodreads, and it probably will be my last unless a special edition like this one comes out again in the future. I know I’ve stated I won’t review manga series I’ve read on Goodreads because of the sheer amount of volumes manga usually has. Plus, the huge amount of manga I’ve read (including reread, it has reached at least 2000 volumes read) makes it even more difficult for me to start. But I’ll have to make an exception because of this particular Death Note: All-in-One edition. Do note that this is not a box set; this is a single 2400 pages paperback that miraculously encompassed all 13 volumes of Death Note—and one never-before-released epilogue chapter in English—into one thick book. I will get into more detail on this edition at the last section of this review, but now let’s get on with the spoiler-free review of the entire series itself.
Throughout my time on Goodreads, I’ve been asked several times which manga I recommend. I struggle with this; it’s not that easy for me to recommend a manga series. I have different types of recommendations depending on who’s asking and what they're looking for. But Death Note is one of the few manga series that I often recommend to practically everyone. This reread marked the third time I read the entire series, plus I’ve watched the entire anime adaptation two times as well. This means that I’ve experienced this particular story five times, and it’s still as amazing as the first time. I’m confident in saying that Death Note is a manga/anime series that will be accessible to both newcomer and veteran to manga due to how appealing the storyline and artworks are.
For those of you who don’t know, Death Note is a manga series created by the now-famous duo Tsugumi Ohba (the writer) and Takeshi Obata (the artist). The manga series has its run from 2003-2006; it is their first collaboration, and it’s what made them became one of the most highly acclaimed duos in the industry. Death Note’s genre, in general, can be stated as thriller and mystery with a touch of the fantasy element, but this doesn’t mean that this series will appeal exclusively to the fans of the genres. Unlike novels, from my experience, manga usually needs a few volumes for the story to get going; if you’re really expecting to be impressed by the first volume, the majority of manga will probably disappoint you. That said, Death Note is one of the few rare cases where it managed to grab my attention immediately right from the first chapter for its originality and simplicity concept.
“The name of the human who is written in this note shall die.”
This is an example of a simple concept executed brilliantly. Think about it; who the heck could come up with this idea in the first place? It seriously never crossed my mind that someone would actually start a story that revolves around this concept and transform it into something special. Death Note is an incredibly compelling series that focused highly on justice and moral compass. It’s one of the most thought-provoking series I’ve ever read or watched out of all mediums of storytelling. And to this day, I still sometimes think about what would happen to this world if Death Note truly exists.
“Start looking around you... and all you see are people the world would be better off without.”
Let’s be honest, every one of us has at least considered the line of thinking above at least once or multiple times; I still do sometimes. That’s part of being human, especially when everything you hear or see around the world is filled with injustice. The main character, Light/Kira Yagami, is a genius that accidentally obtains a Death Note, and he wants to use it for one single purpose: to make the world a better place by killing all scums, rapist, criminals that exist in the world; untouched or touched by laws, there’s no exception. This makes him an ultimate vigilante that practically untraceable by anybody because of its killing method, almost as if he’s truly a god. The plot, of course, became more complicated and engaging once his main rival, L, came into play. Not only Kira and L are both one of the finest characters I’ve ever read in manga, but their rivalry also to this day stands as one of the most highly praised rivalry in the world of manga/anime for many great reasons. To state a few, their characterizations and their deadly game of cat and mouse were so well portrayed that you can’t help but root for both of them.
Kira Yagami is also one of the reasons why I have very high standards towards characterizations in grimdark. Up until now, I still haven’t come across many authors—whether it’s manga or novels—who can write a grimdark character as well-written as Kira.
The majority of readers think that the series got weaker during the second half; although I can certainly understand why, but I have to disagree. Death Note glued me to the last page from the start; even during my third read, the narrative remains very compelling. I won’t go into tons of detail on why this series is so special, but let me just say that the plot was magnificently done, and the artworks were beautifully drawn. Every character in this series, just like each one of us, has their own sense of justice. Instead of preaching to you about which sense of justice is better or not, I will just say: please give this series a read.
It’s a highly influential and immersive series. In fact, Death Note has sparked plenty of real-life copycat crimes and attempted malicious behavior around the world, mostly among students. One minor case for example: In May 2010, a middle school student in Avonworth School District in Pennsylvania was suspended for a "Death Note" with names of fellow students and pop singer Justin Bieber. This is, of course, just one case out of many; you can search up Death Note copycat crimes, and you’ll find so many cases. This is obviously not a good thing, but looking at the bright side, this also shows just how great this series is. It ended up influencing a lot of people around the world. Whether the influence is for good or worse depends entirely on the individual.
For newcomers to this series, I know Death Note has been adapted several times. But trust me, don’t watch any of the live adaptations; they just pale in comparison. It’s like comparing the smell of perfumes to excrement, especially the newly released Netflix adaptation. If you check your desktop, there’s this little icon called “recycle bin”, the Netflix adaptation belongs there; it’s pure garbage. You want the best version of Death Note? Read the manga or watch the anime adaptation.
Before I close this review, let’s talk a bit about this edition. I strongly encourage you to get this all-in-one edition. Novels are expensive, but they’re nothing compared to collecting manga or graphic novels. Manga is extremely expensive, especially after considering how fast it takes to read through one volume. Let’s say each volume costs $10; Death Note consists of 12 volumes, and to get all of them or the box set, you at least have to pay $90-$120; the price depends on which edition you get. Comparatively, this All-in-One edition is just so cheap; it allows you to get the entire series for $30-$40.
There is no downside to this edition, in my opinion, other than it is heavy. But look at it this way, isn’t it just the same as reading novels in hardcover format? With hardcovers, I usually lay them down on the desk or my bed, and then I read i. Reading while lifting hardcovers equivalent to training to become One Punch Man. And this edition can be read the way you read your hardcover; you don’t have to worry about breaking the spine. The spine is supposedly made of enhanced binding technology that made it extremely durable; it’s even stronger than the floppy trade paperback novels. Due to its durability, I read the entire series without any worries of breaking the spine. If you’re still not sure, check out this youtube video and fast forward to the 6:00 timestamp to see how extremely durable this edition is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGq3X...
In conclusion, Death Note is one of the best manga series I’ve ever read. Give it a few more years and it will become a classic in the genre; in my opinion, it already did. It’s one of the most popular manga/anime series of all time, it’s and one that I will always recommend. Once again, dive into this series either through reading the manga or watching the anime; those are the only options you should consider, and then you can thank me later for one of the best escapism experiences once you get to it. Also, I would like to give my special thanks to my dear friend Haifa for getting me this fantastic edition as my early X-mas present.
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Dylan, Edward, Ellen, Gary, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Luis, Lufi, Melinda, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Sarah, Seth, Shaad, Summer, Wendy, Zoe.
June 5, 2022
A brilliant premise that kept me thoroughly engaged till chapter 59. The later parts are much the same as the first arc, just more over the top and slower and made the average for the whole series lower than I initially had expected based on the excellent 10+ first chapters.
There’s nothing wrong with exterminating pests, so why is it wrong to kill people who are pests to this world?
General observations
A gigantic tome and Light is one of the few characters called smart in a book that actually wow me.
Death Note details the rise of Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student who gets supernatural powers. With a notebook that never runs out and that kills anyone written down into it, Light sets out on a mission to change the world (This world is a rotten mess. It really needs to be cleaned up.), using fear to stamp out crime and create a more safer world (I’ll make this a world inhabited only by people I decide are good!). I mean, the death penalty is far from a persuasive way of bringing crime down as the US illustrates compared to Europe, but still an interesting premise. And initially this premise is expertly expended upon by Tsugumi Ohba.
The whole reflection on morality, and if the goals justify the means, is like the boat scene in the Dark Knight on steroids. Ryuk, the shinigami (god of death who is attached to Light) gives me strong the Joker “I just want to see the world burn vibes”.
How many people in the now can be sacrificed for a better world in the future?
Also the premise reminds me of later Code Geass, especially with the testing of the ability and the ensuing escalation of something supernatural going global.
Also Newton's third law is: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, came to mind while reading the series, as does Hegel's concept of thesis - antithesis - synthesis.
Finally Unlimited power in the hands of limited people always leads to cruelty of Solzhenitsyn definitely applies.
Story
A mysterious L starts to investigate the case, and soon a devilishly clever cat and mouse game unfolds between him and "Kira", the righteous god of death. Psychological warfare, plot twists involving family and using the scientific method to a supernatural phenomenon, boss style, make the first chapters super interesting. Also fascinating questions on predestination and free will are touched upon along the way.
Light is brilliant, and one needs to admire how he manages to get himself out of troubles, like in chapter 14. What a brilliant resolution but also what a collateral damage.
Chapter 19 agains has a power move and mind fuck all in one. Someone does need to explain how L can be so young and so well trained, but definitely he is a match to Light
Chapter 20, with a tennis match between two people who don’t want to lose is gold (College is fun as long as you don’t die). One starts to wonder how can Light be good in everything, but these kind of chapters provide some needed comic relief. And then quickly followed by a display of using morals against a society - major The Joker vibes here.
Following Light we give L ways to little credit cause what he does in response to all the curveballs is flawless, and he is determined: To defeat evil, there must be sacrifices, that’s what you’ve done, right?
The shift to chapter 38 is brilliant, and also raises questions on the morality and limits of powers of L
Also it makes very clear that showing a connection to the taskforce was a major mistake and Light could have mobilized public opinion much more.
The new arc, on what a for profit corporation would do with these powers, is also interesting. Problem is that anything that has a too large or obvious impact on share prices immediately leads to big data picking up unusual patterns. With chapter 33 having me wondering: those VP’s of the evil mega corporation are all a bit young, in their early 30’s.
But overall later in the series I felt the quality and believability, and definitely also the tension, falling. There are some good quotes, but the moves and countermoves are broadly the same as before, and that Light would have been indecisive in the time between certain arcs seems unbelievable. The deduction of one of the main characters in the last chapters (specifically 91) is near impossible, you couldn’t find those conclusions decidedly even with big data analysis, plus it would always be circumstantial. Also the whole something happening and another person deducing what happens make for not very engaging, rather slow reading. Chapter 99 at least is a brutal chapter with the demise of two important characters. But overall I disliked the arc after chapter 59, and found Light his convenient manipulation of women not just a bit lazy but also reprehensible.
Chapter 105 ends with an epic rant but is far from enough to safe the later chapters (plus foregoing any security measures a bank would have).
Later chapter quotes
Chapter 70 - I trust you to the extent that you’re willing to give your life to me.
Chapter 75 - A peace based upon murder and fear is not real peace
Chapter 102 - and you’re now going to lose because you were too obsessed with the method of victory.
There’s nothing wrong with exterminating pests, so why is it wrong to kill people who are pests to this world?
General observations
A gigantic tome and Light is one of the few characters called smart in a book that actually wow me.
Death Note details the rise of Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student who gets supernatural powers. With a notebook that never runs out and that kills anyone written down into it, Light sets out on a mission to change the world (This world is a rotten mess. It really needs to be cleaned up.), using fear to stamp out crime and create a more safer world (I’ll make this a world inhabited only by people I decide are good!). I mean, the death penalty is far from a persuasive way of bringing crime down as the US illustrates compared to Europe, but still an interesting premise. And initially this premise is expertly expended upon by Tsugumi Ohba.
The whole reflection on morality, and if the goals justify the means, is like the boat scene in the Dark Knight on steroids. Ryuk, the shinigami (god of death who is attached to Light) gives me strong the Joker “I just want to see the world burn vibes”.
How many people in the now can be sacrificed for a better world in the future?
Also the premise reminds me of later Code Geass, especially with the testing of the ability and the ensuing escalation of something supernatural going global.
Also Newton's third law is: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, came to mind while reading the series, as does Hegel's concept of thesis - antithesis - synthesis.
Finally Unlimited power in the hands of limited people always leads to cruelty of Solzhenitsyn definitely applies.
Story
A mysterious L starts to investigate the case, and soon a devilishly clever cat and mouse game unfolds between him and "Kira", the righteous god of death. Psychological warfare, plot twists involving family and using the scientific method to a supernatural phenomenon, boss style, make the first chapters super interesting. Also fascinating questions on predestination and free will are touched upon along the way.
Light is brilliant, and one needs to admire how he manages to get himself out of troubles, like in chapter 14. What a brilliant resolution but also what a collateral damage.
Chapter 19 agains has a power move and mind fuck all in one. Someone does need to explain how L can be so young and so well trained, but definitely he is a match to Light
Chapter 20, with a tennis match between two people who don’t want to lose is gold (College is fun as long as you don’t die). One starts to wonder how can Light be good in everything, but these kind of chapters provide some needed comic relief. And then quickly followed by a display of using morals against a society - major The Joker vibes here.
Following Light we give L ways to little credit cause what he does in response to all the curveballs is flawless, and he is determined: To defeat evil, there must be sacrifices, that’s what you’ve done, right?
The shift to chapter 38 is brilliant, and also raises questions on the morality and limits of powers of L
Also it makes very clear that showing a connection to the taskforce was a major mistake and Light could have mobilized public opinion much more.
The new arc, on what a for profit corporation would do with these powers, is also interesting. Problem is that anything that has a too large or obvious impact on share prices immediately leads to big data picking up unusual patterns. With chapter 33 having me wondering: those VP’s of the evil mega corporation are all a bit young, in their early 30’s.
But overall later in the series I felt the quality and believability, and definitely also the tension, falling. There are some good quotes, but the moves and countermoves are broadly the same as before, and that Light would have been indecisive in the time between certain arcs seems unbelievable. The deduction of one of the main characters in the last chapters (specifically 91) is near impossible, you couldn’t find those conclusions decidedly even with big data analysis, plus it would always be circumstantial. Also the whole something happening and another person deducing what happens make for not very engaging, rather slow reading. Chapter 99 at least is a brutal chapter with the demise of two important characters. But overall I disliked the arc after chapter 59, and found Light his convenient manipulation of women not just a bit lazy but also reprehensible.
Chapter 105 ends with an epic rant but is far from enough to safe the later chapters (plus foregoing any security measures a bank would have).
Later chapter quotes
Chapter 70 - I trust you to the extent that you’re willing to give your life to me.
Chapter 75 - A peace based upon murder and fear is not real peace
Chapter 102 - and you’re now going to lose because you were too obsessed with the method of victory.
March 27, 2018
Brilliant. Ingenious. Masterpiece.
So says one who has just been exposed to manga for the very first time through this ever-popular title; one so famous that I've heard of it long before this mammoth 2,400-page all-in-edition was ever released.
As this is my first-ever manga, I can't draw upon experience in this genre to provide a meaningful benchmark. However, manga or novel, one reads for the storytelling and its characters. In both aspects, Death Note excels beyond any shadow of a doubt. Kira, the protagonist in Death Note has to be one of the most complex grimdark characters I've encountered and I find myself being torn between cheering him on towards his ultimate goal and being disgusted with his methods to achieve it.
There are two major arcs in the entire series, with the first one being slightly longer as well as way more compelling than the final one. I'll just call it the Battle of Two Geniuses - one of the best and most captivating rivalries I've ever read. Although it suffered in comparison, the second arc is still a great cohesive continuation of the story to get us to the climax; slowly building up to a mind-blowing endgame.
The art is something else to behold, and this all-in-one edition also compiles the covers of the original published volumes. I often find myself flipping through the book and staring (perhaps even drooling) at the gorgeous artwork.
While I am not sure if I will try more mangas in the future, this is one that I will definitely come back to via the very well-acclaimed anime version. The Netflix interpretation just made me cringe and laugh.
Last but not least, I will like to end this quick review by thanking my dear friend, Mary, for getting me this incredible thing of beauty for Christmas.
So says one who has just been exposed to manga for the very first time through this ever-popular title; one so famous that I've heard of it long before this mammoth 2,400-page all-in-edition was ever released.
As this is my first-ever manga, I can't draw upon experience in this genre to provide a meaningful benchmark. However, manga or novel, one reads for the storytelling and its characters. In both aspects, Death Note excels beyond any shadow of a doubt. Kira, the protagonist in Death Note has to be one of the most complex grimdark characters I've encountered and I find myself being torn between cheering him on towards his ultimate goal and being disgusted with his methods to achieve it.
There are two major arcs in the entire series, with the first one being slightly longer as well as way more compelling than the final one. I'll just call it the Battle of Two Geniuses - one of the best and most captivating rivalries I've ever read. Although it suffered in comparison, the second arc is still a great cohesive continuation of the story to get us to the climax; slowly building up to a mind-blowing endgame.
The art is something else to behold, and this all-in-one edition also compiles the covers of the original published volumes. I often find myself flipping through the book and staring (perhaps even drooling) at the gorgeous artwork.
While I am not sure if I will try more mangas in the future, this is one that I will definitely come back to via the very well-acclaimed anime version. The Netflix interpretation just made me cringe and laugh.
Last but not least, I will like to end this quick review by thanking my dear friend, Mary, for getting me this incredible thing of beauty for Christmas.
June 19, 2022
At this point in my life, I kid you not, I hold this completed manga as the objective best piece of fiction ever written. It is the only real masterpiece devoid of flaws. I know there are those who would disagree, but I couldn't find a fault with this series if someone put a gun to my head. It is perfection.
July 7, 2024
RTC...Maybe? I swear I had an essay written but looking at it now it looks pretentious for something as personal as an anime I watched years ago and its manga
June 28, 2011
Don't get me wrong, I like Death Note, but I hated the second half. It could have been 3.5, or even four, but just for the existence of Near....*seethes*
April 30, 2020
This took me forever. I feel like it has so many ups and downs. Some stages its amazing and then some stages you just want it to hurry.up and finish.
October 22, 2023
3.5⭐️ wow, this is a book and a half 😳 I love me some manga, but I think I'm more of a horror manga fan (uzumaki, and Tomie blew me away).
I felt this series was just too long. The 2/3 of the book lost me a little as I did struggle to concentrate, just too many twists and turns that, in my opinion, were not needed.
However, you can't help but be drawn into the intellectual battle present between Light & L. It's magnificent! The way this is illustrated to show the characters' thoughts as well as their conversations is genius. Oh, and the artwork 😍
I think this just wasn't the series for me, but I can easily see why this has been such a hit.
I felt this series was just too long. The 2/3 of the book lost me a little as I did struggle to concentrate, just too many twists and turns that, in my opinion, were not needed.
However, you can't help but be drawn into the intellectual battle present between Light & L. It's magnificent! The way this is illustrated to show the characters' thoughts as well as their conversations is genius. Oh, and the artwork 😍
I think this just wasn't the series for me, but I can easily see why this has been such a hit.
on-hold
March 3, 2019Death Note is a fantastic 5/5 series, but I want to make some details about this specific edition clear to potential buyers.
THIS IS NOT A BOXSET. It is a single paperback book that has all 2400 pages of the manga, including "a never before printed in English epilogue". It's obviously really thick (and really heavy), but it is also actually quite short (in terms of height; Not page length). It is the shortest book out of my entire manga and graphic novel collection. Even my authentic Japanese imports (which are always tiny for some reason) are taller than it. The front and back covers are somewhat flimsy, so you'll have to be careful while reading it not to bend/rip it or open it too wide if you don't want to get dents in the spine. And unlike the single volume and Black editions, the first few pages are not printed in their glorious full colour. That, to me, is the biggest blow. Also: In case you have your hopes up about the sides of the pages of this edition also being black, they're not. But the pages are not the average rough paper. This edition is printed on a smooth paper that reminds me of the pages of a magazine, which is something that makes it feel kind of special to flip through. Beware of large black areas though, for they will easily become fingerprint-central if you touch them.
All of that is concerning the construction of this edition, but of course the insides (besides the lack of some colour) are the same great Death Note. So if none of those things are huge turn-offs for you then this edition is a great way to be able to read the entire series while saving a lot of money and space on your shelves. I managed to buy this edition for only $25.25 CAD (on sale), which was an enormous steal (compared to buying the whole series individually).
While I'm here let's do a whole price comparison on all the different ways you can buy this series:
I chose to list the Amazon prices and not the list prices because the list prices are always way more expensive so you never buy anything at list price anyway. Like the omnibus list price is technically $53.99, so I could say "Wow I got it for more than 50% off!!!", but we all know that ain't nobody going to actually buy it for that price anyway. Literally every single good bookseller is selling it for less than that.
Anyway, if you're okay with spending $75 dollars, I recommend the Black editions as being by far the best way to read this series. They look gorgeous on and off your shelf, and they're nice and big (but not too big) so you can get a real good look at all of the pages.
Please consider giving this review a "Like" (it helps me out a lot), and follow me if you want more!
THIS IS NOT A BOXSET. It is a single paperback book that has all 2400 pages of the manga, including "a never before printed in English epilogue". It's obviously really thick (and really heavy), but it is also actually quite short (in terms of height; Not page length). It is the shortest book out of my entire manga and graphic novel collection. Even my authentic Japanese imports (which are always tiny for some reason) are taller than it. The front and back covers are somewhat flimsy, so you'll have to be careful while reading it not to bend/rip it or open it too wide if you don't want to get dents in the spine. And unlike the single volume and Black editions, the first few pages are not printed in their glorious full colour. That, to me, is the biggest blow. Also: In case you have your hopes up about the sides of the pages of this edition also being black, they're not. But the pages are not the average rough paper. This edition is printed on a smooth paper that reminds me of the pages of a magazine, which is something that makes it feel kind of special to flip through. Beware of large black areas though, for they will easily become fingerprint-central if you touch them.
All of that is concerning the construction of this edition, but of course the insides (besides the lack of some colour) are the same great Death Note. So if none of those things are huge turn-offs for you then this edition is a great way to be able to read the entire series while saving a lot of money and space on your shelves. I managed to buy this edition for only $25.25 CAD (on sale), which was an enormous steal (compared to buying the whole series individually).
While I'm here let's do a whole price comparison on all the different ways you can buy this series:
Buying all volumes individually: $98.49(All prices listed in CAD and Amazon.ca prices, don't include tax/shipping, and will obviously fluctuate with time.)
Buying the Black editions: $75.30
Buying the box set: $74.24
Buying the omnibus: $32.47
I chose to list the Amazon prices and not the list prices because the list prices are always way more expensive so you never buy anything at list price anyway. Like the omnibus list price is technically $53.99, so I could say "Wow I got it for more than 50% off!!!", but we all know that ain't nobody going to actually buy it for that price anyway. Literally every single good bookseller is selling it for less than that.
Anyway, if you're okay with spending $75 dollars, I recommend the Black editions as being by far the best way to read this series. They look gorgeous on and off your shelf, and they're nice and big (but not too big) so you can get a real good look at all of the pages.
Please consider giving this review a "Like" (it helps me out a lot), and follow me if you want more!
February 6, 2009
Shakespearean. Death Note the anime stands out as perhaps the single best anime adaptation of manga, which itself is perhaps the best manga of all time.
On the surface Death Note is a fairly straightforward story of cat and mouse, with the best detectives in the world trying to catch the mysterious Kira ("killer"), the alter ego of high school student Light Yagumi. Yagami gains the mysterious death note by accident (dropped in the human world by a shinigami - literally Death God - for amusement). He quickly decides to use it to rid the world of criminals and to create a new world order, with him as its god. Before long the authorities are after him. He tries to eliminate his pursuers by uncovering their identities without betraying himself as the culprit, and the plot necessarily becomes extremely complex and exciting. Moral dilemmas and suspenseful thrills appear throughout as Kira must constantly decide just how far he will go to protect himself and also to build a world where criminals are killed at the stroke of his pen.
I'm a big fan of detective stories, and this is probably my all time favorite. The supernatural element is mostly background to provide new "rules" and give the story several interesting twists. The detail and realism is impressive; characters are very consistent and all the advancements in the plot play out naturally and convincingly (especially considering the supernatural elements involved). The series is 12 volumes (and a "bonus" volume) and it's a real page turner throughout. I was often surprised to find myself so wrapped up in the story on print, especially since I had already seen the anime and new the outcome.
The manga goes into greater depth than the anime, expanding on the main storyline and drawing out more details. Also, the audience has more of a window into the thoughts and concerns of the detectives. World class detective "L," for example, expresses more doubt in his own theories, and so seems less superhuman.
If you are not normally into manga, I would strongly recommend this series as a good place to start. Recommended for detective story fans, logicians, suspense fans, and anyone into moral dilemmas or ethics.
On the surface Death Note is a fairly straightforward story of cat and mouse, with the best detectives in the world trying to catch the mysterious Kira ("killer"), the alter ego of high school student Light Yagumi. Yagami gains the mysterious death note by accident (dropped in the human world by a shinigami - literally Death God - for amusement). He quickly decides to use it to rid the world of criminals and to create a new world order, with him as its god. Before long the authorities are after him. He tries to eliminate his pursuers by uncovering their identities without betraying himself as the culprit, and the plot necessarily becomes extremely complex and exciting. Moral dilemmas and suspenseful thrills appear throughout as Kira must constantly decide just how far he will go to protect himself and also to build a world where criminals are killed at the stroke of his pen.
I'm a big fan of detective stories, and this is probably my all time favorite. The supernatural element is mostly background to provide new "rules" and give the story several interesting twists. The detail and realism is impressive; characters are very consistent and all the advancements in the plot play out naturally and convincingly (especially considering the supernatural elements involved). The series is 12 volumes (and a "bonus" volume) and it's a real page turner throughout. I was often surprised to find myself so wrapped up in the story on print, especially since I had already seen the anime and new the outcome.
The manga goes into greater depth than the anime, expanding on the main storyline and drawing out more details. Also, the audience has more of a window into the thoughts and concerns of the detectives. World class detective "L," for example, expresses more doubt in his own theories, and so seems less superhuman.
If you are not normally into manga, I would strongly recommend this series as a good place to start. Recommended for detective story fans, logicians, suspense fans, and anyone into moral dilemmas or ethics.
January 21, 2021
Toda la primera parte con L esta genial pero a partir de ahí se alarga demasiado y va cuesta abajo. Con solo esa parte hubiese sido 4 estrellas.
July 9, 2023
Sobredosis de leer tantas páginas seguidas con reflexiones muy parecidas y deducciones y contradeducciones, pero tengo que reconocer que hay momentos muy buenos en la trama. Me continua quedando la sensación que el manga no es para mi.
November 1, 2021
Ik begon aan deze uit nieuwsgierigheid wat het was, en in enkele dagen heb ik de hele reeks gebingeread. Voor het gemak deze versie dus maar shelven :)
Zeker het begin vond ik heel sterk en interessant. Naarmate het verhaal verder vorderde vond ik het een beetje meer van hetzelfde worden waarin het steeds een stapje verder moest gaan, wat mijn leesplezier tegen het einde een beetje drukte. Het werd steeds meer tekst en gedachten tov de gave combinatie van tekst en beeld wat ik in de eerdere volumes zo gaaf vond. Tegen het einde vond het verhaal ook een beetje onnodig gerekt worden, waar ik dan de twee bonus chapters aan het einde weer heel leuk en interessant vond.
Wel van genoten, maar omdat ik een groot deel ook vooral bleef lezen omdat ik wist dat ik het ver uit had.. het 4* deel middelt uit met het 2* deel tot 3*
Zeker het begin vond ik heel sterk en interessant. Naarmate het verhaal verder vorderde vond ik het een beetje meer van hetzelfde worden waarin het steeds een stapje verder moest gaan, wat mijn leesplezier tegen het einde een beetje drukte. Het werd steeds meer tekst en gedachten tov de gave combinatie van tekst en beeld wat ik in de eerdere volumes zo gaaf vond. Tegen het einde vond het verhaal ook een beetje onnodig gerekt worden, waar ik dan de twee bonus chapters aan het einde weer heel leuk en interessant vond.
Wel van genoten, maar omdat ik een groot deel ook vooral bleef lezen omdat ik wist dat ik het ver uit had.. het 4* deel middelt uit met het 2* deel tot 3*
January 18, 2021
Although it takes up a lot more time to read than you might expect of a manga, this is a masterpiece, that will keep you on the edge of your seat, with risk of falling off a few times!
It’s just 2400 pages of cliffhangers. (OK,maybe 2354, the bonus chapter was mweh) I recommend this to anyone who is a human being!
It’s just 2400 pages of cliffhangers. (OK,maybe 2354, the bonus chapter was mweh) I recommend this to anyone who is a human being!
January 4, 2021
Kad pagājušais gads gāja uz beigām, man ieteica lasīt grafiskās noveles vai komiksus, lai izpildītu uzstādīto gada mērķi.
Tāpēc, lai gada mērķi neizpildītu, bet padomam paklausītu, es paņēmu 2400 lapas garu mangas kolekciju.
Jā, tās ir 2400 lapas vienā sējumā.
Lai vai kā, kad es biju tīneidžers, man likās, ka nekas labāks par Death Note izgudrots nav. Man drīz būs 30 un es vēl joprojām domāju tāpat. Vienīgais, pie kā piekasīties, ir tas, ka var redzēt, ka sākotnēji bija domāts, ka viss beigsies daudz ātrāk (pusē, ja esam precīzi), bet otra puse attaisno savu eksistenci ar iespaidīgām beigām.
Plus šim klucim nāk klāt bonusa nodaļa, tāds kā epilogs (bet ne gluži), kas liek ilgoties pēc kaut kāda veida turpinājuma. Bet zinot, kā izvēršas labu lietu turpinājumi, es zinu, ka nevajag.
P.S. Neskatieties to Netflix filmu. Ja slinkums lasīt tādu kluci, anime versija arī ir 10/10.
Tāpēc, lai gada mērķi neizpildītu, bet padomam paklausītu, es paņēmu 2400 lapas garu mangas kolekciju.
Jā, tās ir 2400 lapas vienā sējumā.
Lai vai kā, kad es biju tīneidžers, man likās, ka nekas labāks par Death Note izgudrots nav. Man drīz būs 30 un es vēl joprojām domāju tāpat. Vienīgais, pie kā piekasīties, ir tas, ka var redzēt, ka sākotnēji bija domāts, ka viss beigsies daudz ātrāk (pusē, ja esam precīzi), bet otra puse attaisno savu eksistenci ar iespaidīgām beigām.
Plus šim klucim nāk klāt bonusa nodaļa, tāds kā epilogs (bet ne gluži), kas liek ilgoties pēc kaut kāda veida turpinājuma. Bet zinot, kā izvēršas labu lietu turpinājumi, es zinu, ka nevajag.
P.S. Neskatieties to Netflix filmu. Ja slinkums lasīt tādu kluci, anime versija arī ir 10/10.
May 9, 2021
Tremenda genialidad del autor que se exprime al máximo el cerebro para encajar piezas tras piezas en una perfecta máquina de relojería. Hay que dejar de lado las explicaciones y actuaciones muy infantilóides propias de los mangas. Solo puedo quitarme el sombrero ante tal despliegue de ingenio en esta historia. Mis respetos.
Un cuaderno que si escribes el nombre real de alguien mientras imaginas su cara morirá. Este arma llegará a un niño justiciero y mente impropia de su edad e incluso del ser humano. Mientras mata a quien se lo merece un detective oculto intentará averiguar quien es. Tras esta premisa que parece algo tonta empezará a caer una gran cantidad de gafas de Sol del cielo sobre nuestros protagonista con sus jugadas maestras.
Primero vi el manga ( un 10), luego las películas (unos 9) y por último el manga que es más perfecto que todo lo demás pues está más explicado y sin omitir cosas.
Un cuaderno que si escribes el nombre real de alguien mientras imaginas su cara morirá. Este arma llegará a un niño justiciero y mente impropia de su edad e incluso del ser humano. Mientras mata a quien se lo merece un detective oculto intentará averiguar quien es. Tras esta premisa que parece algo tonta empezará a caer una gran cantidad de gafas de Sol del cielo sobre nuestros protagonista con sus jugadas maestras.
Primero vi el manga ( un 10), luego las películas (unos 9) y por último el manga que es más perfecto que todo lo demás pues está más explicado y sin omitir cosas.
October 6, 2023
there is no doubt about the impact this manga has had in the last two decades. From various adaptations to derivative works that it spawned, till this day it stands as one of the unique offerings in this genre that very cleverly adapts a myth, crime and morality through out its run.
primarily this manga is an exploration of a very basic idea - if one had the power to change the world, how far would they go do it. its an idea that's toyed a lot in fantasy, science fiction and in many philosophical discussions; that ethics are contextually malleable? multiple perspectives are represented by a fascinating cast of characters and to keep things interesting, increasingly complex ethical dilemmas are presented during the course of plot.
though there are some very good adaptations out there, the book offers quite lengthy monologues which are quite interesting and makes for a good debate. individual morals can be questioned, critiqued and further shaped if one spends time exploring the presented themes of societal ethics and personal morals.
there might be some elements that scream problematic in current discourse, and while in some cases it is indeed intentional and in some, quite dated.
primarily this manga is an exploration of a very basic idea - if one had the power to change the world, how far would they go do it. its an idea that's toyed a lot in fantasy, science fiction and in many philosophical discussions; that ethics are contextually malleable? multiple perspectives are represented by a fascinating cast of characters and to keep things interesting, increasingly complex ethical dilemmas are presented during the course of plot.
though there are some very good adaptations out there, the book offers quite lengthy monologues which are quite interesting and makes for a good debate. individual morals can be questioned, critiqued and further shaped if one spends time exploring the presented themes of societal ethics and personal morals.
there might be some elements that scream problematic in current discourse, and while in some cases it is indeed intentional and in some, quite dated.
July 9, 2023
I watched anime maybe 15 years ago but never read mange before. It was such a pleasure to go back to this story. Two great masterminders trying to outsmart each other. Damn, that was good.
We could cut the whole story in two parts. We have an obvious dividing event, lets call it The Event.
I liked the first part much more. It did not require much suspension of disbelief. I'm not talking about Death Note itself and the Shinigami. Things like a certain Light's father managing to get to Sakura TV from the hospital in minutes. Really, everything is so close? And he managed to get the police vehicle in the meantime. Nah, unbelievable. But it was alright. Mostly the battle of wits. And what a battle!
After The Event I had to cut off my critical thinking much more. Also, it was a bit more boring because Light barely moved, always sitting near monitors. We had some great characters but at times they were underutilized. Like Melo. He disappeared for periods of time, then appeared just on time without seeing what he did in the meantime. Misa Misa was left only for a comic relief. Matsuda suffered the same fate for most of the time.
Anyway, I'll definitely read it again.
We could cut the whole story in two parts. We have an obvious dividing event, lets call it The Event.
I liked the first part much more. It did not require much suspension of disbelief. I'm not talking about Death Note itself and the Shinigami. Things like a certain Light's father managing to get to Sakura TV from the hospital in minutes. Really, everything is so close? And he managed to get the police vehicle in the meantime. Nah, unbelievable. But it was alright. Mostly the battle of wits. And what a battle!
After The Event I had to cut off my critical thinking much more. Also, it was a bit more boring because Light barely moved, always sitting near monitors. We had some great characters but at times they were underutilized. Like Melo. He disappeared for periods of time, then appeared just on time without seeing what he did in the meantime. Misa Misa was left only for a comic relief. Matsuda suffered the same fate for most of the time.
Anyway, I'll definitely read it again.
April 15, 2024
My first time rereading it in the past ten years.
1. I still really enjoy it - the art, the plot, the characters, the world-building. I love it when the whole plot revolves around very trivial yet unbreakable rules.
2. I understand why people hate the second half of the story and I lowkey agree, but I really like Mello's character and it kinda saves it for me.
3. I think it's one of the best things to read if you want to get into manga.
4. I can't stand Light and I adore Misa, even though she's the dumbest creature on planet Earth.
5. I picked it up when I was a 10yo, and it's even more obvious now - the outcome would have been totally different if the x-kira did something as trivial as hiding a piece of paper in his underwear lol.
1. I still really enjoy it - the art, the plot, the characters, the world-building. I love it when the whole plot revolves around very trivial yet unbreakable rules.
2. I understand why people hate the second half of the story and I lowkey agree, but I really like Mello's character and it kinda saves it for me.
3. I think it's one of the best things to read if you want to get into manga.
4. I can't stand Light and I adore Misa, even though she's the dumbest creature on planet Earth.
5. I picked it up when I was a 10yo, and it's even more obvious now - the outcome would have been totally different if the x-kira did something as trivial as hiding a piece of paper in his underwear lol.
February 3, 2011
Instead of reviewing all the individual separately, I figured it was easier to write one big review on all the volumes of the series.
What can I say about Death Note, the story of Light Yagami and his quest to change the world "for the better" through the use of the Death Note, a powerful, mystical object that allows him to kill anyone by writing down their name? I can start by saying that it absolutely floored me like no other story has done in a long while.
Death Note, a twelve-volume series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, is one of the most complex, well-thought-out, and utterly mindbending stories I have ever read. Truly, Ohba must be of some genius-level intellect to have crafted this tale. The way he displays the thought processes of Light and L, the world-class detective charged with Light's capture, is utterly astounding. The method by which each one of them develops their plans, anticipates the other's plan, and formulates a counterplan... it's mind boggling. And it also makes for a great, great read.
Not only is this a story that challenges you intellectually, it also challenges you ethically and philosophically. Light's goal is to change the world by killing off society's bad elements. But in his quest for complete peace, is it okay to kill the good people who seek to stop him? If these people are trying to prevent Utopia, doesn't that make them evil? In wars, casualties are always going to occur. But doesn't the death of a few justify saving the lives of the many? That's one of the many questions that Ohba poses, one that cannot be answered easily.
This story will truly get both your thoughts and your heart racing, and I know I'll have a hard time thinking of anything else for the next few days. Or weeks.
What can I say about Death Note, the story of Light Yagami and his quest to change the world "for the better" through the use of the Death Note, a powerful, mystical object that allows him to kill anyone by writing down their name? I can start by saying that it absolutely floored me like no other story has done in a long while.
Death Note, a twelve-volume series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, is one of the most complex, well-thought-out, and utterly mindbending stories I have ever read. Truly, Ohba must be of some genius-level intellect to have crafted this tale. The way he displays the thought processes of Light and L, the world-class detective charged with Light's capture, is utterly astounding. The method by which each one of them develops their plans, anticipates the other's plan, and formulates a counterplan... it's mind boggling. And it also makes for a great, great read.
Not only is this a story that challenges you intellectually, it also challenges you ethically and philosophically. Light's goal is to change the world by killing off society's bad elements. But in his quest for complete peace, is it okay to kill the good people who seek to stop him? If these people are trying to prevent Utopia, doesn't that make them evil? In wars, casualties are always going to occur. But doesn't the death of a few justify saving the lives of the many? That's one of the many questions that Ohba poses, one that cannot be answered easily.
This story will truly get both your thoughts and your heart racing, and I know I'll have a hard time thinking of anything else for the next few days. Or weeks.
December 7, 2022
Oh god - it was WAY too long. It could have been narrowed down. The concept was great though. This book is basically a "what if death notes existed" kind of thing. I love that the government got involved and cults were made in honor of Kira.
July 21, 2015
Addictive read. Does not pass the Bechdel Test. Like, at all. But it was still really fun to read, even I kept feeling like "why isn't anyone talking about identity and privilege intersectionality?"
Also, I found some of the idiosyncratic mannerisms (sudden obsession with sweets, penchant for chocolate bars, obliviousness to a boyfriend's indifference) a little distracting, although I found Matsuda pretty endearing. I would totally watch a buddy cop movie with Matsuda and Aizawa.
Also, I found some of the idiosyncratic mannerisms (sudden obsession with sweets, penchant for chocolate bars, obliviousness to a boyfriend's indifference) a little distracting, although I found Matsuda pretty endearing. I would totally watch a buddy cop movie with Matsuda and Aizawa.
September 11, 2019
A (Near) perfect series! Cannot recommend this enough!
Rating this series as a whole because the individual ratings of each volume skews my overall Goodreads rating.
Rating this series as a whole because the individual ratings of each volume skews my overall Goodreads rating.
did-not-finish
October 30, 2022I stopped reading at chapter 66 (page 1470). I may pick up this book again later on because I remember being so interested and so invested. It’s just that it’s very psychological and I do not have the brain power to continue right now.
I believe that this manga is simply inappropriate for me at this time in my life and that’s okay.
I believe that this manga is simply inappropriate for me at this time in my life and that’s okay.
March 20, 2025
Brilliantly clever and engaging, even after numerous rereads. A near-perfect story. (Just wish it had better female characters!)
March 6, 2025
ne bih da komentarišem koliko razvlačim ovu mangu, pa samim tim je bilo i detalja koji su mi promakli, ali nakon završetka mogu da kažem da je ovo zasigurno priča koja me je naterala na mnogo razmišljanja i zbog koje moj ukus za mange i knjige nikad neće biti kao pre. svako bar jednom treba da pročita ✨bilježnicu✨
May 23, 2020
I enjoyed this immensely and I wanted to rate it higher but some things bugged me.
First of all, the complete lack of female characters is something I can't ignore. The few females we had were all used as pawns. It was also insinuated that most female characters were 'not as smart' as the male ones. Then, the police forces and/or special-groups were made exclusively of men. Except for the one special task-force where we had one female at least. But only one.
Personally, I think this would have been all the more interesting If we had had a female as one of the main characters. That would also have been interesting. Because women are just as capable of being intelligent, if not more so...
My other complaint is that it felt like the story repeated itself after the halfway point. Except with a different outcome. Because of that, I found the second half of this manga to be a bit boring and predictable.
Overall I did enjoy this, but it could have been so much better in my opinion. Therefore, I'm rating this a 3,5/5.
First of all, the complete lack of female characters is something I can't ignore. The few females we had were all used as pawns. It was also insinuated that most female characters were 'not as smart' as the male ones. Then, the police forces and/or special-groups were made exclusively of men. Except for the one special task-force where we had one female at least. But only one.
Personally, I think this would have been all the more interesting If we had had a female as one of the main characters. That would also have been interesting. Because women are just as capable of being intelligent, if not more so...
My other complaint is that it felt like the story repeated itself after the halfway point. Except with a different outcome. Because of that, I found the second half of this manga to be a bit boring and predictable.
Overall I did enjoy this, but it could have been so much better in my opinion. Therefore, I'm rating this a 3,5/5.
December 23, 2019
This is the entire collection in one massive book. The comic book is not standard size, but that's about the only complaint I have.
I was introduced to this when I noticed it on my sisters dresser. She had the fist three and I liked the black cover. I didn't even know anything about the story, didn't even read the first page.
Moving forward, I see it in BooksAMillion. This whole collection for 40 bucks in one book
When I started reading it, it was over. I couldn't put it down. All 2500 pages were incredible and suspenseful.
The story is so realistic, it's so well put together, that I wish the writer to make a novel some day. The background behind this plotline must have taken months of preparation, perhaps even years of plotting. I will keep this one forever, and reread down in the future.
I was introduced to this when I noticed it on my sisters dresser. She had the fist three and I liked the black cover. I didn't even know anything about the story, didn't even read the first page.
Moving forward, I see it in BooksAMillion. This whole collection for 40 bucks in one book
When I started reading it, it was over. I couldn't put it down. All 2500 pages were incredible and suspenseful.
The story is so realistic, it's so well put together, that I wish the writer to make a novel some day. The background behind this plotline must have taken months of preparation, perhaps even years of plotting. I will keep this one forever, and reread down in the future.
November 8, 2018
Brilliant detective story with a really original plot. All the characters, dialogues and deductions are fantastic with perfect illustration.
The twists and dynamics are so interesting that you just don't want to put it down - which can be strange after holding 2400 pages for hours :)
From Christian perspective Light's character reminds me the exact metaphor of the Devil/accuser/Lucifer(light-bearer). He wants to play God and pass judgement on people by himself. For me the main message of the whole book is
I would recommend the book for those who love quality suspense, mystery, detective stories - even if you don't like manga genre. Not recommended for readers who don't like dark, supernatual elements in the plot.
The twists and dynamics are so interesting that you just don't want to put it down - which can be strange after holding 2400 pages for hours :)
From Christian perspective Light's character reminds me the exact metaphor of the Devil/accuser/Lucifer(light-bearer). He wants to play God and pass judgement on people by himself. For me the main message of the whole book is
I would recommend the book for those who love quality suspense, mystery, detective stories - even if you don't like manga genre. Not recommended for readers who don't like dark, supernatual elements in the plot.
November 21, 2017
Holy crap I did it! I finished this series! It had some low points. The Business Executive arc was painful to get through but after that I really enjoyed this entire series. It was intense and thought provoking. I had a blast going back and forth from wanting which character to win and not win.
I'm not going to be able to post the notes I took here because there's just too much stuff I wrote. So what I'm going to do is I marked the halfway point in my notes. So I'll make a Part 1 and 2 tumblr post and link them in a week or two.
Part 1: http://libralita.tumblr.com/post/1677...
Part 2: http://libralita.tumblr.com/post/1677...
I'm not going to be able to post the notes I took here because there's just too much stuff I wrote. So what I'm going to do is I marked the halfway point in my notes. So I'll make a Part 1 and 2 tumblr post and link them in a week or two.
Part 1: http://libralita.tumblr.com/post/1677...
Part 2: http://libralita.tumblr.com/post/1677...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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