Book Review: Death Note Vols. 1 and 2 by T. Ohba and T. Obata

Death Note Volume 1: Boredom story by Tsugumi Ohba and art by Takeshi Obata

Brilliant student Light Yagami runs across an odd notebook. The book has instructions in it (written in English, how annoying!) that describe what the notebook does. If the owner writes a person's name and pictures that person's face, that person will die. The owner can add in details, like time of death and cause of death. If not, the person dies of a heart attack. The book is from a Shinigami death god named Ryuk who is bored with the Shinigami kingdom and wants to see something interesting in the human world. Whoever touches the Death Note (the name of the notebook) can see and hear Ryuk, who is scary-looking. 

Light decides to use the book to eliminate evil from the world and starts knocking off convicted criminals. Ryuk thinks it's an interesting plan. The authorities figure out pretty quickly that someone is committing mass murder and start to hunt for him, bringing in the legendary and unseen L, an investigator who solves difficult cases. A game of cat and mouse ensues.

Ryuk is right, the premise is very interesting though why this kid thinks he has the authority to execute people is mysterious to me. Of course he has the ability and he seems to have a limit on who he will kill. But he does talk about taking out the cops who are after him, which is even less okay. I will definitely read more.

Recommended.

Death Note Volume 2: Confluence story by Tsugumi Ohba and art by Takeshi Obata

L has figured out the killer is in Japan and probably part of the police since the killer has access to more information than he should. L convinces the FBI to investigate in secret. Light figures out he's being followed (he predicted there would be some investigation) and is able to eliminate the FBI by making contact with the agent tailing him and using the Death Note to force that agent to eliminate the other twelve FBI agents. Unforeseen complications force Light to improvise another death. L's team of investigators rapidly dwindles as the police realize they could easily be targets of the killer. L demands some very intrusive surveillance measures, compromising his moral superiority for the sake of catching Light.

I am surprised by the lack of restraint by Light and by L in trying to achieve their goals. They are perfectly willing to do whatever it takes without considering any legal limits. Are they both villains? It's an intriguing problem that I will read on to find out about.

Recommended.