Story: 10 / 10
Characters: 10
Setting: 8
Art: 8 ( )

Took a while to hook me, but LOVELY art. ( )

I understand why people like this. I appreciate the art but the story just didn't connect with me. Interestingly, I actually think the story was a little rushed. I probably would have liked this a lot more in novel form but the manga wasn't my thin. ( )

First manga I've read in years (since Akira, actually). Genius Japanese teenager Light(!) acquires a supernatural notebook that causes anyone whose name is written in, and promptly starts offing the world's violent criminals. It's a great concept, though the main protagonist's adversary (an anonymous super-sleuth that goes by the psuedonym "L" who can direct the world's police forces at will) is introduced as subtly as a jackhammer. There are some really clever ideas and plot points on display; the introduction of "L" felt rushed and contrived. Still, the mind games between these two are interesting enough for me to seek out the second volume. Hopefully this doesn't do the manga thing of trying to stretch a good idea out to eleventy-billion books. ( )

Best anime book I’ve ever read , I’m speechless just because of how excited I am to read the next 11 volume’s ( )