Death Note

Starting tomorrow, I have to go back to work...orz. I have enjoyed this New Year holiday very much. I am especially glad to have had a lot of time to read. I wrote that I was reading "Dignity of a State" in my last post, and now I am reading a manga.

I've written about Japanese manga a few times before -- "Pluto," "20th Century Boys," and "Monster." I can tell you that many manga are not worth the time spent to read them. I am not a big manga fan, but I can't reject them so easily. Some manga are worth reading, and can make me feel as if I'm watching a movie. Book or Manga? It's really just a different mode of expression, isn't it?

Right now, I am reading the manga, "Death Note."　The main character, "Right Yagami" is a smart high school boy who found a "death note" one day. The death note is a tool used by a "god of death" from Hell to kill people. "Right" learned how to use it from the god of death "Ryuku" who dropped the death note on purpose just for fun. Right began to kill criminals because he hopes secure and peaceful society but Right's sanctions gradually escalated. People noticed that someone was killing criminals and began calling him "KIRA"(Japanese pronunciation of killer). Everyone is afraid of him, so the crime rate has gone down. A brainy boy, "L" is a detective who is trying to discover theidentity of "KIRA". Then the battle of genuis vs genuis began. Please check out this English-language fan site. "Death Note" is serialized in "Shonen Jump" in Japan, but is not in the U.S. version of the magazine. But you may buy the first and the second in Amazon now. I can tell you it's worth the read.　And I wonder, if this were translated, would you try it?  I can tell you it's worth the read.

Comments

[Phoenix Pyre]

Right now, I'm up to chapter 60 of Death NOte, and I must conclude that is is an excellent manga. A must read!

Although...

SPOILER ALERT!!

The story is sort of going downhill after the death of L. Now that he's gone (or so it seems)those damned kids have taken over. Not good.

I hope L comes back to life...I've heard of the Death Eraser (mentioned in chapter 0). It was just a side-story but maybe it means that someone will revive L. I hope that's true.

SPOILER IS OVER!

[kawa]

If you have to read just one manga... make it Death Note.

It's been quite a while since I've read such a gripping comic.

[Wan Zafran]

I have read the fan-translated version of Death Note, and I can attest to its sheer brilliance. It's like a chess game; except that it involves people and is a massive battle of wits.

Monster by Naoki Urasawa is a heart-wrenching manga too. It's brilliant, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a serious and emotive manga read.

[Wan Hazmer]

Yup death note is a masterpiece. Tsugumi Ooba is just as witty as the characters in it! The way the rivals try to outwit each other using the many rules of death note is really a joy to see.

Too bad I'm only up till Chapter 23 :( My colleagues are reading the chinese version, and it's much more frequently updated. I heard from my colleagues that the story is getting crazier with every chapter!

I heard that Ryuku wants a gameboy for christmas... hahahhaha

[Michael]

Hey! I'm loving a fansubbed version of the anime "Monster" I wish an anime publisher in the States would pick it up and put it out here. I'm not shocked that it was originally in Manga form (I'm beginning to think that Mangas are convenient ways to storyboard an anime, and then you only animate the parts that are well received.).
Now I'll have to check out Death Note. Thanks for the tip.

[mari]

Hi there
Yes I've finished 9th too. Next one would be released in Feb. I can't wait!!

[xy]

hi mari!
Just wanna say your blog is really fantastic! I've learnt alot about Japan that i can't possibly have through books. Feels like I've actually stayed in Japan!
by the way, i've read the Japanese versions of Death Note, up till the latest book 9. Must say it's the best manga i've ever read. It's intriguing and very intelligently plotted out. Please continue reading it! =)