Death Note Volumes 3 & 4

I couldn't find the regular editions of Death Note so ended up with this combo volume.  No matter, it got me further ahead in the story.  Ohba and Obata are really good at conveying Light's emotions as L gets closer to finding out the truth.  The second carrier of a death note has bought him a little time but not that much. 

Having read this right after The Psychopath Test was an interesting juxtaposition.  I found myself referencing the check list to confirm Light's status.  His use of Amane clearly points to him lacking empathy.  He's a strong contender for the psychopath label.

Bakuman Volume 4

I feel bad for Mijo.  Things are going so well for Moritaka and she's getting into the creepy area of voice work.  Things are much different in Japan.

Bakuman Volume 3

I like that they separated and still came up with the same kind of story to tell.  It really gives the feeling that they have a great partnership.  They're also growing as characters.  This work is more complex than I would have thought it would be.

Death Note Volume 2

In the first book I could feel some empathy for Light.  He's just doing this to rid the world of evil.  I get where he's coming from even though I didn't agree with how he was doing it.  Here, he starts to attack those that would stop him and he becomes more villainous.  He's still very ingenious and that's why it's hard to put down.

Death Note Volume 1: Boredom

I can't believe that I actually like the protagonist of this series. He's a serial killer! But he is very clever, and that has to be admired. I wasn't sure when I first started this but as I continued reading I found myself appreciating the lengths that Light was going to to protect his identity and how he was manipulating those after him. I'm very curious as to L's identity. The decision to not reveal him to the readers as well is interesting. It really does make Light the hero even though what he's doing is very wrong.

Bakuman Volume 2

This one was more enjoyable than the last.  It's interesting to see manga behind the scenes.  I didn't realise how much went into deciding what should even be published.  And then figuring out what continues to be published.  I guess I'm more used to the North American model of comics publishing where it's all back on profit return.

I can't decide if some of the characters are real, or complete caricatures.  Their rival, Eiji, is so over the top that I think he has to be a parody.

Bakuman Volume 1

This manga was recommended to me because I was reading some of the manga they talked about.  It's like a behind the scenes series where two high school students are trying to get their manga off the ground.  It's written by the team behind Death Note and mostly what this one does is make me want to read the other.  I like the art and the way it's written but I don't like some of the ideas that are presented.