Naruto Volume 49: The Gokage Summit Commences

This feels like the beginning of the end.  I can't imagine Naruto not being Hokage by the end of this arc, and once he's fulfilled his dream, is there much point in continuing the story?

Naruto Volume 48: The Cheering Village

Unlike Bleach, Naruto has really grown in both attitude and in story telling.  Naruto is no longer the brash "act before thought" youth that he was in the beginning of the series.  Now, he's not only more powerful, he's more mature.

Bleach Volume 41: Heart

I know I just complained that Bleach was one long fight scene.  But holy cow was this a cool fight scene!

And then back to the battle over Karakura Town.  sigh

Bleach Volume 40: The Lust

I keep waiting and waiting for something other than a major battle to happen in this series.  Maybe I'm reading the wrong series.  Things happen in Naruto though.  Not so much in Bleach.  I was rewarded with the return of Ichigo this issue though.  Orihime seems to be going through something.  I do want to see where she ends up.

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.

The Psychopath Test

I picked up this book because I was waiting around for an appointment.  I'd heard about it, and it was a recommended book in the store I was in so I gave it a try.  I'm so glad I did.  It was such a great read.

Now, when one hears psychopath one thinks about serial killers.  This book is not really about them.  They are mentioned, but it's more about the psychopaths that you might run into in your daily life.  It's written in a very conversational style and I could certainly see myself sitting down with the author to discuss what he's written.  I like that everything is told in a way that references him.  It makes the subject very approachable.  It also makes me want to read some of his other books.

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.