Completely bored with his everyday life. Straight A high school student Light Yagumi is about to experience excitement he has never dreamed of. After class, Light comes upon a black book lying on the ground titled Death Note. The user instructions describe if a persons name is written in the book, then that person would die from a heart attack in a certain amount of time.
After testing the book on an armed man during a hostage situation. Light learns that the book is far from a hoax. Now with the new power that was given to him. Light embarks on his one man quest to change the world. His plan is to rid society of all criminals, and make himself the God of the new world.
Previous Volumes:
Death Note Volume 1 - Boredom
Death Note Volume 2 - Confluence
Death Note Volume 3 - Hard Run
Death Note Volume 4 - Love:
After meeting face to face and due to the possible appearance of a second "Kira". L invites Light to join the Task Force to apprehend the suspect or suspects, who could possibly be "Kira". He hopes they can stop the new threat with their combined talents. However, both of them have ulterior motives.
L still suspects Light of being "Kira" and is still determined to prove it. While Light seeks to learn L's real name in hopes of writing it in the Death Note, and putting an end to this game. Light also hopes to meet and join forces with the second "Kira", because he believes this person possesses the Shinigami Eyes. This would give Light the edge he needs to kill L.-summary
Tsugumi Ohbacontinues to stick with his guns, which is delivering a story chock full of suspense, that happens to be delivered through some interesting and unpredictable plot twist. Taking place earlier in the series, the Shinigami named Ryuk, whom was responsible for bringing the Death Note into the human world brought to Light's attention a deal. According to Ryuk, a human who possesses a book can gain the power of a Shingami called the Shinigami Eyes, which is to see the real name and the time of death floating over ones head. This makes it very easy to learn ones identity, with intentions on killing them with the Death Note. However, this deal comes with a price that I will not spoil.
The second "Kira" is revealed to be a young girl named Misa Amane. Her intentions on becoming "Kira" were simply to meet the current "Kira". After using the eyes to finally meet Light, she reveals her intentions to him, as well as a secret about Shinigami's that not even Ryuk knew. The secret was told to her by the Shinigami named Rem, who gave her a Death Note.
The writing is still strong when keeping the reader in constant anticipaton on what happens next. The addition of Misa adds a bit more depth to the storyline, because she really complicates matters but in a good way. However, the character does come off very annoying at times with her beyond childish antics. Some may find it to be cute, but her cuteness grated on my nerves. The volume also provides a good amount of background explaining more characteristics of the Death Note.
L's character still continues to evolve. One of the themes being used here is the age old saying, "keep your friends close, but your enemies closer". L indeed exercises the adage by inviting Light to join the investigation, in order to decrease the chances of him uniting with the second Kira. Also, he can keep an eye on Light by popping up unannounced.
The interactions between L and Light are still interesting, but has lost a little bit of tension. This is understandable though, since it helps develop other characters such as Misa and Rem. The direction is well executed by slowly transitioning the two from side characters into major players. When watching how the story plays out, one can surely appreciate these turn of events. I actually enjoy this volume a little bit more after thinking about it, because the introduction of the new characters and their injection into the main plot felt so natural.
The artwork which is provided by Takeshi Obata is still very good, with well drawn facial expressions capturing the persons mood. My only problem with the artwork would be the saccharine appearance of Misa Amane. I really think the story could have been better without her over the top cuteness.
This chapter like the others, once again ends on a big cliffhanger, which should be expected by now. However, it still maintains its focus, and it more than likely will still keep the reader gripped. This volume contains 203 pages, and is broken into 9 more chapters:
Chapter 26:Reversal
Chapter 27:Love
Chapter 28:Judgment
Chapter 29:Weapon
Chapter 30:Bomb
Chapter 31:Easy
Chapter 32:Gamble
Chapter 33:Removal
Chapter 34:Imprisonment
Pros:
-More suspense, some plot twists and background
Cons:
-New character is rather annoying, another cliffhanger
