This was a real struggle to read. I had very nearly given up on the series when Misa turned up at the end. I suspect she, too, will be a disappointment, but I do actually have Volume 4 already so I'll read that and see - unlikely to buy more though.

Bechdel: More fail. ( )

Hard Run is the third volume in the Death Note manga series, collecting chapters seventeen through twenty-five. Hard Run, along with the first two collected volumes (Boredom and Confluence), was included on the Top Ten list of the 2007 American Library Association's Great Graphic Novels for Teens. This is not to say that older audiences won't enjoy the series as well--its sophistication is sure to win the appreciation of many adult readers in addition to teens.

Despite being the main suspect in the Kira case, Light has so far been able to avoid leaving any concrete evidence leading to him as the killer of criminals worldwide. In fact, his alibis come across as being too perfect and L, the brilliant detective heading the case, becomes even more interested in him. So much so that he follows Light as he begins college, posing as a fellow student. Surprisingly, he ultimately reveals his identity and invites Light to join the investigation even though he is suspected to be Kira. But the battle of wits is cut short, or at least put on hold, due to a family emergency. It appears another Death Note may have been dropped and now there is a second Kira on the loose.

Hard Run was a little more quickly paced than the previous volume, Confluence. Light and L still seem fairly equally matched, but when it looks like the eccentric investigator might be starting to get the upper hand, the possibility of a Kira copycat complicates everything for both him and Light. The introduction of a second Death Note in the human realm ensures the continued complexity of this series and I expect that things will be kicked up another notch at least in the upcoming volumes.

Death Note is a popular manga series, and for good reason. It's smart, well drawn, and complex. The characters are engaging and the story addicting. I am fascinated by Light and how his obsession with creating a perfect world is steadily corrupting him. L still is a bit creepy although I am beginning to get used to his bizarre behavior. Ryuk (a Shinigami death god and original owner of Light's Death Note, which he dropped out of boredom) continues to amuse me, especially in regards to his supposed apathy and his delight in the whole situation. I remain impressed with this series and definitely look forward to reading the next volume, Love.

Experiments in Reading ( )

Continuing the story of Light Yagami who has the Death Note tht belongs to the death god Ryuk. Whoevers name is written in the death note dies and Light is using it to kill all the criminals broadcat on the news and so bring about a new world order with him as the new god. On his case is the mysterious L whose identity is known to only a few (including Light's father who is the head of the division in the Japanese police on the case).

L escalates his plan to catch Light who has been named "Kira" by the press. He knows Light is a suspect and joins his college where he tries to befriend him. In a shocking confession he tells Light that he is L and asks for his help to solve the Kira case. It puts Light in a real dilema as if he uses the death note to kill L it will be obvious he is Kira. The tension mounts and there is a second person calling themself Kira and killing criminals as well as innocent people. It seems there is a second death note loose in the world.

A fantastic installment, I can't wait for the next one! It is so clever and there is a very tense tennis match between Light and L where you see just how alike and competitive they both are. This is the best manga series I have read and I recommend it to anyone who has not tried this genre before. Excellent reading with beautiful illustrations. ( )

OK, now we're catching speed again! In spite of what previously happened in volume 2, this volume increases the tempo, or should I say, tempi. I'm really looking forward to the other volumes. ( )

Picking up from vol. 2, this volume of Death Note opens with Light being closely scrutinzed by L and the task force. What they can't see, however, is Ryuk, the shinigami. Though he's supposed to be a neutral party, Ryuk's love of apples has gotten the best of him, and Light is able to blackmail him into helping outwit the police. However, L realizes that Light is one of the most promising suspects, and continues to follow and challenge him. As the two confront each other face to face, one of Kira's supporters decides to take action.

This volume pokes a little fun at itself, despite the story's serious tone. L recognizes that the Yagami household is so squeaky clean (in appearance as well as attitudes) that it's cause for suspicion. Light makes a joke at one point about second and third guessing Kira and L's actions. Ryuk also lends a little comedy to the story (apparently shinigami's withdrawal symptons involve knotting up like a pretzel).

We also get to see a different side of Light; when L personally confronts him, Light becomes frustrated and violent. Though he believes that finding the Death Note has made him truly happy, we see the incredible stress taking its toll, as well as Light's need to win. For the first time since Ryuk's appearance, Light seems to be cracking. We also get to see how Light reacts to tragedy and accusations within his own family. It's hard to tell at this point if he's protective of his family members, or it's all part of the act.

Still a great series... I can't wait to see more about Misa. ( )