Death Note, Vol. 4
by Tsugumi Ohba
- First published 2004
- 208 pages
- Italian
What if you held the power of life and death in your hands? For Light Yagami, a brilliant but bored high school student, this question becomes a terrifying reality when he discovers the Death Note. Dropped by a rogue god of death, the supernatural notebook grants its user the ability to kill anyone simply by writing their name inside. Disgusted with the state of the world, Light begins a secret crusade to cleanse society of criminals, styling himself as a godlike figure named Kira. His actions, however, do not go unnoticed, and soon the world's greatest detective, the enigmatic L, is brought in to unmask the mysterious killer.
This begins a gripping psychological cat-and-mouse game where one mistake could be fatal. As Light is drawn deeper into his role as a self-proclaimed arbiter of justice, the lines between right and wrong begin to blur. The story forces you to question the very nature of morality and power, exploring whether noble intentions can justify horrific means. It is an intense exploration of human nature that challenges you to decide who the real villain is in a battle where intellect is the ultimate weapon.
This begins a gripping psychological cat-and-mouse game where one mistake could be fatal. As Light is drawn deeper into his role as a self-proclaimed arbiter of justice, the lines between right and wrong begin to blur. The story forces you to question the very nature of morality and power, exploring whether noble intentions can justify horrific means. It is an intense exploration of human nature that challenges you to decide who the real villain is in a battle where intellect is the ultimate weapon.
What readers say
4.47
384K ratings across the web 9 in 10 readers loved it
The reviews overwhelmingly praise the book for its truly unique and ingenious concept, centered around a powerful item that can end lives. Readers are captivated by the incredibly clever and intelligent storytelling, often describing it as a gripping battle of wits between brilliant characters. The series is lauded for its ability to challenge readers' morals and perceptions of justice, right, and wrong, presenting complex ethical questions that are not easily answered. Many found the pace exciting and addictive, making it difficult to put down. The characters are frequently highlighted for their depth and intelligence, leading many to struggle with picking a side between opposing viewpoints. Additionally, the artwork is often commended, and the series is widely recommended as an excellent entry point for those new to manga or graphic novels.
Despite the widespread acclaim, some reviewers noted a perceived dip in the quality or pacing of the story in its later parts, suggesting it might have extended beyond a natural conclusion. A recurring criticism concerns the portrayal of female characters, with some finding them to be underdeveloped, portrayed as superficial, or largely absent from central roles. While many appreciate the protagonist's complexity, a few reviewers felt his transformation into a more ruthless character lacked sufficient progression or initial emotional depth, appearing too sudden. One reviewer also pointed out instances of convenient plotting or overly explicit exposition of rules, though this did not detract from their overall enjoyment. Some readers, while acknowledging the series' brilliance, simply found the graphic novel format not to their personal preference.
Overall, the book is highly recommended and considered a brilliant, iconic, and compelling read that stands out in its genre. It is particularly suited for readers who enjoy intellectual challenges, intricate mysteries, and stories that delve deep into philosophical and moral dilemmas. Those who appreciate a fast-paced "cat-and-mouse" dynamic between exceptionally smart characters will find themselves thoroughly engaged. It is also an ideal choice for individuals seeking to explore manga for the first time or for those who are tired of conventional storytelling and desire a narrative that consistently prompts profound thought and debate.
Despite the widespread acclaim, some reviewers noted a perceived dip in the quality or pacing of the story in its later parts, suggesting it might have extended beyond a natural conclusion. A recurring criticism concerns the portrayal of female characters, with some finding them to be underdeveloped, portrayed as superficial, or largely absent from central roles. While many appreciate the protagonist's complexity, a few reviewers felt his transformation into a more ruthless character lacked sufficient progression or initial emotional depth, appearing too sudden. One reviewer also pointed out instances of convenient plotting or overly explicit exposition of rules, though this did not detract from their overall enjoyment. Some readers, while acknowledging the series' brilliance, simply found the graphic novel format not to their personal preference.
Overall, the book is highly recommended and considered a brilliant, iconic, and compelling read that stands out in its genre. It is particularly suited for readers who enjoy intellectual challenges, intricate mysteries, and stories that delve deep into philosophical and moral dilemmas. Those who appreciate a fast-paced "cat-and-mouse" dynamic between exceptionally smart characters will find themselves thoroughly engaged. It is also an ideal choice for individuals seeking to explore manga for the first time or for those who are tired of conventional storytelling and desire a narrative that consistently prompts profound thought and debate.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Panini Comics - Planet Manga, 2018
- ISBN
- 9788891268181
- Language
- Italian
Original edition Death Note 1 退屈 [Death Note 1 Originally published in 2004 · Japanese · 集英社
