Reviews with content warning for Death - Death Note: Black Edition, vol. 2

LOVE the art! I’m obsessed with L’s character design. And I love how it’s being hinted that L and Light are more similar than we might think.

But I thought the ending was kind of anticlimactic.

Light’s house gets bugged — but no worries, because he already knows his house has been bugged, and he’s working around it. That’s just how cunning and observant 17 year old Light is. He’ll solve any conflict with his charm and wit, long before said conflict can make the story interesting. Yawn.

I also don’t like how easily Light takes out the FBI agent’s fiancé. She seriously gives her personal info to some kid, thinking it might get her a job on the surveillance team? She really gives up on trying to speak to Light’s dad after visiting the place ONE time? It was so stupid, especially for a character who’s supposedly so cautious. And it’s yet another instance where the conflict is neutralized just before things can get interesting, all for the sake of elevating Light and his apparent genius-level intelligence.

Still, I’m really having fun with this story! Can’t wait to read more.

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harleyqueen's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Light is on a mission to find Kira but along the way a fake rises.
Lights only option is to prove he isn't Kira

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minzzi's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

(Re-read)

I like this volume a bit more than the first one, since L and Light's relationship is the best part of this series.
Also, I know that a lot of people find Misa anoying and an idiot, but to me she is just a mentaly ill young woman that has nothing to lose.

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lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition

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dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This installment picks up exactly where the Black Edition Volume One left off: Light is trying to continue to use the Death Note for what he believes is good, while the Japanese police and FBI try to figure out who is this mystical guy that can kill criminals without being near them. In this installment we are introduced to a new character that also has a Death Note, and desperately wants to meet Light. Could this new person threaten to unravel all the "good" work that Light has already done, or will they be a much needed friend in this gray area of revenge?
I continue to really enjoy this manga series. It is so well written, and the artwork is so enjoyable to simply look at. This series in general does an excellent job in raising the argument of whether a "Robin Hood" type of justice is really ethical. With one notable exception, Light has only used the Death Note to kill criminals, people who have done wrong and will likely continue to do wrong and cause harm. Light's use of the Death Note seems noble, but should one personal really hold that much power? Brining in another person who has their own Death Note offers some great commentary about the power of the Death Note and whether Light is truly in the wrong, because this new person uses their Death Note for a completely different agenda. Personally, I do not think anyone should hold this kind of power because it will be too easy for them to become corrupt and blinded by their ability to kill without getting their hands dirty in a literal sense.
This installment left with a slight cliffhanger, and I am so excited to continue in Volume Three!

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