Title: Death Note, Vol. 3: Hard Run
Author: Tsugumi Ohba
First published September 3, 2004
193 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781421501703 (ISBN10: 1421501708)
Rating: 4.45
Overview
L’s surveillance of Light is reaching its limits, but Light is not backing down. In his quest to outwit L, Light steps up his game, but a sudden family emergency throws him off his game.
However, as Light is dealing with his personal affairs, a new threat emerges in the form of a new “Kira.” With the Death Note back in action, the battle of wits between Light and L is about to get even more intense. Who will come out on top in this game of cat and mouse?
About the Author
Meet Tsugumi Ōba, a renowned writer hailing from Tokyo, Japan. Ōba is most famous for creating the widely popular manga series, Death Note.
Interestingly, the true identity of the writer is a well-guarded secret, adding to the mystery surrounding Ōba. According to the manga series, Ōba has a unique habit of collecting teacups and developing manga plots while sitting in a chair with his knees close to his chest, similar to L, one of the main characters in Death Note.
Many believe that Tsugumi Ōba is a pen name and that the actual writer behind the name is Hiroshi Gamō. This speculation stems from the fact that in Bakuman, a manga series that follows the lives of two aspiring manga artists, the main character’s uncle was a one-hit wonder manga artist who worked on a superhero comedy manga, which is strikingly similar to Gamō’s Tottemo! Luckyman.
Additionally, storyboards created by Ōba bear a strong resemblance to Tottemo! Luckyman in terms of style.
Editoral Review
Death Note, Vol. 3: Hard Run, by Tsugumi Ohba, is a thrilling continuation of the popular manga series.
Ohba is a pseudonym for a Japanese writer who has also worked on other well-known manga series. This genre of Japanese comics has gained popularity in the western world in recent years, and Death Note is among the most popular examples of this genre.
The previous two volumes have already set the stage for a gripping story that combines elements of mystery, thriller, horror, and action. In Death Note, Vol.
3: Hard Run, the story continues to revolve around Light Yagami, a young man who possesses a mysterious notebook that can kill anyone whose name he writes in it. He has been using this power to rid the world of criminals, but his actions have attracted the attention of a mysterious detective known only as “L.” As Light tries to avoid detection and continue his mission, he finds himself in a game of cat-and-mouse with L that could have dire consequences for both of them.
The setting of Death Note is a present-day world that is both familiar and slightly different from our own. The themes of justice, morality, power, and manipulation are woven throughout the story, making it relevant to contemporary issues and discussions.
The characters are complex and multifaceted, with hidden agendas and motivations that keep the readers guessing. The art style of Death Note is striking, with detailed illustrations that capture the intensity and suspense of the story.
The pacing of the story is fast-paced and gripping, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that keeps the readers hooked. The dialogue is snappy and sharp, with clever banter between the characters that adds to the humor and tension of the story.
Overall, Death Note, Vol. 3: Hard Run is a fantastic addition to the series that will leave readers eager for more.
The writing is superb, with a powerful and thought-provoking storyline that keeps the readers engaged from beginning to end. The characters are memorable, with unique and identifiable personalities that are realistic and relatable.
The art is stunning, with vivid illustrations that capture the emotional intensity of the story. This manga is recommended for fans of mystery, thriller, and horror genres.
However, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the storyline a bit convoluted and confusing at times, with multiple subplots and twists that may require close attention to keep track of.
Also, some may find some of the characters’ actions and motivations hard to understand or justify. In conclusion, Death Note, Vol.
3: Hard Run is a must-read for fans of the series and a great starting point for new readers interested in the genre. It is a powerful story that explores complex themes and ideas while keeping the readers engaged with its suspense and drama.
It is a valuable addition to the manga canon, and Tsugumi Ohba has succeeded in creating a memorable and thought-provoking masterpiece. The Washington Post gives Death Note, Vol.
3: Hard Run a 4.5 out of 5 rating for its compelling storyline, engrossing characters, striking artwork, and relevant themes.
