Death Note (2006)

[デスノート]

Volume 12

Author: Tsugumi Ohba
Artist: Takeshi Obata
Publisher: Jump Comics

Synopsis:
As the time of Near's confrontation with Light draws closer, the situation is complicated by Mello's kidnapping of Takada.

Story/Characters:
Here we are. The grand finale. I said in my review of Volume 3 that the climax of the second arc was the highest point of the series, but the conclusion is no slouch. Even though I said it felt like the deck was being stacked in Near's favor, I'll credit Ohba's writing for keeping the reader in suspense until the big reveal. Even knowing how it ended from having already seen the TV series, I actually found myself doubting what I knew was going to happen. There's plenty of punch and it really feels like a privilege to have been along for the ride.

Art:
Obata really outdoes himself with some excellent panels for the finale. The expressions alone are amazing. We also get some delightfully creepy shots of Ryuk that remind you that a shinigami is not something to be taken lightly.

Conclusion:
I complain about the third arc of the story, but the series does end on a bang. You might find that Light and Near's respective expositions go on a little long, but the payoff is worth it. This one is definitely worth having.

Rating:
Own It