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Story by: Tsugumi Ohba
Art by: Takeshi Obata
Publisher: Viz
Rating: Older Teen (16+)
Price: $7.99

DEATH NOTE, Volume Twelve

By Nadia Oxford August 31, 2007

DEATH NOTE, Volume Twelve by Tsugumi Ohba with art by Takeshi Obata.
© Viz

There are two types of manga fans in this world: Those who gave up on Death Note halfway through the series and those who stuck it out to the very end. The final volume, number twelve, is relevant to both groups.

No matter what you thought of certain events that transpired in the middle of the series, you have to be made of stone to not wonder about everyone's final fates. Volume 12 of Ohba's tremendously popular manga doles out the fates of the remaining cast, as well as the fate of the world that's changed considerably under the fierce eyes of Kira.

The last installment wraps up events in the dry, calculating manner that's gives the series its distinct tone. Even though there are a few surprises along the way, the biggest twist will remind you of just how easy it is to overlook--or forget--the most obvious details.

If you have some time to kill, read over the first volume of Death Note once you're done with number twelve and consider its evolution. Like so many games of deception, things start off simply. The Shinigami named Ryuk presents the Death Note to Light, and the rules seem easy enough. As the story winds on, loopholes emerge and Kira exploits each one to stay one step ahead of those who hunt him. Even the art is simpler at the start, reflecting Light's life as a simple schoolboy: Bored and somewhat directionless. When he first begins to match wits with L, a noticeable change shadows his face and darkens his eyes (which becomes most noticeable when he "gives up" the Note for the first time).

One of Death Note's most endearing characters is, ironically, Ryuk. The Death God appears before Light and grants him the power of the Notebook, not as an ally or a friend, but as a bored being who simply wants some entertainment to fill his ageless days. Ryuk's status never changes. He doesn't warm up to Light, nor does Light adopt him as his One True Friend. The two have an arrangement, and nothing more.

Death Note has been slowly infiltrating North American culture since Viz first started translating the series in 2005. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are big fans of the series (even lending their hit song "Dani California" to the soundtrack for the live action movie), and with the anime's release this fall (on DVD in America and on YTV in Canada), the influence will only continue to spread. If you've only just heard of Death Note, now's a good time to start. If you're ready to wrap things up, Viz has you covered. Volume 12 retails for $7.99.