Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba

What would you do if you were walking home from school and you found a book on the ground. Upon opening the book you read the following:

You would probably think this was a joke. I would. Until, you and I, just like Light, the boy who did pick up the note book, tried to use the death note. When it worked, you’d probably be pretty freaked out. Not Light. Once he picked up the Death Note his whole life changed. After Light touches the note book for the first time he forms a connection with its owner, Ryuk, an 8 foot tall Death God (Shinigami) who can only be seen by the possessor of the death note. Light becomes obsessed almost immediately, taking the punishment of criminals into his own hands. Of course, the mysterious deaths of criminals has not gone wholly unnoticed. Enter L, the world’s greatest detective. As soon as L arrives the noose around Light’s neck begins to tighten.

Death Note is the ultimate battle of wits. The intelligence of Light and L is astounding, kudos to Ohba, who in my opinion has surpassed Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the mystery genre. The characters are very intriguing and the plot will suck you in so much so that you should block out some time, and prepare some meals, because once you start you seriously cannot stop. The series concludes after 12 issues, which is nice, this is no 500 volume Dragon Ball series.

Ryuk is my favorite character in the story and possibly in all Manga. You have never met a more hilarious Shinigami. His contribution to Death Note is monumental, posing as a quasi-conscience for Light. This is easily my favorite manga of all time. Unless you absolutely hate creativity and engaging stories then avoid this one otherwise, do it!

P.S. L, Do you know Gods of Death love apples?

Dexter & Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeffry Lindsay

After one episode I knew Dexter would be one of my favorite TV shows, after the first season it stands only behind Twin Peaks as greatest shows of all time (probably only in my mind). This series is fairly faithfully based on Jeffry Lindsay’s Darkly Dreaming Dexter. Dexter Morgan is a serial killer, but don’t let that get to you, he’s a good guy! He has a relationship, a career, and his own place…he is by no means a weirdo. Though he may have his dark side, he also has a code; Harry’s code. These are a set of rules that Dexter lives by. He never kills anyone that doesn’t deserve it. As a blood splatter analysis he is able to find people most deserving of his personal attention. The book is fascinating read and the series just brings these characters to life! Do not miss this one!