3 stars
**This is a spoiler free review (spoilers are hidden); it may contain spoilers for previous instalments in series (scroll down)**

The past two reviews of this series have been using my usual graphic novel/comic book/manga review format, but now that the writing style is pretty much constant, I won't remark on is as much and so I am going back to a more traditional form of review. That being said, maybe I'll notice a shift later on and go back to focusing on the previous review format if need be.

That being out of the way, Hard Run was not on quite the level of the previous two instalments, but that being said, it was still good. I found it a bit more boring (just the lack of engagement until the very end made it more of a slog). This brought my enjoyment of it down. I also felt like this one was more "padded" if you will when compared to, for example, the first volume where each chapter had a specific thing it was going for.

The one area that was fascinating to read about was the confrontation between L and Light. In fact, their manoeuvring right now, though maybe not 100% realistic, keeps me on the tip of my toes.

A significant plot twist occurs, but I will address it in my spoiler section:  Although many people have been saying in their reviews that they were shocked that there is another Kira, personally I thought it was quite obvious, and the reveal just didn't have as much tension build up as I thought it would, which made this volume fall a bit flat for me. I knew it wasn't Light because, a) we never saw him mention this plan or hint that he has something planned, b) the murders that they were performing had to utilise the Shinigami eyes, c) they were killing innocents. Not that I do not like the idea of having another Kira. I am truly anticipating to see where this plot line goes.

All in all, weakest volume so far, but still a good read.

*manga completed as part of the July art-month challenge

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Volumes in manga:
#1 Boredom: ★★★.25
#2 Confluence: ★★★.75
#3 Hard Run: ★★★
#4 Love: ★★★★
#5 Whiteout: ★★.75
#6 Give-and-Take: ★★★★.25

4.5/5

Oh boy this was a mindbending read.
So in short, the story in this one is pretty static, not much happenes BUT we have a super duper mindmending study of how Kira acts and a whole new part of the main plot is unlocked.

This is a transition volume and was used primarly to create another character who is introduced at the very end. It's a very very promising new appearance that will create some chaos for sure, which is good.

I'm very curious to see what the author still has in mind for this story.
We are only 1/4 into it, so the journey is still long.

TW// murder, heart attack, mentions of suicide

I’m still enjoying the way that this series is plotted out and how every last detail is crafted so well, but the mind games are starting to get a bit repetitive. I’m really glad that Misa joined the series in this volume as I think she might disrupt the repetitiveness and add some much needed drama.

This manga artwork, storyline and characters are vivid and memorable. Shinigami as a concept to me are fascinating, and seeing the journey of Light's sociopathy is twisted and hooks me every time. Plus I enjoy "L's" super quirkiness! Next!

*goes to the store to buy the other Death Note black editions*

WHAT IS HAPPENING HOW IS THIS GOING TO WORK WHAT WHAT WHAT?!

Seriously so good! Can't wait to read the others.

Me encanta la guerra entre L y Kira, superan su capacidad intelectual con cada acción. Y no me acordaba del poder de Misa, tan tonta que parece; se pone cada vez mejor.

it just keeps on getting better.

kira's thoughts going back and forth on how to not become suspicious in l's eyes is so funny yet intriguing to read

the way light and L circle each other is really entertaining,
also it makes sense to add another player to the game.

2020, ikinci okuma edit’i: çok iyi bir ciltti, neden ilk okuduğum zaman dört vermişim anlayamadım... dediğim gibi, muhtemelen sürekli birbirleri hakkında aşırı zekice tahmin yapmaları beynimi yaktı (ki bu seferde de aynısı oldu kdjdkd). ama her ne kadar zaman zaman takip etmesi zor olsa da aşırı keyif aldım bu ciltten. böyle bir hikayeyi yazmak için muazzam ötesi bir dahiliğe sahip olmak gerekiyor ya, yazara imrenmemek elde değil...

_______________

Light da L de müthiş zeki ve okurken zekalarına hayran kaldım. Ancak birbirleri hakkında yürüttükleri fikirleri anlamakta zorlandım bazen ve bu biraz yorucu oldu benim için. Şimdilik en sevdiğim cilt 2. cilt oldu bakalım fikrim değişecek mi.
Elimde tek cilt kaldı ve cidden okumayı çok istiyorum ama bitsin istemiyorum da çünkü 2 ay kadar başka cilt alamayacağım sanırım :(

*insert a million heart eye emojis*

One of the things I really love in this manga series is that we are in the head of both the killer and the guy trying to catch him. Their reasoning is laid out for us, so everything that unfolds and their motivations make sense. Light and L are playing a high stakes game of chess indeed. And now there is a copy cat? Whoa!