Death Note: Another Note

L is back, this time in a novel spin-off entitled, "Death Note: Another Note - The Los Angeles BB Murder Cases." Written by Nisio Isin, "Another Note" serves as a sort of prequel to the "Death Note" manga series, pre-Kira. I admit I was a bit hesitant at the concept -- mainly on its execution, but was pleasantly surprised and entertained.

Mello narrates the story of L's first encounter with FBI agent Naomi Misora and delves into the inner workings of L. The story centers and stems from Wammy's House, Watari's orphanage, and the whole system of geniuses such as L, Mello, and Near. Following a detective-mystery format, the novel combines what we know from the manga and adapts it quite well to form a concrete recording of a serial murder.. Though it isn't perfect by any means, there is enough there, not to mention a big, hard-hitting twist in the end, that definitely captures the essence of L and the series. It makes a nice addition to the hit series and I'm glad I picked it up.

A quick note, I feel is worth mentioning: the illustrations, both on the cover and scattered inside, are absolutely sensational.