The first volume of the English edition of the manga, titled Boredom , serves as the foundation for one of the most celebrated psychological thrillers in the medium. Created by writer Tsugumi Ohba and artist Takeshi Obata , this volume introduces the high-stakes game of wits between a brilliant student and an enigmatic detective. Core Premise and Synopsis

: If no cause is specified within 40 seconds, the victim will die of a heart attack. If a cause is written, the details can be further refined within the next 6 minutes and 40 seconds.

: Light's father and head of the Japanese National Police Agency, who inadvertently provides Light with access to vital investigation files.