Death Note
Detailed Ratings
Plot 3.0/5
Characters 3.0/5
Art Style 4.5/5

Death Note

-3
Balance
+2 -5
Score weighted by each hero's level: a recommendation from a level 3 hero counts for 3.
3.5/5
2
Reviews
Ranking among manga: #12 Shonen #13 Supernatural
Tome
From the editors, by Tome Updated on 25/05/2026

Wielding Power: The Temptation of "Death Note"

Imagine holding the power to end a life with just a pen stroke. "Death Note," the brainchild of Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, dives headfirst into this chilling proposition. Since its debut in 2003, within the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump, it hasn't just lingered in manga discussions,it's dominated them, sparking moral debates that burn brighter with each re-read.

The Story

A bored high school genius named Light Yagami stumbles upon a mystical notebook,one that grants the ability to kill anyone whose name is written within its pages. As he dons the identity of 'Kira,' a self-styled god, a game of cat and mouse ensues against the enigmatic detective L. Unlike typical shonen escapades, "Death Note" thrives on psychological tension and cerebral duels rather than brawny confrontations.

Visual and Narrative Identity

Takeshi Obata's art style is as stark as it is stunning. His use of chiaroscuro mirrors the manga's moral ambiguities, while dynamic panel layouts amplify its suspenseful pacing. A clear departure from traditional shonen tropes, "Death Note" establishes its own niche,a sophisticated narrative wrapped in an intricate visual package.

Who Should Read This

This is no light-hearted romp across fantasy fields; it's for those drawn to complex narratives where intellect reigns supreme. At twelve volumes long, it's a commitment that rewards readers willing to grapple with themes like justice and authoritarianism. Be prepared: mature themes and violence underscore this dark tale. An acclaimed anime adaptation continues to expand its reach, echoing its status as a modern classic.

-3
Balance
+2 -5
Score weighted by each hero's level: a recommendation from a level 3 hero counts for 3.
3.5/5
2
Reviews
Ranking among manga: #12 Shonen #13 Supernatural
Detailed Ratings
Plot 3.0/5
Characters 3.0/5
Art Style 4.5/5
Tome
From the editors, by Tome Updated on 25/05/2026

Wielding Power: The Temptation of "Death Note"

Imagine holding the power to end a life with just a pen stroke. "Death Note," the brainchild of Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, dives headfirst into this chilling proposition. Since its debut in 2003, within the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump, it hasn't just lingered in manga discussions,it's dominated them, sparking moral debates that burn brighter with each re-read.

The Story

A bored high school genius named Light Yagami stumbles upon a mystical notebook,one that grants the ability to kill anyone whose name is written within its pages. As he dons the identity of 'Kira,' a self-styled god, a game of cat and mouse ensues against the enigmatic detective L. Unlike typical shonen escapades, "Death Note" thrives on psychological tension and cerebral duels rather than brawny confrontations.

Visual and Narrative Identity

Takeshi Obata's art style is as stark as it is stunning. His use of chiaroscuro mirrors the manga's moral ambiguities, while dynamic panel layouts amplify its suspenseful pacing. A clear departure from traditional shonen tropes, "Death Note" establishes its own niche,a sophisticated narrative wrapped in an intricate visual package.

Who Should Read This

This is no light-hearted romp across fantasy fields; it's for those drawn to complex narratives where intellect reigns supreme. At twelve volumes long, it's a commitment that rewards readers willing to grapple with themes like justice and authoritarianism. Be prepared: mature themes and violence underscore this dark tale. An acclaimed anime adaptation continues to expand its reach, echoing its status as a modern classic.

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon
Status: Completed
Publication: 2003 - 2006
Country of origin: Japan
Original language: Japanese
Age rating: Mature (18+)
Genres: Shonen Supernatural Mystery Psychological

Tomes

13
1
Boredom
2005 · 200 p. · VIZ Media
2
Confluence
2005 · 200 p. · VIZ Media
3
Hard Run
2006 · 200 p. · VIZ Media
4
Love
2006 · 200 p. · VIZ Media
5
White Out
2006 · 200 p. · VIZ Media
6
Give-and-Take
2006 · 200 p. · VIZ Media
7
Zero
2006 · 200 p. · VIZ Media
8
Target
2006 · 200 p. · VIZ Media
9
Contact
2007 · 200 p. · VIZ Media
10
Deletion
2007 · 200 p. · VIZ Media
11
Kindred Spirits
2007 · 200 p. · VIZ Media
12
Finish
2007 · 200 p. · VIZ Media
13
How to Read 13
2008 · 218 p. · VIZ Media

Reviews

Akihiko

25 episodes of perfection, 12 of mediocrity.

Death Note has such a simple premise, but through excellent and engaging writing, incredible voice acting English or Japanese and an MC that fall on the more heinous side, you have an all time incredible anime/Manga.

Unfortunately though after the first 25 episodes, the show does have a pretty sharp decline and while the ending is in some ways satisfying, its very frustrating in others

Overall definitely recommend checking out!
Recommends:
+2 The value of a recommendation depends on its author's level.
Overall
Plot
Characters
Art Style
12
Bill
Translated from French

Not Bad, but Not Essential

Interesting concept... but in the end, it didn’t grip me enough to finish it. Not much action, more like a psychological dive. Just not my cup of tea.
Recommends:
−5 The value of a recommendation depends on its author's level.
Overall
Plot
Characters
Art Style
21
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