DEATH NOTE デスノート

DEATH NOTE Review (Rating: 5/5)

Overview

DEATH NOTE is a Japanese manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. It was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 2003 to 2006 and completed in 12 volumes. The series is known for its focus on psychological battles and deductive reasoning, and it has received worldwide acclaim.
Read more on Wikipedia (English)

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Synopsis

Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student, one day finds a mysterious notebook called the “Death Note.” The note states that anyone whose name is written in it will die, and Light soon confirms this terrifying power.
He decides to use the notebook to eliminate criminals around the world, aiming to create a crime-free utopia.
However, his actions attract the attention of “L,” an eccentric yet world-famous detective. A deadly psychological battle begins between Light and L, each trying to outwit the other while hiding their own identity.

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Main Characters

• Light Yagami
  The protagonist. A highly intelligent high school student with a strong sense of justice, who gradually becomes obsessed with god-like ideals. Under the alias “Kira,” he seeks to judge and reshape the world using the Death Note.

• L
  A world-renowned detective and Light’s greatest rival. Eccentric but incredibly sharp, L relentlessly pursues Kira with his unmatched deductive skills.

• Ryuk
  A shinigami (death god) who drops the Death Note into the human world out of boredom. He follows Light around out of curiosity, remaining a neutral observer.

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Story Development

The story can be broadly divided into two arcs. The first half focuses on the intense psychological and deductive battle between Light and L. Every move is meticulously calculated, and readers are drawn into their mind games with constant tension.
In the second half, after L’s death, his successors Near and Mello enter the stage to challenge Light, who has become increasingly confident as the self-proclaimed god of the new world. As Light’s arrogance grows, cracks begin to appear in his perfect facade, leading to his eventual downfall.
Despite its relatively short length of 12 volumes, the story is tightly structured, fast-paced, and never loses its suspense until the very end.

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Distinctive Features

What sets DEATH NOTE apart is that it focuses on battles of logic and psychology rather than physical fights. The Death Note is a supernatural device, yet the story revolves not around its power itself, but around how cleverly it is used and concealed.
Takeshi Obata’s sharp and detailed artwork enhances the tense atmosphere, vividly conveying the emotions and mindsets of each character.
The series also stands out for transforming a seemingly simple concept—“a notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it”—into a deeply layered psychological thriller.

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Personal Thoughts

I feel truly fortunate to have read this series as it was being released in real time. It opened up a new path for psychological battle-themed manga.
It’s impressive how such a seemingly common horror tale item—a notebook that kills people—was developed into such an intricate and high-level psychological story.
The sharp and beautiful artwork fits perfectly with the tone, adding to the tension throughout the series.
I imagine the creators must have struggled with how to conclude such a complex story. However, in an age when many manga stretch on for hundreds of chapters, it’s remarkable how they were able to tell such an intense and complete story in just over a dozen volumes.

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Conclusion

DEATH NOTE is a rare manga that combines a supernatural premise with logical, psychological mind games. Its tight plotting, striking artwork, and gripping battle of wits between two geniuses maintain an unrelenting tension from start to finish.
With only 12 volumes, it’s also a great choice for readers who want a compelling yet compact story.
For anyone who enjoys mystery, psychological thrillers, or suspense, DEATH NOTE is an essential read.