Yes, Death Note is still a classic. Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata’s cat-and-mouse thriller remains one of the tightest, most quotable manga ever made, with art that has aged remarkably well. Its second half divides readers, but the first stretch alone justifies its reputation.
This review keeps spoilers light, with one clearly marked section, so you can decide whether to start the series on MyReadingManga without having the twists ruined.
Key Takeaways
- A short, complete series of 12 volumes, written by Tsugumi Ohba and drawn by Takeshi Obata.
- The battle of wits between Light and L is the main draw and still feels fresh.
- Obata’s detailed, gothic art is a highlight on every page.
- Dense dialogue rewards careful reading; it is not a quick skim.
- The later arc is weaker for many readers, but the ending is satisfying.
What Is Death Note About?
Light Yagami is a brilliant, bored high school student who finds a black notebook dropped by Ryuk, a shinigami, or death god. The rules are simple: write a person’s name while picturing their face, and that person dies. Light decides to use the notebook to wipe out criminals and build a world under his own idea of justice.
The killings do not go unnoticed. The public names the unseen killer “Kira,” and a reclusive, eccentric detective known only as L takes the case. What follows is less a supernatural horror story than a chess match, with each side trying to identify the other first.
The Story: A Battle of Wits
Death Note works because both leads are smart, and the manga trusts readers to keep up. Plans run several moves deep. A single page might contain a plot, a counter-plot and a doubt about whether the counter-plot was anticipated.
The series also asks real questions. Is punishment justified if it reduces crime, or only if the guilty deserve it? Who has the authority to judge? Philosophers frame these as consequentialist and retributivist views of punishment, outlined in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy’s entry on legal punishment, which also stresses that punishment is imposed by a body claiming legitimate authority. Light claims that authority for himself, and the manga lets you watch how that goes.
Art and Atmosphere
Takeshi Obata, who had already drawn Hikaru no Go, gives Death Note a polished, gothic look. Ryuk’s spiky silhouette, Light’s sharp features and L’s hunched posture are instantly recognisable. Backgrounds are detailed, faces carry subtle shifts in expression, and the shadows do a great deal of the storytelling.
Because so much of the series is conversation, the art has a difficult job: keeping talking heads interesting. Obata solves it with dramatic angles, close-ups on eyes and hands, and the occasional full-page reveal that lands like a slammed door.
Characters
- Light Yagami: charming, ruthless and convinced he is right. Watching his self-image harden is one of the series’ best threads.
- L: sweets-obsessed, sits in odd positions, and is every bit Light’s match. Many readers’ favourite character.
- Ryuk: an amused observer who mostly wants entertainment, and apples.
- Misa Amane: a devoted Kira supporter whose arrival complicates Light’s plans.
- Soichiro Yagami: Light’s father, a police chief whose decency adds painful irony.
Strengths and Weaknesses
| Aspect | Our take |
|---|---|
| Premise | Excellent; simple rules, endless possibilities |
| First half | Near flawless, among the best suspense in manga |
| Second half | Clever but less gripping for many readers |
| Art | Outstanding and consistent throughout |
| Dialogue | Sharp but text-heavy; expect long pages |
| Ending | Fitting and memorable |
Spoiler warning: the later arc
Mild spoilers follow. Partway through, the story shifts to a new generation of investigators, and the dynamic changes. Some readers enjoy the new rivals; others feel the tension never quite matches the original duel. The rules of the notebook also grow more complicated, which can feel like the plot bending them to fit.
Tips for Reading Death Note
- Read slowly; plans are often explained in a single dense page.
- Keep the notebook’s rules in mind, because the plot depends on them.
- Watch faces closely, since Obata hides a lot of meaning in small expressions.
How It Compares to the Anime
The anime adaptation is widely praised and covers the full story, with a striking score and strong performances. Still, reading the manga on MyReadingManga gives you time to follow each scheme properly and to study Obata’s pages. Our guides in the Anime guides section explain how adaptations reshape a story when you want to compare the two.
Who Should Read Death Note?
Read it if you enjoy mysteries, morally grey leads and stories that run on ideas rather than fights. It is also a good choice for newcomers, since it is short, finished and grounded in a real-world setting; it would sit comfortably on any list of best manga for beginners. Readers who want lots of action may find it too talky.
If psychological stories are your thing, the psychological genre page is a good next stop, and our Fullmetal Alchemist manga review covers another finished classic with a very different tone. More verdicts live in the Reviews category.
Final Verdict
Death Note is still essential reading. Its central duel is as gripping as ever, its art is superb, and its moral questions are worth arguing about after you close the last volume. You can start Death Note from chapter one today, or explore the wider MyReadingManga manga library for your next read.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Death Note manga?
The main series runs to 12 volumes, which makes it a manageable read compared with long-running shounen titles. Many readers finish it in a week or two. The dialogue is dense, though, so set aside time to follow each plan properly rather than skimming through the pages too quickly.
Is Death Note suitable for younger readers?
Death Note deals with murder, manipulation and death, though it shows little graphic gore. It is generally better suited to older teens and adults who can handle dark themes and morally complex characters. Parents may want to read a volume first and decide based on their own household standards.
Should I read the Death Note manga or watch the anime?
Both are worth your time. The anime adds music and voice acting and is regarded as a strong adaptation. The manga lets you study each scheme at your own pace and enjoy the detailed art. If you have seen the anime, the manga still offers fresh detail on a second pass.
