Death Note manga stands as one of the most legendary works in the history of Japanese comics. Written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, the series first appeared in Weekly Shonen Jump in December 2003.
Its gripping story of morality, power, and justice quickly made it a global phenomenon. The main storyline spans 12 volumes, following the cat-and-mouse conflict between Light Yagami, a genius high schooler who gains a deadly notebook, and L, the eccentric detective determined to stop him.
Beyond those core volumes, additional stories and side projects expand the world of Death Note in fascinating ways that many casual readers might overlook. For collectors, knowing every edition and spin-off ensures a complete view of the franchise, whether you’re building a shelf for display or revisiting the series in its finest formats.
Beyond the Main Saga: Death Note’s world expands with several companion works. These stories shed new light on familiar characters and settings, offering fresh experiences for longtime fans. While not all are essential to the main plot, they hold strong value for collectors and lore enthusiasts alike.
8. L: Change the World
This light novel adaptation serves as a spin-off to the live-action Death Note films rather than the manga. The story follows L during his final 23 days of life, as he takes on a new case involving a deadly virus. Written by M, it offers a more human look at L’s character, diverging from his portrayal in the original manga. While not canonical, it has strong collector appeal for those interested in the broader Death Note franchise.
7. Death Note Short Stories
This 2021 collection compiles various one-shots published after the original series ended. Highlights include the “A-Kira Story,” where the Death Note reappears in modern Japan, with an infamous U.S. President Donald Trump cameo. The book also gathers smaller gag comics and sketches, giving readers a glimpse of Obata and Ohba’s playful side. It’s published by Viz Media in English, making it widely accessible.
5. Death Note Another Note: The Los Angeles BB Murder Cases
This prose novel, written by Nisio Isin with illustrations by Takeshi Obata, acts as a prequel to the manga. It follows Naomi Misora, an FBI agent, as she assists L in solving the gruesome BB murder case in Los Angeles. The novel expands L’s backstory and showcases his investigative brilliance outside the main conflict with Kira. For collectors, it represents a rare fusion of manga and crime fiction.
The Main 12 Series: The heart of Death Note lies in its original 12-volume series. The story begins with Light Yagami discovering the Death Note, a notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it, and his subsequent mission to rid the world of criminals under the alias “Kira.” His path collides with L, a mysterious detective whose intellect rivals Light’s, leading to one of the most iconic duels of wit in manga history.
After the main saga, Death Note 13: How to Read was released, serving as a guidebook with character profiles, creator interviews, and exclusive insights into the series. Here are the most notable releases of the original manga:
4. Death Note All-in-One Edition
This ambitious edition collects the entire story into a single, massive book of over 2,400 pages. Released by Viz Media in English, it mirrors the Japanese original and includes the bonus chapter “C-Kira Story.” While the size makes it slightly impractical for reading, it’s a novelty item prized by collectors for its sheer scale.
3. Death Note Black Edition
The Black Edition condenses the series into six oversized volumes, each combining two books. Published by Viz Media, these editions feature striking black covers with silver lettering and include unique color pages at the beginning of each volume. Collectors appreciate them for their sleek design and durability, making them a stylish way to own the complete story.
2. Death Note The Complete Manga Box Set
Published by Viz Media, this set compiles all 12 main volumes plus Volume 13 in one collection. It comes in a sturdy storage box with a handle, making it ideal for both reading and display. The set also includes a bonus “How to Use It” booklet, offering collectors an extra layer of authenticity. For fans who want everything in one package, this remains the most practical choice.
1. Death Note Storage Box Manga (Japanese)
This Japanese-exclusive release by Shueisha features all 12 volumes housed in a premium storage case. Unlike most international editions, this box is highly collectible due to its limited distribution. The packaging emphasizes minimalist design, appealing to purists who want the original Japanese prints. It’s especially sought after in secondhand markets.
For fans and collectors alike, the Death Note manga universe offers far more than just the 12 main volumes. From lavish box sets to additional stories that expand the lore, each release has its own appeal depending on whether you prioritize practicality, design, or depth of content. Owning a complete collection ensures not only a full reading experience but also a showcase of one of the most influential manga series ever created.
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