Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
29(29%)
4 stars
32(32%)
3 stars
38(38%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
99 reviews
July 15,2025
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Death Note is a truly unique and engaging piece of work. It offers trashy good fun that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

The concept is completely enthralling, despite the fact that the writing and plotting can be borderline retarded at times. You can't put the book down, yet you're constantly aware of how dumb things play out or are set up. But that's what makes it so hilarious! Tsugumi Ohba is definitely an ideas man, but as a writer, he's mediocre at best, kind of like a manga Dan Brown.

The story follows Light Yagami, Japan's top high school student, who discovers a black notebook in the schoolyard. This notebook turns out to be a Death Note, a magical notebook for demons or shinigami. Light learns all about its properties from its owner, Ryuk, a death god.

Once Light realizes that he can kill anyone by writing their name in the notebook while visualizing their face, he decides to create a utopia free of criminals. But his actions soon attract the attention of the United Nations, who bring in L, the world's greatest detective, to track him down.

The conflict in this book is both nonsensical and enjoyable. You have to wonder why there is any conflict at all when Light has such a fool-proof murder weapon. And yet, he manages to get caught up in a web of suspicion and intrigue.

The Death Note itself has a gazillion rules that are introduced in a rather clumsy way. Every chapter seems to bring a new rule, which is often stated explicitly at the start of the chapter like a rulebook. And the arbitrary 40-second delay from writing the name to the death is just one of the many mysteries that add to the book's charm.

Tsugumi Ohba's writing is good enough to keep you reading, but it also has its flaws. The moral question posed in the book about Light killing killers is handled in a rather simplistic way. And some of the characters, like Light and L, are completely bizarre and border on being caricatures.

But despite all its flaws, Death Note is a great read. It's like watching a cheesy action movie and enjoying it for what it is. It's not a sophisticated adult comic, but it can definitely be enjoyed by adult readers who are looking for some mindless entertainment. It's the Con Air of comics – big, dumb, and great fun.
July 15,2025
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4.5
Buenísimo!



This is a simple yet powerful expression that conveys a sense of great satisfaction or excitement. It can be used in a variety of situations, such as when enjoying a delicious meal, having a wonderful experience, or simply expressing approval.


The word "Buenísimo" is a superlative form of "bueno," which means good in Spanish. By using this word, one can emphasize just how good something is. It adds an extra layer of enthusiasm and positivity to the statement.


Whether you're traveling in a Spanish-speaking country or simply want to add a touch of excitement to your conversations, using "Buenísimo!" is a great way to do so. It's a fun and easy way to express your emotions and connect with others. So go ahead and give it a try!

July 15,2025
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4.5 stars

This volume is just as strong, if not stronger than the anime.

I was truly surprised by the rapid escalation in this volume. Perhaps it's been an overly long time since I last watched the series, but Light's utilization of the Death Note and the overall plot progression were astonishingly fast! However, this wasn't a negative aspect at all. In fact, it definitely kept me completely hooked.

I sincerely hope that this momentum can be maintained throughout the remaining volumes. I've heard some rumors that some of the later volumes aren't as great, but I'm still hopeful.

I've always had a deep love for this series' exploration of the themes of good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, and the question of how far one can go in doing something bad for a seemingly good cause before crossing the line or losing one's humanity. It makes for a truly thought-provoking and engaging read.
July 15,2025
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Dear God,


I am truly grateful to you for blessing us with creative authors. They have the remarkable ability to pen the most unique and amazing stories that transport us to different worlds and make us experience a gamut of emotions.


For instance, take the author of Deathnote. This particular work is a masterpiece that has captured the hearts and minds of countless readers around the world. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats from start to finish.


The characters are well-developed and complex, making them relatable and engaging. The author's use of language and imagery is also top-notch, painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind.


In conclusion, I thank you again for these talented authors who bring so much joy and inspiration into our lives.


UMM YES
July 15,2025
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Death Note is a popular manga series that has captured the attention of many readers. Each volume in the series offers a unique and thrilling story.


Volume 2, "Confluence," received three out of five stars. It likely introduces new elements and developments that keep the readers engaged.


Volume 3, "Hard Run," on the other hand, was rated four out of five stars. This volume might have had more intense plot twists and character interactions that made it a favorite among some readers.


The ratings for the subsequent volumes vary, with some receiving three stars and others four stars. The series seems to have a mix of exciting moments and perhaps some that could have been improved.


It's important to note the trigger warnings associated with the series. These include sexual harassment, heart attack, murder (both on and off-page), gun violence, car accident (on-page), hostage situation (on-page), imprisonment mentioned, and bullying.


The representation in Death Note features a Japanese cast and setting, which adds to the authenticity and cultural context of the story.


Overall, Death Note is a series that offers a combination of action, mystery, and moral dilemmas. Whether you're a fan of manga or looking for a new series to explore, it's worth checking out.


For more reviews and information, you can visit the [Blog](https://typedtruth.wordpress.com/), the [Trigger Warning Database](https://triggerwarningdatabase.com/), or the [StoryGraph](https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/typedtruths).
July 15,2025
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It's quite amusing how I embarked on reading this book out of sheer boredom. I had a desire to explore the manga genre, so I hopped onto the internet in search of some excellent mangas. And that's when I stumbled upon this one. I had already heard a little about Death Note, courtesy of a few of my anime-obsessed friends. The anime series is incredibly popular, and even those who have never watched an anime before seem to be acting like anime experts just because they've seen this particular one. I, on the other hand, hadn't seen a single episode, so I made up my mind to start reading the manga first and then give the anime a shot. Plus, this manga series isn't as long as most other popular manga series that have been running for years (I'm looking at you, Bleach, One Piece, and Naruto).


This anime is classified under the Shonen sub-genre of mangas, which essentially means it's targeted at boys and men. I'm neither, but so what? I can read, and I will. And thus, I began Death Note Volume 1.


My initial problem was that I had no prior experience with manga. I didn't even know how to read one. I'm a complete manga newbie, and although I'm embarrassed to admit it, I have to mention that I actually did a Google search on "How to read a manga." That might just have been my lowest moment. Anyways, after a few pages, I got the hang of it, and it was a breeze from then on. Well, this manga might have just completely changed my perspective.


The story kicks off with a group of Shinigamis (Gods of Death) chatting and having a good time. One of them suddenly realizes that he has lost his Death Note in the human world. It ends up in the hands of Yagami Raito, a 17-year-old student who starts using the Death Note for what he believes is good, even though he doesn't initially believe in it. Shinigami Ryuuku pays him a visit, checks up on Raito's work with the Death Note, and then gives it to him to keep. This sets the stage for a battle between the two chosen ones in the human world.


As we all know, "With great power comes great responsibility." Raito has to face the consequences of his actions. Even though he only causes the death of people he deems "rotten," he still has to come to terms with the fact that he's dealing with real lives. Every life has a purpose, and he's aware of that. But he decides to rid the world of its filth by using the only means he knows - the Death Note.


The other main character in the story is L. Nobody knows who he is, what his real name is, or what he looks like. The only thing they know is that he's a private investigator who takes on the most mysterious cases that baffle Interpol and the ICPO. And he always serves justice. He challenges Raito on live television, vowing to catch him and make him pay for his evil deeds. Thus, the showdown between two individuals who don't know each other's identity begins. They both plot to find and kill the other, and the first one to be discovered... will die.


This manga had me on the edge of my seat multiple times. The Shinigami were terrifying, and Raito was both charming and menacing at times. It has all the elements to be an absolutely mind-blowing plot. I love the whole concept of the vigilante justice meted out by Raito. Ultimately, he's using his power for good, but the fact that he's decided to be the God of the world and think of something like that is scary in itself, isn't it? Having the power to decide whether a person lives or dies? That's quite a responsibility.


A question that comes to mind is: Is killing bad people a crime?


Note: The name Raito has been changed to Light in some English translations. Raito is the pronunciation of Light in Japanese. They are one and the same.
July 15,2025
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Death Note, or how it was translated in our country - The Notebook of Death is yet another manga that Darkwood started to publish. Learned from previous experience (Attack on Titan), I dived into the first part and came out of it very pleasantly surprised. These two mangas are completely different, so they should in no way be compared. It is absolutely worth reading both.

So, the main character of the Notebook of Death is a student who by chance finds a strange notebook that promises that anyone written in it will experience their absolute, irreversible end...

Interesting, isn't it? If you then add to all this that there is also one of the Japanese gods of death involved in the story, a secret agent whose identity and face no one knows, and a multitude of criminals who deserve their end, then you can imagine how much fun and interesting this is.

I can't wait for the continuation!
July 15,2025
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Nostalgia aside - almost half of the nation starts with this anime - Death Note is really powerful. Creating a typical teenage personality that appears so strong in the first volume and yet is still natural is a great feat on its own. The confidence to use organized, complex, and thought-out ideas to advance the story around a notebook with such an ordinary appearance in this very first volume gives me, the reader, the assurance that there is a plot with few holes and a satisfying one waiting for me.

Everything is simple yet complex, and this is just the first volume of the series.

*The rules of the notebook are so complex that even the owner of the notebook doesn't know them all, but they can be summed up in one sentence. Write the name and the owner dies. It's memorable, mysteriously charming, and of course, it leaves the door open for adding new things without harming the overall logic.

*Light Yagami's personality is multi-faceted and complex. He thinks rationally, is afraid of being caught. He wants to be known but doesn't want to be caught. He leaves obvious clues, confuses people, wants to be close enough to be caught but not so close that it hurts. All the details give depth to him, but still, all his actions can be summed up in one line. Light Yagami has lost his motivation and wants a world that is at its peak, a world that he has created.

*L in this volume is just a shadow of Light Yagami. L also has the desire to create the world he wants. And he needs to be recognized in an iconic way but at the same time hides himself. A more civilized, more moral but also more pretentious way. His background presence in this volume is a way to strengthen Light's presence and make his entry more impactful in the future.

But the character I'm interested in throughout the series is Ryuk. A character who enjoys the conflict between Light and L. He knows things that others don't and has fun with the ignorance of others. Probably the experience of the story as a reader - especially since I watched the anime - is the closest thing to the experience of Ryuk. And it's really enjoyable.
July 15,2025
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My friends were constantly pestering me to give reading manga a try.

I truly regret waiting for such a long time.

This year, it's my first encounter with it, and I absolutely adored it.

The concept is incredibly original. It's about a book that a god dropped, and if a name is written in it, that person will meet their demise.

The way it has already influenced our main character is truly fascinating.

From the very beginning, I found myself completely hooked.

I can't wait to explore more of this captivating manga world and see how the story unfolds further.

It has opened up a whole new realm of entertainment for me, and I'm excited to embark on this journey of discovery.

I'm sure there are many more amazing surprises and adventures waiting for me in the pages of this manga.
July 15,2025
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14/03/2022

This was an incredibly amazing volume!

Re-reading it after such a long time, and I'm truly in awe.

My initial thoughts remain the same, but I have an even deeper appreciation for the way we witness Light Yagami obtain the death note and the actions he takes with it. His deeds leave not only the God of death, Ryuk, stunned but also astound the readers. The way he executes criminals is both captivating and thought-provoking.

The introduction of L as his opponent, who is determined to uncover his identity, significantly ups the stakes and transforms the story into a thrilling detective-mystery with "Death" as its backdrop. The ideas presented here are truly on another level, and the art is simply outstanding. I particularly love the ending with the FBI agents, as Light's actions completely change the course of events. It's undoubtedly one of the best mangas out there.

This book is simply excellent. We follow the story of Licht Yagami, who acquires a book that enables him to kill others. He then embarks on a mission to eliminate those he deems as the scum of the earth. Along the way, he meets Ryuk, a shinigami, who enlightens him about the death note. As Licht continues to kill criminals, the police, Interpol, and ultimately L, Kira's true nemesis, become involved. The chase between them is intense, with both parties constantly trying to outwit each other.

This story delves into morality, detective work, and mystery, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. It's no wonder it earns a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. We witness Kira take out a fake L on live TV, which leads to the deduction that Kira is from Japan. He is then tailed, and he uses the death note in increasingly creative ways, impressing even Ryuk. The last chapter with Ray Pember sets the stage for an exciting continuation. Overall, this book is awesome, and the art enhances the reading experience even further. Licht's intelligence is truly remarkable.
July 15,2025
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My first toe dip into the world of Manga was truly an enjoyable experience, filled to the brim with surprises and a plethora of colourful characters.

Imagine this: What would you do if you suddenly had the power to kill anyone in the world simply by writing their name and picturing their face in a book? That's precisely the situation Light finds himself in when he stumbles upon the Deathnote. Before long, he finds himself being pursued by the police and the mysterious 'L' as he attempts to fulfill his dream of creating a utopia free of violence by eliminating the world's criminals.

The overarching theme here is a profound one: Does anyone have the right to take another's life, even if that life has been nothing but a source of evil? Choice, without a doubt, must always be a factor. Light is incredibly arrogant with his newfound power, and it goes straight to his head. He believes he can outwit the world's police forces and that he is smarter than everyone he encounters. To be honest, he's not a pleasant character at all. This came as a surprise because from the very beginning, I thought he was going to be the protagonist, the antihero. But he is anything but. In comparison, Ryuk, the shinigami who owns the Deathbook, is a great character. He's funny, often pretending to be melancholy about his life before coming to earth, and seems both interested and completely unconcerned about what Light is doing.

The plot is also extremely interesting. Far from being simple and straightforward, it is filled with numerous twists and surprises that further the story and make it truly exciting. I'm actually amazed that such a complex and engaging story can be told in such a relatively small number of words.

However, my only criticism is the lack of any significant female presence throughout this volume. We see Light's mother, sister, and a random girl who goes on a 'date' with him. But all of the main characters are men, and most of the secondary cast as well. A bit more female presence would have been most welcome and could have added another dimension to the story.
July 15,2025
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Oh my god!

This is truly so interesting. It is my very first time ever reading manga, and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed every single moment of it.

The story was incredibly unique, taking me on a journey that I had never experienced before. The plot twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to find out what would happen next.

And let's not forget about the characters! They were simply amazing. Each one had their own distinct personality and backstory, which made them feel so real and relatable.

I found myself rooting for the main character and feeling invested in their success.

I'm now so excited for volume 2. I can't wait to see what new adventures and challenges await the characters.

This has definitely sparked my interest in manga, and I'm looking forward to exploring more of this wonderful world.
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