Product Description

Light Yagami is an ace student with great prospects - and he's bored out of his mind. But all that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by a rogue Shinigami death god. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and now Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. But when criminals begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective L to track down the killer. With L hot on his heels, will Light lose sight of his noble goal...or his life? Light tests the boundaries of the Death Note's powers as L and the police begin to close in. Luckily Light's father is the head of the Japanese National Police Agency and leaves vital information about the case lying around the house. With access to his father's files, Light can keep one step ahead of the authorities. But who is the strange man following him, and how can Light guard against enemies whose names he doesn't know?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2139 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 200 pages

Customer Reviews

Smarter than the average manga
Do not be decieved! Although this manga is published by Shounen Jump is is a far cry from the likes of 'Dragonball' and 'One Piece'!

'Death Note' is the story of Raito (or Light as he is known in some translations) who discovers a shinigami's notebook called a death note. Any person who has their name written in this notebook will die instantly so Raito takes it upon himself to bring justice to the world and soon finds himself trying to stay one step ahead of 'L', the private detective who is intent on capturing him.

The plot of 'Death Note' is incredible. Although the series does start to get a little dull after about the first seventy chapters, the original twists as Raito and L try to outwit each other are amazing. On top of this, there are some brilliant quirky characters - from L who cannot concentrait half as well if he is not sitting on his haunches, to Ryuuku (sometimes Ryuuk) the shinigami who is addicted to red apples.

Any fan of manga who is looking for something darker and more original should look into this series. It is well worth your time.

This will steal your soul!
Death Note starts on a simple principle, Light Yagami, perfect student, finds the power to control death, but soon becomes a complex story as different plot elements and character motives intertwine; suspicious as to the sudden outbreak of deaths, the world's top detective, known simply as "L" is hired to investigate the case. L's presence becomes a constant source of antagonism to Light (now under the alias of Kira) as he tries to maintain his plans of making the world a better place while avoiding suspicion from those around him. As the series branches out, more and more characters are introduced to keep Light on his toes in his quest to create the perfect Utopia; the fun part of this is that, all the while Light Yagami is kept on his toes, so too are we as readers - the series has a great ability to draw you in and not let go.

Other elements that I personally enjoy are the supernatural tones of the story and the way that it can, even through the dark issues contained, rouse humour; it's hard not to laugh at the black humour contained when Light's sister vents her hate for Kira, while Light himself cooly agrees. The art itself is also amazing, every single chapter is drawn beautifully.

When I finished the first volume, I was suspicious as to how Death Note would be able to sustain itself over so many different chapters, now that I have just finished the sixth volume, I can, so far, say that it has not failed to deliver. Out of those that I have read so far, I would say that number IV is my favourite, though I would class every volume I have read as essential reading for the manga fan.

I am eagerly awaiting the delivery of the seventh and eighth volumes as I type this! I was introduced to the series by a friend who has since got another two friends hooked - it really is a great series to get into; get yourself hooked!

Brilliant!
I'm relatively new to the world of Manga, and I was recommended this by three unrelated, separate friends, one of whom was with me whilst I purchased it, egging me on. I was not disappointed, despite how much they hyped it. Death Note starts out with the main concept of the overall plot in the first few pages, and quickly sends you into a very deep, dark story filled with mysteries and omen. Heavy character development occurs quickly, but is carried out very well in such short time periods, and the odd hint of humour is sprinked onto the story now and then. Wonderful. Really leaves you wanting more.

Apart from that, the art is fantastic, too. Consistent style throughout and it really sets the scene.

I seriously recommend this to anyone new to Manga looking for a good introduction as well as hardened veterans, or anyone looking for a dark read. As I type, volumes 2 and 3 are being processed for delivery to my home. I can barely stand the anticipation.