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Death Note

In a world where crime runs rampant, one notebook changes everything. Write a name. Seal a fate.

110.5Total Chapters
12Volumes
2003First Published
#1Psychological Thriller
Death Note Art

A Dark Tale of Intelligence, Morality & Power

Death Note (デスノート) is a legendary Japanese manga created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. The story follows Light Yagami, a brilliant but disillusioned student who discovers a mysterious notebook that allows him to kill anyone simply by writing their name.

The moment Light writes a criminal’s name into the Death Note, a new era begins — one drenched in blood, intellect, and the question of what justice truly means. He adopts the identity of “Kira,” a god-like figure the public both worships and fears.

What begins as an attempt to create a better world quickly evolves into a psychological war between Light and the genius detective L, as both push their minds to the absolute limit. Every chapter is a battle of wits, every page a gamble with fate.

Known for its sharp storytelling, philosophical themes, and unmatched tension, Death Note remains one of the most iconic and influential thriller manga ever created.

Death Note — Official Trailer

Meet the Key Characters

Light Yagami
Light Yagami
Main Protagonist / Antagonist

A top student who discovers the Death Note and uses it to eliminate criminals, gradually losing himself in a terrifying god-complex as “Kira.”

L Lawliet
L (L Lawliet)
World’s Greatest Detective

A reclusive genius who takes on the Kira case. Quirky, barefoot, and razor-sharp — the only mind that can rival Light’s in this deadly game of chess.

Misa Amane
Misa Amane
Second Kira

A famous model who gains a Death Note of her own. Her shinigami eyes and obsessive love for Light make her both his greatest asset and liability.

Death Note Best Scene

110+ Chapters of Pure Psychological Suspense

Every page is a trap. Every chapter is a gamble. This is not just a manga — it is a masterclass in storytelling.

Begin the Journey

What Makes Death Note Legendary

Unmatched Mind Games

Every chapter is a battle of intellect between Light and L — two geniuses outthinking each other with every move. The suspense never lets up.

Morally Grey Story

Is Light a hero or a villain? Death Note forces you to confront uncomfortable questions about justice, power, and what it means to play God.

Iconic Visuals

Takeshi Obata’s artwork is cinematic — sharp, dramatic, and deeply expressive. Every panel is composed like a film still.

Explosive Pacing

Death Note never slows down. Twists pile on twists, revelations follow shocks — you’ll finish chapters wondering how you ended up here.

Unforgettable Cast

From L’s eccentric brilliance to Misa’s dangerous devotion — every character leaves a mark. No one is simple. No one is safe.

Globally Acclaimed

Over 30 million copies sold worldwide, adapted into anime, films, and TV series. Death Note is not just manga — it is cultural history.

The Journey of Death Note

Arc 01 — Ch. 1–58
The L Arc — Kira vs. the World’s Greatest Detective

Light discovers the Death Note and begins his crusade as Kira. The world’s greatest detective L enters the scene, sparking a legendary battle of minds. Trust, deception, and manipulation define every chapter as both geniuses inch closer to unmasking each other.

Arc 02 — Ch. 59–99
The Near & Mello Arc — New Detectives Rise

With L gone, two of his successors — the cold genius Near and the reckless Mello — each pursue Kira in their own way. The stakes are higher than ever as Light tightens his grip on the world, and the walls slowly begin to close in.

Arc 03 — Ch. 100–110.5
The Final Confrontation — Light vs. Near

The endgame. Near orchestrates the ultimate trap as every thread of the story converges. Allies become enemies, certainties collapse, and the final pages of Death Note deliver one of manga’s most unforgettable endings.

All Chapters — 1 to 110.5

Frequently Asked Questions

How many chapters does Death Note have?
Death Note has a total of 110 main chapters plus one bonus chapter — Chapter 110.5 — making it 110.5 chapters in total. The series was serialised in Weekly Shōnen Jump from December 2003 to May 2006.
Who wrote and illustrated Death Note?
Death Note was written by Tsugumi Ohba, a pseudonymous author known for crafting psychological stories with deep moral complexity. The artwork was created by Takeshi Obata, who is also famous for illustrating Hikaru no Go and Bakuman.
Is Death Note suitable for all ages?
Death Note deals with mature themes including death, morality, psychological manipulation, and power. It is generally recommended for readers aged 13 and above, though parental guidance is advised for younger readers due to its dark themes.
Does the Death Note anime follow the manga?
Yes, the Death Note anime (2006–2007, 37 episodes) closely follows the manga storyline. Most fans consider the manga and anime to be equally excellent, though the manga offers slightly more detail in certain arcs.
Where can I read Death Note for free?
You can read all 110.5 chapters of Death Note right here on Manga Hive — completely free. Simply click any chapter from the list above to start reading instantly, with no account required.

Creators Behind Death Note

Tsugumi Ohba
Writer / Story Creator
Tokyo, Japan

A mysterious author who writes under a pen name. Ohba is celebrated for weaving intricate psychological plots filled with moral dilemmas and high-stakes mind games.

Takeshi Obata
Illustrator / Character Designer
Niigata, Japan

A legendary manga artist whose sharp, cinematic style defines the visual identity of Death Note. His expressive character designs are among the finest in the medium.

Shueisha
Publisher
Chiyoda City, Tokyo

Published in Weekly Shōnen Jump under Shueisha — Japan’s most prestigious manga publishing house, home to Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece.

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