REVIEW: ‘Death Note Short Stories’

Death Note is iconic. Written by Tsugumi Ohba, with art by Takeshi Obata, Death Note is a series that has keeps giving to its fans since its completion in 2006. With Death Note Short Stories, readers get to read previously published one-shots in one volume. This anthology of sorts includes “C-Kira,” “a-Kira,” the Death Note pilot chapter, vignettes of L’s life, and more including 4-panel comics.

Death Note Short Stories is written by Ohba, features art from Obata, and is published and localized in English by VIZ Media. “Death Note Four-Panel Comics” and “Taro Kagami” (which were featured in Death Note 13: How to Read) are translated by Akira Shiwawa and features letters by Gia Cam Luc. Additionally, all other content in the volume is translated by Stephen Paul and features lettering and touch-up art from James Gaubatz.

The appeal of Death Note Short Stories is that it is a complete collection of short stories penned by the series’ creators that add a lot to the world of the original manga. With it, Ohba explored the lives irrevocably changed by the sinister influence of the Death Note, all while showcasing the unwavering influence that Light Yagami’s Kira had on the world.

Equally parts thrilling and just plain fun to read, Death Note Short Stories does two things. First, it adds more to Light Yagami’s story by showcasing the way his time as Kira reverberates both through the human world and with Ryuk. Second, it builds out new and old characters in a way that shows that the Death Note and its existence will last long after Light, even if no one will live up to Kira.

In “C-Kira,” readers get to explore what a new Kira has at hand, killing all those over 60 in Japan, and seeking recognition in the process. But while we get to see how the myth of Kira still moves through Japan, the larger element of “C-Kira” is that we get more information on Near and L.

As for “a-Kira,” we get the chance to explore Death Note in a contemporary setting. We get to see world leaders bid to own the Death Note, Ryuk back another human, and also understand that only tragedy comes for those who own the notebook.

In addition to the well-done and connected one-shots, we also get small comics that add humor to the volume. That said, it isn’t something to read if you have no prior exposure to the manga or anime. This isn’t a bad thing, it just means that there is a specific target audience.

All in all, this balance between small comics and full stories works expertly well. Death Note Short Stories is a must-read for every Death Note fan. It’s a great addition to the world of the series and reminds me why this series was and is one of my favorite of all time.

Death Note Short Stories is available wherever books are sold both physically and digitally May 10, 2022.