Is Death Note Short Stories Worth Reading?

2026-03-22 13:43:34
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4 Answers

Brandon
Brandon
Book Scout Assistant
Death Note Short Stories is like finding a hidden drawer in your favorite old desk—it’s not essential, but oh, the treasures inside! I devoured it in one sitting, and while it doesn’t add much to the main 'Death Note' saga, the extra vignettes are a delight. The ‘C-Kira’ story, especially, feels like a twisted epilogue to Light’s legacy, with new characters grappling with the notebook’s curse. There’s even a bizarre comedy bit about a Death Note user trying to kill a celebrity by writing ‘heart attack’—only for the guy to survive because his stage name wasn’t his real name. It’s these weird, human moments that remind me why I love the series: the moral chaos is chef’s kiss.

That said, if you’re expecting another L vs. Light showdown, you’ll be disappointed. This is more like a dessert sampler—small, sweet, and best enjoyed after the main course. The art’s as sharp as ever, and some stories even sneak in fresh rules for the notebook, which lore junkies (like me) will geek out over. Just don’t go in hungry for a full meal; it’s a snack, but a damn tasty one.
2026-03-25 23:29:11
16
Helpful Reader Assistant
Look, I’ll level with you: if you’re not already a Death Note fanatic, this might not convert you. But for those of us who still argue about whether Light was a villain or an antihero at 3 AM, the Short Stories are a weird little time capsule. The ‘Taro Kagami’ story is my favorite—it’s about a guy who finds the notebook and immediately uses it to… become a slightly better employee? The mundanity is hilarious, and it low-key makes you wonder what you’d do with it (I’d probably write my landlord’s name in it, ngl). There’s also a bonus chapter showing L’s childhood, which is equal parts adorable and unsettling—like, of course he solved crimes as a toddler while stacking sugar cubes. It’s not deep, but it’s a love letter to fans who miss the series’ particular brand of psychological chess.
2026-03-26 18:57:06
19
Longtime Reader Editor
As a longtime fan who’s read the original manga twice and owns a suspiciously well-worn Ryuk plush, I’d say the Short Stories are worth it—but with caveats. The real gem here is the ‘A-Kira’ one-shot, which explores a kid using the Death Note in a way that feels eerily plausible (think: petty schoolyard revenge gone horrifically wrong). It’s chilling in a quieter way than the main series, almost like a 'Black Mirror' episode. The other stories? Some are forgettable fluff, like the ‘a-Kira’ gag comic, which is basically a four-panel meme. But even the weaker bits have that signature Death Note flavor: morally gray choices, razor-sharp dialogue, and Ryuk being a chaotic little gremlin in the background. If you’re craving more of that vibe, it’s a fun 30-minute read.
2026-03-27 17:17:06
6
Ashton
Ashton
Book Guide Cashier
The Short Stories are hit-or-miss, but the hits make it worthwhile. The ‘C-Kira’ arc alone justifies the purchase—it’s a chilling look at how the Death Note’s influence lingers years later, with a new protagonist who’s somehow more unhinged than Light. The comedy bits feel out of place, but even they have a dark edge (one story’s punchline is literally ‘and then everyone died’). If you’re nostalgic for Death Note’s vibe, it’s like revisiting an old friend—just don’t expect them to have changed much.
2026-03-27 22:05:20
19
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Related Questions

What happens to Light in Death Note Short Stories?

4 Answers2026-03-22 07:08:09
Ever since I finished 'Death Note', I couldn't help but wonder about those extra glimpses into Light's world through the short stories. The 'Death Note: Another Note' novel, for instance, dives into a prequel case solved by L, with Light lurking in the background as this ominous presence. It’s chilling to see how his brilliance and arrogance are hinted at even before he picks up the Death Note. The 'Los Angeles BB Murder Cases' spin-off also subtly ties into his legacy, showing how his ideology lingers even when he’s not directly involved. Then there’s the one-shot chapter set years after the original series, where a new Shinigami drops a Death Note into the human world again. Light’s influence is like a ghost haunting the narrative—characters debate his methods, and you see how his reign as Kira still polarizes people. It’s fascinating how these stories explore the ripple effects of his actions without him even being alive. Makes you think about how ideologies outlive their creators, for better or worse.

Does Death Note Short Stories reveal the Death Note's origin?

4 Answers2026-03-22 19:33:10
The 'Death Note Short Stories' collection is such a fascinating dive back into the twisted world of Ryuk and the notebook’s chaos. While it doesn’t outright spill the beans on the Death Note’s origin, it does sprinkle some juicy lore hints. Like, we get glimpses of how other Shinigami use their notebooks differently, which kinda makes you wonder about the rules and history behind them. One story even teases a bit about the Shinigami King, who’s supposedly the big boss behind the Death Notes. It’s not a full-blown origin story, but it adds layers to the mythology. If you’re hoping for a straight-up explanation, you might be disappointed, but for lore hunters like me, these crumbs are delicious. The way it dances around the mystery actually makes the Death Note feel even more enigmatic—and I love that.

Is death note: another note worth reading before the anime?

3 Answers2026-07-08 22:51:58
I finished the original manga ages ago and only got around to 'Another Note: The Los Angeles BB Murder Cases' last year. It's a prequel focusing on L's early investigation, written by Nisio Isin. Honestly, you don't need it for the anime. The anime stands alone perfectly. But if you're deeply into L's character and his methodology, it's a fun little dive. It reads like a detective novella from a FBI agent's perspective. The prose is very different from the manga's visuals, which is either a nice change or a bit dry depending on your taste. I found the murder case itself clever, but the real draw is seeing L's mind work before Light enters the picture. It adds a bit of texture, but no crucial plot points. Skip it unless you're a completionist or just really craving more from that universe.
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