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Death Note One-Shots and Specials #1
Death Note One-Shot Special
The Death Note One-Shot Special was serialized in a 2008 volume of Weekly Jump, and explains what happens in the series three years after the Kira case is resolved.
46 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2008
22 people are currently reading
1063 people want to read
About the author
Tsugumi Ohba
364 books2,812 followersTsugumi Ōba (Profile in Japanese: 大場 つぐみ), born in Tokyo, Japan, is a writer best known for the manga Death Note. His/her real identity is a closely guarded secret. As stated by the profile placed at the beginning of each Death Note manga, Ōba collects teacups and develops manga plots while holding his knees on a chair, similar to a habit of L, one of the main characters of the series.
There is speculation that Tsugumi Ōba is a pen name and that he is really Hiroshi Gamō. Pointing out that in Bakuman the main character's uncle was a one-hit wonder manga artist who worked on a gag super hero manga, very similar to Gamō and Tottemo! Luckyman in all aspects. Also that the storyboards drawn by Ōba greatly resemble Tottemo! Luckyman in style.
There is speculation that Tsugumi Ōba is a pen name and that he is really Hiroshi Gamō. Pointing out that in Bakuman the main character's uncle was a one-hit wonder manga artist who worked on a gag super hero manga, very similar to Gamō and Tottemo! Luckyman in all aspects. Also that the storyboards drawn by Ōba greatly resemble Tottemo! Luckyman in style.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 8, 2020
Qué maravilla de epílogo
October 20, 2015
This had the potential to be really interesting and good however the ending was really abrupt which ruined it a bit for me.
February 12, 2020
Para mí, sin reproches
Aparte, leyendo esto me doy cuenta de que esta historia tan poco visual no pega nada en un cómic, la novela le sentaría mejor. Lo han hecho así porque los autores son mangakas, pero...
Ahora valoro mucho más el trabajo de adaptación al anime, que con los juegos de colores, la música y demás quedó 👌
Aparte, leyendo esto me doy cuenta de que esta historia tan poco visual no pega nada en un cómic, la novela le sentaría mejor. Lo han hecho así porque los autores son mangakas, pero...
Ahora valoro mucho más el trabajo de adaptación al anime, que con los juegos de colores, la música y demás quedó 👌
March 10, 2020
A nice, short return to the world of Death Note. 🥰
February 11, 2020
Bru-tal. Cumplió mis expectativas.
Ohba, te como los huevos. Qué pedazo de idea y qué bien llevada hasta el final.
Obata, increíble el pedazo de dibujo (en su impresionante línea). Pero además de adaptar su estilo actual (Platinum End) al que tenía cuando terminó Death Note, he identificado trazas de Bakuman, sobre todo en las expresiones más cómicas. Me parece remarcable la habilidad de este dibujante. Podrías leerlo justo después de terminar Death Note y prácticamente no notarías diferencia en el dibujo, a pesar de haber pasado casi 15 años.
Ohba, te como los huevos. Qué pedazo de idea y qué bien llevada hasta el final.
Obata, increíble el pedazo de dibujo (en su impresionante línea). Pero además de adaptar su estilo actual (Platinum End) al que tenía cuando terminó Death Note, he identificado trazas de Bakuman, sobre todo en las expresiones más cómicas. Me parece remarcable la habilidad de este dibujante. Podrías leerlo justo después de terminar Death Note y prácticamente no notarías diferencia en el dibujo, a pesar de haber pasado casi 15 años.
October 7, 2022
Really loved getting to see Near again (An underrated character who does not at all deserve the hate he gets). The ending was very abrupt here, but I still had fun being in this narrative again. I don't care how brief it is.
March 24, 2020
This one-shot was first published in Weekly Shonen Jump (No. 11, 2008) to advertise for the film L: Change the WorLd, which came up in the same month. This one-shot was later translated and published for the first time in English in
Death Note All-in-One Edition
.
While I love Death Note, I was not willing to shell out money to purchase Death Note All-in-One Edition for essentially one issue. So, I went to the nearest bookstore where it said held the book online and picked-up the book and ferret away in a corner just to read the one-shot. I was relieved to see that the spine was already broken and when I opened the book at that point it opened to the one-shot, which meant I wasn't the first person who thought to do this, which makes me feel much better.
The one-shot takes place three years after the Kira case was resolved and two years after the last chapter of Death Note. Near is shown as the new L – the third chronologically. A new Kira emerges in Japan using the power of a Death Note. This new Kira murders elderly people in Japan to relieve them of their suffering and pain. Near contemplates what to do – more specifically what would his mentor L do, while the killings were happening.
In the end, Near remembers a time when L told those at Wammy's House that he solves difficult cases not because of justice, but because he likes solving puzzles and if a case doesn't interest him he would not even look at it. Likewise, this case with this new Kira didn't particularly interest Near, he doesn't know who this Kira is, but he knows how he kills and how to capture him, which makes this case uninteresting to him.
However, he hijacks the Japanese airwaves to tell the people that this new Kira is not the original Kira, but a poor imitation of him. Near also points out that like the original Kira, this Kira was using the same weapon as the original Kira to do his killing. Finally, Near states that he wasn't interested in the case. The Japanese Task Force is more than equip to handle this case without his interference. However, before he logs off, he tells this Kira one thing: that he was an abominable murderer. Three days later this unnamed Kira writes his name in the Death Note.
While this one-shot synopsises the entire Death Note series in the first couple of pages, it is best to read this one-shot after finishing the series to get the full effect of who these characters are. For the most part it was written rather well – it suffers from lengthy expositions, as the rest of the series, but it was good to see where these characters end up since the last we met them.
Touta Matsuda is an interesting character in this one-shot – he is the only one who believes that these Death Notes are not inherently evil, but how they are used. He believes that killing certain people is alright if it benefited society. I'm not sure if this is his own convictions or that he admired Light Yagami so much as compared for his nearly all-consuming hatred for Near.
All in all, Death Note One-Shot Special is somewhat written well. The ending was a tad abrupt, low on action and a tad verbose, but that par for the course for Death Note. It was good to see all the surviving characters and to see what they are doing and how they fair. However, this one-shot special was mostly superfluous, but an interesting read nevertheless.
While I love Death Note, I was not willing to shell out money to purchase Death Note All-in-One Edition for essentially one issue. So, I went to the nearest bookstore where it said held the book online and picked-up the book and ferret away in a corner just to read the one-shot. I was relieved to see that the spine was already broken and when I opened the book at that point it opened to the one-shot, which meant I wasn't the first person who thought to do this, which makes me feel much better.
The one-shot takes place three years after the Kira case was resolved and two years after the last chapter of Death Note. Near is shown as the new L – the third chronologically. A new Kira emerges in Japan using the power of a Death Note. This new Kira murders elderly people in Japan to relieve them of their suffering and pain. Near contemplates what to do – more specifically what would his mentor L do, while the killings were happening.
In the end, Near remembers a time when L told those at Wammy's House that he solves difficult cases not because of justice, but because he likes solving puzzles and if a case doesn't interest him he would not even look at it. Likewise, this case with this new Kira didn't particularly interest Near, he doesn't know who this Kira is, but he knows how he kills and how to capture him, which makes this case uninteresting to him.
However, he hijacks the Japanese airwaves to tell the people that this new Kira is not the original Kira, but a poor imitation of him. Near also points out that like the original Kira, this Kira was using the same weapon as the original Kira to do his killing. Finally, Near states that he wasn't interested in the case. The Japanese Task Force is more than equip to handle this case without his interference. However, before he logs off, he tells this Kira one thing: that he was an abominable murderer. Three days later this unnamed Kira writes his name in the Death Note.
While this one-shot synopsises the entire Death Note series in the first couple of pages, it is best to read this one-shot after finishing the series to get the full effect of who these characters are. For the most part it was written rather well – it suffers from lengthy expositions, as the rest of the series, but it was good to see where these characters end up since the last we met them.
Touta Matsuda is an interesting character in this one-shot – he is the only one who believes that these Death Notes are not inherently evil, but how they are used. He believes that killing certain people is alright if it benefited society. I'm not sure if this is his own convictions or that he admired Light Yagami so much as compared for his nearly all-consuming hatred for Near.
All in all, Death Note One-Shot Special is somewhat written well. The ending was a tad abrupt, low on action and a tad verbose, but that par for the course for Death Note. It was good to see all the surviving characters and to see what they are doing and how they fair. However, this one-shot special was mostly superfluous, but an interesting read nevertheless.
July 21, 2018
This one is a great fan fiction. Really ❣
February 4, 2020
Too short to be worthwhile and lacking all the things that made Death Note great. Felt like fan service rather than adding anything new to the Death Note universe.
March 4, 2025
Started out with lots of potential but ended up pretty underwhelming. I’m not saying it’s unrealistic, but it doesn’t make for a great story.
December 4, 2021
2 ☆
Estoy un poco decepcionado, me gustó pero no me termina de convencer. Siento que hay un par de huecos que no deberían estar, pero después todo bien.
Algo que me gustó fue lo que se mostró de Light: "Lo que en verdad necesita una persona que usa la Death Note es una gran voluntad y convicción."
A pesar de que hubieron varios "Kira" y fueron buenos, dentro de todo, no hubo ninguno que sea como Light, nadie podría haberlo hecho como él.
Otra cosa que me gustó fue que se mostró un poco como pensaba L, a través de Near claro, pero si no mintió sus palabras fueron: "Yo no hago esto por un sentimiento de justicia, yo resuelvo casos difíciles porque es mi hobby. Según los principios de las leyes modernas, yo también soy un malvado que ha cometido muchos crímenes. Estoy seguro que vosotros disfrutáis resolviendo novelas de misterio o videojuegos rápidamente, yo disfruto de esto, esto es una extensión de los juegos, un simple hobby. Por eso yo solo me meto en casos personalmente interesantes. Esto no es por "justicia", además, no pararé de resolverlos porque soy una persona caprichosa que odia perder."
Estoy un poco decepcionado, me gustó pero no me termina de convencer. Siento que hay un par de huecos que no deberían estar, pero después todo bien.
Algo que me gustó fue lo que se mostró de Light: "Lo que en verdad necesita una persona que usa la Death Note es una gran voluntad y convicción."
A pesar de que hubieron varios "Kira" y fueron buenos, dentro de todo, no hubo ninguno que sea como Light, nadie podría haberlo hecho como él.
Otra cosa que me gustó fue que se mostró un poco como pensaba L, a través de Near claro, pero si no mintió sus palabras fueron: "Yo no hago esto por un sentimiento de justicia, yo resuelvo casos difíciles porque es mi hobby. Según los principios de las leyes modernas, yo también soy un malvado que ha cometido muchos crímenes. Estoy seguro que vosotros disfrutáis resolviendo novelas de misterio o videojuegos rápidamente, yo disfruto de esto, esto es una extensión de los juegos, un simple hobby. Por eso yo solo me meto en casos personalmente interesantes. Esto no es por "justicia", además, no pararé de resolverlos porque soy una persona caprichosa que odia perder."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2022
me gustó mucho este epílogo, muestra a near ya solidificado en su posición como L y también que realmente jamás habrá otro kira como light
February 9, 2020
Eh, I'm not sure what the point of this was. I liked seeing all of the old characters again, but nothing else really caught my interest in this story.
A feel like maybe there is some sort of cultural disconnect with C-Kira's motivation. It just doesn't make sense to me. Is there an epidemic of ill elders in Japan? Do they not have palliative care? How is that a problem for the young. Are collectivistic family norms demanding that they spend all their time caring for sick elders who want to die? Are the old taking up all of Japan's equivalent of social security? It's not a dilemma I find to be interesting.
And the new stuff about L isn't particularly compelling either. We learn that L wouldn't take on a case if he doesn't find it compelling. But that could easily be inferred from the main story. It is interesting to see how Near goes about trying to fill L's shoes. But not much comes of that.
I will say that I got a kick out of how the ending subverts expectations. C-Kira feels like a metatextual commentary on any potential Death Note sequel. Like, a new killer that would come up in a hypothetical Death Note 2 would just be a cheap Kira knockoff who isn't worth taking seriously. He would inevitably be a cheap knockoff. So it's fitting that Near doesn't even consider him worthy of our time and talks him into killing himself. It's an interesting way to defy expectations, rather than just giving us a weak retread.
A feel like maybe there is some sort of cultural disconnect with C-Kira's motivation. It just doesn't make sense to me. Is there an epidemic of ill elders in Japan? Do they not have palliative care? How is that a problem for the young. Are collectivistic family norms demanding that they spend all their time caring for sick elders who want to die? Are the old taking up all of Japan's equivalent of social security? It's not a dilemma I find to be interesting.
And the new stuff about L isn't particularly compelling either. We learn that L wouldn't take on a case if he doesn't find it compelling. But that could easily be inferred from the main story. It is interesting to see how Near goes about trying to fill L's shoes. But not much comes of that.
I will say that I got a kick out of how the ending subverts expectations. C-Kira feels like a metatextual commentary on any potential Death Note sequel. Like, a new killer that would come up in a hypothetical Death Note 2 would just be a cheap Kira knockoff who isn't worth taking seriously. He would inevitably be a cheap knockoff. So it's fitting that Near doesn't even consider him worthy of our time and talks him into killing himself. It's an interesting way to defy expectations, rather than just giving us a weak retread.
April 8, 2023
The Death Note One-Shot Special is a gripping and exciting read that provides a satisfying conclusion to the original series. Taking place three years after the Kira case is resolved, this one-shot special brings back all the beloved characters and explores the aftermath of the series in a way that feels true to the original story.
What impressed me the most about this one-shot was how well it was written. The pacing was perfect, the dialogue was sharp, and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. It was clear that the author had put a lot of thought and effort into crafting a story that would do justice to the series and its characters.
As a long-time fan of the series, I was thrilled to see all my favorite characters return, and I was even more impressed by the new characters that were introduced. The way the story built on the original series while still bringing fresh ideas to the table was truly impressive.
Overall, I highly recommend the Death Note One-Shot Special to any fan of the original series. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to see what happens to Light, L, and the rest of the gang after the Kira case is resolved. This one-shot special is a testament to the author's skill as a writer and his dedication to creating a truly unforgettable story. 5 stars!
What impressed me the most about this one-shot was how well it was written. The pacing was perfect, the dialogue was sharp, and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. It was clear that the author had put a lot of thought and effort into crafting a story that would do justice to the series and its characters.
As a long-time fan of the series, I was thrilled to see all my favorite characters return, and I was even more impressed by the new characters that were introduced. The way the story built on the original series while still bringing fresh ideas to the table was truly impressive.
Overall, I highly recommend the Death Note One-Shot Special to any fan of the original series. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to see what happens to Light, L, and the rest of the gang after the Kira case is resolved. This one-shot special is a testament to the author's skill as a writer and his dedication to creating a truly unforgettable story. 5 stars!
December 4, 2017
I finished the Death Note anime recently and while it's not my favourite anime ever, I did enjoy it. I decided not to read the manga because, as far as I know, the anime covered everything (it just had a few changed/deleted scenes and, well... that's the case with every single adaptation. So I don't mind).
However, when I found out about a "special" chapter set 3 years after the main events of the story, I decided to read it.
And, well...
...
it's very shitty and unnecessary. Basically, there's a new Kira around (whom we never find out who they are) and Near (I REFUSE TO CALL HIM "L", HE IS NOT L) has to decide what to do with him. The police department also discovers this and...
They do nothing.
Near does nothing (he "contacts" the new Kira through Sakura TV but he doesn't. do. anything. he's just like "well... you do whatever you want.")
And the story ends with
So, basically...
- all the characters I liked in Death Note are dead
- I hate Near
- Nothing happens in this story
I shouldn't even have read this lol
However, when I found out about a "special" chapter set 3 years after the main events of the story, I decided to read it.
And, well...
...
it's very shitty and unnecessary. Basically, there's a new Kira around (whom we never find out who they are) and Near (I REFUSE TO CALL HIM "L", HE IS NOT L) has to decide what to do with him. The police department also discovers this and...
They do nothing.
Near does nothing (he "contacts" the new Kira through Sakura TV but he doesn't. do. anything. he's just like "well... you do whatever you want.")
And the story ends with
So, basically...
- all the characters I liked in Death Note are dead
- I hate Near
- Nothing happens in this story
I shouldn't even have read this lol
May 24, 2019
This was such weird read. The idea was really good but then when things started to pick up... it suddendly ended. I laughed then I was like WHAT HOW CAN IT END LIKE THIS.
Firstly, the writing was kinda off to be honest. Based on the original series, I haven't imagined Near talking like that. Everyone seemed off, except Matsuda and Ryuk, probably. Secondly, the art style! What happened to the beautiful art style we've seen in the original series? Near got drawn the best between them all. Still felt odd from the original tho. I feel like this was both drawn & written in a rush just to please Death Note fans but I bet they weren't pleased with it. ( Am I harsh ? *laughs nervously*)
Anyway, I've heard another one shot is coming up this year. I hope they'll put some effort into it this time because I'm actually excited (especially after hearing some interesting -rumors - theories about it). *fingers crossed*
Firstly, the writing was kinda off to be honest. Based on the original series, I haven't imagined Near talking like that. Everyone seemed off, except Matsuda and Ryuk, probably. Secondly, the art style! What happened to the beautiful art style we've seen in the original series? Near got drawn the best between them all. Still felt odd from the original tho. I feel like this was both drawn & written in a rush just to please Death Note fans but I bet they weren't pleased with it. ( Am I harsh ? *laughs nervously*)
Anyway, I've heard another one shot is coming up this year. I hope they'll put some effort into it this time because I'm actually excited (especially after hearing some interesting -rumors - theories about it). *fingers crossed*
Read
September 3, 2021I agree to the other reviews; the ending was abrupt. But, if the true reason why Near decided not to pursue C-Kira case is because that was the way he was actually solving it, then I'm in awe.
Think about it - the reason whole Death Note plot happened was because of a bored Shinigami who thought giving his death note to a human and watching the mess that would create would be fun. And the reason it all became so engaging for Ryuk was L's and Light's rivalry and the way they tried to surpass the other.
Knowing or rather deducing that, Near decides not to try and find C-Kira, so that the Shinigami will become bored of it eventually and take his death note back. Thus, solving the problem.
Like, if that's the real reason behind Near's passivity, and not the "L wouldn't take on the case he's not interested in, so I shall not either", then I love this One-Shot.
Think about it - the reason whole Death Note plot happened was because of a bored Shinigami who thought giving his death note to a human and watching the mess that would create would be fun. And the reason it all became so engaging for Ryuk was L's and Light's rivalry and the way they tried to surpass the other.
Knowing or rather deducing that, Near decides not to try and find C-Kira, so that the Shinigami will become bored of it eventually and take his death note back. Thus, solving the problem.
Like, if that's the real reason behind Near's passivity, and not the "L wouldn't take on the case he's not interested in, so I shall not either", then I love this One-Shot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2021
Fresh take on the greatest manga of all time, written by authors who gave us the original series featuring everyone's favourites - Light and Ryuzaki.
Albeit a one-shot spin-off (sequel?) that introduces a new character and deals more with modern politics rather than the questions of judiciary system in Japan or even that of an ethical murder, mind games - something that made Death Note the greatest visual novel of all times - play the vital role and Ohba with Obata continue to demonstrate that they still have what it takes to capture the attention of the reader from start to finish.
5/5, no questions. Alongside millions of readers who's name I'll probably never get to know, here's hoping for a full-on sequel in the form of manga and (お願いします!) anime.
Albeit a one-shot spin-off (sequel?) that introduces a new character and deals more with modern politics rather than the questions of judiciary system in Japan or even that of an ethical murder, mind games - something that made Death Note the greatest visual novel of all times - play the vital role and Ohba with Obata continue to demonstrate that they still have what it takes to capture the attention of the reader from start to finish.
5/5, no questions. Alongside millions of readers who's name I'll probably never get to know, here's hoping for a full-on sequel in the form of manga and (お願いします!) anime.
October 1, 2018
Quite interesting to see more of everybody 3 years later. Like I wrote in Matsuda's yearbook: "Don't ever change" and he didn't xD But as a oneshot you really do miss the thrill of the hunt. Still it was nice to discover something more about the world of Death Note.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2018
Uyduruk bir Kira'nın ortaya çıkıp eskiden tanıdığımız karakterlerin olaya dahil olmasını anlatan kısa bir mangaydı. Eski Death Note havasını tam almaya başlamıştım ki bitti fdgsddg. Sonunu sadece 1 sayfada bağlayıp bitirdiler. Fena değildi. Güzel sayılabilirdi.
October 17, 2019
Well that was entirely unnecessary. Just when it reaches a point where the story would naturally have finally got going, it just ends? At least it wasn't very long; I'd have been ticked off if it was full-length nothing.
February 9, 2020
Varias quejas:
1- Huecos argumentales pues si pierdes la memoria ¿Cómo hacer un plan por 2 años?
2- El final con una regla nueva retro activa.
Por lo demás fue una trama muy práctica e interesante. Para todo fan de la obra original vale la pena leerlo.
1- Huecos argumentales pues si pierdes la memoria ¿Cómo hacer un plan por 2 años?
2- El final con una regla nueva retro activa.
Por lo demás fue una trama muy práctica e interesante. Para todo fan de la obra original vale la pena leerlo.
February 14, 2020
Kinda divided on how this one goes. On one hand, it advances nothing, but gives us an insight to what happens after L and the first Kira. On the other hand, it has points that are worth reflecting upon.
But wait, I'm assuming this is the newest one-shot. Right, right? Or it seems I'm wrong.
But wait, I'm assuming this is the newest one-shot. Right, right? Or it seems I'm wrong.
May 3, 2021
just finished watching the anime adaptation and i am now grasping any death note content i could get my hands on, because that ending left me feeling empty. damn, L's death really had me go through the five stages of grief. nothing but pure unadulterated ugly crying.
while it's nice to revisit the world, i feel like this one shot was a bit hasty in ending it with c-kira writing his own name and the readers not being able to have a peak in the inner workings of c-kira's mind.
while it's nice to revisit the world, i feel like this one shot was a bit hasty in ending it with c-kira writing his own name and the readers not being able to have a peak in the inner workings of c-kira's mind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2021
A nice one-shot detailing what happened three years after the Kira case got resolved, and what the main cast of characters have been doing since. It’s a really nice bonus I would recommend to everyone that has read and enjoyed the Death Note series
April 28, 2024
Near is the worst character in the series so his one shot is just not good. Literally read it a couple hours ago and forgot what happened. This is essentially only here for more content but it isn’t good at all.
January 7, 2025
Just why?! It could’ve had such a better ending. The book was great, but that ending? Seriously, it felt off. Everything was going so well, then it just... didn’t deliver. Still, the rest was enjoyable, and would definitely recommend.
October 1, 2017
This was done more like a way to please the fans than anything. It was okay but nothing compelling or deep about it. I prefer the way the original series ended.
February 10, 2019
Kira is an idea
October 16, 2019
Best ever
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews