So, you’ve seen it on the shelf. That massive, black, brick-like slab of paper. It looks cool, sure, but the Death Note All in One edition is basically a physical fitness test for your wrists. I remember the first time I held it at a bookstore; I genuinely thought it was a promotional prop, not the actual manga. It’s 2,400 pages stuffed into a single spine.
Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata’s masterpiece is legendary. We all know the story of Light Yagami, the high school genius who finds a notebook that kills people, and his high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse with the detective L. It’s a psychological thriller that hasn’t aged a day since it first hit Weekly Shonen Jump back in 2003. But the way we consume it has changed.
People often ask if this specific edition is the "best" way to read it. Honestly? It depends on whether you value your shelf space more than your comfort. Let’s get into the weeds of what this edition actually is and why it’s become such a polarizing object for collectors.
The Specs of the Death Note All in One
This isn't just a thick book. It’s an engineering anomaly. Published by VIZ Media, the Death Note All in One contains all 12 original volumes plus the "L: Change the World" epilogue chapter that wasn't in the original tankobon run. It’s about 3 inches thick.
The paper is the controversial part. To fit 2,400 pages into something that doesn't require a forklift to move, VIZ used incredibly thin, Bible-style paper. It’s smooth. It’s white. But it is thin. If you’re used to the thick, creamy stock of the Death Note Black Edition, this is going to feel like a shock. You can see a bit of "ghosting" from the other side of the page, though in my experience, once you're immersed in Obata’s heavy ink work, you stop noticing it.
The spine is surprisingly resilient. You’d think a book this thick would snap the second you opened it to the middle, but they used a flexible glue that allows it to lay relatively flat. It’s a feat of bookbinding, frankly.
Why People Love (and Hate) This Version
There’s a specific kind of satisfaction in owning a complete story in one singular object. It’s the "binge-watch" equivalent of a book. You don’t have to hunt down Volume 7 at a used bookstore or wait for a restock. It’s all there.
But reading it is a chore. You can’t really read this lying down unless you want to risk a broken nose if you drop it. It’s a "sit at a desk" kind of book. Some fans argue that the art loses its impact because the pages are smaller than the Black Editions or the original singles. Takeshi Obata’s art is incredibly detailed—think about the intricate linework on Ryuk’s wings or the gothic sprawling cityscapes. When you shrink that down to fit this format, some of that "wow" factor gets compressed.
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Then there’s the price. This is usually the cheapest way to own the entire series. Often, you can snag the Death Note All in One for about $30 to $40. Compare that to buying 12 individual volumes or the 6 Black Editions, and the math makes itself. It’s the budget-friendly entry point for a masterpiece.
Addressing the "Epilogue" Confusion
One of the biggest selling points is that extra chapter. For years, fans had to hunt down scans of the 2008 one-shot or wait for Death Note: Short Stories to be released. This edition was, for a while, the easiest way to get that "C-Kira" story in print.
It takes place several years after the main events. It explores how the world reacted to the vacuum left by Kira. It’s a fascinating look at the legacy of Light Yagami, even if it lacks the frantic pacing of the original series. If you’ve only ever seen the anime, this content will be entirely new to you. The anime ended on a much more definitive note, whereas the manga—and this edition—allow for a bit more philosophical lingering on the aftermath.
Let’s Talk About the Death Note All in One Spine
If you’re a "shelfie" person, this book is a nightmare or a dream. It sticks out. It’s silver-edged, which looks premium, but that silver foil tends to chip if you’re not careful. I’ve seen copies on Reddit where the silver has almost entirely rubbed off from just a few read-throughs.
Is it durable? Mostly. But it’s not an heirloom. It’s a utility item. If you want something to pass down to your kids, get the hardcovers. If you want something to read on a long train ride (and you have strong forearms), this is your guy.
Comparing the Alternatives
You have three main choices when it comes to physical Death Note copies:
- The Original Singles: Nostalgic, great cover art, but expensive to collect all 12.
- The Black Editions: 2-in-1 volumes, larger trim size, colored endpapers. Many consider these the "Goldilocks" choice.
- The Death Note All in One: The subject of our scrutiny.
The Black Editions have better paper quality and the art is larger. However, they take up about 8 inches of shelf space compared to the All-in-One’s 3 inches. For someone living in a small apartment or a dorm, that space-saving is a godsend.
The Ethical Quagmire of Light Yagami
Why does this story still pull us in? It’s been decades. We’re still debating if Light was right. (He wasn't, by the way; he was a narcissist with a god complex, but that’s what makes him a great protagonist).
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The Death Note All in One allows you to track his descent into madness without interruption. When you read the series in one go, the shift in Light's character becomes much more jarring. In the beginning, he’s almost sympathetic—a bored kid wanting to make the world better. By the midpoint, he’s killing FBI agents and laughing over graves. Having it all in one volume makes that transition feel like a steep, terrifying slide rather than a series of steps.
Practical Advice for New Owners
If you decide to pick this up, don't crack the spine like a standard paperback. Open it slowly in the middle, then the quarters, to "break it in" gently. Because the paper is so thin, be careful with snacks. A grease stain on Bible-thin paper will seep through five chapters before you can say "shinigami."
Also, consider a book stand. Seriously. Your neck will thank you. Reading a 2,400-page book flat on a table is a recipe for a chiropractor visit.
Actionable Steps for Your Collection
If you're on the fence about which version to buy, here is the move:
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- Check your shelf space. Measure out 3 inches versus 8 inches. If you're cramped, the All-in-One is the only logical choice.
- Assess your "Art Priority." If you're an aspiring artist who wants to study Obata’s ink techniques, skip this. The Black Editions or the Death Note: Illusions artbook are better for study.
- Budgeting. If you have $40 and want the whole story today, buy the Death Note All in One. It is the most cost-effective way to experience one of the greatest stories in manga history.
- Portability. Don't buy this if you plan to read on a plane. It’s heavy, it’s bulky, and it’s hard to tuck into a backpack without damaging the corners. Use a digital version for travel and keep this as your "at-home" reference.
Ultimately, this edition is a testament to the series' enduring popularity. Only a story this good could convince thousands of people to buy a book that’s basically a decorative brick. Whether you love the format or hate it, the content inside remains a masterclass in tension, morality, and the dangers of absolute power.