While many anime and manga series have come and gone, writer Tsugumi Ohba and artist Takeshi Obata’s groundbreaking suspense thriller a dedicated Death Note shop—with a unique twist—opened in Japan, selling only merchandise featuring the series’ iconic gothic idol, Misa Amane.
Adding to the excitement, Takeshi Obata’s official on X (formerly Twitter) shared a new black-and-white illustration of Misa on Valentine’s Day. The drawing was created to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Obata winning a semi-finalist prize in the Osamu Tezuka Manga Awards, but it has also fueled speculation that Death Note might be on the verge of a comeback.
A Look Back at Death Note
The Rise of Misa Amane
Death Note began as a manga serialized in Shonen Jump in 2003, written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The gripping story follows Light Yagami, a student who finds a notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it. Seeking to create a crime-free world, he faces off against the genius detective L. The series inspired anime, films, and other adaptations, gaining global popularity—and a fair share of controversy.
Misa Amane first appeared in Chapter #25 of the Death Note manga as a fashion model, actress, and singer, better known by her nickname "Misa Misa." Her life takes a wild turn when she acquires a Death Note, becoming “The Second Kira” and gaining the Shinigami Eyes, which allow her to see people’s names and lifespans. Originally intended as a ing character in the battle between Light and L, Misa—with her timeless mix of Gothic Lolita and punk fashion—may now be the series’ most in-demand character. After all, she’s the one with her own store in Japan and fresh artwork from her creator.
New Artwork Sparks Speculation
Could a New Death Note Story Focus on Misa?
For now, we can only speculate about what a new Death Note manga or anime might bring. The 2020 Death Note one-shot, written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, was a politically charged story about a new character, middle schooler Minoru Tanaka, who briefly shakes up the world when he acquires the Death Note. Set after the events of the original series, only Shinigami Ryuk returned from the original cast.
Death Note Is Preparing a Special Event Anime Fans Won't Want to Miss
Misa Amane fans can grab exclusive Death Note merch at a themed pop-up shop in Japan this February and March.
But with the recent surge of focus on Misa Amane—through exclusive merchandise and new artwork—fans are beginning to wonder: if Death Note were to make a comeback, could it be through her eyes?
Source: Takeshi Obata on X
- Created by
- Takeshi Obata, Tsugumi Ohba
- TV Show(s)
- Death Note (2006)
- Movie(s)
- Death Note, Death Note 2: The Last Name
- Character(s)
- Light Yagami, L Lawliet, Ryuk, Misa Amane, Near (Death Note), Mello (Death Note), Teru Mikami, Minoru Tanaka
