Death Note is the captivating story of Light Yagami, a highly intelligent and morally conflicted high school student who stumbles upon a supernatural notebook called the "Death Note." This notebook grants its owner the ability to kill anyone whose name and face they know, simply by writing the person's name in the notebook while picturing their face. Along with the death note also comes a mystical creature called Shinigami, or Gods of Death, to whom the Death Note actually belongs to.

As Light comes to terms with the Death Note's unbelievable power, he adopts the alter ego "Kira" and embarks on a mission to rid the world of criminals, aiming to create a utopian society devoid of evil. However, his actions quickly attract the attention of law enforcement agencies worldwide, as well as the enigmatic and brilliant detective known only as "L." A high-stakes game of cat and mouse ensues between Light and L, as they engage in a battle of wits to uncover each other's identities and outmaneuver one another.

Volume 1 sets the stage for this psychological thriller, delving into Light's moral dilemmas as he grapples with the responsibility and consequences of playing god with the Death Note. It introduces readers to the intricate dynamics between Light and L, and showcases their strategic maneuvering as they attempt to outsmart each other.