For any serious Death Note collector, the name Takeshi Obata carries enormous weight. His meticulous linework defined the visual identity of one of the most influential manga of the 2000s, and the “Blanc et noir” art book stands as the definitive showcase of that craft. This volume gathers the original drawings, color illustrations, and behind-the-scenes commentary that shaped Light Yagami and L into icons of modern manga. For collectors who already own the tankobon, this book is the natural next step into deeper appreciation.
Japanese art books occupy a special tier in the collectibles world. Compared to international reprints, the domestic Shueisha editions feature superior paper stock, accurate CMYK color reproduction approved by the artist, and original Japanese typography that preserves the layout decisions of the designers. Many of these books were printed only once or twice, making the Japanese first-press versions particularly desirable among long-term collectors.
About This Item
“DEATH NOTE Blanc et noir” is the official Takeshi Obata illustration collection published by Shueisha, the same publisher behind the original Weekly Shonen Jump serialization. Released in 2007, shortly after the manga’s conclusion, the book compiles the entirety of Obata’s color work for the series alongside selected monochrome pages, rough sketches, and character design drafts. The title — French for “white and black” — reflects the book’s dual focus on Obata’s lush color illustrations and his equally famous black-and-white linework.
Inside, readers find chapter splash pages, magazine cover art, promotional illustrations, and exclusive commentary from Obata himself about his process. There are also notes on character costuming, hand poses, and how he approached drawing the shinigami. The book is presented in a large landscape format that allows the artwork to breathe, with high-grade matte paper that preserves the subtlety of Obata’s pencil and ink textures. This pre-owned copy is shipped from Japan after being carefully inspected, and reflects the actual condition shown in the listing photos.
Key Details
- Manufacturer: Shueisha
- Series/Franchise: Death Note
- Type: Media & Books (Illustration / Art Book)
- Artist: Takeshi Obata
- Original Release: 2007
- Condition: Pre-owned, inspected before shipping
- Origin: Japan
The Death Note Franchise: Why Collectors Care
Death Note began as a manga written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2003 to 2006. Across 108 chapters and 12 volumes, it sold over 30 million copies worldwide and became a cultural phenomenon that broke out of the typical shonen demographic. Its psychological cat-and-mouse premise — a high school genius who acquires a notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it — drew adult readers, philosophy students, and mystery fans into the manga fold.
The franchise expanded rapidly: an acclaimed 37-episode anime by Madhouse (2006-2007), live-action Japanese films, a TV drama, stage musicals in Japan and Korea, novels, and even a Netflix adaptation. Each new format created new waves of collectors hunting for original Japanese merchandise. The Obata-illustrated material in particular has become a benchmark, since his art was so central to the manga’s identity — the elongated faces, the intense eyes, the gothic shinigami designs.
Rarity and Value Factors
“Blanc et noir” had a strong initial print run but has been out of print in its original form for years. Later reprints exist but are increasingly hard to find at retail. First-press Japanese copies in clean condition command a premium because the cover design, slipcase quality, and internal paper stock are noticeably better than later overseas editions. The book has no standard “limited edition” variant, but copies that include the original obi (the paper band wrapped around the cover) are considered significantly more desirable. The obi often gets discarded, so its presence is a strong signal of careful prior ownership and elevates the resale value meaningfully.
Looking for this item? Every item at HD Toys Store Japan is:
- Shipped directly from Japan with tracking
- Carefully inspected for condition and authenticity
- Pre-owned condition documented with detailed photos
Collector’s Guide: What to Look For
Buying a pre-owned art book is different from buying a sealed figure. The value lies in the printed content, but the condition of the binding and cover heavily affects collectibility. When inspecting “Blanc et noir,” start with the spine — art books of this size are heavy, and weak spines can crack or warp over time. Look for ripples in the cover boards, which indicate humidity exposure. Foxing (small brown spots on page edges) is common in Japanese books over 15 years old and is not necessarily a dealbreaker, but heavy foxing reduces value.
Next, check the page edges for yellowing. Premium Japanese paper resists this better than mass-market stock, but light yellowing is normal. Open the book at random and look for ink offsetting between facing pages, which sometimes occurs with heavy color printing. Finally, check whether the obi and any inserts are present. Browse more collector guides on our blog for deeper inspection tips across different categories of Japanese collectibles.
Condition Checklist
- Spine integrity: Inspect for cracks, lean, or loose signatures — the first thing to fail on heavy art books
- Cover corners: Check for bumping or peeling at the four corners where shelf wear concentrates
- Page condition: Look for foxing, water marks, and any handwriting or stamps inside
- Color plates: Confirm color pages have not faded or stuck together
- Packaging: Original obi (paper band) and any bundled postcards or inserts significantly affect value
Price Guide
Pricing for “Blanc et noir” varies widely depending on condition and edition. Well-loved reading copies with shelf wear typically range from $40-65. Good condition copies with intact dust jacket and minor wear sit in the $70-110 range. Near-mint Japanese first-press copies with the original obi can reach $130-180 or more, particularly when sourced directly from Japan. Reprints from overseas markets generally trade below Japanese originals. The biggest price drivers are obi presence, spine condition, and absence of yellowing on the cover boards. Signed copies, when they appear, occupy a separate tier altogether.
Similar Items Worth Exploring
Collectors drawn to Obata’s artistry have a deep catalog to explore. The Hikaru no Go art book “Hikago Sketchbook” showcases his earlier style, with delicate ink work that prefigured Death Note. Bakuman, his collaboration with Ohba about manga creators themselves, has its own illustration collection released by Shueisha. For Death Note specifically, the original 12-volume tankobon set in Japanese remains a foundational acquisition, as does the supplementary “Death Note 13: How to Read” guidebook, which contains extensive behind-the-scenes material and a bonus one-shot.
Beyond books, the Medicom RAH figures of Light, L, and Ryuk are highly sought-after, as are the Jun Planning trading figures from the late 2000s. Original Shonen Jump issues containing key Death Note chapters — especially the L confrontation chapters — also have a small but dedicated collector base.
Why Buy Japanese Collectibles from Japan?
Japanese collector culture places enormous value on preservation. Books are often stored carefully, kept out of direct sunlight, and handled with respect for the physical object. As a result, secondhand books sourced from Japan tend to arrive in noticeably better condition than equivalent items found in Western secondhand markets. Japanese sellers also have access to first-print editions, regional bookstore exclusives, and obi bands that simply did not circulate internationally. Specialist resellers in Japan operate under licensed second-hand dealer regulations, which adds a layer of authenticity verification that is hard to replicate elsewhere. For art books like “Blanc et noir,” sourcing directly from Japan is the most reliable route to a clean, authentic copy.
Summary
“DEATH NOTE Blanc et noir” remains the single best showcase of Takeshi Obata’s contribution to one of manga’s most important modern works. For collectors who want to understand the visual craft behind the story — or simply to enjoy the artwork at full scale — this art book is an essential addition. A pre-owned Japanese copy, carefully inspected and shipped from Japan, offers both the authenticity and the print quality that define a worthwhile collector purchase.
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