Myths

Like many series, Death Note is open to myths. They can come from mis-translations, fan speculations, jokes being taking seriously, and the like. Many of these myths still exist, and will be explained on this page to avoid further confusion. Such myths when sighted on any other page should be corrected. This can be done by clearly stating what the problem is, placing a link to this page, and informing the editor as to what they did wrong.

Unnamed Shinigami's identity
Myth: The Unnamed Shinigami from the Director's Cut is really Light Yagami.

Fact: Nowhere in Death Note does it say that the Unnamed Shinigami is Light. In fact, the end rules of the Notebook state that "After [humans] die, the place they go is MU (nothingness)" and "Once dead, they can never come back to life." Although Light could be an exception to these rules, further information has yet to be revealed. However, some have theorized that the "nothingness" described may be the Shinigami Realm for those who use the Death Note, and "never coming back to life" may mean reincarnation as a Shinigami.

Near is Albino
Myth: Near's pale skin and white hair are a result of his Albinism.

Fact: This speculation has been made by a number of fans, but unfortunately it is not confirmed in either the manga nor the anime. Ohba, the creator of Death Note, hasn't commented on this issue, either.

L has Asperger's Syndrome
Myth: L has Asperger's Syndrome, which causes his strange behavior, seeming disregard for social contact, apparent lack of empathy, and extreme intelligence.

Fact: While it would seem to be a logical explanation, there is no evidence to support this theory in any of the various publications of the story.

L is 14
Myth: L is 14 years old.

Fact: L is actually 24 years old throughout the main part of the series. The confusion is probably due to the fact that, when first introduced, Mello is 14 years old.

Madonna Cosplaying Mello
Myth: In the music video for the song "Jump", Madonna is said to be cosplaying as Mello.

Fact: The video was shot in Tokyo, Japan while Madonna was on the Japanese leg of her Confessions Tour. In it, she is seen wearing a short blond wig and black pants. This has caused Death Note fans to believe she may have been cosplaying as Mello. However, no official conformation to these claims has been made.

American Film Adaptation
Myth: An American film adaptation of Death Note is going to be made with Zac Efron as Light and Miley Cyrus as Misa.

Fact: An American film adaptation of Death Note is planned for 2010, but it is unknown who any of the cast will be yet.

Ohba Tsugumi is Hiroshi Gamou
Myth: Tsugumi Ohba is the alias of Hiroshi Gamou, author of Tottemo! Luckyman.

Fact: Some speculate this, but there is little to no evidence to support this. The rumor apparently started due to a sign the campus of To'oh University that reads "Gamou Seminar" (manga). However, there are many stories with references to seminars and other things named Gamou, that have no relation to Death Note.