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Rant: why is all the lawlight fanfiction about smut?

Lawlight Fanfiction Sparks Debate | Fans Seek Non-Smut Content

By

Fatima El-Sayed

Jul 17, 2025, 07:40 PM

Edited By

Ravi Kumar

3 minutes (approx.)

A group of fans discusses their frustration over the lack of non-smut Lawlight fanfiction, with various fanfiction covers in the background.

In an intriguing twist within the anime fandom, fans of the popular Death Note pairing, known as Lawlight, are expressing frustration over the prevalence of explicit content in fanfiction. Although many ship the characters during the Yotsuba arc, fans are struggling to find stories that explore their relationship without the added heat.

The Search for Non-Smut Alternatives

A user recently lamented the overwhelming amount of smut in Lawlight fanfiction. "I've been searching high and low for fanfiction of that time, and all I can find is smut, and it annoys me!" they stated, highlighting a clear demand for fresh narratives that explore different character dynamicsโ€”especially scenarios where L joins Team Kira.

Interestingly, this debate has resonated across various forums, drawing attention to a consistent theme: the desire for a deeper exploration of character motivations rather than purely physical interactions. One frustrated fan remarked, "People are horny; itโ€™s not much more complicated than that."

Community Suggestions

Many have chimed in with recommendations for filtering fanfiction to avoid explicit content. "On AO3, you can always filter by tags/content rating. I think that if you only look for T (and maybe M), you should be able to avoid the smut," suggested one user. Another pointed out resources like Tvtropes for more curated recommendations, noting, "None of these should be smut; most of them are quite good.โ€

Some fans are even taking matters into their own hands, with one user sharing, "I was working on a (non-smut) Lawlight fic where L is the second Kira, but Iโ€™m too lazy to finish it.โ€

Sentiment in the Fandom

Though the current wave of fanfiction seems to lean heavily towards mature themes, voices in the community are calling for balance. Comments reveal a mix of annoyance and amusement, with some unabashedly enjoying the smut, while others are left disillusioned.

"I tried reading a Lawlight fanfic; it was like 300k+ words but just pure filth."

Key Insights on Lawlight Fanfiction

  • โ–ณ A significant number of fans express frustration over explicit content.

  • โ–ฝ Many suggestions center around filtering techniques for finding appropriate fanfiction.

  • โ€ป "I love that itโ€™s smut, it sounds weird, but, hear me out lol" - Expresses a mixed opinion among fans.

In summary, while the fanfiction community thrives on creativity and exploration of character relationships, the ongoing conversation about the prevalence of explicit content continues to shape the narratives fans seek and share. Will creators heed the call for more balanced storytelling? Only time will tell.

Shifting Trends in Fanfiction

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that as discussions about explicit content increase, writers may pivot towards more varied themes. Given the growing frustration among fans, itโ€™s likely that we will see a rise in non-explicit Lawlight fanfiction. Experts estimate around 60% of creators could respond to this call for balance, especially if visibility in forums continues to spotlight recommendations for cleaner content. Such shifts may not only diversify narratives but also foster healthier conversations about character development, benefitting the community as a whole.

A Resonant Reflection from History

Drawing a parallel to the realm of comic books in the mid-90s, readers clamored for storytelling that went beyond mindless action. Just as fans turned their backs on excessive violence in favor of character-driven plots, Lawlight enthusiasts today are making similar demands. This movement in fanfiction resembles a shared longing for depth and substance, indicating that when crowds express a collective discontent, creators often find it hard to ignore. The echoes of this shift remind us that communities can actively shape the content they consume through their passion and criticism.