Anime Review #8: Death Note

Death Note

adapted from Death Note by Ohba, Tsugumi (Story) and Obata, Takeshi (Art)

Yagami Light is a 17-year-old genius from Japan who is tired of his life, school, and the state of the world as he knows it. One day, on the way home from class, Light stumbles upon a dark notebook with "Death Note" written on the front. Intrigued by its appearance, Light reads the first few sentences, only to find out that it states that anyone whose name is written inside will die. Discarding it as a joke, Light continues his daily activities. Soon after though, his human curiosity takes the better of him and prompts Light to try the notebook, discovering the truth behind first sentence. Now, with power in his hands, Yagami Light is on a quest to change the world and become God of the New World. His path to holy status won't be easy however, as another genius, known as L, is working against Light's beliefs and Light himself. Who will win this power of Gods between humans?

Japanese: デスノート
Episodes: 37
Status: Finished Airing
Airing Date: October 4, 2006 to June 27, 2007
Producers: Madhouse, VAP, Konami, Viz Media, Ashi Productions
Genres: Mystery, Shounen, Psychological, Police, Supernatural, Thriller

Read more at http://myanimelist.net/anime/1535/Death_Note

The Review

Plot: 4/5

• Death Note is by far the most beautiful anime I've ever watched. It's about this national topnotcher, Light Yagami, who picks up a black notebook on his way home from school. Inscribed on the cover were the words "Death Note," and upon opening it, the first thing he saw was "The human whose name is written in this note shall die." Being the level-minded smartass he was, of course his first thought was What a dumb prank. Still, he finds himself keeping it. When he arrived home, he opened the note and he saw a criminal on TV. He felt that it wouldn't be a bad thing to kill of a criminal who's already on the wanted list. So, he writes the name. After 40 seconds, as stated in the Note, the criminal had a heart attack. In front of his own eyes. Then, a shinigami, a death god appears in front of him, who proclaims to be named Ryuk. The said death god follows Light around and tells him things about the Note- what it's capable of, and things about death gods. The power to kill criminals soon consumes him, and he brought himself to think that if he can make a world without any criminals, everyone would be safe; which means that he would be the god of his utopian world. This path of logic soon makes him crazy over the power of creating a new world, killing criminals along the way without any trace thanks to the Death Note. The police soon notices the wanted criminals dying one by one, and they strive hard to find out who the killer is- and how they kill people without any remnants.
• It's not everyday that you're going to come across an anime with a plot as unique as this.
• The story had a very wondrous way of unraveling its plot. It takes a lot of twists and turns as Light plays a game of cat and mouse with those who try to recognize the killer's real identity.
• I must say that Death Note deserves a 1000000000/10 rating for its first arc- until episode 26- because it's just so good. The second arc- the succeeding episodes- is a bit too unnecessary. For me, it would be better if they had ended the anime on the 25th episode if they're just going to put worthless events after. I'd give this arc a 7/10. SPOILER It would be extremely better if L revealed Light's identity as Kira to everyone before he dies. Personally, I think that Near and Mello were introduced to the story as a message from the author that even the best fall down sometimes or something like that. It's just that ugh the story took a very wrong turn. It became shitty after episode 25 happened and everything and omg I just don't know anymore.I would just prefer it if L and Light were rivals until the very end because you should finish what you started, right? It would be nice if you're going to watch everything, because everything will make a lot of sense in the final episode. :)

Characters: 5/5

• The development between Light and Ryuk was very wow. Light was once a level-headed person who has a neat intellectual ability. He always has a reason for everything, and he can wiggle his way out of anything with his logic. But, after he got consumed by his idea of becoming the god of a world he will create, he changed a lot. He even went as far as killing the people who are important to him just for the sake of not being caught. His actions reflect the truth of the world, to be honest. If you were given a Death Note, how would you use it?
• Ryuk's character depicts a person who's very cunning. His personality was really amazing.
• I won't say anything about L because once I start talking about him, I won't be able to stop. That's how powerful his character is.
• Misa. I really hated her character. Aside from being a pain in the neck, she's also a burden. She came in handy for Light, yes. But, she's just too- I don't know- unlikeable. She loves Light way too much, so much that she knows she's just being used, but she still lets herself be used. I absolutely abhor people who let themselves look like a fool just for the people they love. Her development was also amazing. Someone as innocent as her was willing to do anything to avenge her parent's death- even if it meant losing her innocence.
• Rem. She's a character who illustrates the human who's willing to sacrifice everything- even her life- for the benefit of someone they truly care about.

Art: 5/5

• The art really fits well with the theme of the story- dark and thrilling.
• Considering that it was produced by the end of 2006, its art can go along with the art of 2011-present. That's a huge point for the people who judge anime by their art- like me. :P

Ryuk

Cake!

*wink*

Light Yagami

amazing fight scene =))

Sound: 5/5

• There are two opening songs for Death Note, and both are so full of angst, just the way that would make it perfect.
• If it wasn't for the sounds, Death Note wouldn't have so much effect on me.
• The seiyuus (voice actors) were also so fit for their characters voices. I really liked the way Ryuk's voice sounded! Plus, L's voice really fits his personality.

Overall: 5/5

• Death Note is truly a masterpiece. Even with the second arc, I still found it so beautiful and deep and dark and mysterious. It's that kind of work of art that will make you ponder about the true values of life.

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Cheers!