This site is designed for accessibility. Content is obtainable and functional to any browser or Internet device. This site's full visual experience is available in a modern browser that supports web standards. Please consider upgrading your browser.
ファイト／ステイナイト 
February 9, 2005 | 
68 Comments
Hardcore manga readers are most likely already aware of this Ohba Tsugumi/Obata Takeshi's famous series for a while now. Unfortunately, I was only vaguely aware of it until gprei, a regular poster on this blog told me about this a couple of weeks ago. I have to admit that I was rather surprised to see this kind of story appearing in the normally action-laden Shounen Jump. I think in a lot of ways Death Note (デスノート) is similar in style and tone to Seinen series such as Monster. This simply means that physical fight scenes or power-ups abilities are not the main features of the story. Instead the series focus more on a tense drama involving dangerous mind games between two very clever individuals. Having said that, while Monster is grounded in reality, this series uses supernatural theme as the basis for its story, thus the title of the manga.
The story begins when a high-school student called Yagami Raito (or Yagami Light, whichever pronounciation you prefer) found a notebook on his school ground. When he picks up the book, he realises that the book is actually a 'Death Note', a book that is normally used by Shinigamis to kill human beings. Raito quickly finds out that he can use the book himself within a set of limited perimeters/rules that has been set by the book itself. The book itself works in a rather simple manner. If you write the name of a person in the book, the person will die in a manner that you have specified. However, if you don't specify the cause of the death, the person will die from a heart attack. Soon enough, Raito begins to experiment the book's power on a low-life criminal in his home country, Japan. The problem is, his experiment quickly turns him into a person with a 'God's complex'. Raito starts to believe that he has the power to kill all of the criminals that he thinks doesn't deserve to live. So he proceeds to kill various criminals from all over the world.
Soon enough, police and other law enforcement authorities are baffled at the amount of criminals who are suddenly found dead from a heart attack. But when rumours from the internet about "Kira", a God who punish criminals to their death, begins to surface, the police suspects that the murder is the work of an individual. The police believes that such vigilante action is unwarranted and dangerous so they decide to find the murderer. In order to help them with the job, they hired a famous investigator known only as "L" to entrap the murderer. Raito, who's unhappy with this latest development tries to kill "L" to show to the police that his action as 'God' must not be questioned. Unfortunately for Raito, L is a clever individual as well. He positions a criminal in front of a television camera to pretend as if he's the actual L then tells the criminal to mention his name. Raito falls hook, bait, and sinker and ends up killing the criminal using his death note, proving to L that the murderer utilises a name and a supernatural method to kill its victims.
It doesn't take long before a dangerous game of cat and mouse begins between Raito and L. A mind game where losing is not an option since the loser will lose everything. For Raito, he could be sent to jail for the rest of his life or worse, sentenced to death for murder. On the other hand, if Raito manages to find out about L's real name, then L himself will probably find himself dead from a heart attack. To complicate matters, Ryukku, the Shinigami, who owned the book that Raito uses now decides to settle with him and occasionally give him a hint or two on how to use the book effectively. Ryukku at one point also offers Raito one of its Shinigami's eyes to find out L's real name. However, a human who obtains the eye of a Shinigami will basically have to sacrifice half of their lifespan as a human. So basically if your lifespan is 80 years of age, then asking for a Shinigami eyes will shorten your lifespan down to 40 years of age. The problem is, while the Shinigami knows your real lifespan, it is not oblidged to tell you its knowledge. So obtaining a Shinigami's eye is a big gamble to a human.
To me, the most impressive thing about this series is that both Raito and L are equally clever and able to plan their movements ten steps ahead of the other. As a result, watching them planning their next move and anticipating how the others will react is similar to watching a chess move (albeit a deadly one) between two very clever individuals. It's also unusual to find a series where the main character is not the protagonist but the antagonist. I have to admit that there have been times when I scared myself because I ended up admiring Raito's way of thinking. His intelligence and strategic thinking are something that I always wish to have in the real corporate world. L himself is no slouch in the thinking department but the difference is that L's way of thinking is more of looking for clues while Raito is more about being the agressor. Raito is all about coming up with an idea and finding a way to deal with every possible obstacle that may stops the idea from becoming a reality.
The series also presents several interesting mysteries such as L's mysterious background. To begin with, is he the real L? Or is he just one of the few people that represents "L"? I also often wonder why his eyes look similar to the Shinigami's eyes but it seems that this is simply how the character was designed and does not have any hidden story behind it. Then there is the effect that the Death Note has on its user. Is Raito evil on his own or is it merely the effect of the book itself as probably implied in the recent chapters? Finally there is the mystery of the Shinigamis themselves. Ryukku claims that the reason he hangs around Raito is because it is simply interested in seeing how human behaves in ugly manner to one another. However, sometimes I get the impression that it has a particular reason/intention in dropping the death note into the human world to begin with. At any rate, I really recommend this manga to those of you who likes thriller stories. The manga is currently translated by Orange Tangerine/We the Fans and at the time that this is written, is not yet licensed in the US.
Isn't this manga morbidly awesome? I was initially aghast at the immense dark plotline but before I knew it, I'm sucked into this world. And I'm pleasantly surprised at the creators for choosing not to romanticize the Shinigami's appearance nor job description. Those creatures are definitely from the Soul Society. ^_-
Even with the semi-addictive quality of the series, one cannot empathize with any character., even Raito himself. His intentions were seemingly good but once 'L' publicly challenged him during that UN speech, the power of the notebook got to him.
It's so strange (for me) to know Obata Takeshi as the artist of the manga when I keep associating him with Hikaru no Go. ^^
hmm... should I give this a try? currently d/ling a few chapters to see if it's worth it. I've heard good things about Death Notes but it never really peaked my interest.
... but if Garten is mentioning it... hmm...
Ten - I was a bit apprehensive as well when I first started reading it but before I knew it, there I was reading it at 3am in the morning. And yes, no good-looking Shinigami here. Actually, I was a bit creeped out by Ryukku when I first saw him. Until he becomes an apple freak, of course. :)
Moyism - If you like dark, morbid series, then I'd definitely recommend this one to you. It's unusual to see a series like this so I think you should at least give the first 10 or so chapters a go.
It's a good series. Got a bit boring in the middle with the whole businessman thing, but it's still pretty damn good, and now things are becoming really intense. I have to buy teh chinese version of it!
Yeah, Death Note is a really cool series... the story is really cool and the art is good too...
It gets a little boring in the Memory Losse Arc... but it gets really cool after that ends...
hi
about the lifespan and the eyes exchange, it's not about your entire life span, but about the lifespan that you still have to live.
by example if you are 20 and normally should live until 60 you lost half of the remaining life span and thus live until 40 only.
It does change a lot if not, misa could drop dead at an moment now
hehe.. I absolutely love this series. I never thought of it as morbid tho.. maybe dark, but not morbid.
I personally dislike how Rem and Ryukku look tho... they could use a bit of sprucing up. I think pretty shinigamis are creepier myself.
I've just started with this manga, and it was awesome. I hope it WON'T get animated until the story is almost finished. Or at least get the animators to plan the length & progression properly... like MONSTER
annechan - thank you for clearing up the age thing. To be honest I kind of forget on how it works. So the deal is actually less severe than I originally thought.
currently reading the firs vol, seems pretty interesting so far. Think I'll continue... ;)
Wow, phenomenally interesting review. Curses, now I *have* to take a look at this :)
reading chap 31 right now... so.. addicting!
LOL. So, I assume you like it, Moyism? :)
David, I hope you'll give it a try too.
pretty much Garten. Read all translated 56 chapters in one sitting. Messed up my anime watching schedule by an couple of hours ;).
It's odd that while Misa is pretty cute, I feel no love or real interest in her character compared to L and Raito. Maybe it's because those two are hellva more developed, Misa seems like an "background" character... hmm. =/
I agree with the lack of interest in Misa. I mean, there have been times when I feel sorry for her. But I'd forget about it 5 seconds later. I think this is mostly because Misa feels so out of place in the story. Everyone else seems to be mature while she....uh, I don't even know how to describe it without sounding rude.....naive? Sometimes I get the impression that she thinks the whole thing is a harmless game.
Poor Misa, at first I hated her, because she was so out of place, but now it's much a case of pity, since she had been manipulated by both L and Raito. She's a literal tool.
oh I think We, the fan is the new name of Orange tangerine, so it's the same group in fact.
Death Note is greatness, I've gotten two people addicted and now that they've read past me they keep nagging ME to read more... Hah.
I was a little freaked out to try this, but the art drew me in so much I had to read it. I hadn't heard anything about it beforehand, so I just kind of dove in blindly... but I ended up with shivers of excitement from reading it. The plot is very intense, although a little confusing at the businessmen part, but that even has it's share of creepy-itude.
Misa felt out of place, but I think she serves as a nice addition/break from the serious attitude of the series. Otherwise, it'd be so intense that'd be hard to read so much at once like I did. XD
Spoiler starts (I think...)
L is not hired.
No one knows who L really is at first nor do the readers know just what job he is doing.
Is he...
A private investigator ?
A detective ?
A (not so) simple person who have a lot of time to spent ? Does he not need to work ?
If so, is he a millionaire ? Billionaire ?
Where does his money came from ?
Is L (The big eye) a member from a group ?
Is the money provided by the group ?
Are there other members out there who is contacting with L (Big eye) alone only ?
We only know that L has brain, is smart and can think in an efficent way.
He solved cases that have puzzled police for countless years.
He seem to work alone, love justice and clearly draw the line between good and evil.
There is no in-between for L.
In fact both L and raito are very similar.
Both are on the extreme end but yet is parallel to each other.
One can be said to be good while the other evil but both are the judge.
Raito will not let any criminals go scott-free without any punishment.
L will not let any murderer go unpunished.
Both act on justice for the world yet is standing on extreme ends.
Like a magnet, if L is north, raito will be south. If L is left, Raito will be right.
But extreme it may be.
Both are on the same body, the same magnet. Without a body, where is left and right ? Without a magnet, where is north and south ?
Thus,
It is aready their destiny that these two should meet (fight) each other.
After all,
They are together on one thing.
Together on a murder cases...or rather the murder case that brought them together.
Together on extreme ends, extreme methods, extreme thinking....
extreme addictive.
Spoiler ends.
Just wanted to add my two cents in on Death Note. I've read up to chapter 50, and I just can't seem to get enough of this manga. It's so much better then I thought it was going to be at first.
I hope the scanlation group gets more done soon! I can't wait to see more!
Indeed. *Semi-spoiler? Dunno. Just in case* Skipping back a bit and agreeing, it does get fairly boring when Raito forfeits the Death Note but after he gets it back everything good. :D Evil Raito's back and the world goes round and round. I'm still in partial shock after finding out that he planned the entire thing before hand. Genius? Pfft. More than that-he deserves to be God. Yes. Yes he does. *end of spoiler*
Somewhere along the line I also dropped my hate for Misa... No idea why. I guess its because I pity the poor girl. She should have died earlier though. I wonder how long she has left to live...
Warning whoever reads: Its extremely addictive. I got no sleep at all while I was reading it and only slept after I finished Chapter 59...O_o So, er, prepare for the take over of your mind. It is worth it though. Every minute of it is worth it.
I adore this series - and had a moment of crushing dissappointment when I was told thye manga-ka was taking a seven week break - not that he doesn't deserve it, yet...addictive isn't the word.
It's just so rare to encounter a manga that is, like someone mentioned, driven by mind games instead of magical, undisovered powers surfacing at a critical moment, or the social secrets all charcters seem to hide in the more 'soap-opera motivation' type of series.
Basically, I forgot my point, but the series drew me in deep - and I was only brought back to reality with a sense of cheesiness (s/p ^_^;) during the Yotsuba Group arch.
I have a few comments...but they could be major spoilers, thus *SPOILER ALERT*:
- My weak attempt at forecasting plot: With chapter 59's ending in the orphange Watari founded, I discovered myself wondering if these other children being told of L's end were perhaps 'super detectives' in training, Agent 'P' and 'F' perhaps...That's rather unlikely, and rather cheesy - but I gave it a shot.
- Did anyone else wonder how L, with his rather 'Big Brther is watching you' attitude, got away with camera's, even in Misa's washroom - privacy is dead. (This was shown while they were entertaining the Yotsuba group at (I assumed) one of the monitered apartments in the skyscraper L built - or a could be totally wrong on that...anyone?
- It still bothers me that Misa is being watched 24/7 - I mean what if she wants to pop a pimple (crude, but possible...) or something equally related to keeping up the feminine mystique? Misa is their wallpaper, their background music, their constant, and only, TV channel...
-Misa seems to be a lame attmept at a love interest, to keep the yaoi-fanbase at bay...she gets no sympathy - her sudden obsession with Raito, and her willingness to kill her own friend to appease him were just a bit too muh for me to pity her...She seems to be such an observant, clever actress for Raito's cause - and a complete piece of fluffy fun for the rest of the investigation - doesn't know, doesn't care, unless it helps Raito-darling.
- REALLY bothered me when the manga-ka made months fly by with L and Raito handcuffed, and no hint of how they had problems sleeping that close (L may snore - Raito could laugh evilly in his sleep - or maybe L doesn't sleep at all/with those bags under his eyes...) or taking a shower, for goodness sake. Playing with razor blades in the morning while having the one person who can bring down all your planning staring at you, analyzing your every move, every expression, calculating how long before you need to visit the little boy's room based on the amount of porridge you ingested - and Raito didn't snap...truly amazing. Considering how Raito likes his privacy, (lock on door - distancing from family), it's also amazing how he lasted while having the sweets-obsessed frog-monkey known as L breathing down his neck...
Sorry for the rant...I truly enjoyed the series, and developed an appreciation for Matsuda-san and Ryuuzaki. Thumbs down to Chief Yamagi for leaving his wife and daughter alone to help out his 'innocent' son by locking himself up for 50 days, then disappearing again, mostly to work on the Kira investigation.
-Personal note - what the bloody freakin' **** was L thinking keeping, Misa tied up like that for 50 days - no new clothes, no bath...I won't even work out the details of feeding and bathroom supervision, if she was never allowed to take of the blindfold and hand bindings...
*SPOILER END*
Logistically, there are a few major sticking points - but this harshness is only because of my deep appreciation for it's attempt at realism. I also -do- like L and Raito's charcters, though it may seem like I criticise their roles...
Mou, thanks for reading.
And I want to say I was thrilled to find such a -straight of the presses- kind of review site. Keep up all the fascinating updates!
Ja ne.
This absolutely good. Who read up to chapter 59?? I'm just so excited about this manga!! I cried, seriously.... O.O' I just hope that *spoiler starts* L will be revived! Or that he really isn't dead!! *spoiler ends*
I hope they'll do an anime. Though there's many bla-bla, it's absolutely good! If by anycase you don't know where to read it, here's a good website ^^
http://manga.anime-source.com/manga/index.php
it's the 3rd one, for people who are too lazy to find it... lol ^^ Absolutely good manga, I swear!
wow... i loved this manga! and i loved L too... *cries*
one of the best manga i've ever read!
the characters are pretty much original (i think)
*SPOILER ALERT* hey, in case u guys didn't know bout this... there's a way to revive a person whose name have been written on the death note! i've read the scanlation! toriyama did the scan if i wasn't mistaken!
*SPOILER ENDS*
anywaaaaay~ can't wait for the next chapter!
Hey, does anyone know how many volumes there are? I'd love to know..
-SPOILER-
Mephhh, after L died and thoose two childern Near and uhh, fergot the other girl's name took up the investigation..it kinda starts to get boring. But the manga is awesomely and well done! I enjoyed reading it A LOT ^^
Death Note = Wonderful!
I really, really love this series. Oh! Great review, Garten, btw! >--
ok. I am so upset about L dying, but... I believe that either
A.) He staged his death to find out the complete truth about Raito and/or break away from the Yagami's...
-or-
B.) was truly killed but was only a substitute.
Frankly, it's un-L like XD;; to have just /died/, don't you think? And what about the L in the begining? He was considerably taller and had curly hair, not strait and spiky. Also, he seemed more somber than the "L" that was killed by Rem. I don't know! HAHA! But I'm not convinced that the /true/ L is dead.
--end spoiler--
ok ok~ sorry about that. hmm... anyway!
Great series! I totally recomend it! I also find it strange that I start to sympathize with Raito's thoughts....but then again... I also do that with L. I want L to win, but that doesn't mean I'm not a Raito fan! HAHA! XD oh~ I am so dramatic.
anyway! that was my comment~wah!
Good luck on future reviews!
Morwen: I actually that I was going to lose interest after L dies... but it actually stays interesting if you keep reading.
Hey, a friend just told me about Death Note, and I just have to say I love it!!!! =P Does anybody know where I can find chapters 60 - 72?
The other chapters you can find them in www.directmanga.com
*spoiler starts* <--Putting it there for the whole thing since I'm bad at keeping track of what I say
It gets like...Really boring after L "dies"...I don't think he's really dead either, or, rather, I'm not sure. Like meggi-chan said, it's SO Un-L-like..xD
I've heard the whole "faked his own death" theory everywhere I go...And it sounds like it could work, because...I mean, we didn't technically see Rem write down his name, now did we? We just saw the before and after shots. Even though she did turn to dust/sand after. But I contradict myself by saying Watari couldn't be that direct in lengthening Misa's life-span...
Those two kids, who the hell are they? >.>; Cousins? +gasp+ Soooonnnss? +ahem+joking+koff koff+ Anyway.
DN just wouldn't be DN without L though. I mean. Seriously.
PS: I don't think he sleeps...Eats too many sweets...xD
I don't know where I stand on the whole 'Is L dead or did he fake it?' thing. I mean, I know what I hope is true, but anyway. XD
And, I disagree with Meex about Death Note getting boring after L dies. But that's probably because I took a great liking to Mello very quickly. >_>
I do hope L comes back, though. ;[
This manga is utterly interesting!
I warmly recommend it to everyone.
I think part two is really interesting(maybe even more interesting than part one)
Anyway this manga is fantastic. The illustrations are great and the story is very good.
Read it!
Wasn't that in the beginning (first chapter) it explains that because of the Death Note, this ultimate rivalry begins between the two chosen ones? I see the rivalry of Light and L. (There must be something with choosing the letter L.) I really think L isn't dead.
Well, from what I heard, the story is really good and I am willing to pick it up.
L, M, N, O, P, Q, R
L has been killed by R, Raito.
Mell and Near are currently against him.
Had they failed to capture Raito,there might be 3 more person succeeding them, O ,P & Q.
But there is just my opinion. Besides I read till Chap.82 , Near seems to discover all Raito previous Schemes. It getting more intense than ever before. Read on guys.
Seriously... i loved L and Raito.. i mean from the start i was just completely absorbed into the manga because of these two characters!! i was soooooo upset that L had died, i just wished that he really is still alive/will come back someday!! he has just the CUTEST habits (sitting in THAT particular way, hunching his back everytime, biting his thumb, holding stuff using only his 2nd finger and his thumb, staring at ppl with his sleep-laden eyes, etc)and the greatest mind ever!! as for Raito, i used to think he was a blast too, and i was always cheering him on... until he killed L. i may be dramatic here, but i think the manga seems to have lost its colour after L left it. well, i guess ill just have to read on and find out if he ever comes back (hopefully) :]
What really captivated me about this manga was the amazing narrative and intelligence that Tsugumi Ohba displayed. It took longer for me to really appreciate the art, but the way Obata draws, especially hands... argh I love it. =D
The Romanized alphabet confused me too, but Raito isn't Light Yagami's real name. (Even though it's much preferred! ;D) It'd be a drag for Death Note to last that long, anyway.
I'm not convinced L's dead either. I would've thought it was staged in any case Watari should die, and Rem may have died after killing him alone. We never saw L being buried/cremated, and we only have Soichiro's word on L being dead.
Although, Nia's pinpointed Raito now. This'll be fun. >:)
I don't like the pairing of Misa and Raito. Raito really bothered me when he started womanizing, and Misa was too naive for me to feel sorry for her. *spoiler starts* I personally liked Raito better when he lost his memory, even though the plot was a bit dull because of that.
...Where's L now? I don't believe he's dead, and he'd better come back soon with a wicked plan up his sleeves!*spoiler ends*
Yeap, same here, Sasami! Misa and Raito really aren't meant for each other. Poor Misa..she's just too angelic to be put beside a devil like Raito!! ;)
Misa isn't an angel, just a stupid devil :P
She was killing non-criminals since the start, basically, the will to kill without a philosophy to drive it.
Uhh... I don't know about others but I really, really love Raito! The way his mind works just amazed me more and more. I can't deny the intelligence of L too, it's just that I don't think Raito's the devil. I just love him the way he is and he is killing for the good cause... somehow... For sure, I can't say I'm ssorry that L died either.
And the story gets better and better. I'm really anxious on the ending.
*Spoiler Starts*I don't think L is dead.
Since Rem killed Watari, she can only kill one person for the sake of Misa, right?
So, maybe when L found out that Watari died, he knew that it might be the reaper, so probably he 'faked' his own death, like... 'Pretending' to die. And then years later, while Light is controlling L, or... Being the '2nd' L, maybe L was working underground or somethin'. So, maybe, when the right time comes, he'll pop out of no where. >_<
Oh my word I loved it! Unfortunately here the 4th one won't be out 'til around Febuary... but HEY! I still have a month left to go anyways! *sits & waits with $8 in hand*
**spoiler-ish stuff** umm Lulla? you said that there was a way to bring people back? Right? so....does...L, if he is dead, die?? >.> gosh asfter that i had cryed *got to into the manga* sooo, can anyone tell me if he comes back?! T.T *goes off and crys*
**end spoiler-ish stuff*
spoiler (maybe)
actually the way to bring a person back (that was killed by notebook) was discussed in chapter 0 (a sidestory) with ryuuk saying that if you rub the written name with a special eraser the person would come back to life.
however i doubt that happening for two things.
1- the fact that neither ryuk nor (more importantly) rem mentioned it, might mean it is just for the sidestory and not aplicable in this story.
2-as it is rem who wrote L name in her note. i am not sure anyone but rem could erase it. (also not sure the name is still in notebook).
but this manga is amazing. i remember when i first saw it i thought "hmm looks interesting" started reading then BAM became aware that i spent 11 hours reading the manga (also had to remember to close my mouth as i was gaping, i think it was when Light just regained his memory)
v.v yeah i kinda figured.... i had read chapter 0 after i posted that but... hey i can hope for his return.....hope and pray....>..
OMG! I have read all the volumes of Deathnote that are out on racks right now. It is SO GOOD! You can get really engrossed in the third book. I was so sad when It ended because the next volume won't come out till march. SO sad.. So sad.. Very suspenseful with two beautiful masterminds... (L and Kira)
I was looking on the internet and found a HUGE surprize....it made me very sad. i love L.....He's my favorite kid-genious of all time....and Kira's just plain insane...and L is so cute with the way he loves tea and desert and how he sits on chairs...I've read all the books and can't WAIT until the fourth book comes out.
The worst part about Death Note is the time between volumes! I just read the fourth graphic novel and my head is spinning. The relationship between Light and Ryuzaki/Ryuga whatever you want to call him fascinates me. On the surface they seem like good (weird but good) friends, and I beleive that if it wasn't for their hidden identities they would be just that. You got to love it when Ryuzaki steals Misa's phone, acting like he was only copping a feel. XD
Please excuse my spelling...as people have said Death Note can cause you to lose sleep.
It's quite good. I realy like it. The manga is quite different from others. The way the creator brought up a 'note' as a murder device. I really like the way Raito and L compete with each other. both have the same intelligency, eventhough they're just student in college. L is my fave, although he might look llike a weirdo but i don't know.....he's something. I really like to watch the anime because right know i'm only read the manga. But since several months ago, i stopped read the manga to consentrate on my study. So, i wish all the best and for all death note's fan, don't stop what you do right now. Chow!!
I hate when Ryuzaki died.. He and Light is the real deal..
*spoiler warning*
It is true that it goes a lil downhill a lil at times. The time when Raito gives up his notebook, gets a little dull for a while, (still I kept reading because I love L) And L's death was depressing, and it was a lil disintresting for a bit, but do not give up on it! Keep reading! Dont let those small sections get to you,. Keep reading. It is still really intresting especially around the ending... (The ending hasnt been released yet, but I'm certain that its coming close.)
I just started reading Death note and I love it! Its the best I've read so far!
Dude, I'm more excited by the fact that the Deathnote movie has come out in Japan. If only it had come out on DVD instead of in movie theaters I wouldn't have to wait forever to get the fansubbed version. At least I can squeal over the trailers~ Truely amazing manga. Superb character developement as well as developement of a plot that has you questioning human nature, justice, and the moral implications of having the ability to kill people with no immediate consequences.
im excited about the new movie. death note was a great story but i wonder how they're going to work in the new love interest
I'm totally in love with this series. I've read until 58 (ToT). I cried. L is my favorite character.
I have heard that there will be a DN anime in October! Can't wait! :3
Oh come on guys! Quite complaining about how boring it was when Light lost his memories! Don't you realize the significance of what the writer was doing?
When Light lost his memories, we are given a taste of what the situation would be like if he WASN'T Kira. If the antangonist WAS a greedy and selfish man that deserves to be caught. Here, rather then always thinking about how to act, Light is allowed to be himself, and be the friend that he could have been to L if he wasn't the enemy. He's also allowed to yell or fight with L now and then when he disagrees with L's ideas.
When he regains the DeathNote, we can immediently see the change in him, instead of the slow fall to insanity that we've constantly been hinted to. So in a way, I thought it was a really effective plot twist that allows us to see what might have been or what it really is.
Apologies if I have offended anyone.
Spoilers below about the Wammy's House, A, B, L, Mello, and Near. . . .
Qullish Wammy (better known as Watari) founded various orphanages. One of his orphanages (named the Wammy's House, located in England) was home for "gifted" children who would train/compete to become the next L --- literally, not to become LIKE L, but to actually BECOME L. Kinda a freaky environment, huh? Explains why so many of the kids that come out of that place (L, Mello, Near, Matt) have problems, especially socially. Some of the original kids from Wammy's House a lllooonngg time ago that were competing to be the new L actually committed suicide from the screwed environment they were raised in (and one of the kids --- codename B --- became a serial killer).
Anyway, I think whoever mentioned the alphabet thing of detectives is right (the whole succesion of L, M, N . . . etc.).
I resent what Near said that with his and Mello's combined forces they can be like L. I also don't think Near and Mello are much better than L because they defeated Kira. I guess what I'm trying to say is with L gone N and M only stepped up. *sighs* Ok its confusing... I just really miss L.
o(T.T)o
What I'd like to say about Death Note is that it is perhaps the best manga series out there. And the whole main-character-as-bad-guy thing? Totally original, and it's something that keeps the story going. Although the story sort of made a downward spiral with chapters 60-108 (especially with the increasing opinion that Mello looks homosexual) it still reamins the most wonderful series on my bookshelf.
By the way, here's my opinion on Misa Misa:
She. Can. Just. Die.
I hate her, and I can't feel sorry for her. Although, in her favour, I can't see her as a murderer, either.
But still. Burn, Misa...
I'm sorry if I've offended any fans of the crazy girl.
Anyways, I'd like to part with this final note.
Matsuda and L are the best characters ever!
-Hayden
hello... the whole thing about yhe eraser, is it true???!!!! i mean,is it confirmed, official, is it a movie or a sequel to the anime... some thinks it sucks.. but i think it 'll be cool., what do you think???!... hope you can answer my questions...
what i think about this series... well i think it's the best.. i mean, i cant get enough of it... actually i just finished reading the manga, and really, it rocks!!! it's driving me crazy!!! my favorite character there, i mean the best, is L. he's funny. he's smart. he's weird!!! haha!!! but he's the only wierdo i liked!!! XD
wahaii!!! this series is really great!
You guys who are like, "Misa deserves to die" or any other character for that matter-- you're just as bad as Raito/Light! Don't you think the whole point of the manga was that you can't be the judge of who you think deserves to die? You are not a God!
In case you didn't notice, Light Yagami's name is composed of the kanjis 夜神 for "Yagami", and 月, which means "Light". The pronunciation of "月" is nothing less than "AKIRA". It can also be pronounced "HIKARI".
Note the similarities between AKIRA & KIRA.
Will that be the reason for the author not to name Light as "Akira Yagami" even though it should be his real name??
-sigh- man how can u say its boring when L dies. Yes L was the best but he isn't perfect. I mean yes it would be better if he stayed alive, because to me he couldn't really confirm anything like Near or Mello did, He was just practically guessing (good guesses), but his tactics amazing. And i hate Rem, not just for killing L. GO L and MATT!!!
*spolier* L dosen't come back...I know it's a shame but Rem killed him, it's a shame too..Ryuk wasn't kidding when he said he wasnt on anyone's side..just standing there watching Light die like that, they closed there eyes the same way to. Creepy eh?
I recently discovered Death Note. It was actually a complete accident, but thank god that that accident happened. I'm just so confused about the whole Wammy's House thing.
There's all this conflicting information that's hurting my head. =(
So far, I've been told that a) L is English, b) L is Japanese and c) Mello isn't a girl. That last one really surprised me.
And I hate stupid Misa. "Let's all talk in high-pitched voices! YAY!!" *shudders*. They should've made her character more like Chloe from Gothika (that's this stupid movie about... o god, it's complicated, but just Wikipedia it, k). I just can't see Misa killing people...
L should've eaten more. He didn't eat enough. In my opinion, anyways.
Really, I've gotten a migrane. Can't they make it simpler??!
Oh well, Death Note is brilliant and L shouldn't have *EPISODE 25 SPOILER*.
Terrell:
In case you didn't notice, Light Yagami's name is composed of the kanjis 夜神 for "Yagami", and 月, which means "Light". The pronunciation of "月" is nothing less than "AKIRA". It can also be pronounced "HIKARI".
Note the similarities between AKIRA & KIRA.
Will that be the reason for the author not to name Light as "Akira Yagami" even though it should be his real name??
Me:
Actually, 月 is usually read as 'Tsuki'. I've never heard of it read as Akira, which is most often written as the sort of similar 明, and Hikari is written as 光.
I don't remember if it's in the manga or the anime, but I know they mentioned it at least once in the movie, when Misa read his name with her Shinigami eyes.
omg- death note is THE best manga/anime in the whole world.
L is sooo cute and Light is sooo hot too
I love them all
Note:
Please be aware that the following type of comments will be deleted from now on: spams, comments containing l33t talk or rudeness. Check Animesuki, Tokyo Toshokan, or D-Addicts before asking where to find a series. If you want to post spoiler, please use <spoiler>write your spoiler here</spoiler> tags.
The comment area allows post without email address. However, all posters have to fill out the name field. If you have a question unrelated to the particular entry, please email: designchronicle@NOSPAMgmail.com. Make sure you remove the NOSPAM part of the email.