Synopsis

Light Yagami is a brilliant, but bored, high school student who resents the crime and corruption in the world. His life undergoes a drastic change when he discovers a mysterious notebook, known as the "Death Note", lying on the ground in the year 2003. The Death Note's instructions claim that if a human's name is written within it that person shall die. Light is initially skeptical of the Death Note's authenticity, believing it is just a prank. However, after experimenting with it and killing two criminals, Light is forced to admit that the Death Note is real. After meeting with the previous owner of the Death Note, a Shinigami named Ryuk, Light seeks to become "the God of the new world" by passing his judgment on criminals. Soon, the number of inexplicable deaths of reported criminals catches the attention of the International Police Organization and a mysterious detective known only as "L". L quickly learns that the serial killer, dubbed by the public as "Kira" (derived from the Japanese pronunciation of the English word "Killer"), is located in Japan. L also concludes that Kira can kill people without laying a finger on them. Light realizes that L will be his greatest nemesis, and a race to prove mental superiority between the two begins.

Member Review

Death Note follows the life of Yagami Light, a brilliant but bored Japanese student who thinks the world is rotting due the evil people that inhabit it. Upon gaining the ability to kill people by simply writing down their names, he sets out to cleanse the world and revitalize it with him as its god. He is pursued by the equally(?) brilliant "L", a master detective who has never failed to solve a case. The show depicts the fantastic battle of wits between them and is not for the weak of heart or mind.

This anime is amazing. Not only is the plot the best I have ever seen, but the show engages its audience intellectually and philosophically. "Is Yagami right to do what he does? If so, does he ever stray from the correct path?", and most of all, "what will happen next?"

These questions and more will assail you as you watch the dramatic epic of Death Note unfold before you. Tricks, traps and twists abound in this great anime, and anyone who is willing to endure its intensity and isn't afraid of a little blood should definitely check it out.

9/10 (while the latter episodes are still good, they do not share in the perfection that those in the beginning enjoy)

Characters