Death Note

In contrast to the exceptional anime, I find the Death Note manga to be somewhat less impressive. While the storyline remains largely the same, with only minor differences that don't alter the plot significantly, if you've watched the anime, reading the manga can feel repetitive. It's essentially the same story.

However, Death Note doesn't seem to translate as well into the manga format as it does in the anime. The manga starts off strong but becomes heavily text-based towards the later chapters, making it a bit tedious to read through pages of dialogue that are more tolerable in the animated version.

The main drawback of the manga is the artwork. Although generally good, there are moments when it appears somewhat sloppy. L, in particular, often looks rather odd and ape-like at times.

Overall, the manga is still very good, but it falls slightly short compared to the anime. Despite this, I would still recommend it as a worthwhile read.

Death Note is a series that holds a high place in many readers' hearts, though it often faces criticism for the latter half of its storyline. For newcomers to the story, it's worth noting that while the narrative starts off at a fast pace and feels meticulously crafted, the second part of the book slows down considerably, especially for Light Yagami's character arc. Personally, I wasn't a big fan of Near, but I found L (Ryuzaki) to be an engaging part of the story. Reading or watching Death Note in 2023 is definitely worthwhile, but there's no shame in stopping halfway through. It’s a great story with compelling characters, though the ending does drop off significantly. While some fans appreciate the conclusion, others may find it less satisfying, so approach the finale with caution.

Well, I think Death Note is one of the most famous manga/anime in the world, and for many, it was the first anime they saw (it was the first anime I saw as an adult). Here, I leave my opinion about this story without spoilers.

The entire story is very well thought out. What I like most about Death Note is that it delves deeply into all the events that take place in the plot. You can see how the plans and investigations are developed step by step.

I believe the rivalry between Light and L is one of the best things that could happen in fiction. The two characters on their own are excellent and very intriguing. However, all the characters are generally very good and have important moments in the story.

It was truly a very enjoyable read. It has excellent suspense and always keeps you interested in what will happen next.

The art is excellent, and the chapter covers are wonderful.

In conclusion, I think Death Note is one of the best stories in its genre, featuring some of the best characters of all time (Light and L).

I really want to sit here and say, "This is one of the best mangas that exist, and you ABSOLUTELY should be reading it." It would be so easy to leave it there and move on.

But I can't, I just simply can't. Death Note starts off as one of the best mangas ever made. A significant part of its appeal is that it breaks many conventions. Instead of delving into a character's backstory, the main character, Light Yagami, obtains a Death Note—a book that kills people when their names are written in it—and begins using it.

The brilliance lies in how Light Yagami is portrayed: smart, charismatic, and intriguing. Rather than focusing on his daily life, the story immediately dives into the implications of the Death Note and how it transforms him. From the outset, Light understands the power he wields and uses it with calculated caution.

Before the second chapter ends, we meet the enigmatic L, who directly challenges Light (known to the public as "Kira"). The competition between Light and L to outwit each other grabs the reader's attention right from the start. This high-paced narrative continues throughout all 108 chapters, with occasional weaker moments but consistently engaging storytelling.

However, halfway through, the dynamic shifts. While I won't go into spoilers, suffice it to say that the level of intrigue between the adversaries in the second half never reaches the heights of the first. It could have been equally compelling, but certain changes weaken the story. It's a shame because the first part is so well-written that I'd read it a million times, but my enthusiasm for rereading the second part is noticeably lower.

Should you read Death Note? Absolutely, at least the first part. I'd recommend reading the entire manga at least once—it's hard to put down—but it will always feel like half of a perfect manga. It's a shame because it had the potential to be a masterpiece in its entirety.

I absolutely loved this manga! The story was great, though it got a bit confusing at times, but it was fun to follow along. I especially enjoyed how everything came together like a giant puzzle by the end. I had to ask my friend to explain most of it to me afterwards, but once I got it, it was amazing! The characters are fantastic, each with their own unique personalities that many people can relate to, whether it's a whole character or just bits and pieces of them. The design and artwork were incredible and really helped make the story easier to understand. The overall enjoyment was outstanding! I never once felt bored or considered quitting reading the books; it kept me excited throughout. Overall, I loved everything about it!!!!!!

Extremely addictive. Make sure you have all 12 volumes ready for reading before you start! I literally could not put this down.

A caveat that I saw the live-action movies before I read the manga. (I believe the first movie is covered entirely in the first 3 volumes.) The story is quite different in those two mediums. I liked how they handled the fiancée subplot better in the movie, but there are also a lot of things I preferred in the manga... it's way more elaborate. The thinking behind this manga is just genius.

I could just be a nerd, but I get so excited when L and Light reason and talk their way through situations. It's deep, thoughtful stuff too, but despite being dialogue-heavy at times, it never weighs down or slows the story (unlike Liar Game, which has this problem). It's thrilling!!

So with so many great things to say, why a 9 only? If this manga had ended in volume 7, it would have been an absolutely perfect manga, deserving a clear 10/10. Gonna stop before I give anything else away. But even with volumes 8-12, it's still a very solid read and one I would definitely recommend.

If you've watched the show, you know the primary complaint is that the last 12 episodes significantly drop in quality compared to the first 25. The characters feel underdeveloped, and the pacing is uneven, with some storylines receiving more episodes than others. In contrast, the manga maintains a balanced structure, dedicating the first six volumes to the initial arc and the final six to the second arc, providing a much richer narrative.

For the anime's second half, it seems many internal monologue scenes were cut, as well as additional scenes for Near and Mello, who felt underdeveloped and dull in the show. However, the omitted scenes surprisingly add depth to these characters.

The artwork in the manga is incredibly detailed, especially the double-page spreads, which have a significant impact on the reader. While the manga is mostly serious, it includes fun jokes where appropriate, and the art style adjusts accordingly. This unpredictability makes it hard to choose sides, enhancing the emotional investment in the characters. Light's character development is compelling, both in his transformation and visual depiction. L and Matsuda are also strong characters, while the Shinigami designs, particularly Ryuk, are creatively done and entertaining. Misa, who could be annoying in the anime, is less so in the manga due to the lack of voice acting.

10/10 - The original manga surpasses the show by offering better character development and maintaining an engaging storyline. The artwork is stunning, making this a must-read for fans of dramas and supernatural stories.

Death Note has a unique storyline, even though it might seem similar to others at first glance – saving the world from criminals and bringing peace. However, Light's approach manages to get under our skin, sparking a moral battle in the reader's mind. Would you consider it ethical to use the Death Note to end the lives of those who torment others? Could you use it to kill someone you deeply despise or out of jealous rage? And could you justify killing a criminal who might be innocent?

Light and L engage in an intense cat-and-mouse game, and while Light's method of achieving peace seems a bit mad to me (hehe), Ryuk the Shinigami adds a delightful touch with his subtle humor, balancing out the dark and sinister elements of the series (he's got big eyes too!). One downside is that the series doesn't delve much into the perspectives of the police and FBI regarding this mass murder case. Only one character showed agreement with Light's idea, which was met with disapproval.

Overall, Death Note is a great occult thriller classic. I don't think it deserves its 16+ rating due to its lack of explicit violence. On the other hand, the massive scale of death might not be suitable for kids under 13.