Death Note

Death Note is another popular title that obtained massive success ever since it got released. no wonder, Tsugumi Ohba (author) successfully came up with a fresh yet intriguing story that caters to broad audience around the world. it centers around Light Yagami, an ordinary high school student who experienced a sudden turn of fate when he found a mysterious notebook one day. the book, which is called Death Note, apparently belongs to a shinigami (god of death) that accidentally fell into the human world. it has a deadly power in which it can kill anyone whose name is written on it. gradually becoming obsessed, Light then aimed to execute any bad guy or criminal by using Death Note in order to attain a new and 'better' world with zero criminal rate. the main question lies here; does wiping out people who have done bad things considered as a commendable act of justice? will that action turn someone into a God? these premises are what being presented on the table throughout the show.

the plot grows more complex as a bunch of other characters got introduced. Light Yagami then is forced to 'battle' L, a highly intelligent detective who aims to reveal this case. the strength of Death Note mainly lies on the war of nerves between Light and L. Both characters are presented as genius, so it's very interesting to see what plans and assumptions they come up with in order to defend their points. as an antihero, Light is still capable to draw our sympathy to him despite of the menacing things he has done. it psychologically tested us until we got dragged into his ambition and eventually wished his plan would run in success even though we realize that it is not right. meanwhile L also appears as a likable character for his unique attitude and bold methods in catching the main subject. because of that as well it was a bitter experience to witness L's downfall despite of the amount of work he has put into solving this chain of events. he got replaced with his successors later on, namely Near and Mello, but ever since that it feels like the plot gets rather stale. if L has the ability to deduce problems through analytical theories, his successors mostly pull out baseless assumptions that are miraculously proven to be right. my conclusion, in the end Light was defeated not because he's outsmarted, but out lucked by Near (and also Mello). thats also the reason why the plot feels rushed from episode 25 onwards, though a bunch of intense mind games that fish out our curiosity are still conducted decently nonetheless.

maybe im not the biggest fan of this series but i definitely can see why a large group of viewers has grown emotional attachment to it. the complexity of the plot isnt something easy to pull, for it offers surprises at every corner that will blow everyone's mind. the characters are no less interesting and its such a worthwhile experience to watch their efforts in battling their own hearts and minds to reveal the truth. hell, not to mention there are many symbolism being thrown into this (Christianity for example) which makes it even more intriguing to dig. Death Note is a pleasant pick for those who want to get into anime, and it certainly remains memorable even for those who already consumed a handful of titles.