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| LA1, 01, 02, 25 | |
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| Overall | Art | Animation | Character Design | Music | Series Story | Episode Story | Reviewer | |
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| Unevaluated | Stretch | # | ||||||
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(27 episodes watched): I'm usually not particularly interested when it comes to horror anime, but even I couldn't avoid all the hype about Death Note. After reading about the intriguing premise in Anime Insider magazine, I decided to give it a try. Make no mistake, I'm fascinated and eager for more. Still, episode one fell a little short of what I was expecting, perhaps because I'd already read a good deal about what was going to happen and thus wasn't particularly surprised by anything. Actually, one thing which did surprise me was Light having aspirations of Godliness right from the start--I'd assumed that a genius like him would start out quite level-headed and would sink into that state as he became intoxicated by his powers and found himself competing with "L" more and more. Likewise, before you know it he's picking off policemen as well as criminals--he seemed to have no compunction about taking that leap. It seems to me that a couple opportunities for useful character development have been missed. Was Light killing criminals outside of Japan as well? Interpol seemed uncertain which country he was in at first. I've got a feeling that it would be wise to remember the "rules" of using the Death Note, as they wouldn't be spelled out so clearly if they weren't going to come back to haunt Light later on. Remember also that Ryuk seems to have a spare Death Note somewhere. He is my favorite character; the eccentric genius L is fun too, whereas Light is already kind of criminally insane and hard to sympathize with. The plot is moving rapidly, which keeps things exciting. So rapidly, in fact, that it's hard to imagine how the pace can be maintained for no less than 37 episodes. This is one series which keeps me on the edge of my seat, and I'm never looking at my wristwatch as an episode runs! How do people come up with such a weird and fascinating premise for a story? I couldn't help thinking that the author of Death Note might easily be as brilliant as either Light or L. The trick L used in episode 18 (I think) to use Light's father to test him and whats-her-name to see if they are the Kiras had me giggling with excitement. I knew Light wouldn't get killed, but I didn't know exactly how it would work out or what the rationale behind it was. It made perfect sense! That's one of the cool things about this show, the way you are repeatedly surprised by brilliant ploys pulled by either Light or L. It makes me wonder if most anime--not to mention American TV--has given up the notion that viewers might be able to make sense of such clever moves and countermoves. Unfortunately, something goes very wrong with this show during episode 25. I cannot fully rant and rave here without spoiling the series as a whole, so if you've reached episode 27 take a look at my episode 25 comments. I'll continue to watch, certainly, but I'm getting the feeling that Death Note may be a series which should have ended after two seasons but instead went on for three. Last updated Wednesday, April 30 2008. Created Saturday, January 05 2008. | ||||||||
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| Unevaluated | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Violet D | # |
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Ok imagine having control of situations and peoples'lives. A scary thought? Well this is what Death Note is about and about a straight A student who finds this book and it gives him the power. At first he just starts writing all these criminal names down and has the thought with this kind of power he can make it a perfect world. But the plan starts to backfire and he starts to write people who are investigating these murders down so he won't get caught. This is when they call L in to investigate who is doing this. This is a great one to watch and it will hold your interest.
Last updated Saturday, December 15 2007. Created Saturday, December 15 2007. | ||||||||
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| Unevaluated | 8 | 8 | 7 | 10 | KBanger1 | # | ||
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<i>Started 11/22/07</> I finished the first R1 release of Death Note and right after the first episode I got hooked. Too bad it's licensed by Viz. I don't like the company. They really know how to chop a good anime to death (ie: Naruto). Of course, that's just US standards, but that's another story. What got me interested was that Light was a top notched student instead of the typical introverted kid who was always teased, etc. A student who has a clean record and who also is at the top of his game is bored with everyday life until he recovers the "Death Note" notebook. Once he starts to use it, he becomes obsessed and well let me save the rest for the full review. Probably won't happen until next year when the R1 release ends. Till then, I highly recommend this series for an early "Rent/Buy". Last updated Thursday, November 22 2007. Created Thursday, November 22 2007. | ||||||||
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| Buy | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 10 | Kitsune-chan | # |
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An absolutely amazing series. The main protagonist, Yagami Light, as well as L, the main antagonist, are the main highlights of this anime. Their constant struggles against each other to provide "justice" for the world and the battles of intelligence are addicting and interesting to watch. Death Note is one of those series that really keep you hooked, and wondering, "When on earth is the next episode going to be out!?" Don't miss out on this wonderful anime! It's definitely one of the best ones out there (based on a matter of opinion, but it's worth a watch, right?)! Last updated Wednesday, May 09 2007. Created Wednesday, May 09 2007. | ||||||||
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| Unevaluated | Jan-Chan | # | ||||||
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Hummm... why am I wondering if this is a Bleach death-god knock off story, with a dash of Detective Conan tossed in? Well – I was very wrong! What would you do if you could sentence anyone, anywhere to death without being caught? Did anyone bother you today? Were you rudely cut off on the freeway? Are these petty peves worth a sentence of death? This series (fansubbed by those fun people at LIVE-EVIL) is darkly fascinating and very mesmerizing. I am really captivated both by the various characters and where this series might go. I posted a summary and some snap shots of the first two episodes. (update - episode 9 is available as a fansub) (update - There is now a live-action movie with the same name - for more info, see LA1 in the episode details section) Last updated Wednesday, December 06 2006. Created Wednesday, August 16 2006. | ||||||||
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Other Sites
| Name | URL |
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| Official (Japanese) Series Web Site | http://www.ntv.co.jp/deathnote/ |
| Wikipedia Entry on the Manga & Anime Series | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_note |
| VIZ Media Series Web Site | http://deathnote.viz.com/ |
| Good site - free downloads of trailers and episode 1 | |
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