Death Note

Awesomeness I tell you!

Genre: Psychological – Thriller – Mytery – Supernatural

Author: Ohba Tsugumi

Illustrator: Obata Takeshi

Year: December 2003 to May 2006

Serialized in: Weekly Shonen Jump

Licensed by: Viz Media

Read Online: Onemanga, Mangahelpers

Notes: There is a prequel of the series, a oneshot Death Note; 2006 anime adaptation.

Summary: In the Shinigamis’ (Gods of Death) World, shinigami Ryuk is bored of his task of killing humans by writing their names in his notebook: a Death Note. One day, Ryuk tries to alleviate the boredom and decides to drop the notebook into the human world…

Yagami Light, a high school prodigy, finds himself disgusted with the decayed world so that among this corruption, injustice and powerless effort to create a fair, safe and a better place to live, everything turns dull, boring, trivial and useless. Suddenly, Light notices a strange notebook on the floor: “Death Note”. Soon, Light is aware of its supernatural powers. Yes, this is the power he was looking for. He will use the Death Note to achieve a utopian world, starting by killing the most dangerous criminals.

But the inexplicable massive heart attacks, making the deaths of the most important criminals make the Interpol alarmed, and it also catches the attention of the world’s greatest detective: L, who’s on the move to catch this murderer, this so called cleanser sent by God, Kira.

Characters:

• Yagami Family:
  • Light
  • Soichiro
  • Saori
  • Sachiko

• Kira’s combatants:
  • Japanese Investigation Team:
    • L
    • Watari
    • Chief Yagami Soichiro
    • Matsuda Tota
    • Aizawa Suichi
    • Mogi Kanzo
    • Ide Hideki
    • Ukita Hirokazu
    • Aiber
    • Wedy
  • S.P.K:
    • Near
    • Anthony Lester
    • Stephen Gevanni
    • Halle Lidner
    • Ellickson Guardner
    • John Matchenraw
    • Ill Rat
  • F.B.I:
    • Raye Penber
    • Misora Naomi
    • Steeve Maison
  • American Mafia:
    • Rodd Los
    • Jack Neylon
    • Zakk Irius
    • Gurren Hangfreeze
    • Rashual Bid
• Kira’s supporters:
  • Amane Misa
  • Mikami Teru
  • Yotsuba Group:
    • Higuchi Kyosuke
    • Namikawa Reiji
    • Ooi Takeshi
    • Mido Shingo
    • Takahashi Eiichi
    • Shimura Sugura
    • Kida Masahiko
    • Hatori Arayoshi
  • Media:
    • Demegawa Hitoshi
    • Takada Kiyomi
• Wammy’s House:
  • Watari
  • L
  • Near
  • Mello
  • Matt
  • Roger
• Shinigami:
  • Ryuuk
  • Rem
• Others:
  • Aizawa Eriko & Yumi
  • Police:
    • Tanichi Takimura
    • Kitamura Koreyoshi
    • Mello
    • Matt
    • Roger
  • Criminals:
    • Otohara Kuro
    • Shibuimaru Takuo
    • Lind L Taylor
    • Kiichiro Osoreda
  • Government:
    • David Hoope
    • George Psyeruth
    • Isak Gathane

Note: The characters info was based on the Death Note 13: How to Read. Highlight the blank parts to read minor spoilers.

Yagami Family

Light is our megalomaniac antagonist who we are going to follow closely in the manga.

Even though Light is not a round character, there’s a lot of complexity in him. As a prodigy, Light developed himself to achieve perfection and thus, possessing a strong ideal of justice is expected of him. Being used to be the best and conceited aware of his excellent qualities, Light finds himself bored, disgusted and frustrated with the decaying society. Bored with his daily school life, disgusted with the outlaws and frustrated for not being able to punish them.

When he takes control of the Death Note, Light ponders well the 2 options he has. And he ends up deciding to use it. And there are multiple reasons. Light is aware of turning into a criminal for his goal, that is to cleanse the world. But that is more than his goal, it’s his dream, the ultimate ambition for a human.

He knows he’ll be challenged, he is aware of the risks. And absolutely thrilled to test out his skills. Who better than him to rule the world? «The person whose name is written in this notebook shall die.»

Light later joins the investigation team

Soichiro Yagami, chief of the Japanese Police department is you’re typical detective whose son is the infamous serial-killer.

A  respectful and honest person with a strong sense of justice. He is an officer that puts his full trust on his mates and is ready to risk his life in order to protect them or help anyone in need.

Even though he doesn’t possess outstanding intellectual skills, he is very determined and also responsible. He loves his family the most and is unwilling to believe his son his Kira, even though he still follows his job’s demands.

Sayu is the prototype of the lovable little sister. She is a lively girl and is very fond of her brother, who spoils her.

She is a sociable person but not very confident.

Sachiko is Soichiro’s wife. She is a housewife and very caring mother. She is calm and traditional but not a controlling person.

She may seem quiet but as the wife of a policeman she is prepared to hold her family no matter what happens. Of course that doesn’t change the fact of the constant inquietude she feels.

Nevertheless, she is supportive of her husband.

KIRA’S COMBATANTS

Investigation Team

L, the world’s greatest detective, is determined in catching Kira. And for this, he compromises his identity, which remained unknown, by making appearance in public for the first time in years to lead the Kira investigation.

L lived in Britain for 5 years, and was taken by Watari and raised in his orphanage, Wammy’s House. He’s a worldwide well-known detective who also created other 2 famous detective aliases: Eraldo Coil and Deneuve. L possesses an excellent intellect and is extremely good at conjecturing, speculating and doing a meticulous analysis. However, he’s also very suspicious, stubborn, secretive and not honest at all. In spite of this, L is a reliable person and values his team member’s will in cooperating with him to catch Kira.

Nevertheless the supernatural business going around, L successes in pointing out the prodigy son of Yagami as Kira. His apathetic and idiosyncratic behaviour make a mystery of what is in his mind but, despite his looks, he’s a very bold person, and this makes a great attack, putting a lot of pressure on Light.

Even though he holds a certain admiration for Light, L, just as him, has a great sense of justice. He’s aware of his child-like personality. And, as Kira, he hates to lose.

L’s spokesperson , everyone’s dream butler.

Watari, the gracious philantrophist Quillsh Wammy, used his earnings from inventions to settle an orphanage, providing home and education for the kids in order to smooth their transition into society: Wammy’s House.

Watari, as L’s spokesman, helps L in whatever he needs for, while and, you can also say, besides the investigation. L was taken in by Watari (see L) and therefore they share a closer relationship compared to the rest of the team.

He also happens to be a fabulous sniper and, most likely, the person with the best skills in the manga.

«Matsuda no baka!» aka «Matsuda, you idiot!» is a phrase that you commonly see.

Matsuda is a young policeman and member of the investigation team. He is an honest and rather naïve person, with a friendly personality and follow-the-mob attitude. He likes trivial things and possesses a strong sense of fellowship, easily creating loyalty bonds with the investigation team.

With an enthusiasm that surpasses normal parameters and innate recklessness his performance tends to be… terrific. However, Matsuda’s unpredictable and instinctive behaviour sometimes turn out for the better.

Aizawa is a member of the investigation time and has an afro worthy of a tribute to Shinichi Watanabe.

He is a pretty short-tempered man, who takes work very seriously and likes to be active. He’s very fond of his wife and daughter and often falls into dilemma.

Nothing special to add and/or info about to the rest of the team.

Mogi is a quiet but dedicated member, Ide is a sceptic and Ukita a brave and young policeman. Aiber (Thierry Morello), professional con artist, and Wedy (Merrie Kenwood), professional thief, are 2 outlaws contracted by L to help solving the case.

F.B.I.

An almost married couple that was victim of Kira.

Raye Penber is a FBI agent assigned to investigate the japanese Investigation Team without them knowing. He is in charge of investigating the Yagami family and tails Light Yagami. He is very fond of her fiancée.

Naomi Misora is an ex-FBI agent and Raye’s fiancée. She was accompanying Raye as both were going to meet her parents. Contrasting with her partner, she is sharp, overly cautious and suspicious. These qualities made her obtain the rank of special agent. Indeed, she managed to point out that her husband’s dead was caused by Kira, and gave Light’s a tough time.

S.P.K.

Near, L’s prodigious apprentice and Toys’r'us potential costumer.

He came from the same orphanage, Wammy’s House and he is very similar to L concerning intellectual abilities and analytic processes but misses a big deal of L’s action and audacity, although he’s direct and stricter than L . He’s apathetic and generally uninterested, very methodic and ponderous.

Being considered the one closest to L, he takes lead of SPK, an organization against Kira in U.S.A, and also has FBI’s support.

With 0 tolerance towards Kira’s existence, Near is decided to catch him in the most humiliating way possible.

American Mafia

Mello aka Willy Wonka, is L’s apprentice and also Near’s rival.

Mello, who also was in Wammy’s House, developed a complex of inferiority due to the constant second place he got in everything within the orphanage, losing it to Near.

Mello possesses great intellectual skills, however, he’s very impulsive and prefers to take action, unlike Near. In this case, he lacks L’s concentration. He is an adept of the idea that the ends justify the means (concerning Kira’s capture of course). He will do anything to catch Kira and, as you can see, manages to get the Mafia support.

Matt, Mello’s partner in crime.

There’s not much information about him. He was also a Wammy’s House resident and he is stated to be the third most talented in the orphanage, after Near and Mello.

His work concerning the case consisted mostly of spying but he also participated in Mello’s plan of kidnapping Takada (see Takada Kiyomi).

KIRA’S SUPPORTERS

Amane Misa, Japan’s charming idoll aka the second Kira.

Her parents were murdered in front of her and Misa wanted the killer dead by all means. However, there were multiple trial delays until Kira killed him, and since then she began her fanaticism with Kira.

She got her death note from Rem, but actually the notebook belonged to another shinigami, Gelus, who was fond of her and saved Misa from a stalker, sacrificing himself (Shinigami can’t kill to extend a human’s life). Rem witnessed and gave Misa the notebook. Eventually, Rem attached to Misa.

Now having the same power as Kira, she uses it to get close to him. She makes the shinigami’s eye trade with Rem, which allows her to see people’s name, and manages to get in contact with Light, even if that means killing.

Misa fancies a gothic-style and is a very sociable and extroverted person. She claims she just wants to be Light’s girlfriend and doesn’t mind being used. Light is not pleased at all with this new loyal hyperactive and spontaneous character, but she is indeed a good tool.

However, beware, Misa’s jealousy has no mercy.

A criminal prosecutor and a newscaster at Kira’s service.

Teru Mikami developed an exaggerated sense of righteousness since his childhood due to abuse from his colleagues, despising all evil doers. He is deeply convicted of this, and so godly worships Kira. In spite of being obedient and extremely loyal to him, he doesn’t restrain in acting on his own, meaning he is quite arrogant and not humble at all, already putting aside the obviously dangerous. He is clever, talented and productive. Considers himself as Kira’s messiah. And he actually gets to «spread the message» when Light needs a proxy to conceal his identity and selects him to be the New Kira.

Kiyomi Takada aka Miss To-oh/Refined Takada, the Kira-spreading reporter.

She was Light’s classmate and also his girlfriend (because he was trying to hide his relation with Misa). Although she gives away a serious and mature lady look, she is prideful and narcissistic.

She is used to pass information between Light and Mikami and also ends up using some scraps of the notebook under Light’s order.

Yotsuba Group

The Yotsuba Group uses Kira’s power for monetary profits of the Yotsuba Corporation.

They hold weekly meetings to discuss their movements to bring down their rivals and/or eliminate individuals that will benefit the company. Even though Kira is within the 8 businessmen of this group, there’s no clue about who is he.

It is later revealed, thanks to the investigation team (and Misa lol), that the third Kira is Kyosuke Higuchi.

SHINIGAMI

The main shinigami in the series.

Ryuk is the owner of the notebook in Light’s possession. One can say he was the responsible for all this chaos.

He has no special for humans but finds them “interesting”. He stays close to Light in his crusade and fancies human entertainment, occasionally helping if that means good amusement to him or obtaining apples. He has a strange apple vice and will get withdrawal symptoms if he lacks them.

On the other hand, Rem, Misa’s death god, (who gave her Gelus notebook that is hers now, see Misa), has no interest in fun and shows despise towards humans (in general, considering them as heartless), with the exception of Misa.

She is a serious and calm death god, extremely protective of Misa and threatens Light she will kill him if he puts Misa’s life in danger.

xxx

First, I would like to say: phew. Doing this manga synopsis+review was a tough job (finding good images around, am too lazy to be evil and scan; it doesn’t help that Death Note was suddenly taken off Mangafox either, I’m not a happy kitty). In spite of that, I really enjoyed doing this, and it’s a pleasure to do it.

Alright, so, you probably have heard of Death Note. Perhaps a motivation image, or the unforgettable «Just as planned» meme catch your glimpse on a board. After all, it’s very popular in the fanbase/communities. Is it really that good? Oh yes.

The thing I like the most about Death Note is the cruel elegance in the plot. How the fairly complex moral issues subtly and naturally articulate (instead of drawing too much attention to them) with a doomed crusade, giving it space, where you know someone is going to lose. Until then, you are going to be kept happy with people dying, diabolic mental games, unexpected events and suspense in the air. All this with a lot of expressive and clarifying internal monologues, some funny parts (bluntly contrasting with the serious ambience) and stylish art. And this keeps the reader in pace and looking forward to the development until the end. (yay managed to do a brief resume)

Reasons to read it:

• Megalomaniac anti-hero protagonist;
• <Badass prodigy rivals;
• Justice and moral concerned;
• A cat and mouse noir plot with a heavy deal of mental chess and suspense;
• Paced action and development;
• Deaths guaranteed;
• Excellent art.

A must read.
Previews (none at the moment)

Graphics

Avatars

Free personal use 100×100 Death Note avatars. I had them from search engines so if you are the owner and would like credit, please message me.

Wallpapers – design Iru © Tsugumi Ohba & Takeshi Obata brushes: moargh.de

Links

Fanlist series – Light Yagami – L – Misa Amane – Watari – Near – SPK – Tota Matsuda – Teru Mikami – Naomi Misora – Raye Penber – Halle Lidner – Sidoh – Gelus

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Tags: death note, L, Light Yagami, Manga, Takeshi Obata, Tsugumi Ohba

• June 29, 2010
• Manga
• 6 comments