Death Note

About Death Note

Death Note, launched in 2006, is a highly successful anime series based on the Japanese manga of the same name written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The series revolves around high school student Light Yagami who stumbles upon a mysterious 'Death Note'. This notebook has the power to kill anyone simply by writing their name in it while picturing their face. The series charts Light's journey as he takes on the alias of a vigilante named 'Kira' and uses this power to eliminate criminals and create a crime-free utopia, while evading the efforts of a detective known as 'L' to track him.

Making / Production

The series was directed by Tetsuro Araki and produced by Madhouse. The characters were designed by Masaru Kitao and the series was written by Toshiki Inoue. The making of the series involved meticulous storyboarding and character designing to retain fidelity to the original manga series.

Actors

• Mamoru Miyano as Light Yagami: The prodigious high school student who discovers the Death Note. Miyano plays the character with unnerving calmness, masterfully conveying Light’s transformation into Kira.
• Kappei Yamaguchi as L: The world's greatest detective determined to catch Kira. Yamaguchi brings an odd, yet compelling quirkiness to the secretive character.
• Aya Hirano as Misa Amane: A famous model and fervent supporter of Kira. Hirano captures Misa's complex nature, illustrating her obsession and innocence.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show has a strong following with numerous fan theories circling online, including speculation about L's real name.
• The series has inspired several adaptations including films, novels, and a musical.
• Light's character was ranked as the top anti-hero by Anime News Network in 2014.

Awards

Though the series didn't win any particular awards, it received global acclaim and high ratings, solidifying its place as an iconic anime series.

Quotes

• "I am the god of the new world." - Light Yagami
• "I'm not your tool." - L
• "I could never dream of a world without Light." - Misa Amane

Music and Soundtrack

• The series features an emotional and thrilling score composed by Yoshihisa Hirano and Hideki Taniuchi.
• Opening theme: "The WORLD" by Nightmare
• Ending theme: "Alumina" by Nightmare