Death Note - Seeing the Light

After multiple and, as some would describe as tediously, repeated requests, I caved in and much to my friend's delight gave Death Note a go. Here's what I think about it.

Essentially it is an anime which tells the story of a boy who finds a notebook where anyone who he writes their name in will die. Not too shabby - you'd better think twice before pissing this guy off.

Filled with wonderful twists and turns, ducking and diving plot lines, and a narrative arc less like an arc and more like a loop-de-loop you might make if you were in a stunt plane whilst on amphetamines. The almost too smart protagonist Light is satisfyingly balanced by the antagonist in the form of the One-Letter Named 'L' who is trying to catch Light.

In this relationship we can understand one of the central questions posed by the series - does anyone have the right to decide who can live or die and what effect does exerting this power have on those who wield it. Great power, and all....

I kinda begrudgingly admit that I do really like Death Note. I was never binge material for me, but something I watched sparingly - which is no bad thing. The main characters can get a little too clever sometimes - coming to conclusions that are so spot on you'll find yourself rolling your eyes and tutting occasionally if you're even a smidgen cynical.

The art style is not over the top, in fact even a little subdued which actually makes room for the story itself, which is enthralling. The soundtrack is decent and I can guarantee that after about 4 or 5 episodes you'll have the catchy theme tune in your head, if you want it or not.

In summary I'd say give at least the first couple of episodes a go, if it hasn't got you by then, then it probably never will. But if it does.. well you'd be in for a treat.

Oh and it also has this dude: