At this stage you’ve heard of Death Note. As an anime fan, it’s one of those titles that the entire community is aware of, and in most circles, it is referred to as a masterpiece in Japanese storytelling. But does it last the test of time? Is it something you should revisit in 2014?

"Yes" is the short answer, but let’s dig deeper and talk about the many things that made the show a unique event in anime. It was a departure from typical shonen tropes, it had a bit of controversy surrounding it, and unlike many popular series, it had a focused story that went for just 37 episodes. 

The storyline follows Light Yagami and his journey after acquiring the mysterious Death Note. This notebook has the power to kill anyone whose full name you write in it, but it has a few quirks. In the hands of many, this tool of destruction wouldn’t be much more than a regret and would have a better chance of being found  out by the police. Not for Light though…he is motivated by a dream to create a utopia where he reigns as a god—a person who dictates what evil is and an executor of those who disagree. The world is divided on his methods, as he hides anonymously behind the name of Kira. Out to stop him is an eccentric detective that goes by the name of "L. "

The battle between Kira and L is a special story within the anime. It's the kind of tale that despite the outcome, you feel happy you got to witness the struggle. As a viewer I found that I had an awkward, unusual, attachment to both characters. The best shows on TV like  Breaking Bad , and so on, can make you cheer the bad guys.  Death Note  did this before most, and it even made you question your own moral compass.

All of the rich content, storytelling and tense dialogue is backed up by great animation. What you have to remember about Death Note is that it is a thriller without a lot of action when you compare it to its competition. What the TV show does to counter this is create tension, and superbly animated battles on an ideological level. You’ll never hold a pen the same way again. This is then backed up by excellent voice acting, and that includes both the English and Japanese tracks. What you have in the end is a constant battle, but not the traditional super-powered fist fight we are all used to. In many ways Death Note is counterculture within its shonen demographic. That is a win for anyone who was, is, or might be getting worn out by the formula many titles stick to.

Counterculture in this case is good, and provides an example that in times when everyone wants to conform to stereotypes, it isn’t always the only option. You can pick up that notebook full of traditional ideas, and form a new way of look at things. This is a great starter series for those looking to get into anime, and one we should all be watching again and again.

English & Japanese 2.0 Audio/English Subtitles Episodes:1–37 Special Features: 3 Hours of Extra Content, Bonus Disc, Japanese Creators Interviews, Behind the scenes with the English & Japanese Voice Cast, Production Art, Audio Commentary. 

Death Note the Complete Series is available now at VIZ.com! 

by Jamie Me

Based on the comic "DEATH NOTE" by Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata
originally serialized in "WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP" published by SHUEISHA Inc. ©Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata
/Shueisha ©DNDP, VAP, Shueisha, Madhouse