Honestly, I don't think think I could ever recommend a story enough. DeathNote will always and forever be my number one. There isn't a thing I could think of ever changing in this series, despite it being problematic, but in a redeeming sense, as our main character yet antagonist goes through the notions and ultimately always seems to get what's coming to him.

(NOTE: I'm referring only to the manga story of DeathNote, not the anime. The anime is pretty good as well, but I do have problems with it... unlike the lack of problems I seem to have with the comics.)

Story: 10/10

There is never a moment in this story where I wasn't hooked into the plot. The pace in the manga is so incredibly beated and timed. Ohba knew what story they wanted to tell and stuck to it. Obata knew the vision he wanted for its absolutely beautiful visuals and stuck to it.

The story is geinusly written from the perspective of our antagonist as the main character. It's such a tricky point of view when he describes his reasons for using the DeathNote for good, but becomes absolutely mad with its power. He's cunning, absolutely infuriating at moments in how he manipulates strangers and even his loved ones, but what's amazing is how human and real the conversations are. There's no pandering or unrealistic interactions with these characters, even so much so with the shinigamis that come into contact with the DeathNote holders. All interactions feel genuine and make the story that much engaging.


Art: 10/10

If I could rank up the score higher than I could, then I most definitely would. Takeshi Obata is one of my all time favorite artists on the planet, let alone manga artist period. His work is absolutely breath taking and gorgeous, yet somehow extremely expressive and fun.
There are at times when you can tell that an artist is on a deadline by the quality of the work going back and forth in its pages. With DeathNote, it is always consistent and always beautiful.
Seriously, I have no idea how this man doesn't get more recognised for his craft.

Side note but I found his art book at a Book Off in Japan for $20 but I made the hardest desicion of my life and leaving it because I was afraid of going over the baggage weight. I still almost cry every time whenever I think about that, along with almost meeting the man if I had walked another block in Manhattan when NYCC was happening. He was doing a signing at a bookstore I frequented at. I was actually planning to stop by but decided not to at the last minute. I still kick myself hard over that.

Character: 10/10

Complex and so unbelievably fucking human. Excuse my French but I've never felt more in the headspace of individual personalities like the characters in this story. All have faults and all have strengths that perfectly balance with conflict amongst each other.
The cat and mouse chase between Light and L is a really wild ride from start to finish. They're always trying to one up each other in the most subtle way and yet give a huge slap in the face to the other as both L and Light get closer and closer to the position that they want to be in.

Some I think may have a problem with Light as a character, but I think that's absolutely the point. He is a psychopath and takes advantage of anyone who can help him gets what he wants. With that, he is an incredibly smart character, but with that, I think makes it all the more intriguing for us to watch and wait for someone to take this SOB down!

SPOILER
As the era of L ends, the pick up is disappointing with wanting to see L win, but more nail biting as Light has full control of his position, as the people underneath him question him.

It literally is one of the most intense reads I've ever experienced as everyone tries to piece together with their suspicions to then later evidence. It's so much fun to be a part of as Light's reign comes to a close in a most deserving way.

Enjoyment:

Do I even need to say anything? Probably not. I know there's probably very few people who have not read DeathNote, bur if you are of that tiny precent that just so happens to read this review, you better go and read before I do, again. For the 100th time.