Death Note

[Chase]

http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/948/deathnote01bu8.th.jpg (http://img359.imageshack.us/my.php?image=deathnote01bu8.jpg)http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/2635/death20notevn9.th.jpg (http://img359.imageshack.us/my.php?image=death20notevn9.jpg)

I can't believe there isn't already a thread for this amazing series. So, with that said, I felt compelled to share it with you all. ~_^ The last volume of the manga came out this week (Volume 12). I'm up to Volume 7, and will probably have the entire manga run in a few weeks. I find the manga to be easier to follow than the anime, as the anime tends to be distracting with its fancy cinematography.

However, the anime is a great translation of the manga, especially L, who acts as how I'd think he'd act. Ryuk is very, very adorable in the anime, too. His apple contortion dance when he's feeling apple withdrawal is, again, adorable and hilarious. ;D

I have seen the two live-action adaptations, and they are just that: adaptations as they don't truly follow the manga or anime. My major complaint about the live-action series is how they portray Light. He's a lot less intelligent and no where near as cunning or poised as in the manga. I think it's the fact that the actor who plays him sucks as doing so. This, and the fact that Yagami-san doesn't have his mustache. These things, amongst a slew of acting and adaptation issues.

Uh, so yeah, Death Note is an awesome, intelligent affair. I recommend it highly.

[The Xenos]

Finally! Another Death Note fan that didn't care for the live action movies. I saw it and they were just so.. bleh.

I can't wait for the anime. Though I'm not bothering with subs or fansubs (which recently got a cease and desist from Viz). I already read the dialouge from Death Note once. Rather don't want to do it again.

I just bought the last volume, but I honestly already read it all from the scanlations of the weekly installments in Shonen Jump. Funny enough, on a whim in a local Japanese market (in the US), I picked up the shonen Jump that features the first chapter of Death Note. While in Japan I picked up that Blanc et Noir Obata artbook. It ws a bit cheaper than at cons.

[lousith]

well sorry christ just a mistake

[The Xenos]

WHAT THE HELL, MAN!? SPOILER TAGS! SPOILER TAGS!

You JUST GAVE AWAY A MAJOR *#$#ING BIT OF STORY!

Go back and edit that out. Geez. Show some brains and consideration.

[Darth Joker]

Death Note is a truly brilliant and encaptivating anime. It's a highly intellectual anime, with great suspense and nice moments of drama and comedy.

[Ryan K]

Thanks lousith! &*%$#

[Jayna]

They will be printing issue 13 "How to Read" here in the states too, but it won't be out until Feb. I have to agree about the live action movies. They really didn't hold up to the manga or the anime. I did get a big kick out of Chairman Kaga from Iron Chef playing Chief Yagami though. That was a hoot.

[Cayman]

I just read the first volume of the manga this week. It was pretty cool. Haven't seen any of the anime or live action yet.

[Silver Knight]

Awsome finnally some props to the great series. I will start getting the manga soon, (read a little bit and peices from a few volumes in stores) this is one series i wont wait for the anime for However I would like to know when its coming.

Also im starting a Death Note thread in the rumbles check it out.

[Chase]

Major, series ending spoilers. My thoughts on the ending of Death Note.

Oh - my - Kira! O_O!!

I am absolutely crushed that Near wins. Crushed. Like Matsuda, I grew fond of Light, cheered him, and hoped he would become God of his new world. I did not see Yagami-sama as a mass serial killer, but rather, right in his beliefs. A truly righteous thinker... being... God. The fact that he dies so pitifully is saddening. Just harrowing. From the very beginning we knew Ryuk played no favorites and only cared about his interests, but a part of me hoped he would have helped Light and killed Near, the SPK, and the Japan task force. At the very end, we witness a candlelight vigil by an endless trail of hooded folk. The luminary sheds its hood and we take one final look at Misa who says, "Kira, our savior," and clasps her hands together in prayer. A hopeful look shining in her eyes. The next, what I call final, page quells any chances and hopes, as it reads, "Once dead, they can never come back to life."

Death Note, wow, what a trip is has been. While Light was unable to reign in his utopia, I will honorably give Death Note the top spot, as the number one, best manga (and anime, if it is indeed faithful) I have ever read. In recent retrospect, it would even be Lord in the world of any fiction I have read.

I will miss this series. Thank you, Ohba Tsugumi-sama and Obata Takeshi-sama. [/COLOR]http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/7097/images5cemoticon5cmsnhezv3.gif

[Chase]

I just want to say thanks to whom ever edited my post, as I did not know the proper tag for spoilers and just used that quote and white text thing. ^_^

Differences between the Death Note manga and anime endings.

Just watched the Death Note anime, which did its own interpretation of the manga. There are considerable difference between the original work, the manga, and its anime adaptation. Instead of Light dying pitifully in front of Neat, SPK, and task force, as he did in the manga, he escapes after Mikami kills himself seemingly with a pen. This change in the anime negates Mikami's dialogue to Light were he tells Light that he is no god, but instead crazy, and asks why he got himself mixed into this in the first place. Light's escape in the anime also detours Light begging Ryuk to kill everyone, Ryuk's "betrayal" (quotations as Ryuk has stated he is an unbiased player in these events) as said shinigami writes Light's name down in his death note, and Ryuk and Light's exchange about Mu, nothingness after death. A few smaller changes, because of the anime's deviation, include not seeing the one year time jump which showed the new Watashi and Near becoming L, and the Japan task force teaming up with L (Near) to take out a drug syndicate. In my opinion, a more important scene lost to the anime change is not seeing Matsuda discuss with Ide his theories on how Near still has the death note and used it to kill Mikami (as in the manga he dies in prison after ten days from Light's death), and how Ide gets Matsuda to confess his postulations as a wishes since Matsuda admired Light immensely.

Light's escape avoids making Light look weak. Tho, one could also assume the anime took this route as the live-action movies were released prior to the original Japan anime run's conclusion. They probably took the liberty to differentiate the anime from the movies (as I would have, too, as the movies were terrible). After Light escapes, again in the anime (if you weren't paying attention), he runs for what ever life remains. As all the events unfold (SPK and the task force looking for Light), we are treated to Ryuk's final speech as an overlay instead of directly. This adds a ton more drama and visuals, a niche this anime dug out at the very start, but I can't say I'm a fan of this adaptation. Sure he does a wee bit more gracefully, and alone, but Light's death was a lot more interesting. What I truly did not like about the anime adaptation, and my primary grievance, is the scene that suggests Misa jumps to her death. If she does kill herself, it's ridiculous, as, we saw, Light dies alone, and no where does it even lend the idea that Misa is aware of his death. I absolutely prefer the original ending in the manga where we witness an endless trail of white-hooded Kira supporters that part to allow Misa to say one final prayer. Honestly, visuals aside, the anime adaptation of the manga's finale is a bit disappointing. If they were going to deviate from the source, they should have gone balls out, make Light survive, and reign over the world as Kira with Misa. All this aside, you know there's going to be a Death Note 2, as at any moment a mischievous shinigami could get bored and drop its notebook into our world. ~_^

[Scubbily]

I started following this series a couple years back and was amazed by the story. My favorite part was the beginning of the series which I found to be more exciting than later in the series (spoilers for those who haven't started reading the series)when that other DeathNote was given to that chick who copied Light's actions.

[Chase]

I started following this series a couple years back and was amazed by the story. My favorite part was the beginning of the series which I found to be more exciting than later in the series (spoilers for those who haven't started reading the series)when that other DeathNote was given to that chick who copied Light's actions.

And the good thing about her is that she's cute. ;D

Competitive Death Note stacking, anyone?

Okay, not so much competitive, as much as it is my nerdy attempt to take a group picture of every Death Note manga cover.

Clicky clicky. (http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9747/1313107ot7.jpg)

Hehehe... ;x

[glue]

I thought the manga was thirteen volumes. Either way, it's been great so far. I've only read up through eleven, as I didn't realize that twelve was out. Guess I need to go pick it up.

I tried watching the anime, but I didn't like it nearly as much as the manga. What I saw of the live-action just weirded me out.

[Sandoz]

I thought the manga was thirteen volumes.
Vol. 13, "How to Read," is a supplemental volume. The story ends with vol. 12.

[Chase]

I read some of Volume 13 - and I must have it! >_< !! It's release is said to be (http://www.tv.com/death-note/show/66792/volume-13-coming-to-america!/topic/82289-798191/msgs.html?msg_id=7938268) February 2008. I can hardly wait. :D

[Meatloaf of Darkness]

Death note is probably one of my favorite mangas of all time. The story is fresh, the art is magnificent, and I was compelled to find out how it ended. I haven't seen the live action movies, and probably won't seeing the horrible reception of them. My favorite part of the series would probably have to be when light forfeits ownership of his death note and higuchi is kira. It's so fun how you don't know lights ulterior motives and for once you don't know who kira is. Just so thrilling!

[Magnificent Bastard]

I've just seen a few episodes of the anime on adult Swim and I must say I'm completely hooked. It's really different & holds my interest unlike any manga/anime ever has. I was considering getting the manga but thinking I should wait till the 13th reader and start reading that first.

Right move, or start reading from #1? Yay or Nay? :confused:

[The Xenos]

NOOOOOOOOO! -jumps in front of bullet-

Do NOT read 13 first! It's like watching the DVD bonus features and spoiling all the plot twists.

Start from number 1!

[Laughing Mask]

i just like to point out the similarity's between ryuk & billy idol.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k4/greyshirt2/Anime/Miscellaneous%20Anime/ryukandbilly.gif

[The Xenos]

edit double post

[The Xenos]

I prefer the James Woods and Hades comparison myself.
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/8309/ryukandjameshadesvo5.jpg

[Southpaw Crane]

I haven't seen the anime or live action movies, and we're only up to volume seven in the UK (grrr!) but I still have to say that Death Note is just one of the most fantastic things ever written. The plot-twists are great, the art amazing and the characters are so... refreshing. I mean, after a while we all get tired of stoic, tough-guy heroes and those annoying shojo heroines (I'm sayin' nuthin' about my views on Misa *shifty eyes*). Characters like Light are just so different, and L, Ryuk and Rem are just AMAZING!!! The writer must be a genius.

As this is a Death Note appreciation thread, I think this will be the only time when I can type this, so MATSUDA ROCKS!!!

[Magnificent Bastard]

NOOOOOOOOO! -jumps in front of bullet-

Do NOT read 13 first! It's like watching the DVD bonus features and spoiling all the plot twists.

Start from number 1!

Will do & thanks Xenos. ;)

[Southpaw Crane]

Just thought this would be a good place to place a plea. I am a big Rem fan and would really like to buy a statue/figure of her, but the really detailed one retailing at £45.00 ($90.00) is too expensive. Does anyone know any websites where I could buy a cheaper one?

[Chase]

Just thought this would be a good place to place a plea. I am a big Rem fan and would really like to buy a statue/figure of her, but the really detailed one retailing at £45.00 ($90.00) is too expensive. Does anyone know any websites where I could buy a cheaper one?

I know it's not much of a difference, but CornerStoreComics is selling a statue for 80 dollars (USD) (http://www.cornerstorecomics.com/af_deathnote.html). I searched and can only find that one statue. Sorry. :(

[Sean Whitmore]

I was content to watch the cartoon on Adult Swim at first, but when I realized my library had most of the books, I bought the remaining volumes and read the entire series over the course of a weekend and a round trip flight.

And I said that so I can say this. After watching the live action movies (which had their ups and downs but were generally enjoyable), I really feel that the movie series ended the way the comic should have.

Big-time ending spoilers: Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the comic ending well enough. Near and Mello were cute characters, I like that Aizawa and the rest of the task force came into their own, and so forth. But I felt like it missed a couple of steps somewhere along the line, and the movie hammered home what those were. It should have been L who proved Light was Kira; he knew the score at every step. It should have been Soichiro who made the argument against Kira's ideals; he was a moral badass who never really got the chance to shine. It should have been Misa who was at Light's side at the end instead of Mikami; her absence was very noticeable. It all worked so well thematically, especially within the framework of the condensed story.

Plus, I have to admit to one purely fanboy preference...I had a geekgasm when L suddenly reappeared after his apparent death. It was the scene I was secretly hoping for throughout the last 5 volumes of the comic.


SEAN

[The Xenos]

Oh geez. Is that what happened in the second movie. The first live one was bad enough. What total fanwank. Bullcrap. Sure I'd have loved to have seen that. Yet thankfully the book's author's had more integrity than to give into such pandering.

Sure I wish L lived, but he died. Tough s---. Your favorite character died. My favorite character died. Hell, I know a friend who gave up on the series after that. I still say he's a baby for it. I think L lived on through Near and Mello, the whole Wammie House. Plus more Misa would have been nice.

Geez. Death Note wasn't that long. They didn't have to go changing the whole damn ending and characters. It's crap like most US comic adaptations. It's a rushed hacked up job so it can fit in two simple all too streamlined films.

Bringing L back? Ugh.

That'd be as stupid as.. I dunno.. DC bringing back Jason Todd after all these years and a memorable story of how he died.

Wait a minute..

Also, funny enough, as a joke a roommate 'stole' my Death Note while I was in another room. I thought it was the other who was looking for manga to read. Though he's read Death Note before. He's also read some.. non-canon work. While I love L , he loves L (and Light)... in his pants.

[Pikachu]

As for the spoilers... I won't give anything away, but everyone here has only seen half the picture. Keep reading the manga.

As for the first and second movie... they were okay for live action based off of a manga. I'm starring at my TV screen watching previews for the third film "L -Change the World."

It looks interesting enough, and fits within the continuum of the story, although is a stand alone film. The story is not a spin-off per say, but a fill-in-the-gaps type movie. That's all I'm saying.

Pika! :evilsmile

[Draconomicon]

Am I the only one who feels like the whole thing was dragged out unnecessarily after L died?
It was like the same thing all over again, just with another neurotic detective this time.

[Sean Whitmore]

Yet thankfully the book's author's had more integrity than to give into such pandering.

Yes, integrity. That's what it was.

Not stretching the story out past its natural endpoint to keep the money coming in.

Noooo. Manga guys never do that.


Bringing L back? Ugh.

He still dies, if that does anything for your misplaced sense of righteous outrage.


That'd be as stupid as.. I dunno.. DC bringing back Jason Todd after all these years and a memorable story of how he died.

No, it's actually completely different. But as long as we're bringing up unrelated things for comparison, can I use Bucky?


SEAN

[Sean Whitmore]

Am I the only one who feels like the whole thing was dragged out unnecessarily after L died?

Nnnnnnnope, you're not.


SEAN

[The Xenos]

The series did have a major shift after that death, it went in a slightly different tone and direction. Yet I think you could also argue that the change was totally a valid storytelling choice.

You say it was artifically dragging it out. I'd say it was a valid change in story. Is there something wrong with killing off a character and indroducing new ones? Welcome to serialized story telling. You might as well complain about Lost having a different tone or set in season 2 as season 1. For crap's sake, it's a Shonen Jump manga. If you thought that was drawn out, avoid reading any others. What, a seven volume series would have been better? What about a Death Note manga done in one volume? Well, I guess two sh---- condensed movies works better for some people. If you ask me, I'll take the original doseage the doctor prescribed. Thankyouverymuch.

Really. If you think Death Note was long and drawn out, just stop reading manga now. Also, stop reading most American books too. Never mind you forget that you're cheating in reading the collected American editions while the story was written for weekly distribution in Japan.

Also, the Bucky resurrection was good compared to the crap Jason Todd one. At least Marvel left him in Brubaker's hands and did something with the character. Jason Todd is a sodding directionless mess.

Meanwhile, I misread your comment about L's reappearance. A friend who somehow stomached the second movie as well said he stayed dead when I asked him about it. Then again I think he kinda has the hots for the actor, so hence why he stomached the second movie. Meanwhile I liked the actress who was Light's girlfriend in the first movie, but I couldn't stand the character because she was totally fabricated for the condensed film version. Plus on an unrelated note, I thought the cinematography of the film looked like a cheap made for TV movie. I think I'll wait and check out the anime.

[Sean Whitmore]

The series did have a major shift after that death, it went in a slightly different tone and direction. Yet I think you could also argue that the change was totally a valid storytelling choice.

Go right ahead. I'm listening.


Is there something wrong with killing off a character and indroducing new ones?

Like everything else in life, it depends on the context. You ever read Les Miserables? There's a good reason Javert doesn't die halfway through the book.


You might as well complain about Lost having a different tone or set in season 2 as season 1.

I might, if it wasn't a false analogy.


Well, I guess two sh---- condensed movies works better for some people.

Look, try carefully to remove the stick from your ass without getting any splinters. All I said was that the movie made a couple of choices that resulted in a specific scene playing out better than it did in the books.

Didn't say it was perfect. Didn't say it was an overall better experience. I liked one frickin' thing better, it's not like I'm organizing a book burning.


Also, the Bucky resurrection was good compared to the crap Jason Todd one.

Yes, I know it was. That was kinda why I brought it up.


Meanwhile, I misread your comment about L's reappearance. A friend who somehow stomached the second movie as well said he stayed dead when I asked him about it.

He did stay dead, yes. He just caught Kira first. It's not like he actually died and returned from the grave.


Plus on an unrelated note, I thought the cinematography of the film looked like a cheap made for TV movie.

I think it was a made-for-TV movie. There were even fades in between certain scenes that looked like where commercial breaks would have been.


SEAN

[Pikachu]

All three 'Death Note' films were theatrical releases. I know... I went to them when they premiered in Japan.

But they cut scenes to air it on television. Also, the film looks awry because it's filmed in HD Digital, but the Japanese haven't quite gotten the touch on such high resolution medium. They don't spend the right amount of money on lighting or choreography, and the clean up needs work, and the post production is lacking, and they often use one camera shoots instead of multiple angeled scenes which makes editing seem shoddy at best... and this isn't just with movies in general or even the 'Death Note' movies. Basically anything that's on Japanese television right now is digitally filmed --and it makes my head hurt.

Pika! :(

[The Xenos]

Oh wow. That explains a lot, Pika. Very interesting. They spent money for HD, but not proper lighting and other things for filming it right? That's too bad.

[Southpaw Crane]

I know it's not much of a difference, but CornerStoreComics is selling a statue for 80 dollars (USD) (http://www.cornerstorecomics.com/af_deathnote.html). I searched and can only find that one statue. Sorry. :(
S'okay, thanks for trying!:) (I found some mini-figures on Tokyo Toys, so it's cool!
Yes, integrity. That's what it was.

Not stretching the story out past its natural endpoint to keep the money coming in.

Noooo. Manga guys never do that.
SEAN
Okay, everything I say from here is just IMO: Whilst it's true that lots of manga (and western comics, for that matter) just drag out the story for the sake of fatter pockets, I really don't think that's the case with Death Note's authoress, Tsugumi Ohba.The story is only 12 volumes long (minus the how to read) and when you consider how much happens in it and how popular the characters are are over the world, she could have gone on for so much longer.
Also, from the bit where Watari, L and Rem die the story does change a lot, and I was really sad, but that was the beauty of it, the fact she gives us a story in which you can never be sure of a character's security makes you care more about the characters and want to read on.

Character death can be something that is dealt with so badly (*cough cough* Jason, Stephanie etc) by either being dealt with insensitively or by having the character tastelessly resurrected because the author can't let go. However, Ohba has said that L, Ryuzaki, whatever you want to call him is her favourite character, let she still let them go for the sake of the story. In a way, it can be very refreshing to have an author deal with it so professionally, when you consider how 'death in comic books' has become a synonym for endless ressurrections. Basically, I agree with the Xenos.

[Weapon Ick]

I'm one of those rare comic nerds who really dislikes anime and manga. A manga fan recommended Death Note to me and after the first volume I was hooked. There were times when it got really tedious for me to read through L and Kira's game of cat-and-also-cat. The two main characters practice of second guessing each other turned in to third, fourth and fifth guessing each other. It got to point where it resembled just a really extended version of the Wallace Shawn scene from The Princess Bride.

But just when I got fed up with it the rules if the game changed and new problems were introduced. This happened several times through out the story. I also liked the characters especially Misa-Misa. There was also the added fun of imagining what I would do if I had a death note.

I saw an episode of the show last night and it was difficult to watch. Reading two guys speculate about what the other one is up to is more entertaining than watching it on tv. The whole episode was just a lot of talking and positing.

[ubergeekette]

Say what you want about Death Note but they did do a beginning, middle, and ending, instead of letting it drag on for 20 years. The switch of characters should be natural, I dunno anyone who hangs w/the same characters for 20+ years.

One thing that annoys me a bit about manga, is that they love to state the obvious (like what's everyone thinking about when you have a good grasp on it anyways).

[Sean Whitmore]

One thing that annoys me a bit about manga, is that they love to state the obvious (like what's everyone thinking about when you have a good grasp on it anyways).

That's a failing shared by practically every anime and manga I've ever seen. There isn't a scene self-explanatory or visually impressive enough that someone won't come in and re-explain it in exhaustive detail for the audience. It's like "Blade Runner narration Syndrome".

Though to be fair, it's less obtrusive in a series like Death Note (where the importance of wordplay can occasionally be pretty subtle) than in something like Naruto, where someone will blather on for ten minutes about why a kick was really important.


SEAN

[ubergeekette]

That's a failing shared by practically every anime and manga I've ever seen. There isn't a scene self-explanatory or visually impressive enough that someone won't come in and re-explain it in exhaustive detail for the audience. It's like "Blade Runner narration Syndrome".

Though to be fair, it's less obtrusive in a series like Death Note (where the importance of wordplay can occasionally be pretty subtle) than in something like Naruto, where someone will blather on for ten minutes about why a kick was really important.


SEAN
Lol, wow, You must really hate manga.

[Sean Whitmore]

Lol, wow, You must really hate manga.

Aspects of it, sure.


SEAN

[Southpaw Crane]

Lol, wow, You must really hate manga.

You don't have to hate manga to find that annoying in something like Naruto. Over-narrative put me off finishing Furuba. I was on Volume 12, and just thought, 'God, no! Nothing has happened in this whole volume, they're just standing in a room, thinking about what they said to each other an hour ago.' and I've never picked up a shoujo manga since.
Death Note kinda needs a lot of narrative though- the characters are so duplicitous thast you need to know what's going on, and can't determine that from their actions alone.
Also, if you want a manga without needless narrative, try Fullmetal Alchemist. The characters only stop and think when something really important happens, and even then its not overdone.

FMA link here: http://www.onemanga.com/Full_Metal_Alchemist/

[NomlaS]

Death Note is one of the best animes of those last years. Are they going to release a bonus episode? I found that they already had released some kind of a roadshow movie resuming the first 26 episodes. I really need to watch another anime like this :)

[Magnificent Bastard]

Came across this at B&N this week. Death Note: Another Note (Hardcover) by NISIOISIN (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/142151883X/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Looks interesting I think. Anybody into it?

[Sean Whitmore]

Came across this at B&N this week. Death Note: Another Note (Hardcover) by NISIOISIN (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/142151883X/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Looks interesting I think. Anybody into it?

Thanks for the link, that looks pretty interesting.

I was rather hoping there would eventually be Death Note spinoffs featuring L's cases in the past or Near's cases in the future.


SEAN

[Southpaw Crane]

Isn't the DN novel narrated by Mello, yet about L? What's with that?

[Bored at 3:00AM]

A friend of mine brought over the Deathnote live action movie for me to watch tonight and I wasn't impressed. One sullen, unlikeable, bird-thin manboy vs. another sullen, unlikeable, bird-thin manboy in a battle of wits most 12 year olds could handle.

Am I right to assume the live action movies aren't as good as the anime or comics? Or is it the same thing? The premise is great, but the execution left me cold.

[Sean Whitmore]

A friend of mine brought over the Deathnote live action movie for me to watch tonight and I wasn't impressed. One sullen, unlikeable, bird-thin manboy vs. another sullen, unlikeable, bird-thin manboy in a battle of wits most 12 year olds could handle.

Am I right to assume the live action movies aren't as good as the anime or comics? Or is it the same thing? The premise is great, but the execution left me cold.

Eh...yes and no.

The comics and cartoon are definitely better, if for no other reason than they're better paced and you get more story out of them.

But really, everything you disliked about the movie is present in the other forms as well. The two main characters' personalities are the same. They're still skinny and gloomy (can't agree with you on unlikeable, though). And every scene in the movie that features their battle of wits (with the exception of the hostage situation at the end) is taken straight from the source material.

So, yes, they're better, but no, they don't really change any of the things you disliked about the movie.


SEAN

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Eh...yes and no.

The comics and cartoon are definitely better, if for no other reason than they're better paced and you get more story out of them.

But really, everything you disliked about the movie is present in the other forms as well. The two main characters' personalities are the same. They're still skinny and gloomy (can't agree with you on unlikeable, though). And every scene in the movie that features their battle of wits (with the exception of the hostage situation at the end) is taken straight from the source material.

So, yes, they're better, but no, they don't really change any of the things you disliked about the movie.


SEAN

I'll pass then. I have no patience for Emo kids. I couldn't stand Neon Genisis Evangelion for the same reason. Japanese anime just loves those Emo protagonists.

To each his own....

[ubergeekette]

I'll pass then. I have no patience for Emo kids. I couldn't stand Neon Genisis Evangelion for the same reason. Japanese anime just loves those Emo protagonists.

To each his own....

Wow, I just have the same conversation with one of my friends about the same thing. Cloud, Inuyasha, Light, L, Squall, and the list goes on and on. The sad part is that I find them a bit intriguing and attractive.....

[The Xenos]

Just so you know, most of those characters predate the term emo. Damn I hate that term so damn much. Over used and really has lost all meaning. Remember when Weezer was emo? Emo, for people who can't decide between goth, geek, punk, and indie. Emo.

And really, how the bloody blue f--- is L emo? Pouty with flat affect and geeky, sure, but emo? Light too. Hell, Light's all preppy. Kinda like Zach from Saved by the Bell. Hurm. It's like if Zach and Screech were in a battle of wits to the death. Anyway, quit spreading the disease and by disease I mean buzzword.

Japan had brooding protagonits long before emo was even a term. Hell, next thing you know you're gonna be calling Morrisey emo.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Just so you know, most of those characters predate the term emo. Damn I hate that term so damn much. Over used and really has lost all meaning. Remember when Weezer was emo? Emo, for people who can't decide between goth, geek, punk, and indie. Emo.

And really, how the bloody blue f--- is L emo? Pouty with flat affect and geeky, sure, but emo? Light too. Hell, Light's all preppy. Kinda like Zach from Saved by the Bell. Hurm. It's like if Zach and Screech were in a battle of wits to the death. Anyway, quit spreading the disease and by disease I mean buzzword.

Japan had brooding protagonits long before emo was even a term. Hell, next thing you know you're gonna be calling Morrisey emo.

Most certainly, Japan's been beating the Emo protagonist drum for decades.

But "Emo" hasn't lost all meaning, it's just expanded to cover a far greater variety of pouty, sullen teenagers who need a few good smacks to the head until they grow the f*** up and stop acting like the world owes them something. Whether or not they're preppy, geeky, goth, indie, punk, indie or whatever is irrelevant. Emo kids existed long before anyone started using the term and Emo kids will exist long after someone comes up with another nickname for them.

If you like that kind of protagonist, more power to you, but they annoy the crap out of me. Clearly, there's a huge audience out there that enjoys them so they're in no danger of disappearing anytime soon.

In my view, though, Emo Kids are the Dirty Hippies of our generation. And they'll no doubt be remembered as fondly by future generations.

[Sean Whitmore]

Just so you know, most of those characters predate the term emo.

So if you predate the term, you can't possess the characteristics the term describes?

(Not that I think either Light or L are emo, I'm just confused by that particular defense)


SEAN

[The Xenos]

Emo kids existed long before anyone started using the term and Emo kids will exist long after someone comes up with another nickname for them.

Yes. They're called... teenagers. There's no need for a blanket term for moody teenagers. They get emotional. They're immature about it. Do we need to create a term for it?

Plus L is far from that. He's very mature. Light is a bit overdramatic, but hell if I can blame him after finding a notebook that can kill people on a whim.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Yes. They're called... teenagers. There's no need for a blanket term for moody teenagers. They get emotional. They're immature about it. Do we need to create a term for it?

Plus L is far from that. He's very mature. Light is a bit overdramatic, but hell if I can blame him after finding a notebook that can kill people on a whim.

Speaking as a former teenager and current teacher of teenagers. Emo kids and teenagers are not the same thing.

But, we're splitting hairs now.

Emo-A-to. Emo-AH-to.

I can't speak for the comics or anime, but the way they were portrayed in the movie left me cold. Maybe it was just the actors. Looked like they were members of some crappy J-Pop boy band.

[Drink]

Got the "How to Use" volume earlier this week. Lot's of information in it, more than one sitting's worth. A lot of factoids or things you might have missed.

The 4 panel cartoons were a real treat, and it was funny to see the characters in a more amusing light (No pun intented:D ).

[The Xenos]

Still waiting for my shop to get the novel and bonus volume in. F---in' Diamond.

I can't speak for the comics or anime, but the way they were portrayed in the movie left me cold. Maybe it was just the actors. Looked like they were members of some crappy J-Pop boy band.

Yeah.. that would be the movie and mainstream Japanese media. Crappy J-Pop boy bands sell, especially to weeaboo fangirls. Well.. and some fanboys too. I know a friend of mine didn't care for the movie, but he liked the main actors anyway. Meanwhile I liked the actress who played Light's girl in the first one, but I hated the character because they mostly just made her and her role up for the film.

Though I agree with a friend that having the Iron Chef as Light's dad was neat.

[Sean Whitmore]

Oy. Ew. Always a shame to see an anime with good opening and closing theme songs switch to lesser ones.

It's like G.T.O. all over again.


SEAN

[Southpaw Crane]

A friend of mine brought over the Deathnote live action movie for me to watch tonight and I wasn't impressed. One sullen, unlikeable, bird-thin manboy vs. another sullen, unlikeable, bird-thin manboy in a battle of wits most 12 year olds could handle.

Am I right to assume the live action movies aren't as good as the anime or comics? Or is it the same thing? The premise is great, but the execution left me cold.

Ok, I haven't seen the movies, but IMO the manga amazing and the characters aren't emo at all. I hate emo characters, and, whilst I love angst, believe that it only works if the characters can pull it off. But L and Light aren't angsty or emo: they're in many senses very emotionally cold, Light becoming less emotional as the story progresses and L becoming more personally involved.

Also, in the manga, the battle of wits is really well-planned and genuinely rewarding to read. I'm not stupid and I like a demanding plot, and Death Note really delivers. I'm normally quite a harsh critic, and I have virtually nothing to say about Death Note other than don't let the movie sour your opinion on the original manga. I mean, lots of manga make the transition to anime and then to film, and while anime usually remain quite true to the original ideals of a story, the films vastly condense what they see as the 'marketable' ideas into something that's supposed to appeal to mainstream audiences as well as manga fans, so they often end up being inferior to the original. You can't really judge a manga on the movie (IMHO).

[The Xenos]

Are you sure you haven't seen the movie? Because you summed up what it lost from the manga quite well. I've only seen a little of the anime, but it seemed to capture the depth and characters of the manga. I think you're right that the movie is glossed over mainstream tripe. It's rushed and lacks so much of what the manga offered readers.

[Emperor Time]

I have to say that Near is my favorite character in Death Note. :D

[asloveislost]

Though I agree with a friend that having the Iron Chef as Light's dad was neat.

Ken Kenichi?! :eek:

[The Xenos]

Takeshi Kaga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takeshi_Kaga) actually.

[ubergeekette]

Did they change the time of Death Note on Cartoon Network? I didn't see the episode on the regular time! It was on my favorite part of the series too!!!!

[Sean Whitmore]

Did they change the time of Death Note on Cartoon Network? I didn't see the episode on the regular time! It was on my favorite part of the series too!!!!

Yep, they switched time slots with Bleach last Saturday.

Seems weird, but it's actually consistent with CN's usual strategy of scheduling things completely at random and hoping that maybe each show's audience will stumble upon it accidentally.


SEAN

[Emperor Time]

Near is my favorite Death Note character.

[Guy1]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6363669666282562389&q=DNTAS&ei=BewNSJqfGKHQ4gLR38y8BA&hl=en
Death Note Abridged:biggrin:

[The Xenos]

The Death Note anime / phenomenon was reviewed on NPR.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89999028

[Guy1]

You know, it may just be me, but did anyone else hate that foot washing scene in the Anime? IMO, it made L seem like a b-ch.

[The Xenos]

I saw that and was fairly weirded out by it. It seemed either a bit too bluntly homoerotic or too bluntly like the woman washing Jesus's feet before his death.

[section 8]

I saw that and was fairly weirded out by it. It seemed either a bit too bluntly homoerotic or too bluntly like the woman washing Jesus's feet before his death.

more like jesus washing the feet of his deciples at the last supper.

[The Xenos]

Ah, yes. That does fit more. Then again, such old customs seem reaaaally weird today. Then again we aren't walking around in sandals in a dusty unpaved walkways all day in a sand laden country.

[section 8]

Ah, yes. That does fit more. Then again, such old customs seem reaaaally weird today. Then again we aren't walking around in sandals in a dusty unpaved walkways all day in a sand laden country.

Speak for yourself, i'm from the south