Justice has been described as a meaningful word without meaning, a word that holds the most powerful of connotations but lacks the simplest of distinctions, a conspicuous definition. As such justice is defined only in the minds of those who wield the word as a cause, differing so greatly within these perceptions as to rob it of any substantial meaning. In spite of this the concept of justice retains a sense of prestige among all but those who scoff at the notion, giving the word power, despite it’s interpretable nature. Death Note makes no secret it’s inquiry into the indefinite approximation of what is just, indulging in every opportunity to question the notion of justice.
Originally a manga penned by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, Death Note’s elementary premise but engrossing plot quicky embellished it into an entire franchise. The expansion of the serialization from it’s manga incarnation included both a supplementary novel by Nisio Isin and the inescapable anime adaptation. Produced by studio Madhouse under the direction of Tetsuro Araki and with scripting by Toshiki Inoue, the thirty-seven episode anime initially ran between October 2006 and June 2007.
Death Note follows the story of one Light Yagami, an intelligent and proactive young man with a begrudging disdain for the crime and corruption he sees around him tainting the world. One particular day while attending his classes he discovers a notebook lying on the ground titled ‘Death Note’. Initially unsure of the nature of the oddity, he quickly discovers it’s unearthly ability to kill any person who’s name is written within it’s pages. Seizing the opportunity to dispense much needed justice onto to an unjust world, our protagonist aims to use the power of the notebook to create what he believes to be a just world.
A riveting and suspenseful story of strategy and tact, Death Note unfolds not unlike a chess game, with each side, those of Light and those attempting to identify and capture him, carefully taking turns in enacting their moves. Heavily serialized and overflowing with clever twists of plot, Death Note succeeds in enthralling viewers with a story thick with intrigue and suspense. An interesting departure into the themes of justice and morality, the questions raised served to be as entertaining as the ever present mind games that define the series.
The artwork of Death Note is detailed and refined, possessing a sense of identity and style all it’s own, while decidedly dark and atmospheric. The painstaking detail contributed to the most important of establishing scenes allows the artwork to shine at the most providential of times. Allowing for the full utilization of the imagery presented, the artwork serves as an ideal framing device for the complex plot it presents. Accompanying the artwork the animation of Death Note is generally smooth and effective, while not nearly as pivotal given the subject and nature of the anime, the well integrated animation only furthers an already polished product. Similarly adjusted to almost always perfectly complement the beauteously thick atmosphere, the animation conspires with the art design to deliver the stunning visuals deserved by the work.
With regards to the tone and enigmatical atmosphere of the anime, the art and animation can only carry the work so far. As great a contributor to the overall feel of the anime is that of the voice acting, consistently well preformed in both the original Japanese and English dub. Sporting an impressive and emotive cast of professionals, both versions well deliver on the powerful emotion and conviction that drives the series, from the eerily understated to the marvelously bombastic. Further supporting the aforementioned aspects of the anime, the musical score delivers the proverbial cherry on the cake. An uncanny score of baleful Latin chanting and orchestral majesty, along with other individual pieces as well suited to their respective scenes.
Though a masterfully crafted work with regard to all technical aspects, and possessing a trenchant premise and execution, the effectiveness of any story so invested in the exploration of themes such as morality and justice inevitably teeters on the potency of it’s characters. The characterizations of Death Note where the anime both succeeds and fails. Characters are imbued with rich motivation and emotion, with well defined and contrasted personalities. Despite this however they lack the subtle touch to make them believably human, their tertiary characteristics and traits undeveloped and leaving something to be desired. Though not a critical blow to the otherwise unsullied work, the absence of complete characterizations being notably obtrusive.
In conclusion, Death Note offers the viewer a venture into a thought-provoking and deeply enrapturing narrative of a suspenseful struggle between ideals. Though offering some insight into the philosophy it’s characters exhibit, the analysis of themes is only skin deep, instead lending precedence to the suspenseful battle of wits that defines the series. A thoroughly enjoyable and nail-bitting narrative, Death Note will succeed in pleasing a multitude of viewers.
~Colme
Originally a manga penned by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, Death Note’s elementary premise but engrossing plot quicky embellished it into an entire franchise. The expansion of the serialization from it’s manga incarnation included both a supplementary novel by Nisio Isin and the inescapable anime adaptation. Produced by studio Madhouse under the direction of Tetsuro Araki and with scripting by Toshiki Inoue, the thirty-seven episode anime initially ran between October 2006 and June 2007.
Death Note follows the story of one Light Yagami, an intelligent and proactive young man with a begrudging disdain for the crime and corruption he sees around him tainting the world. One particular day while attending his classes he discovers a notebook lying on the ground titled ‘Death Note’. Initially unsure of the nature of the oddity, he quickly discovers it’s unearthly ability to kill any person who’s name is written within it’s pages. Seizing the opportunity to dispense much needed justice onto to an unjust world, our protagonist aims to use the power of the notebook to create what he believes to be a just world.
A riveting and suspenseful story of strategy and tact, Death Note unfolds not unlike a chess game, with each side, those of Light and those attempting to identify and capture him, carefully taking turns in enacting their moves. Heavily serialized and overflowing with clever twists of plot, Death Note succeeds in enthralling viewers with a story thick with intrigue and suspense. An interesting departure into the themes of justice and morality, the questions raised served to be as entertaining as the ever present mind games that define the series.
The artwork of Death Note is detailed and refined, possessing a sense of identity and style all it’s own, while decidedly dark and atmospheric. The painstaking detail contributed to the most important of establishing scenes allows the artwork to shine at the most providential of times. Allowing for the full utilization of the imagery presented, the artwork serves as an ideal framing device for the complex plot it presents. Accompanying the artwork the animation of Death Note is generally smooth and effective, while not nearly as pivotal given the subject and nature of the anime, the well integrated animation only furthers an already polished product. Similarly adjusted to almost always perfectly complement the beauteously thick atmosphere, the animation conspires with the art design to deliver the stunning visuals deserved by the work.
With regards to the tone and enigmatical atmosphere of the anime, the art and animation can only carry the work so far. As great a contributor to the overall feel of the anime is that of the voice acting, consistently well preformed in both the original Japanese and English dub. Sporting an impressive and emotive cast of professionals, both versions well deliver on the powerful emotion and conviction that drives the series, from the eerily understated to the marvelously bombastic. Further supporting the aforementioned aspects of the anime, the musical score delivers the proverbial cherry on the cake. An uncanny score of baleful Latin chanting and orchestral majesty, along with other individual pieces as well suited to their respective scenes.
Though a masterfully crafted work with regard to all technical aspects, and possessing a trenchant premise and execution, the effectiveness of any story so invested in the exploration of themes such as morality and justice inevitably teeters on the potency of it’s characters. The characterizations of Death Note where the anime both succeeds and fails. Characters are imbued with rich motivation and emotion, with well defined and contrasted personalities. Despite this however they lack the subtle touch to make them believably human, their tertiary characteristics and traits undeveloped and leaving something to be desired. Though not a critical blow to the otherwise unsullied work, the absence of complete characterizations being notably obtrusive.
In conclusion, Death Note offers the viewer a venture into a thought-provoking and deeply enrapturing narrative of a suspenseful struggle between ideals. Though offering some insight into the philosophy it’s characters exhibit, the analysis of themes is only skin deep, instead lending precedence to the suspenseful battle of wits that defines the series. A thoroughly enjoyable and nail-bitting narrative, Death Note will succeed in pleasing a multitude of viewers.
~Colme
