An apple a day keeps the Shinigami away! 

Death Note is a renowned Japanese anime series that has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique narrative and thought-provoking themes.  

The series is a psychological thriller that explores the moral implications of power, justice, and death. 

The 2003 manga written by Tsugumi Ohba was made into an anime series that first aired Oct. 4. 2006 and ended shortly after in June 2007. Fans were left with mixed emotions as the series ended up giving birth to various discussions and theories on platforms like Reddit.  

The protagonist, Light Yagami, is a genius high school student who stumbles upon a mysterious notebook known as the “Death Note”. This notebook has the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it.  

Light decides to use this power to rid the world of criminals, leading to a complex moral dilemma. His actions drew the attention of the public and law enforcement, earning him the name “Kira”.  

The series introduces the concept of Shinigami or “gods of death”. The Death Note that Light finds belongs to a Shinigami named Ryuk, who, out of boredom, drops his Death Note into the human world, setting the events of the series into motion.  

The plot of Death Note is deeply engaging, filled with unexpected twists and turns. It keeps the audience on the edge of their seats as Light, assuming the persona of Kira, navigates through the challenges thrown at him while trying to create his version of a utopian world.  

The series is a brilliant exploration of the consequences of unchecked power and the subjective nature of justice. It leaves the audience pondering long after the end credits roll.  

About 10 years after the series ended, fans of the series were given another chance to take in their favorite series, this time in a live action format. Produced by Netflix, a film of the series was released in 2017, to mostly negative reviews.  

While the film was praised by the creators of the original series who enjoyed the way the series both followed and took its own liberties from the show, most thought the film did not live up to the precedent set by the anime. 

Death Note is not just an anime; it’s a philosophical journey that challenges viewers to question their understanding of right and wrong. Almost two decades since its creation, Death Note is still a relevant and perhaps, necessary, watch in today’s world.