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* [[Alas, Poor Scrappy]]: {{spoiler|Misa}}, in the anime, at least if you believe she actually jumped. Doubles as an [[Alas, Poor Villain]].

* [[Alas, Poor Villain]]:
* [[Alas, Poor Scrappy]]: {{spoiler|Misa}}, in the anime. Doubles as an [[Alas, Poor Villain]].
* [[Alas, Poor Villain]]:
** {{spoiler|Misa, as mentioned above.}}
** {{spoiler|Misa, as mentioned above.}}
*** {{spoiler|Light's death causes her to commit suicide. It doesn't help that the scene ''was'', technically speaking, very well-done. And that she actually killed herself ''after she had managed to get somewhat of a normal life''.}}
*** {{spoiler|Light's death causes her to commit suicide. It doesn't help that the scene ''was'', technically speaking, very well-done. And that she actually killed herself ''after she had managed to get somewhat of a normal life''.}}
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*** {{spoiler|Also in the manga. He lays bloody on the ground, all allies having died or abandoned him, knowing that his death is coming. As his heart gives out, Light repeats over and over how he doesn't want to die, like a helpless child. Pitiable for some.}}
*** {{spoiler|Also in the manga. He lays bloody on the ground, all allies having died or abandoned him, knowing that his death is coming. As his heart gives out, Light repeats over and over how he doesn't want to die, like a helpless child. Pitiable for some.}}
** {{spoiler|Takada. Her death was really, ''really'' ugly. And even if you didn't like her (since she ''was'' an arrogant bitch), you can't help feeling a bit sorry for her due to the cruel nature of it all.}}
** {{spoiler|Takada. Her death was really, ''really'' ugly. And even if you didn't like her (since she ''was'' an arrogant bitch), you can't help feeling a bit sorry for her due to the cruel nature of it all.}}
* [[Adaptation Displacement]]:
* [[Adaptation Displacement]]:
** "''[[Death Note]]''? Man, I love that anime/movie. What, there was a ''comic book''?"
** "''[[Death Note]]''? Man, I love that anime/movie. What, there was a ''comic book''?"
** Individual scenes are subject to this as well, even amongst fans who know the manga. The infamous "potato chip" scene was understated and matter-of-fact in the manga, but bring up potato chips in reference to ''Death Note'', and people either recall the [[Large Ham|over-the-top]] Japanese dialogue from the anime, or the even more ridiculous English dub of the same scene.
** Individual scenes are subject to this as well, even amongst fans who know the manga. The infamous "potato chip" scene was understated and matter-of-fact in the manga, but bring up potato chips in reference to ''Death Note'', and people either recall the [[Large Ham|over-the-top]] Japanese dialogue from the anime, or the even more ridiculous English dub of the same scene.
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** As for Light himself, {{spoiler|it is implied that the power of the Death Note corrupts the user, and when Light returns the Death Note to Ryuk, he loses all memories of his killing and actually asks himself whether he'd be capable of killing. So is the Death Note actually responsible for Light's murders as Kira, or was he just a rotten individual all along and just drunk with power?}}
** As for Light himself, {{spoiler|it is implied that the power of the Death Note corrupts the user, and when Light returns the Death Note to Ryuk, he loses all memories of his killing and actually asks himself whether he'd be capable of killing. So is the Death Note actually responsible for Light's murders as Kira, or was he just a rotten individual all along and just drunk with power?}}
** Some people also noticed after {{spoiler|Ryuk took away his knowledge of the Death Note, but he regained it later,}} Light acted like he had [[Gollum Made Me Do It|multiple personality disorder]]. You can supposedly see it in his eyes: when his eyes are slanted he's Kira and when they're round again he's switched back to Light. Of course, near the end of the series, {{spoiler|Kira takes over, and his eyes don't turn round again until the very last episode.}} Re-watch the scene in the anime when {{spoiler|L dies.}} Light's eyes switch from pointed to wide while he's falling out of the chair, and {{spoiler|he suddenly goes insane, grabs L and starts screaming. After Rem dies however, his eyes are pointed again and he's perfectly calm and collected again.}} Also [[Double Consciousness|he does tend to dissociate from his actions as Kira]], even when he doesn't ''need'' to, for instance, in the manga when he explains to Ryuk: "If I blow it, ''[[Third Person Person|Kira]]'' may have to kill his own family."
** Some people also noticed after {{spoiler|Ryuk took away his knowledge of the Death Note, but he regained it later,}} Light acted like he had [[Gollum Made Me Do It|multiple personality disorder]]. You can supposedly see it in his eyes: when his eyes are slanted he's Kira and when they're round again he's switched back to Light. Of course, near the end of the series, {{spoiler|Kira takes over, and his eyes don't turn round again until the very last episode.}} Re-watch the scene in the anime when {{spoiler|L dies.}} Light's eyes switch from pointed to wide while he's falling out of the chair, and {{spoiler|he suddenly goes insane, grabs L and starts screaming. After Rem dies however, his eyes are pointed again and he's perfectly calm and collected again.}} Also [[Double Consciousness|he does tend to dissociate from his actions as Kira]], even when he doesn't ''need'' to, for instance, in the manga when he explains to Ryuk: "If I blow it, ''[[Third Person Person|Kira]]'' may have to kill his own family."
** There's also the question: Did Light really have a "perfect life" or did he have [[Freudian Excuse|a crappy childhood?]] [http://witegots.deviantart.com/art/277-DN-Genius-Yearbooks-75939490\]
** There's also the question: Did Light really have a "perfect life" or did he have [[Freudian Excuse|a crappy childhood?]] [https://web.archive.org/web/20151010082704/http://witegots.deviantart.com/art/277-DN-Genius-Yearbooks-75939490]
** Also, in the anime, while running away, he saw a younger and more innocent version of himself. So did Light die trying to escape arrest, or was he [[Dying as Yourself|brainwashed and snapped out of it]] while running away and thus, tried to find a place to hide to die alone]].
** Also, in the anime, while running away, he saw a younger and more innocent version of himself. So did Light die trying to escape arrest, or was he [[Dying as Yourself|brainwashed and snapped out of it]] while running away and thus, tried to find a place to hide to die alone]].
** Mello. Is he an overly-emotional [[Chaotic Good]] guy with an inferiority complex who's tired of being [[Always Second Best]], or is he an evil selfish [[Axe Crazy]] [[Manipulative Bastard]]? Or both? Yeah...both.
** Mello. Is he an overly-emotional [[Chaotic Good]] guy with an inferiority complex who's tired of being [[Always Second Best]], or is he an evil selfish [[Axe Crazy]] [[Manipulative Bastard]]? Or both? Yeah...both.
** Near.
** Near.
*** He openly states that good and evil are purely subjective concepts, and whilst this doesn't necessarily disqualify someone from being Good or Evil, he never shows any inclination towards either, pursuing Kira both because it's what L would do and in order to avenge L. in the manga, {{spoiler|it's heavily hinted (or rather speculated by Matsuda) that he kills Mikami with the Death Note in order to get final revenge for L.}} However, this detail is omitted from the anime, and in general the focus of his character is more on becoming L's successor than avenging him.
*** He openly states that good and evil are purely subjective concepts, and whilst this doesn't necessarily disqualify someone from being Good or Evil, he never shows any inclination towards either, pursuing Kira both because it's what L would do and in order to avenge L. in the manga, {{spoiler|it's heavily hinted (or rather speculated by Matsuda) that he kills Mikami with the Death Note in order to get final revenge for L.}} However, this detail is omitted from the anime, and in general the focus of his character is more on becoming L's successor than avenging him.
*** On that last point: while [[Word of God]] states that {{spoiler|readers are meant to draw their conclusions about whether or not he used the Death Note on Mikami}}, {{spoiler|Obata describes him as "dishonest" and "the more evil" of him and Mello.}}
*** On that last point: while [[Word of God]] states that {{spoiler|readers are meant to draw their conclusions about whether or not he used the Death Note on Mikami}}, {{spoiler|Obata describes him as "dishonest" and "the more evil" of him and Mello.}}
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** Raye Penber's [[Stay in the Kitchen]] line. Is he a misogynist, or does he just want his future wife to live a normal life as a housewife so she will no longer be in the risky trade as a law enforcement officer?
** Raye Penber's [[Stay in the Kitchen]] line. Is he a misogynist, or does he just want his future wife to live a normal life as a housewife so she will no longer be in the risky trade as a law enforcement officer?
** From the live action movies there's Light's girlfriend (lol what?) Shiori Akino. Is she a) [[The Ingenue|genuinely clueless]] or b) she knows / suspects Light is Kira and [[Selective Obliviousness|is in denial]] or c) she knows / suspects Light is Kira and is [[Cooldown Hug|trying to talk him out of it.]]
** From the live action movies there's Light's girlfriend (lol what?) Shiori Akino. Is she a) [[The Ingenue|genuinely clueless]] or b) she knows / suspects Light is Kira and [[Selective Obliviousness|is in denial]] or c) she knows / suspects Light is Kira and is [[Cooldown Hug|trying to talk him out of it.]]
**In the 2017 film mia sutton did she ever love light or was he just a tool also did she really believe in kiras cause or was it just an excuse for power or given that the director compared her to the animes light was she only in it for herself but believed what she was doing was right
* [[Americans Hate Tingle]]:
** And Italians Hate Light Yagami.
* [[Americans Hate Tingle]]: And Italians Hate Light Yagami.
** Misa Amane is way more accepted in Japan, Europe and South America than in North America. If she could see fan reaction to her, she'd probably wish the NA ''[[Death Note]]'' fandom was more like the ''[[Batman]]'' fandom; [[Harley Quinn|she'd be more popular then!]]
** Misa Amane is way more accepted in Japan, Europe and South America than in North America. If she could see fan reaction to her, she'd probably wish the NA ''[[Death Note]]'' fandom was more like the ''[[Batman]]'' fandom; [[Harley Quinn|she'd be more popular then!]]
* [[And the Fandom Rejoiced]]: [[Lethal Weapon|Shane]] [[Kiss Kiss Bang Bang|Black]] has been hired to direct the American [[Live Action Adaptation]].
* [[And the Fandom Rejoiced]]: [[Lethal Weapon|Shane]] [[Kiss Kiss Bang Bang|Black]] has been hired to direct the American [[Live Action Adaptation]].
** And as [[One of Us|a fan of the manga]], [http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2011-11-02/shane-black-describes-changes-he-opposed-to-warner-death-note he said] '''"NO!"''' to [[Executive Meddling]]-induced [[Adaptation Decay]]. [[Moment of Awesome|Awesome.]]
** And as [[One of Us|a fan of the manga]], [http://www.animenewsnetwork.cc//interest/2011-11-02/shane-black-describes-changes-he-opposed-to-warner-death-note he said] '''"NO!"''' to [[Executive Meddling]]-induced [[Adaptation Decay]]. [[Moment of Awesome|Awesome.]]
** All the above becomes [[Harsher in Hindsight]] in light of Shane Black leaving the project and the finalized, straight to Netflix ''Death Note'' film turning out the way it did.
* [[Anvilicious]] : The power to kill is evil.
* [[Anvilicious]] : The power to kill is evil.
* [[Ass Pull]]: Mello and Near also come almost entirely out of the blue, in contrast to the usual pains the story takes to show the plans in action from start to finish.
* [[Ass Pull]]: Mello and Near also come almost entirely out of the blue, in contrast to the usual pains the story takes to show the plans in action from start to finish.
*[[Broken Base]]: Wether light should have won it not is hotly debated Drago in leather pants aside some people just feel that it would have been cooler and or feel that nears victory was REALLY forced
* [[Complete Monster]]: Light is arguably in this trope's territory by the end of the series.
**opinions on the 2017 film vary some people say that it was an interesting take on the story others say it's a defilement of the franchise. To. Others its so,okay its average
** {{spoiler|[[Darker and Edgier|Ryuk calls Light out on this]] at the end of the first Live Action movie, and Rem re-iterates in the second one.}}
* [[Complete Monster]]: Light is arguably in this trope's territory by the end of the series. It's clear he's cast off all altruistic qualities, committing murders in the name of pure self-deluded egomania instead.
** Not to mention {{spoiler|Higuchi.}} {{spoiler|Rem actually comes to prefer ''Light'' over him when he expresses his obsession for Misa, hoping to make her, 12 1/2 years his junior, his bride. And, among all the characters who come into possesion of the Death Note, he's the only one who has no motive or attempt at justification whatsoever; he's just BAD. He's also the only Death Note user whose death has no aspect of [[Alas, Poor Villain]] whatsoever}}.
** {{spoiler|[[Darker and Edgier|Ryuk calls Light out on this]] at the end of the first Live Action movie, and Rem re-iterates in the second one. In the films, he actually becomes ''worse'' than he ever was in the series, arranging for his girlfriend (whom he may or may not have even loved) to be killed so that the FBI agent in his way whom he'd manipulated into killing her would then take herself out. In the second one, he sinks so low as to make an active attempt ''on his own father's life'', which thankfully fails thanks to L. Even as he dies, he's unrepentant and insistent that Kira's way was justice with his last breath. And since both Higuchi and Rod Ross were not in these films, that makes Light himself the single most atrociously evil person in the story.}}
** [[Word of God]] names [[The Mafia|Mafia]] leader Rod Ross for the much competed title of "Evilest Person in ''[[Death Note]]''". To beat out [[Serial Killer|Serial Killers]], mass nurderers, [[Exalted Torturer|torturers]], terrorists, rapists, [[Corrupt Corporate Executive|greedy bastards]], and monsters that enjoy watching [[For the Evulz|human suffering for the lulz]], you must be doing something right... or rather wrong. Seeing how absolutely nonchalant he is about Mello's various atrocities definitively indicates just how soulless he is, and gives you the impression he's seen (and done) ''much'' worse in the past. In general, he comes off as the most repulsive person during that phase of the story, ''even moreso than Light.''
** Not to mention {{spoiler|Higuchi.}} {{spoiler|Rem actually comes to prefer ''Light'' over him when he expresses his obsession for Misa, hoping to make her, 12 1/2 years his junior, his bride. And, among all the characters who come into possesion of the Death Note, he's the only one who has no motive or attempt at justification whatsoever; he's just BAD. He's also the only Death Note user whose death has no aspect of [[Alas, Poor Villain]] whatsoever}}.
* [[Crazy Awesome]]:
** [[Word of God]] names [[The Mafia|Mafia]] leader Rod Ross for the much competed title of "Evilest Person in ''[[Death Note]]''". To beat out [[Serial Killer]]s, mass nurderers, [[Exalted Torturer|torturers]], terrorists, [[Corrupt Corporate Executive|greedy bastards]], and monsters that enjoy watching [[For the Evulz|human suffering for the lulz]], you must be doing something right... or rather wrong. Seeing how absolutely nonchalant he is about Mello's various atrocities definitively indicates just how soulless he is, and gives you the impression he's seen (and done) ''much'' worse in the past. In general, he comes off as the most repulsive person during that phase of the story, ''even moreso than Light.''
** Movie-L has a high-tech getaway car. And it's a bright pink Angel Crepe van.
**In the 2017 film Ryuk, who initially seems to be more humourous like his counterpart, makes it clear it's all an act, he's a detestable monster. Ryuk preys on Light's desire for justice and vengeance for his mother and used it to goad him into using the notebook. He also consistently manipulates the situation by leaving out details. He loves watching Light struggle with morality [[For the Evulz|for fun]], viewing the earth as a playground. This version of Ryuk is a horrifyng demon with a sick sense of humour who torments people for kicks.
** Also Light and Mikami emphasis on CRAZY.
* [[Creepy Awesome]]:
* [[Crazy Awesome]]:
** Movie-L has a high-tech getaway car. And it's a bright pink Angel Crepe van.
** Also Light and Mikami emphasis on CRAZY.
* [[Creepy Awesome]]:
** Let's just say this series has a Cast Full Of [[Creepy Awesome]].
** Let's just say this series has a Cast Full Of [[Creepy Awesome]].
** Mikami has some great moments. Killing Demegawa and his cohorts in the anime is accompanied by writing even more epic than Light's. The [[Narm|eagle sound effects]] and [[Narm Charm|flashing multicolored lights]] aren't the things that make the scene; that [[Slasher Smile|smile]] of his, however, is.
** Mikami has some great moments. Killing Demegawa and his cohorts in the anime is accompanied by writing even more epic than Light's. The [[Narm|eagle sound effects]] and [[Narm Charm|flashing multicolored lights]] aren't the things that make the scene; that [[Slasher Smile|smile]] of his is.
* [[Crowning Music of Awesome]]:
* [[Crowning Music of Awesome]]:
** The songs Japanese band [[Maximum the Hormone]] did for the second opening and closing credits.
** The songs Japanese band [[Maximum the Hormone]] did for the second opening and closing credits.
** Nightmare did a great job too.
** Nightmare did a great job too.
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** Basically, any of the epic classical music played. Leave it to Death Note to make writing in a notebook fucking EPIC. Or eating potato chips.
** Basically, any of the epic classical music played. Leave it to Death Note to make writing in a notebook fucking EPIC. Or eating potato chips.
** ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp7m1E08Fms&feature=related Coda ~ Death Note]'', the music played over the credits of the final episode. That scene really wouldn't have had the same power without it.
** ''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp7m1E08Fms&feature=related Coda ~ Death Note]'', the music played over the credits of the final episode. That scene really wouldn't have had the same power without it.
* [[Cry for the Devil]]: Deserving or not, {{spoiler|Mello, Takada, Light, Mikami, and Misa all had very sad deaths.}}
* [[Die for Our Ship]]: Misa and Takada for getting in the way of [[Foe Yay|L and Light]]. Takada gets this from Light/Misa shippers as well, some of whom actually ''cheered'' when {{spoiler|Light killed her}}, even though he was only using both of them. To a lesser degree, Halle for getting in the way of [[Ho Yay|Mello and Matt]] or [[Foe Yay|Mello and Near]].
* [[Die for Our Ship]]: Misa and Takada for getting in the way of [[Foe Yay|L and Light]]. Takada gets this from Light/Misa shippers as well, some of whom actually ''cheered'' when {{spoiler|Light killed her}}, even though he was only using both of them. To a lesser degree, Halle for getting in the way of [[Ho Yay|Mello and Matt]] or [[Foe Yay|Mello and Near]].
* [[Draco in Leather Pants]]: ''Any'' of the series' protagonists, to varying degrees.
* [[Draco in Leather Pants]]: ''Any'' of the series' protagonists, to varying degrees.
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* [[Ending Fatigue]]: The second arc. Protip: it's worth it just for the finale.
* [[Ending Fatigue]]: The second arc. Protip: it's worth it just for the finale.
* [[Escapist Character]]: Light is handled well enough to be this rather than a [[Villain Sue]].
* [[Escapist Character]]: Light is handled well enough to be this rather than a [[Villain Sue]].
* [[Ensemble Darkhorse]]: Matt. He has very few panels in the manga, but is very popular in the fandom. Also Beyond Birthday and Naomi Misora.
* [[Ensemble Darkhorse]]: Matt. He has very few panels in the manga, but is very popular in the fandom. Also Beyond Birthday and Naomi Misora.
* [[Evil Is Cool]]: Most of the... umm, "less heroic" characters, especially Light. [[Creepy Awesome|Ryuk]], Mello and BB also qualify.
* [[Evil Is Cool]]: Most of the... umm, "less heroic" characters, especially Light. [[Creepy Awesome|Ryuk]], Mello and BB also qualify.
* [[Evil Is Sexy]]: Light Yagami, [[Ms. Fanservice|Misa]], Mikami and Mello.
* [[Evil Is Sexy]]: Light Yagami, [[Ms. Fanservice|Misa]], Mikami and Mello.
* [[Fandom Gank]]: Some fans question if the ending is a Fandom Gank, merely because {{spoiler|Light got defeated by Near, who switched the real death note with a fake one. The young Yagami is set up to be the most brilliant criminal ever.}}
* [[Fanon Discontinuity]]: Many, many fans would like to forget that {{spoiler|Rem kills L.}} Others like to ignore the bits involving Near and/or Mello. Some even take that a step further and pretend the second season as a whole never happened. And there is yet another group of fans who would very much like to believe that {{spoiler|Light won and/or lived.}}
* [[Fanon Discontinuity]]: Many, many fans would like to forget that {{spoiler|Rem kills L.}} Others like to ignore the bits involving Near and/or Mello. Some even take that a step further and pretend the second season as a whole never happened. And there is yet another group of fans who would very much like to believe that {{spoiler|Light won and/or lived.}}
* [[Fashion Victim Villain]]: Poor Mello actually thinks he looks intimidating in that outfit.
* [[Fashion Victim Villain]]: Poor Mello actually thinks he looks intimidating in that outfit.
* [[Faux Symbolism]]: The apples. The artist assumed they were there for their religious significance, but the writer just put them there [[Rule of Cool|because he thought they were cool]]. [[Word of God|So he claims, anyway]].
* [[Faux Symbolism]]: The apples. The artist assumed they were there for their religious significance, but the writer just put them there [[Rule of Cool|because he thought they were cool]]. [[Word of God|So he claims, anyway]].
** Not to mention the first opening credits [[Bait and Switch Credits|that make us think that Light is going to do something really just and noble.]] Heck, the first time you see him he's reciting Scripture perfectly in class. Two episodes into the series, you know better.
** Not to mention the first opening credits [[Bait and Switch Credits|that make us think that Light is going to do something really just and noble.]] Heck, the first time you see him he's reciting Scripture perfectly in class. Two episodes into the series, you know better.
*** Throughout the series, there a number of images that just happen to resemble crosses. And in the first opening credits sequence, Misora is seen holding {{spoiler|the recently killed}} Raye Penber's body, looking uncannily like [[Pieta Plagiarism|La Pieta art.]]
*** Throughout the series, there a number of images that just happen to resemble crosses. And in the first opening credits sequence, Misora is seen holding {{spoiler|the recently killed}} Raye Penber's body, looking uncannily like [[Pietà Plagiarism|La Pieta art.]]
*** The first opening credits also shows a split-second image of Light laying on what appears to be a stained-glass window (in the second opening, this is repeated, only Light is shown more as a festering corpse).
*** The first opening credits also shows a split-second image of Light laying on what appears to be a stained-glass window (in the second opening, this is repeated, only Light is shown more as a festering corpse).
*** Also in the opening credits is an image of Light handing Ryuk an apple, in what appears to be a crude mimicry of Michelangelo's ceiling painting of Adam and God (With Light as Adam, giving the apple more symbolism, and Ryuk as God, being flanked by Shinigami rather than cherubim). Also note how, in this image, Light has THAT chain handcuffed to his wrist, which leads off-screen. Is speculated to mean that the image may actually be larger, including L attached on the other end.
*** Also in the opening credits is an image of Light handing Ryuk an apple, in what appears to be a crude mimicry of Michelangelo's ceiling painting of Adam and God (With Light as Adam, giving the apple more symbolism, and Ryuk as God, being flanked by Shinigami rather than cherubim). Also note how, in this image, Light has THAT chain handcuffed to his wrist, which leads off-screen. Is speculated to mean that the image may actually be larger, including L attached on the other end.
* [[Foe Yay]]: Tons of it. [http://2yarik-aka-gingi.deviantart.com/art/Meet-BBxLxLight-126924658 L seems to get this with all his enemies]-with Light above all others but also with Misa, and Beyond from ''[[Another Note]]'' at least on B's side. B is ''very'' obsessed with him. As for Light and L the two compliment each other's methods and skills all the time, and regard each other as worthy adversaries. [[The Not Love Interest|L evokes feelings in Light that he feels for no one else. L is the most important person in Light's life]] {{spoiler|even after he is dead. And in the anime L is the only person on Light's mind ''when he's dying.''}} And of course, there's that infamous foot massage in the anime, which [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPRNPx8PbM8=related must be seen to be believed.]
* [[Foe Yay]]: Tons of it. [https://web.archive.org/web/20130501083333/http://2yarik-aka-gingi.deviantart.com/art/Meet-BBxLxLight-126924658 L seems to get this with all his enemies]-with Light above all others but also with Misa, and Beyond from ''[[Another Note]]'' at least on B's side. B is ''very'' obsessed with him. As for Light and L the two compliment each other's methods and skills all the time, and regard each other as worthy adversaries. [[The Not Love Interest|L evokes feelings in Light that he feels for no one else. L is the most important person in Light's life]] {{spoiler|even after he is dead. And in the anime L is the only person on Light's mind ''when he's dying.''}} And of course, there's that infamous foot massage in the anime, which [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPRNPx8PbM8=related must be seen to be believed.]
{{quote| '''L:''' It's the least I can do to atone for my sins.<br />
{{quote|'''L:''' It's the least I can do to atone for my sins.
'''Light:''' ...Do as you wish. }}
'''Light:''' ...Do as you wish. }}
* [[Fountain of Memes]]: Light
* [[Fountain of Memes]]: Light
* [[Funny Aneurysm Moment]]: A certain pratfall toward the end of the first season plays very differently by the end of the second.
* [[Funny Aneurysm Moment]]: A certain pratfall toward the end of the first season plays very differently by the end of the second.
* [[Germans Love David Hasselhoff|Cosplayers Love Misa]]: She's generally more popular within the [[Cosplay]] fandom than the rest of the anime fandom, due to how easy it is to cosplay her and how the many teenage girls<ref>and [[Camp Gay|some]] [[Wholesome Crossdresser|guys!]]</ref> in the cosplay fandom can relate to her (albeit not completely). In fact: Francesca Dani, one of the most populat cosplayers ''in the whole world'', [http://www.francescadani.com/cosplay/death-note-misa-amane/index.html has Misa among her most popular cosplays.]
* [[Germans Love David Hasselhoff|Cosplayers Love Misa]]: She's generally more popular within the [[Cosplay]] fandom than the rest of the anime fandom, due to how easy it is to cosplay her and how the many teenage girls<ref>and [[Camp Gay|some]] [[Wholesome Crossdresser|guys!]]</ref> in the cosplay fandom can relate to her (albeit not completely). In fact: Francesca Dani, one of the most populat cosplayers ''in the whole world'', [https://web.archive.org/web/20140903150112/http://www.francescadani.com/cosplay/death-note-misa-amane/index.html has Misa among her most popular cosplays.]
* [[God Mode Sue]]: L in the films.
* [[God Mode Sue]]: L in the films.
* [[He's Just Hiding]]: {{spoiler|pick a character- any character- there's loads of [[Fix Fic]]}}.
* [[He's Just Hiding]]: {{spoiler|pick a character- any character- there's loads of [[Fix Fic]]}}.
* [[Ho Yay]]:
* [[Ho Yay]]:
** Kira/Light with L, {{spoiler|especially when he loses his memories and they are ''chained together.''}}. See also [[Foe Yay]].
** Kira/Light with L, {{spoiler|especially when he loses his memories and they are ''chained together.''}}. See also [[Foe Yay]].
** Also Light with Ryuk and Yamamoto.
** Also Light with Ryuk and Yamamoto.
*** Ryuk follows him everywhere and is [[No Sense of Personal Space|notorious for invading his personal space.]] He is often seen lounging around in Light's bed. They live together for years {{spoiler|till death do they part}}. As for Yamamoto, he still hasn't given him a New Year's card!
*** Ryuk follows him everywhere and is [[No Sense of Personal Space|notorious for invading his personal space.]] He is often seen lounging around in Light's bed. They live together for years {{spoiler|till death do they part}}. As for Yamamoto, he still hasn't given him a New Year's card!
** [[Foe Yay|Also]] [[No Yay|Near and Light]]. [http://tamagotchimonster.deviantart.com/art/Near-Creeper-171687330\] [[Mind Game Ship|From the moment Light first talks to Near]] {{spoiler|[[Replacement Love Interest|he gets the feeling that he's talking to L.]]}} [[Memetic Molester|Near keeps calling and harassing Light at odd hours of the day and night and hanging up. Near has a habit of making some very unsettling facial expressions when thinking about what he's going to do with Light]] and in the manga {{spoiler|How Near wanted to KEEP Light. Not to mention how when Near corners Light}} [[Mind Rape|it's dripping with rape metaphors.]]
** [[Foe Yay|Also]] [[No Yay|Near and Light]]. [https://web.archive.org/web/20151031162222/http://tamagotchimonster.deviantart.com/art/Near-Creeper-171687330] [[Mind Game Ship|From the moment Light first talks to Near]] {{spoiler|[[Replacement Love Interest|he gets the feeling that he's talking to L.]]}} [[Memetic Molester|Near keeps calling and harassing Light at odd hours of the day and night and hanging up. Near has a habit of making some very unsettling facial expressions when thinking about what he's going to do with Light]] and in the manga {{spoiler|How Near wanted to KEEP Light. Not to mention how when Near corners Light}} [[Mind Rape|it's dripping with rape metaphors.]]
** Mello, with [[Heterosexual Life Partners|Matt]], [[Foe Yay|Near]] and Rod.
** Mello, with [[Heterosexual Life Partners|Matt]], [[Foe Yay|Near]] and Rod.
** Teru Mikami with Kira/Light.
** Teru Mikami with Kira/Light.
** Touta Matsuda with practically every male cast member.
** Touta Matsuda with practically every male cast member.
** In one of the movies, F with L. {{spoiler|L writes his own name in the Death Note after learning F is dead.}}
** In one of the movies, F with L. {{spoiler|L writes his own name in the Death Note after learning F is dead.}}
** In ''[[Another Note]]'' B with L. B is very obsessed with L {{spoiler|to the point that he copies his looks and mannerisms.}}
** In ''[[Another Note]]'' B with L. B is very obsessed with L {{spoiler|to the point that he copies his looks and mannerisms.}}
* [[Iron Woobie]]: Soichiro Yagami. He's the most decent man in the series, but he has to suffer due to his son’s and L's actions.
* [[Iron Woobie]]: Soichiro Yagami. He's the most decent man in the series, but he has to suffer due to his son’s and L's actions.
* [[Jerkass Woobie]]: [[Alternate Character Interpretation|Depending on your view]], Light, Misa, Mikami, Mello, Beyond, and even Takada could qualify.
* [[Jerkass Woobie]]: [[Alternate Character Interpretation|Depending on your view]], Light, Misa, Mikami, Mello, Beyond, and even Takada could qualify.
* [[Les Yay]]:
* [[Les Yay]]:
** Rem has a one-sided affection for Misa, although it MAY be purely platonic (Rem claims this is the case, but who knows...)
** Rem has a one-sided affection for Misa, although it MAY be purely platonic (Rem claims this is the case, but who knows...)
*** Averted in the English dub of the movies where Rem is a male.
*** Averted in the English dub of the movies where Rem is a male.
** [[Foe Yay|Misa and Takada's catfight where Takada asks Misa out for dinner.]]
** [[Foe Yay|Misa and Takada's catfight where Takada asks Misa out for dinner.]]
** Takada and Halle, seeing how Halle has somehow won Takada's complete trust.
** Takada and Halle, seeing how Halle has somehow won Takada's complete trust.
** Halle and Misa- there's their fight-scene together...
** Halle and Misa- there's their fight-scene together...
* [[Launcher of a Thousand Ships]]:
* [[Launcher of a Thousand Ships]]:
** Mello, if to a lesser extent than most examples.
** Mello, if to a lesser extent than most examples.
** Fandom takes Light's canonical [[Ambiguously Gay|ambiguous]] [[Asexuality|disinterest in girls]] to mean he'll do [[Anything That Moves]] provided it is tactically advantageous ([[OTP|or]] [[Single-Target Sexuality|L-sexual]]).
** Fandom takes Light's canonical [[Ambiguously Gay|ambiguous]] [[Asexuality|disinterest in girls]] to mean he'll do [[Anything That Moves]] provided it is tactically advantageous ([[OTP|or]] [[Single-Target Sexuality|L-sexual]]).
** L is shipped with the Kiras, the Wammys, and the entire taskforce.
** L is shipped with the Kiras, the Wammys, and the entire taskforce.
** Likewise Near is shipped with everyone and [[Cargo Ship|his toys]].
** Likewise Near is shipped with everyone and [[Cargo Ship|his toys]].
* [[Lawful Stupid]]: Team Kira's philosophy is "You broke the law-''DIE!''"
* [[Lawful Stupid]]: Team Kira's philosophy is "You broke the law-''DIE!''"
** Ehh. It depends who you’re talking about and whether it’s the manga, anime, for film. In the manga and anime people often think of Kira in religious terms, or just feel relieved that crime rates around them drop significantly. In the anime you hear people saying ‘I’mma tell on you to Kira!’ which makes you think these might be either [[I Wish You Were Dead|little immature kids]] or [[The Woobie|woobies who detest their bullies]]. In the film you get a girl who says on television, ‘[[What an Idiot!|Kira, kill my parents~!]]’ All in all it seems that Kira want to cleanse the world, and he certainly delivers: as time goes on he gets larger and larger support, and in his final speech he mentions crime rates worldwide have dropped by 70% and wars have stopped altogether. [[Insult Backfire|perhaps the lawful stupid are actually]] [[Irony|Team L]]?
** Ehh. It depends who you’re talking about and whether it’s the manga, anime, for film. In the manga and anime people often think of Kira in religious terms, or just feel relieved that crime rates around them drop significantly. In the anime you hear people saying ‘I’mma tell on you to Kira!’ which makes you think these might be either [[I Wish You Were Dead|little immature kids]] or [[The Woobie|woobies who detest their bullies]]. In the film you get a girl who says on television, ‘[[What an Idiot!|Kira, kill my parents~!]]’ All in all it seems that Kira want to cleanse the world, and he certainly delivers: as time goes on he gets larger and larger support, and in his final speech he mentions crime rates worldwide have dropped by 70% and wars have stopped altogether. [[Insult Backfire|perhaps the lawful stupid are actually]] [[Irony|Team L]]?
* [[Magnificent Bastard]]: Light is practically the manga poster boy for this trope. L almost fits the requirements, but he's sorely lacking in charisma.
* [[Magnificent Bastard]]: Light is practically the manga poster boy for this trope. L almost fits the requirements, but he's sorely lacking in charisma.
* [[Memetic Molester]]:
* [[Memetic Molester]]:
** Raye Penber is stalking teenage boys for the F.B.I.
** Raye Penber is stalking teenage boys for the F.B.I.
** Ryuk's permanent [[Slasher Smile|rape face.]]
** Ryuk's permanent [[Slasher Smile|rape face.]]
** Just LOOK at Near's creepy smiles! Also in the manga, how he wanted to {{spoiler|keep Light.}}
** Just LOOK at Near's creepy smiles! Also in the manga, how he wanted to {{spoiler|keep Light.}}
** Higuchi is a [[Dirty Old Man]] ''in canon.''
** Higuchi is a [[Dirty Old Man]] ''in canon.''
** Beyond Birthday often supplies the "hurt" part of [[Hurt Comfort Fic|Hurt Comfort FanFiction]]. There's really no good way to take his line in ''[[Another Note]]'' of "I'm an aggressive top."
** Beyond Birthday often supplies the "hurt" part of [[Hurt/Comfort Fic|Hurt Comfort FanFiction]]. There's really no good way to take his line in ''[[Another Note]]'' of "I'm an aggressive top."
** [[Death Note the Abridged Series (Team Dattebayo)|L never misses an opportunity to install cameras in a bathroom.]]
** [[Death Note the Abridged Series (Team Dattebayo)|L never misses an opportunity to install cameras in a bathroom.]]
** Light for evidence, see the deleted scene of {{spoiler|L's funeral}}. Not to mention his [[Slasher Smile]] as he says:
** Light for evidence, see the deleted scene of {{spoiler|L's funeral}}. Not to mention his [[Slasher Smile]] as he says:
* [[Memetic Mutation]]:
* [[Memetic Mutation]]:
** [[Crowning Moment of Awesome|Exactly As Planned.]] (Katta! Keikaku doori.)
** [[Crowning Moment of Awesome|Exactly As Planned.]] (Katta! Keikaku doori.)
** [[Fauxtivational Poster]] / [[Image Macro]] [http://www.macrochan.org/search.php?tags=Death+ Note Memes from Macrochan]
** [[Fauxtivational Poster]] / [[Image Macro]] [http://www.macrochan.org/search.php?tags=Death+ Note Memes from Macrochan]
Line 120: Line 125:
** And Light's many [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__csq4Gkqqg&feature=related amusing facial expressions] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsUPuLvgcvs&feature=related are pretty meme-tastic.]
** And Light's many [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__csq4Gkqqg&feature=related amusing facial expressions] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsUPuLvgcvs&feature=related are pretty meme-tastic.]
* [[Mind Game Ship]]: Light with practically everyone. The most notable ones are L with Light and Near with Light.
* [[Mind Game Ship]]: Light with practically everyone. The most notable ones are L with Light and Near with Light.
* [[Misaimed Fandom]]:
* [[Misaimed Fandom]]:
** Kira is just misunderstood/it's the Death Note's Fault./[[Gollum Made Me Do It|Light and Kira are two different personalities.]]/[[Mind Screw|Light is the hero, Kira is the villain.]]
** Kira is just misunderstood/it's the Death Note's Fault./[[Gollum Made Me Do It|Light and Kira are two different personalities.]]/[[Mind Screw|Light is the hero, Kira is the villain.]]
** [[Anti-Hero|L]] [[Mr. Fanservice|is adorable]] [[Draco in Leather Pants|therefore he can do no wrong!]]
** [[Anti-Hero|L]] [[Mr. Fanservice|is adorable]] [[Draco in Leather Pants|therefore he can do no wrong!]]
* [[Moe]]:
* [[Moe]]:
** Misa Amane is a walking blob of Moe. [[Girlish Pigtails|Pigtails]], Gothic Lolita, [[Zettai Ryouiki]], squealing girly voice, all topped off with a [[Yandere]] personality. She's so Moe that she even Shinigami want to protect her. Also, Sayu.
** Misa Amane is a walking blob of Moe. [[Girlish Pigtails|Pigtails]], Gothic Lolita, [[Zettai Ryouiki]], squealing girly voice, all topped off with a [[Yandere]] personality. She's so Moe that she even Shinigami want to protect her. Also, Sayu.
** Light and L have their moments too. Especially L, thanks to his personality quirks.
** Light and L have their moments too. Especially L, thanks to his personality quirks.
* [[Moral Event Horizon]]:
* [[Moral Event Horizon]]:
** Light MEH candidates:
** Light MEH candidates:
*** Raye Penbar, the FBI agent investigating Light; could be argued as a case of self-defense, but.... Light had criminals executed with righteous self-affirmations, but in this instance, he made sure to get a front row seat where he can catch the victim's eye and gloat before the death. Whether that's more [[Magnificent Bastard|magnificence or bastardry]], it sure isn't very nice.
*** Raye Penbar, the FBI agent investigating Light; could be argued as a case of self-defense, but.... Light had criminals executed with righteous self-affirmations, but in this instance, he made sure to get a front row seat where he can catch the victim's eye and gloat before the death. Whether that's more [[Magnificent Bastard|magnificence or bastardry]], it sure isn't very nice.
*** Raye's widow Naomi snooped around after his death, but didn't appear to be getting much cooperation from law enforcement agencies, and it's likely her trail would go cold rather than reach any goal. Yet Light took an interest in her with a perverse glee. She was a former investigative official who had committed no crime, yet again Light made it personal, and couldn't resist the opportunity to gloat at the moment she was doomed.
*** Raye's widow Naomi snooped around after his death, but didn't appear to be getting much cooperation from law enforcement agencies, and it's likely her trail would go cold rather than reach any goal. Yet Light took an interest in her with a perverse glee. She was a former investigative official who had committed no crime, yet again Light made it personal, and couldn't resist the opportunity to gloat at the moment she was doomed.
*** {{spoiler|Killing L and Watari.}} Not so much the act itself as much as ''how'' he did it. {{spoiler|He got Rem to kill herself in order to make this happen, and then ensured that the last sight L would see was his triumphant [[Evil Smirk]] gazing down at him. What a BASTARD.}}
*** And if the above moment didn't officially thrust him over the line, then {{spoiler|trying to weasel information about Mello and his men out of a dying Soichiro, his own father, while using an emotional state of grief as a cover for as to why he'd ask these questions, proved him to be despicable beyond repair.}}
*** Light murdering {{spoiler|Takada by writing in the Death Note for her to ''burn alive'' Just to get rid of a loose end, even though she was nothing but loyal and helpful to him}}.
*** The films seem to mark it as either {{spoiler|Shiori's death}} or {{spoiler|Light's attempt to kill Soichiro}}. The first amazes a shinigami, while the second almost turns ''Misa'' against Light.
*** The films seem to mark it as either {{spoiler|Shiori's death}} or {{spoiler|Light's attempt to kill Soichiro}}. The first amazes a shinigami, while the second almost turns ''Misa'' against Light.
** Beyond Birthday's [[Moral Event Horizon]] moment is when he kills a little girl in cold blood.
*** Light murdering {{spoiler|Takada}}.
** Beyond Birthday's [[Moral Event Horizon]] is when he kills a little girl.
* [[Narm]]: See the "potato chip" quote under "Memetic Mutation" above.
* [[Narm]]: See the "potato chip" quote under "Memetic Mutation" above.
* [[Nightmare Fuel]]:
* [[Nightmare Fuel]]:
** Beyond Birthday; there's a reason he's on the quote page for [[Cruel and Unusual Death]]. From the first paragraph of ''[[Another Note]]'':
** Beyond Birthday; there's a reason he's on the quote page for [[Cruel and Unusual Death]]. From the first paragraph of ''[[Another Note]]'':
{{quote| ''When Beyond Birthday committed his third murder, he attempted an experiment. Namely, to see if it were possible for a human being to die of internal hemorrhaging without rupturing any organs. Specifically, he drugged his victim so they fell unconscious, tied them up, and proceeded to beat their left arm thoroughly, being careful not to break the skin. He was hoping to bring about enough hemorrhaging to cause death from loss of blood, but this attempt ended, sadly, in failure. Blood congested in the arm and it turned purplish red beneath the skin, but the victim did not die. He simply shook, convulsed, and remained alive. He had been convinced the blood loss incurred was enough to kill someone, but apparently he had underestimated the matter. As far as Beyond Birthday was concerned, the actual method of murder rated fairly low on the amusement scale, and it was never more than an interesting experiment. It did not particularly matter to him whether it succeeded or not. Beyond Birthday simply shrugged, and took out a knife...'' }}
{{quote|''When Beyond Birthday committed his third murder, he attempted an experiment. Namely, to see if it were possible for a human being to die of internal hemorrhaging without rupturing any organs. Specifically, he drugged his victim so they fell unconscious, tied them up, and proceeded to beat their left arm thoroughly, being careful not to break the skin. He was hoping to bring about enough hemorrhaging to cause death from loss of blood, but this attempt ended, sadly, in failure. Blood congested in the arm and it turned purplish red beneath the skin, but the victim did not die. He simply shook, convulsed, and remained alive. He had been convinced the blood loss incurred was enough to kill someone, but apparently he had underestimated the matter. As far as Beyond Birthday was concerned, the actual method of murder rated fairly low on the amusement scale, and it was never more than an interesting experiment. It did not particularly matter to him whether it succeeded or not. Beyond Birthday simply shrugged, and took out a knife...'' }}
** From the Pilot chapter, Taro's nightmare. The people he accidentally killed return as reanimated corpses to accuse him and grab at him with their skeletal hands.
** From the Pilot chapter, Taro's nightmare. The people he accidentally killed return as reanimated corpses to accuse him and grab at him with their skeletal hands.
* [[Hilarious in Hindsight]]:
* [[Hilarious in Hindsight]]:
** in Volume 5 of the manga L wonders '' {{spoiler|"Just how far ahead have you prepared, Light Yagami...?"}}''
** in Volume 5 of the manga L wonders '' {{spoiler|"Just how far ahead have you prepared, Light Yagami...?"}}''
** In Volume 2 Light declares in his mind "I can't let myself be even remotely suspected of being Kira!" Yeah, good luck with that.
** In Volume 2 Light declares in his mind "I can't let myself be even remotely suspected of being Kira!" Yeah, good luck with that.
** We agree, Ryuuk. Humans ''are'' [[Dwarf Fortress|fun!]]
** We agree, Ryuuk. Humans ''are'' [[Dwarf Fortress|fun!]]
* [[No Yay]]:
* [[No Yay]]:
** Ryuk/Light [[Memetic Molester|Oh for the]] [[Brain Bleach|love of Kira,]] [[Big No|NO!]]
** Ryuk/Light [[Memetic Molester|Oh for the]] [[Brain Bleach|love of Kira,]] [[Big No|NO!]]
** Also Higuchi and Misa's car scene. He's [[Dirty Old Man|13 years her senior]], has her in the car and is proposing, and looks prepared to rape her.
** Also Higuchi and Misa's car scene. He's [[Dirty Old Man|13 years her senior]], has her in the car and is proposing, and looks prepared to rape her.
** 15 year old Mello and creepy [[Big Guy]] [[Complete Monster]] mafia leader Rod Ross.
** 15 year old Mello and creepy [[Big Guy]] [[Complete Monster]] mafia leader Rod Ross.
** [[This Is Wrong on So Many Levels|Near/Light.]] [["No. Just... No" Reaction|Just no.]]
** [[This Is Wrong on So Many Levels|Near/Light.]] [["No. Just... No" Reaction|Just no.]]
* [[Paranoia Fuel]]: Your life can be ended at anytime just by having some Japanese god write your name in a notebook. Moreover, it's implied that this happens ''all the time.'' And, the only fate that awaits you {{spoiler|or anyone, for that matter}} is [[Cessation of Existence|nonexistence]].
* [[Paranoia Fuel]]: Your life can be ended at anytime just by having some Japanese god write your name in a notebook. Moreover, it's implied that this happens ''all the time.'' And, the only fate that awaits you {{spoiler|or anyone, for that matter}} is [[Cessation of Existence|nonexistence]].
* [[Possession Sue]]: When [[Fanfic]] writers get ahold of Light Yagami it's usually this along with a side order of [[Villain Sue]] and [[Mary Tzu]]...
* [[Possession Sue]]: When [[Fanfic]] writers get ahold of Light Yagami it's usually this along with a side order of [[Villain Sue]] and [[Mary Tzu]]...
* [[Replacement Scrappy]]:
* [[Replacement Scrappy]]:
** Near {{spoiler|He just ain't L,}}.
** Near {{spoiler|He just ain't L,}}.
** K {{spoiler|for Light in the movie-verse.}}
** K {{spoiler|for Light in the movie-verse.}}
* [[Rescued From the Scrappy Heap]]:
* [[Rescued from the Scrappy Heap]]:
** Misa during the Yotsuba arc {{spoiler|when she successfully outmaneuvers and controls Higuchi.}}
** Misa during the Yotsuba arc {{spoiler|when she successfully outmaneuvers and controls Higuchi.}}
** Also in the live action movies, where she's portrayed as a more sympathetic character, with the death of her family being shown as a constant source of pain for her, rather than just being forgotten about the minute she joins Light (who, in the movies, she comes to ''acknowledge'' as a monster who doesn't care for her, [[Mad Love|but she just can't quit him.]]. Not to mention she has photos of her parents alongside her pictures of Light, openly says she should've died with Mom and Dad, and {{spoiler|''breaks down in tears'' when Light decides to kill his father}}.)
** Also in the live action movies, where she's portrayed as a more sympathetic character, with the death of her family being shown as a constant source of pain for her, rather than just being forgotten about the minute she joins Light (who, in the movies, she comes to ''acknowledge'' as a monster who doesn't care for her, [[Mad Love|but she just can't quit him.]]. Not to mention she has photos of her parents alongside her pictures of Light, openly says she should've died with Mom and Dad, and {{spoiler|''breaks down in tears'' when Light decides to kill his father}}.)
* [[Ron the Death Eater]]: Soichiro Yagami and Misa regularly in L x Light [[Fan Fiction|Fan Fics]]. Also Rem for {{spoiler|killing L.}} L-centric fics frequently derail Light into an outright [[Complete Monster]]. Light-centric often give L the same treatment.
* [[Ron the Death Eater]]: Soichiro Yagami and Misa regularly in L x Light [[Fan Fiction|Fan Fics]]. Also Rem for {{spoiler|killing L.}} L-centric fics frequently derail Light into an outright [[Complete Monster]]. Light-centric often give L the same treatment.
* [[Seasonal Rot]]: Apart from the final episode, the second part of the series, {{spoiler|that is, everything after L's death}}, is almost universally considered to be inferior to the first. Whether this means "quite good, just not ''as'' good" or "so bad it [[Fanon Discontinuity|never happened]]" depends on who you ask.
* [[Seasonal Rot]]: Apart from the final episode, the second part of the series, {{spoiler|that is, everything after L's death}}, is almost universally considered to be inferior to the first. Whether this means "quite good, just not ''as'' good" or "so bad it [[Fanon Discontinuity|never happened]]" depends on who you ask.
* [[Selfish Good, Selfish Evil]]: L, Light, Mello, and Near are all selfish in their own ways going with the theme of "childish and hates to lose."
* [[Selfish Good, Selfish Evil]]: L, Light, Mello, and Near are all selfish in their own ways going with the theme of "childish and hates to lose."
* [[Ship Mates]]: Most fans ship [[Foe Yay|Light/L]] with their Mello/Matt or [[Foe Yay|Mello/Near]].
* [[Ship Mates]]: Most fans ship [[Foe Yay|Light/L]] with their Mello/Matt or [[Foe Yay|Mello/Near]].
* [[Squick]]: Higuchi's plans to make Misa his bride.
* [[Squick]]: Higuchi's plans to make Misa his bride.
* [[Stoic Woobie]]: L, surprisingly.
* [[Stoic Woobie]]: L, surprisingly.
* [[Tastes Like Diabetes]]: Misa's attitude gets like this at times, especially compared to the overall aesthetic of the series.
* [[Tastes Like Diabetes]]: Misa's attitude gets like this at times, especially compared to the overall aesthetic of the series.
* [[Too Cool to Live]]: This applies to pretty much all the characters that meet bad ends, but especially {{spoiler|Naomi}}.
* [[Too Cool to Live]]: This applies to pretty much all the characters that meet bad ends, but especially {{spoiler|Naomi}}.
* [[They Wasted a Perfectly Good Character]]: {{spoiler|Naomi Misora and Matt}}
* [[They Wasted a Perfectly Good Character]]: {{spoiler|Naomi Misora and Matt}}
* [[Ugly Cute]]:
* [[Ugly Cute]]:
** Most of the shinigami. Also L-Takeshi Obata meant to make L look ugly, but he has plenty of fangirls.
** Most of the shinigami. Also L-Takeshi Obata meant to make L look ugly, but he has plenty of fangirls.
** Beyond, seeing as he's L's {{spoiler|[[Evil Counterpart|evil]] [[Irritation Is the Sincerest Form of Flattery|doppelganger.]]}}
** Beyond, seeing as he's L's {{spoiler|[[Evil Counterpart|evil]] [[Irritation Is the Sincerest Form of Flattery|doppelganger.]]}}
* [[Uncanny Valley]]: Misa on the Volume 4 manga cover artwork.
* [[Uncanny Valley]]: Misa on the Volume 4 manga cover artwork.
* [[Unfortunate Implications]]: The ladies in this series tend to be [[Too Dumb to Live]], and with one or two exceptions only have value in relation to the male characters.
* [[Unfortunate Implications]]: The ladies in this series tend to be [[Too Dumb to Live]], and with one or two exceptions only have value in relation to the male characters.
* [[Unpopular Popular Character]]: L
* [[Unpopular Popular Character]]: L
* [[Values Dissonance]]: Many western viewers take offense at what they perceive as Raye Penber's paternalistic and condescending attitude toward his fiancée, retired F.B.I. agent Naomi Misora -- and, worse, her seemingly contented acceptance of it. (In the [[DVD Commentary]], her English-dub voice actress [[Tabitha St. Germain]] said that that scene was particularly difficult for her.)
* [[Values Dissonance]]: Many western viewers take offense at what they perceive as Raye Penber's paternalistic and condescending attitude toward his fiancée, retired F.B.I. agent Naomi Misora—and, worse, her seemingly contented acceptance of it. (In the [[DVD Commentary]], her English-dub voice actress [[Tabitha St. Germain]] said that that scene was particularly difficult for her.)
* [[Viewer Gender Confusion]]: Mello, in the manga. Rem is female but looks androgynous. Also, Near who is male but is voiced by [[Cross-Dressing Voices|female VAs]] in both the original and the English dub.
* [[Viewer Gender Confusion]]: Mello, in the manga. Rem is female but looks androgynous. Also, Near who is male but is voiced by [[Cross-Dressing Voices|female VAs]] in both the original and the English dub.
** Interestingly, Mello's original name was Near, and vice versa, but an editing error at Shonen Jump saw their names switched around.
** Interestingly, Mello's original name was Near, and vice versa, but an editing error at Shonen Jump saw their names switched around.
* [[Wangst]]:
* [[Wangst]]:
** Mello: "IT'S TIME I START LIVING MY OWN LIFE!" ''*door slam!*''
** Mello: "IT'S TIME I START LIVING MY OWN LIFE!" ''*door slam!*''
** [[Screw This, I'm Outta Here|THAT'S IT, I'M LEAVING TO TAKE OVER THE MAFIA.]]
** [[Screw This, I'm Outta Here|THAT'S IT, I'M LEAVING TO TAKE OVER THE MAFIA.]]
** Aizawa's "I hate Ryuuzaki and his way of doing things!"
** Aizawa's "I hate Ryuuzaki and his way of doing things!"
* [[What an Idiot!]]: Naomi Misora {{spoiler|giving Light her real name}}. In the manga, Mikami gets noticed by the SPK when he is asking Kira for orders... on national TV. Also, Higuchi.
* [[What an Idiot!]]: Naomi Misora {{spoiler|giving Light her real name}}. In the manga, Mikami gets noticed by the SPK when he is asking Kira for orders... on national TV. Also, Higuchi.
* [[What Do You Mean It's for Kids?]]: Even plenty of anime fans mistake it for [[Seinen]]. It was published in ''[[Shonen Jump]]''.
* [[What Do You Mean It's for Kids?]]: Even plenty of anime fans mistake it for [[Seinen]]. It was published in ''[[Shonen Jump]]''.
** It just barely qualifies. Had the manga started when Light was in college, it would be a seinen. Granted, it's more for high school students than the typical 12-15 demographic associated with shonen.
** It just barely qualifies. Had the manga started when Light was in college, it would be a seinen. Granted, it's more for high school students than the typical 12-15 demographic associated with shonen.
* [[The Woobie]]: Rem, Gelus, and especially Soichiro and Sayu. From the movie, Shiori.
* [[The Woobie]]: Rem, Gelus, and especially Soichiro and Sayu. From the movie, Shiori.


{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Death Note]]
[[Category:YMMV]]
[[Category:YMMV]]
[[Category:{{TOPLEVELPAGE}}]]

Latest revision as of 23:12, 17 August 2021



  • Alas, Poor Scrappy: Misa, in the anime, at least if you believe she actually jumped. Doubles as an Alas, Poor Villain.
  • Alas, Poor Villain:
    • Misa, as mentioned above.
      • Light's death causes her to commit suicide. It doesn't help that the scene was, technically speaking, very well-done. And that she actually killed herself after she had managed to get somewhat of a normal life.
      • Light in the anime. Certainly just after Matsuda shoots him. The way he calls out to Takada and Misa, asking what he should do now that he's lost and going to die, is pretty heartwrenching.
      • Also in the manga. He lays bloody on the ground, all allies having died or abandoned him, knowing that his death is coming. As his heart gives out, Light repeats over and over how he doesn't want to die, like a helpless child. Pitiable for some.
    • Takada. Her death was really, really ugly. And even if you didn't like her (since she was an arrogant bitch), you can't help feeling a bit sorry for her due to the cruel nature of it all.
  • Adaptation Displacement:
    • "Death Note? Man, I love that anime/movie. What, there was a comic book?"
    • Individual scenes are subject to this as well, even amongst fans who know the manga. The infamous "potato chip" scene was understated and matter-of-fact in the manga, but bring up potato chips in reference to Death Note, and people either recall the over-the-top Japanese dialogue from the anime, or the even more ridiculous English dub of the same scene.
  • Alternative Character Interpretation: Everyone, humans and shinigami, but especially the main characters.
    • Taro Kagami from the pilot chapter. Throughout the story, he comes across as a genuinely good kid who simply got thrown into horrifying circumstances way beyond his control. The pilot's ending, however, is very open-ended. We know Taro kept the Death Note. It's unclear whether he simply kept it or if he did a Face Heel Turn and started using it again. Unlike Light, whom Word of God specifically identifies as "evil," Taro is someone whose moral alignment is genuinely open to interpretation.
    • Also, anyone in the main story. Is Light a psychopathic depraved lunatic with delusions of godhood who kills people indiscriminately for a reason which has been inherently deconstructed? Or is he just a nice guy trying to do the right thing and is in fact the second coming of Christ? Similarly, with L: is he a brilliant chessmaster with a desire to stop a mass-murderer, a talent for reading human nature like an open book, and a genius that surpasses Light (considering he didn't have a Shinigami and all...)? Or is he just a paranoid neurotic who manipulates and schemes to destroy the heroic Light and ruin the utopia that he is trying to create, and is in fact the anti-christ in human form? Apparently either interpretation will get you ripped apart by someone on the right forum...
    • As for Light himself, it is implied that the power of the Death Note corrupts the user, and when Light returns the Death Note to Ryuk, he loses all memories of his killing and actually asks himself whether he'd be capable of killing. So is the Death Note actually responsible for Light's murders as Kira, or was he just a rotten individual all along and just drunk with power?
    • Some people also noticed after Ryuk took away his knowledge of the Death Note, but he regained it later, Light acted like he had multiple personality disorder. You can supposedly see it in his eyes: when his eyes are slanted he's Kira and when they're round again he's switched back to Light. Of course, near the end of the series, Kira takes over, and his eyes don't turn round again until the very last episode. Re-watch the scene in the anime when L dies. Light's eyes switch from pointed to wide while he's falling out of the chair, and he suddenly goes insane, grabs L and starts screaming. After Rem dies however, his eyes are pointed again and he's perfectly calm and collected again. Also he does tend to dissociate from his actions as Kira, even when he doesn't need to, for instance, in the manga when he explains to Ryuk: "If I blow it, Kira may have to kill his own family."
    • There's also the question: Did Light really have a "perfect life" or did he have a crappy childhood? [1]
    • Also, in the anime, while running away, he saw a younger and more innocent version of himself. So did Light die trying to escape arrest, or was he brainwashed and snapped out of it while running away and thus, tried to find a place to hide to die alone]].
    • Mello. Is he an overly-emotional Chaotic Good guy with an inferiority complex who's tired of being Always Second Best, or is he an evil selfish Axe Crazy Manipulative Bastard? Or both? Yeah...both.
    • Near.
      • He openly states that good and evil are purely subjective concepts, and whilst this doesn't necessarily disqualify someone from being Good or Evil, he never shows any inclination towards either, pursuing Kira both because it's what L would do and in order to avenge L. in the manga, it's heavily hinted (or rather speculated by Matsuda) that he kills Mikami with the Death Note in order to get final revenge for L. However, this detail is omitted from the anime, and in general the focus of his character is more on becoming L's successor than avenging him.
      • On that last point: while Word of God states that readers are meant to draw their conclusions about whether or not he used the Death Note on Mikami, Obata describes him as "dishonest" and "the more evil" of him and Mello.
      • This is complicated further by the fact that Obha has spoken more favourably of him, describing him as "blessed from above" with L's brainpower, so it really is open for interpretation.
    • Souichiro Yagami. Word of God states that he is the only character that truly fights for justice. He is quite definitely determined to catch Kira for the sake of justice, but also objects to L's more unorthodox (and less savoury and lawful) methods. However one may question just how "just" threatening an unarmed civilian at gunpoint really is. Not to mention making the trade for Shinigami Eyes and attempting to write Mello's name into the Death Note, only failing to write said name in full because Mello asks him if he's ever killed a person, leading to a moment of hesitance which proves his undoing.
    • Raye Penber's Stay in the Kitchen line. Is he a misogynist, or does he just want his future wife to live a normal life as a housewife so she will no longer be in the risky trade as a law enforcement officer?
    • From the live action movies there's Light's girlfriend (lol what?) Shiori Akino. Is she a) genuinely clueless or b) she knows / suspects Light is Kira and is in denial or c) she knows / suspects Light is Kira and is trying to talk him out of it.
    • In the 2017 film mia sutton did she ever love light or was he just a tool also did she really believe in kiras cause or was it just an excuse for power or given that the director compared her to the animes light was she only in it for herself but believed what she was doing was right
  • Americans Hate Tingle: And Italians Hate Light Yagami.
    • Misa Amane is way more accepted in Japan, Europe and South America than in North America. If she could see fan reaction to her, she'd probably wish the NA Death Note fandom was more like the Batman fandom; she'd be more popular then!
  • And the Fandom Rejoiced: Shane Black has been hired to direct the American Live Action Adaptation.
  • Anvilicious : The power to kill is evil.
  • Ass Pull: Mello and Near also come almost entirely out of the blue, in contrast to the usual pains the story takes to show the plans in action from start to finish.
  • Broken Base: Wether light should have won it not is hotly debated Drago in leather pants aside some people just feel that it would have been cooler and or feel that nears victory was REALLY forced
    • opinions on the 2017 film vary some people say that it was an interesting take on the story others say it's a defilement of the franchise. To. Others its so,okay its average
  • Complete Monster: Light is arguably in this trope's territory by the end of the series. It's clear he's cast off all altruistic qualities, committing murders in the name of pure self-deluded egomania instead.
    • Ryuk calls Light out on this at the end of the first Live Action movie, and Rem re-iterates in the second one. In the films, he actually becomes worse than he ever was in the series, arranging for his girlfriend (whom he may or may not have even loved) to be killed so that the FBI agent in his way whom he'd manipulated into killing her would then take herself out. In the second one, he sinks so low as to make an active attempt on his own father's life, which thankfully fails thanks to L. Even as he dies, he's unrepentant and insistent that Kira's way was justice with his last breath. And since both Higuchi and Rod Ross were not in these films, that makes Light himself the single most atrociously evil person in the story.
    • Not to mention Higuchi. Rem actually comes to prefer Light over him when he expresses his obsession for Misa, hoping to make her, 12 1/2 years his junior, his bride. And, among all the characters who come into possesion of the Death Note, he's the only one who has no motive or attempt at justification whatsoever; he's just BAD. He's also the only Death Note user whose death has no aspect of Alas, Poor Villain whatsoever.
    • Word of God names Mafia leader Rod Ross for the much competed title of "Evilest Person in Death Note". To beat out Serial Killers, mass nurderers, torturers, terrorists, greedy bastards, and monsters that enjoy watching human suffering for the lulz, you must be doing something right... or rather wrong. Seeing how absolutely nonchalant he is about Mello's various atrocities definitively indicates just how soulless he is, and gives you the impression he's seen (and done) much worse in the past. In general, he comes off as the most repulsive person during that phase of the story, even moreso than Light.
    • In the 2017 film Ryuk, who initially seems to be more humourous like his counterpart, makes it clear it's all an act, he's a detestable monster. Ryuk preys on Light's desire for justice and vengeance for his mother and used it to goad him into using the notebook. He also consistently manipulates the situation by leaving out details. He loves watching Light struggle with morality for fun, viewing the earth as a playground. This version of Ryuk is a horrifyng demon with a sick sense of humour who torments people for kicks.
  • Crazy Awesome:
    • Movie-L has a high-tech getaway car. And it's a bright pink Angel Crepe van.
    • Also Light and Mikami emphasis on CRAZY.
  • Creepy Awesome:
  • Crowning Music of Awesome:
    • The songs Japanese band Maximum the Hormone did for the second opening and closing credits.
    • Nightmare did a great job too.
    • Low Of Solipsism, which plays whenever Kira is on a killing spree, and Death Note, which plays at various moments in the series, both qualify as well.
    • Don't forget L's theme (A and B).
    • Special mention also must go to "Domine Kira".
    • Basically, any of the epic classical music played. Leave it to Death Note to make writing in a notebook fucking EPIC. Or eating potato chips.
    • Coda ~ Death Note, the music played over the credits of the final episode. That scene really wouldn't have had the same power without it.
  • Cry for the Devil: Deserving or not, Mello, Takada, Light, Mikami, and Misa all had very sad deaths.
  • Die for Our Ship: Misa and Takada for getting in the way of L and Light. Takada gets this from Light/Misa shippers as well, some of whom actually cheered when Light killed her, even though he was only using both of them. To a lesser degree, Halle for getting in the way of Mello and Matt or Mello and Near.
  • Draco in Leather Pants: Any of the series' protagonists, to varying degrees.
  • Dying as Yourself: Arguably, Light Yagami (in the anime). When he saw a younger version of himself, it's possible that he was brainwashed and broke out of it. Therefore, it's possible that he realized what he did and was trying to find a place to hide and die alone.
  • Ending Fatigue: The second arc. Protip: it's worth it just for the finale.
  • Escapist Character: Light is handled well enough to be this rather than a Villain Sue.
  • Ensemble Darkhorse: Matt. He has very few panels in the manga, but is very popular in the fandom. Also Beyond Birthday and Naomi Misora.
  • Evil Is Cool: Most of the... umm, "less heroic" characters, especially Light. Ryuk, Mello and BB also qualify.
  • Evil Is Sexy: Light Yagami, Misa, Mikami and Mello.
  • Fandom Gank: Some fans question if the ending is a Fandom Gank, merely because Light got defeated by Near, who switched the real death note with a fake one. The young Yagami is set up to be the most brilliant criminal ever.
  • Fanon Discontinuity: Many, many fans would like to forget that Rem kills L. Others like to ignore the bits involving Near and/or Mello. Some even take that a step further and pretend the second season as a whole never happened. And there is yet another group of fans who would very much like to believe that Light won and/or lived.
  • Fashion Victim Villain: Poor Mello actually thinks he looks intimidating in that outfit.
  • Faux Symbolism: The apples. The artist assumed they were there for their religious significance, but the writer just put them there because he thought they were cool. So he claims, anyway.
    • Not to mention the first opening credits that make us think that Light is going to do something really just and noble. Heck, the first time you see him he's reciting Scripture perfectly in class. Two episodes into the series, you know better.
      • Throughout the series, there a number of images that just happen to resemble crosses. And in the first opening credits sequence, Misora is seen holding the recently killed Raye Penber's body, looking uncannily like La Pieta art.
      • The first opening credits also shows a split-second image of Light laying on what appears to be a stained-glass window (in the second opening, this is repeated, only Light is shown more as a festering corpse).
      • Also in the opening credits is an image of Light handing Ryuk an apple, in what appears to be a crude mimicry of Michelangelo's ceiling painting of Adam and God (With Light as Adam, giving the apple more symbolism, and Ryuk as God, being flanked by Shinigami rather than cherubim). Also note how, in this image, Light has THAT chain handcuffed to his wrist, which leads off-screen. Is speculated to mean that the image may actually be larger, including L attached on the other end.
  • Foe Yay: Tons of it. L seems to get this with all his enemies-with Light above all others but also with Misa, and Beyond from Another Note at least on B's side. B is very obsessed with him. As for Light and L the two compliment each other's methods and skills all the time, and regard each other as worthy adversaries. L evokes feelings in Light that he feels for no one else. L is the most important person in Light's life even after he is dead. And in the anime L is the only person on Light's mind when he's dying. And of course, there's that infamous foot massage in the anime, which must be seen to be believed.

L: It's the least I can do to atone for my sins.
Light: ...Do as you wish.

When Beyond Birthday committed his third murder, he attempted an experiment. Namely, to see if it were possible for a human being to die of internal hemorrhaging without rupturing any organs. Specifically, he drugged his victim so they fell unconscious, tied them up, and proceeded to beat their left arm thoroughly, being careful not to break the skin. He was hoping to bring about enough hemorrhaging to cause death from loss of blood, but this attempt ended, sadly, in failure. Blood congested in the arm and it turned purplish red beneath the skin, but the victim did not die. He simply shook, convulsed, and remained alive. He had been convinced the blood loss incurred was enough to kill someone, but apparently he had underestimated the matter. As far as Beyond Birthday was concerned, the actual method of murder rated fairly low on the amusement scale, and it was never more than an interesting experiment. It did not particularly matter to him whether it succeeded or not. Beyond Birthday simply shrugged, and took out a knife...

    • From the Pilot chapter, Taro's nightmare. The people he accidentally killed return as reanimated corpses to accuse him and grab at him with their skeletal hands.
  • Hilarious in Hindsight:
    • in Volume 5 of the manga L wonders "Just how far ahead have you prepared, Light Yagami...?"
    • In Volume 2 Light declares in his mind "I can't let myself be even remotely suspected of being Kira!" Yeah, good luck with that.
    • We agree, Ryuuk. Humans are fun!
  • No Yay:
  • Paranoia Fuel: Your life can be ended at anytime just by having some Japanese god write your name in a notebook. Moreover, it's implied that this happens all the time. And, the only fate that awaits you or anyone, for that matter is nonexistence.
  • Possession Sue: When Fanfic writers get ahold of Light Yagami it's usually this along with a side order of Villain Sue and Mary Tzu...
  • Replacement Scrappy:
    • Near He just ain't L,.
    • K for Light in the movie-verse.
  • Rescued from the Scrappy Heap:
    • Misa during the Yotsuba arc when she successfully outmaneuvers and controls Higuchi.
    • Also in the live action movies, where she's portrayed as a more sympathetic character, with the death of her family being shown as a constant source of pain for her, rather than just being forgotten about the minute she joins Light (who, in the movies, she comes to acknowledge as a monster who doesn't care for her, but she just can't quit him.. Not to mention she has photos of her parents alongside her pictures of Light, openly says she should've died with Mom and Dad, and breaks down in tears when Light decides to kill his father.)
  • Ron the Death Eater: Soichiro Yagami and Misa regularly in L x Light Fan Fics. Also Rem for killing L. L-centric fics frequently derail Light into an outright Complete Monster. Light-centric often give L the same treatment.
  • Seasonal Rot: Apart from the final episode, the second part of the series, that is, everything after L's death, is almost universally considered to be inferior to the first. Whether this means "quite good, just not as good" or "so bad it never happened" depends on who you ask.
  • Selfish Good, Selfish Evil: L, Light, Mello, and Near are all selfish in their own ways going with the theme of "childish and hates to lose."
  • Ship Mates: Most fans ship Light/L with their Mello/Matt or Mello/Near.
  • Squick: Higuchi's plans to make Misa his bride.
  • Stoic Woobie: L, surprisingly.
  • Tastes Like Diabetes: Misa's attitude gets like this at times, especially compared to the overall aesthetic of the series.
  • Too Cool to Live: This applies to pretty much all the characters that meet bad ends, but especially Naomi.
  • They Wasted a Perfectly Good Character: Naomi Misora and Matt
  • Ugly Cute:
    • Most of the shinigami. Also L-Takeshi Obata meant to make L look ugly, but he has plenty of fangirls.
    • Beyond, seeing as he's L's evil doppelganger.
  • Uncanny Valley: Misa on the Volume 4 manga cover artwork.
  • Unfortunate Implications: The ladies in this series tend to be Too Dumb to Live, and with one or two exceptions only have value in relation to the male characters.
  • Unpopular Popular Character: L
  • Values Dissonance: Many western viewers take offense at what they perceive as Raye Penber's paternalistic and condescending attitude toward his fiancée, retired F.B.I. agent Naomi Misora—and, worse, her seemingly contented acceptance of it. (In the DVD Commentary, her English-dub voice actress Tabitha St. Germain said that that scene was particularly difficult for her.)
  • Viewer Gender Confusion: Mello, in the manga. Rem is female but looks androgynous. Also, Near who is male but is voiced by female VAs in both the original and the English dub.
    • Interestingly, Mello's original name was Near, and vice versa, but an editing error at Shonen Jump saw their names switched around.
  • Wangst:
  • What an Idiot!: Naomi Misora giving Light her real name. In the manga, Mikami gets noticed by the SPK when he is asking Kira for orders... on national TV. Also, Higuchi.
  • What Do You Mean It's for Kids?: Even plenty of anime fans mistake it for Seinen. It was published in Shonen Jump.
    • It just barely qualifies. Had the manga started when Light was in college, it would be a seinen. Granted, it's more for high school students than the typical 12-15 demographic associated with shonen.
  • The Woobie: Rem, Gelus, and especially Soichiro and Sayu. From the movie, Shiori.
  1. and some guys!