Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata,Death Notestands as one of the most profound and morally ambiguous series in anime and manga history. While on the surface,Death Notecenters around the intellectual battle between Light Yagami and L, the series also carries deeper philosophical undertones that continue to provoke thought long after its conclusion.
While the series revolves around a seemingly omnipotent tool, the Death Note, which allows its user to be the equivalent of a god of death, Ohba subverts this premise to explore the inevitability of human mortality. Ironically, the Death Note; an object tied to supernatural beings like Shinigami, depicts Ohba’s central thesis: there is no afterlife, no reincarnation, and no escape from the void that follows death.
The core philosophy behindDeath Note
In an interview withDeath Notecreator Tsugumi Ohba which was posted viaGaia Online, Ohba shared their perspective on the series’ central theme. According to them,Death Notedelivers a stark message: death is final, and there is nothing beyond it.
5 New Animes You Should Watch If You Love Psychological Animes Like Death Note
This existential theme was even conveyed through Light Yagami’s final words in the series:“There will be nowhere to go after death.”And this core theme has been displayed through an ironic narrative device in the series: a supernatural notebook capable of dictating life and death. In their own words,
One of my personal underlying theses in Death Note is that dead people cannot be resurrected and that there is nothing after Death.……Humans are not immortals and once they are dead, they do not come back alive again. This is to indirectly say that we should all treasure the present and live our lives to the fullest.
Through Light’s death, Ohba delivered a stark message about life’s fragility and the importance of living in the present. Light’s god complex was ultimately dismantled; leaving behind a broken man who had no choice but to confront the void of nonexistence.
The Shinigamiparticularly played a crucial role inDeath Note; serving as both narrators and silent observers of human absurdity. The Shinigami world was depicted as barren and lifeless, in contrast to the vibrancy of the human world. By showing the immortals as disconnected and purposeless, Ohba subtly highlighted that mortality gives life its meaning. The finality of death is what forces humans to find purpose and value in their existence.
The morally ambiguous storytelling inDeath Note
Apart from emphasizing the value of life,Tsugumi Ohbaalso wanted to portray the morally ambiguous nature of human existence throughDeath Note. Ohba deliberately avoided defining Light and L as purely good or evil, instead portraying them as complex individuals driven by their own ideals. They remarked,
I never thought it was important to define Light as either good or evil. To me, Light is evil, L is slightly evil and only Soichiro is totally righteous.
Light’s transformation inDeath Notefrom an idealistic teenager into a tyrannical megalomaniac reflects humanity’s darker tendencies upon receiving power. While L opposes Light, he is also not without flaws. His willingness to manipulate and use morally questionable tactics places him in a gray area. This ambiguity conveys Ohba’s theme that morality is subjective and that in the face of death, such distinctions are meaningless.
Death Note: Light Yagami and L Appeared in Another Anime For Split Seconds But You May Have Missed It
Death Noteis a masterpiece not just for its gripping intense plot and psychological complexity but also for its philosophical exploration of life and death. It leaves us with a chilling truth: there is nothing after death, only darkness. And perhaps, that is what makes life worth living.
Death Noteis currently available to watch on Netflix.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :930
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
More from Moumita Chakraborty
Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 8: Release Date, Spoilers and What to Expect
‘To Be Hero X’ Season 2 Needs to Give a Redemption Arc to Its Most Wronged Character
‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ Surpasses ‘Frozen’ and ‘Your Name’ as Japan’s 4th Highest-Grossing Film
Recommended
How Did Mila Kunis Prepare for Black Swan? Harsh 12 Hours Routine Details
Bella Ramsey’s Campaign to Become MCU’s Spider-Man: Is It Really That Absurd?
The Conjuring: Last Rites Faces Its Toughest Box-Office Battle After Rare WB Record
Bridgerton’s BTS Moment Proves the Netflix Show Is Against James Cameron’s Ways
Fallout Season 2 Release Date Confirmed: 5 Post-Apocalyptic Shows to Watch While You Wait For Peak Cinema
Kevin Hart Is Trading Dwayne Johnson for Another WWE Star in New Netflix Film
Death NoteTsugumi Ohba
