Humans are so ... interesting

[overlord_mordax]

So, some of you know I've been stubbornly holding out against reading r watching Death Note, mostly because the annoying popularity factor makes for a fandom full of fail. Also, I heard it was depressing.

Well, yesterday I broke down and got the scanlations, and began reading. I started with the assumption that I wouldn't like it. However, once I was a few pages in, I discovered that it was oddly compelling in a way, and I didn't want stop reading. I got all the way through the end of volume 2. Here are my thoughts.

I was wrong about it being depressing, first of all. During the first 2 chapters I laughed out loud several times, due to Light's... Light-ness. It was mostly a 'did he just *say* that?' is that what he *thinks* kind of chuckle of 'oh Light, you're so stupid, what a weirdo.' Obviously, he's not the 'hero' of the story (as he seems to believe) but is he even the protagonist/main character?

I'd say no. Maybe it's just the demon in me, but I get the feeling that Ryuuk is the intended main character, an "observer protagonist" who's point of view the story is seen from, even though he doesn't affect most of the action. His quest to observe human behavior in order to cure his boredom seems like the real point of the story. Or maybe I'm over empathizing.

My favorite character so far (aside from Ryuuk) is, unsurprisingly, L. Another reason why I didn't want to read it is, well, I know what happens to him. But anyway, he's exactly my type, and we have a lot of similar traits. LOL. I'll probably end up with some fan art.

I just plain don't like Light. He's a cocky, foolish bastard that I feel almost no empathy for.

Also, Raye Penbar was a jerk. The way he said all that stuff to that lady FBI agent (whatsrface) about forgetting about her career, and being too busy with babies to care. I'm not usually a feminist, but that guy got what he deserved. Ass.

Ah well.

Anyway, I'll probably write a few more entries like this as I read, so, stay tuned if you're interested.

Going to see Wolverine at midnight tonight. Yay!

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

You can't judge a series by its fandom, as 99% of fandom is comprised of completely retarded, self-indulgent people. Back before my friend explained what it was, I seriously thought Death Note was a yaoi manga thanks to the fandom. No kidding.

[othergalaxy.livejournal.com]

While I agree fandom for that may be a bit... a little bit insane at whiles, it's not the worst there is. Try for one, Supernatural fandom. :P Nah, really, I think it's mostly where you look, or to be specific, *what part* of fandom you look at. General communities are pretty everywhere full of less thinking individuals, but there are gems if looked beyond. You can always choose to avoid the mainstream fandom, and look for a bit, let's say, independent parts of it. It may also help to ask around a bit, even after you've jumped to conclusion about the fandom's 'silliness', because the reasons people provide for their opinions may shed new light on their concepts about the series, imo.

Well, if you go by the 'usually the *real* protagonist is the one seen in first opening sequences' rule, then sure, I guess Ryuuk would be the one. It's also possible to think of him in terms of guide to Raito.. egh, Light, sorry, used to this kind of transcription- to a degree he oversees whole the story and to a degree is a narrator of it, because his role can't be underestimated. I've, personally, thought of him more in terms of narrator than the main protagonist, though. Or perhaps a witness in terms of knowing of most of the important happenings and passing the legacy of those memories further, making him a *central* character, but not the protagonist. Even at whiles he might have been safely back to shinigami world, still holding the 'keys' to that story. YMMV.

Quite to admit, I liked Raye Penber. In a way he would have had a chance to change his opinions, and I *wanted* to see that change happening. In some ways, it may be thought Kira took away his chance to grow into more likable person; I'm just not condemning him all around. Again though, I respect your opinion of him.

Personally, I *do* like Light, spare his interaction with Misa Amane. I don't have problem with his killing out people like the way he did, even if I wouldn't likely apply it because it's been a little way too detached and in a way every cripple could assassinate just using written word, but the way he had things thought out sort of fascinated me.