I might be one of the last few people that learned about Death Note. However, once I've got the DVDs, I've been playing the episodes non stop (I'm actually half way through the series).
The awesomely timed animation, the impressive dialogs (even when they are dubbed in english) and the jaw dropping storyline will get you hooked. Well, only if you like anime, rich screenplays with some depth in them and the Japanese culture towards death.
Check it out and take it home, you won't regret it.
Bonlebon
