Death Note

Death Note (デスノート, Desu Nōto?) is a manga series created by writer Tsugumi Ohba and manga artist Takeshi Obata. The main character is Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook, the "Death Note", dropped on Earth by a death god named Ryuk. It centers around Light's attempt to create and rule a world cleansed of evil using the notebook and the efforts of a detective known as L, and subsequently his successors, Near and Mello, to stop him. The Death Note grants its user the ability to kill anyone whose name they know, by writing the name in the notebook while picturing their face.



Death Note was first serialized in 108 chapters by Shueisha in the Japanese manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump from December 2003 to May 2006. The series was also published in tankōbon format in Japan starting in May 2004 and ending in October 2006 with a total of twelve volumes. The series was adapted into live-action films released in Japan on June 17, 2006, on November 3, 2006, and on February 2, 2008. The anime series aired in Japan from October 3, 2006, to June 26, 2007. Composed of 37 episodes, the anime was developed by Madhouse and directed by Tetsuro Araki. A light novel based on the series, written by Nisio Isin, was released in Japan. Additionally, various video games have been published by Konami for Nintendo DS.

Viz Media licensed the Death Note manga in North America and has published all the twelve volumes from the series as well as the light novel. The episodes from the anime first appeared in North America as downloadable by IGN. Viz later licensed the anime series and it aired on Bionix. The live-actions briefly played in certain North American theaters since 2008. However, none of the video games titles have thus far been published in North America.

Several publications for manga, anime and other media have added praise and criticism on the Death Note series. The plot and violence from the story have been praised, noting it to be very interesting. However, the series was banned in China due to various problems people had with children altering their notebooks to resemble a Death Note.



On April 30, 2009, Variety magazine announced that Warner Bros. acquired the rights for the Death Note manga to be adapted into a live-action movie in the United States. Warner Bros. has hired screenwriters Charley and Vlas Parlapanides to adapt the manga into a screenplay. Unlike the Japanese Death Note live-action movie trilogy, the US-version will be directly adapted from the material in the manga and will not follow the storyline of the Japanese movie adaptations.[1] As of May 10, 2010, IMDb has listed the movie under pre-production with a tentative release date in 2011.



Plot
Light Yagami is an intelligent young man who resents what appears to be a relentless increase of crime and corruption in the world around him. His life undergoes a drastic change when he discovers a mysterious notebook, known as the "Death Note", lying on the ground. The Death Note's instructions claim that if a human's name is written within it, that person shall die, as well as various other rules. Light is initially skeptical of the notebook's authenticity, but after experimenting with it using criminals, he realizes that the Death Note is real. After meeting with the previous owner of the Death Note, a shinigami named Ryuk, Light plans to become a god and establish a new world order by passing his keen judgment on those he deems evil and anyone who gets in his way.
Soon, the number of inexplicable deaths of reported criminals catches the attention of International Police Organization and a mysterious detective known only as "L". L quickly learns that the serial killer, dubbed by the public as "Kira" (キラ?, derived from the typical Japanese pronunciation of the English word "killer"), is located in Japan. He also concludes that Kira can kill people without laying a finger on them and that he is in Japan, after he uses a convicted criminal named Lind L. Taylor whose capture was kept secret, and who was condemned to die at that hour, pretending he is L so Light kills him. Light realizes that L will be his greatest nemesis, and a nuanced game of psychological cat and mouse between the two begins.
L realises Kira is getting information from inside the task force and sends 12 FBI agents to follow people connected to the Japanese police. Light tricks Raye Penber, his tail, into showing his ID, after which he kills all the FBI agents. Naomi Misora, Raye's fiancee, suspects Kira was one of the people he tailed, but Light finds out and makes her commit suicide using the Death Note.
Misa Amane, another Death Note owner, finds Light, after sending a video in which she claims to be Kira. She possesses Shinigami eyes which allow her to see a person's name and Lifespan, but cost half her remaining life. Obsessed with Kira after the death of her parents' murderer, she devotes herself to helping Light, but is captured by L. Light makes a plan involving renouncing ownership of both Death Notes and all of his memories of them, and turns himself in to L for surveillance, as Rem threatens to kill him if Misa is not freed. Together, Light and L investigate eight people from the company "Yotsuba" who are using a Death Note for their own profit. While arresting the third Kira Higuichi, Light recovers all his memories when he touches the Death Note. He remembers and continues his plan of compelling the former owner of Misa's Death Note, the shinigami Rem, into killing L and his aide Watari, which kills Rem as a Shinigami cannot purposely extend a human's life. Light then gets her Death Note. Meanwhile, Misa again acquires the Shinigami eyes from Ryuk.



After L's death, Light is given the position of the "new L" by the Japanese Task Force. Four years later, Near and Mello - two children who were raised to be successors to L in an orphanage founded by Watari - appear, with the goal of finding Kira. In the meantime, Kira has gained much public support, and has contacts. Mello, one of L's successors who has joined the Mafia, kidnaps the Director of the NPA, but after Kira kills him, he kidnaps Sayu Yagami, Light's little sister, as a bargaining chip to get the Death Note. The Japanese Task Force plans to go to Los Angeles to rescue Sayu but ends up losing the Notebook. The Task Force later attempts to retrieve it and succeeds in doing so, they also get Mello's real name. However, as a result of an explosion that Mello uses to cover his escape and one of his henchmen, Light's father Soichiro Yagami dies.
Near begins to suspect the second L of being Kira thus causing some members of the Japanese task force to also openly suspect him. Realizing the risk of being caught, Light has Misa give up ownership of her Death Note. He then finds his next successor, Teru Mikami, a strong, almost crazed Kira supporter, who kills Kira's last spokesman for their greed which helped Near escape from a crowd of Kira supporters. Mikami later recruits a new spokesman for Kira, Kiyomi Takada, a newscaster and one of Light's former college girlfriends. Teru Mikami and Kiyomi Takada continue killing criminals while Light is unable to do so himself. Kiyomi is later kidnapped by Mello and is forced to kill him with a hidden piece of the Death Note. Light kills Kiyomi to avoid her implicating him after she uses the note to kill Mello. Mikami, unaware of this action, writes her name in his notebook, exposing it to the members of the SPK. Near has it replaced with a fake notebook and, in a final confrontation with Light, is able to use it to prove that Light is Kira. Realizing that Light had lost, Ryuk writes down Light's name in his own notebook, killing him with a heart attack.
Production
The Death Note concept did not derive from any single source but rather a general concept involving Shinigami and "specific rules."[2] Tsugumi Ohba wanted to create a suspense series because he did not feel that he could have created a fight-style series and that the genre had few suspense series. After publication of the pilot chapter the series was not expected to be approved as a serialized comic by the author who did not consider it to "fit with Jump." Ohba said that when he learned that Death Note received approval and that Takeshi Obata would create the artwork he "couldn't even believe it."[3] Due to positive reactions to the series Death Note became a serialized manga series.[4]
"Thumbnails" were created incorporating dialog, panel layout, and basic drawings, and were sent to the illustrator. The editor reviewed the thumbnails and sent them to back to the illustrator (Obata) with the script set in stone and the panel layout "mostly done." Obata then determined the expressions and "camera angles" and created the final artwork. Ohba concentrated on the tempo and the amount of dialogue, making sure that the text was as concise as possible. Ohba commented that he believed "reading too much exposition" would be tiring and would negatively affect the atmosphere and "air of suspense." Significant artistic license was given to the illustrator who worked on basic descriptions, such as "abandoned building",[5] and this extended to the design of the Death Notes with Obata possessing free rein. Obata originally thought of the books as "'Bible-like'...something you would automatically think was a Death Note." He also felt this design would seem "difficult to use" and instead opted for an easy-to-use college notebook. At a later point the concept of Death Notes looking different from one another, depending on the human era (such as Death Notes in ancient Japan looking like scrolls and Death Notes in medieval Europe looking like The Old Testament) was conceived.[6]
When Ohba decided on the plot he internally visualized the panels while being on his bed, drinking tea, or walking around his house, needing to feel relaxed while visualizing the panels. On many occasions the original draft was too long and needed to be refined various times before the desired "tempo" and "flow" for the chapter was finalised. The writer remarked on his preference for reading the previous "two or four" chapters carefully to ensure consistency in the story.[2]
The typical weekly production schedule consisted of five days for creating and thinking and one day using pencil to insert dialogue into rough drafts; after this point the writer faxed any initial drafts to the editor. The illustrator's weekly production schedule involved one day with the thumbnails, layout, and pencils and one day with additional penciling and inking. Obata's assistants usually worked for four days and Obata spent one day to finish it. Obata said that sometimes he took a few extra days to color pages and that this "messed with the schedule." In contrast, the writer took three or four days to create a chapter on some occasions, while on others he took a month. Obata said that his schedule remained consistent except when he had to create color pages.[7]
Ohba and Obata rarely met in person during the creation of the serialized manga; instead the two met with the editor. The first time they met in person was at an editorial party in January 2004. Obata said that, despite the intrigue, he did not ask his editor about Ohba's plot developments as he anticipated the new thumbnails every week.[3] The two did not discuss the final chapters with one another and they continued to talk with the editor. Ohba said that when he asked the editor if Obata had "said anything" about the story and plot the editor responded '"No, nothing" [laughs].'[5]
Ohba claims that the series ended more or less in the manner that he intended for it to end; he considered the idea of L defeating Light Yagami with Light dying but instead chose to use the "Yellow Box warehouse" ending. According to Ohba the details had been set "from the beginning."[4] The writer wanted an ongoing plot line instead of an episodic series because Death Note was serialized and its focus was intended to be on a cast with a series of events triggered by the Death Note.[8] 13: How to Read states that the humorous aspects of Death Note originated from Ohba's "enjoyment of humorous stories."[9]
Ohba said that a theme that he wished to express throughout the series was that, "no human has the right to pass judgement on another's actions. No one should play god." He said that he intended Death Note to push an ideology about good and evil, and that Near's statement in Volume 12 about deciding right and wrong came about from his own personal belief.
When the writer was asked, during an interview, whether the series was meant to be about enjoying the plot twists and psychological warfare, Ohba responded by saying that this concept was the reason why he was "very happy" to place the story in Weekly Shōnen Jump.



Ohba was also asked what he considered the most important thing in Death Note, and he responded by saying, "the human whose name is written in this note shall die"; in contrast, Obata responded to the same question by answering "impossible to say."[7]
Pilot chapter
The Death Note process began when Ohba brought thumbnails for two concept ideas to Shueisha; Ohba said that the Death Note pilot, one of the concepts, was "received well" by editors and attained positive reactions by readers.[4] Ohba described keeping the story of the pilot to one chapter as "very difficult" and he said that he remembered it took over a month to begin writing the chapter. He added that the story had to revive the killed characters with the Death Eraser and that he "didn't really care" for that plot device.[10]
Obata said that he wanted to draw the story after he heard of a "horror story featuring Shinigami."[3] According to Obata, when he first received the rough draft created by Ohba, he "didn't really get it" at first and he wanted to work on the project due to the presence of Shinigami and because the work "was dark."[10] He also said he wondered about the progression of the plot as he read the thumbnails, and if Jump readers would enjoy reading the comic. Obata said that while there is little action and the main character "doesn't really drive the plot" he enjoyed the atmosphere of the story. He stated that he drew the pilot chapter so that it would appeal to himself.[10]
Ohba brought the rough draft of the pilot chapter to the editorial department. Obata came into the picture at a later point to create the artwork. They did not meet in person while creating the pilot chapter. Ohba said that the editor told him he did not need to meet with Obata to discuss the pilot; Ohba said "I think it worked out all right."[3]
Adaptation
Tetsuro Araki, the director, said that he wished to convey aspects that "made the series interesting" instead of simply "focusing on morals or the concept of justice." Toshiki Inoue, the series organizer, agreed with Araki and added that, in anime adaptations, there is a lot of importance in highlighting the aspects that are "interesting in the original." He concluded that Light's presence was "the most compelling" aspect; therefore the adaptation chronicles Light's "thoughts and actions as much as possible." Inoue noted that, to best incorporate the manga's plot into the anime, he "tweak[ed] the chronology a bit" and incorporated flashbacks that appear after the openings of the episodes; he said this revealed the desired tensions. Araki said that, because in an anime the viewer cannot "turn back pages" in the manner that a comic reader can, the anime staff ensured that the show clarified details. Inoue added that the staff did not want to get involved with every single detail, so the staff selected elements to emphasize. Due to the complexity of the original manga, he described the process as "definitely delicate and a great challenge." Inoue admitted that he placed more instructions and notes in the script than usual. Araki added that because of the importance of otherwise trivial details, the notes became crucial to the development of the series.[11]
Araki said that when he discovered the Death Note anime project, he "literally begged" to join the production team; when he joined he insisted that Inoue should write the scripts. Inoue added that, because he enjoyed reading the original comic, he wished to use his effort.[11]
Media
Manga
Main article: List of Death Note chapters
The Death Note manga series was first serialized in the Japanese manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump published by Shueisha in December 2003. The series has since ended in Japan with a total of 108 chapters. Later, the individual chapters were collected into twelve separate tankōbon. In April from 2005 Death Note was licensed for publication in North America by Viz Media,[12] and the first English-language volume was released on October 10, 2005.[13] In February 2008, a one-shot special was released. Set two years after the manga's epilogue, it sees the introduction of a new Kira and the reactions of the main characters in response to the copycat's appearance.[14] Several Death Note yonkoma (four-panel comics) appeared in Akamaru Jump. The yonkoma were written to be humorous. The Akamaru Jump issues that printed the comics include 2004 Spring, 2004 Summer, 2005 Winter, and 2005 Spring. In addition Weekly Shōnen Jump Gag Special 2005 included some Death Note yonkoma in a Jump Heroes Super 4-Panel Competition.[10]
In addition, a guidebook for the manga was also released in October 13, 2006. It was named Death Note 13: How to Read and contained data relating to the series, including character profiles of almost every character that is named, creator interviews, behind the scenes info for the series and the pilot chapter that preceded Death Note. It also reprinted all of the yonkoma serialized in Akamaru Jump and the Weekly Shōnen Jump Gag Special 2005.[15][16] Its first edition could be purchased with a Death Note themed diorama which includes five finger puppets inspired by Near's toys. The five finger puppets are Kira, L, Misa, Mello, and Near. In North America, 13: How to Read was released on February 19, 2008.[17]
Live-action films
Death Note was adapted into a series of live-action films in 2006. The films were directed by Shūsuke Kaneko, produced by Nippon Television, and distributed by Warner Bros., Pictures Japan. The first film, simply titled Death Note, premiered in Japan on June 17, 2006 and topped the Japanese box office for two weeks, pushing The Da Vinci Code into second place.[18] The first movie briefly played in certain North American theaters on May 20–21, 2008[19] The film was broadcast in Canadian theaters for one night only on September 15, 2008. The DVD was released on September 16, 2008, one day after the Canadian showing.[20] The sequel, Death Note: The Last Name, premiered in Japan on November 3, 2006.[21] It was featured in U.S. theaters in October 2008.[22] A spinoff from the films named L: Change the World was released in Japan on February 9, 2008. It is focused on the final 23 days of L's life, as he solves one final case involving a bio-terrorist group.[23] Two dubbed versions of the film were shown in the United States on April 29 and 30, 2009.[24]
Death Note has been optioned for a live-action Hollywood remake. A 2007 article in The Star (Malaysia) states that more than ten film companies in the United States expressed interest in creating a remake.[25]"Sound of Death Note" (in Japanese). Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000FI8UFY/. Retrieved June 13, 2009.
Soundtracks
Main article: Death Note original soundtracks


Cover of the live-action film Sound of Death Note featuring Tatsuya Fujiwara (left) as Light Yagami and Ken'ichi Matsuyama (right) as L.
There have been several soundtracks released for this series, such as the ones for the film adaptations and also for the anime adaptation. Sound of Death Note is a soundtrack featuring music from the first Death Note film composed and arranged by Kenji Kawai. It was released on June 17, 2006 by VAP.[26] Sound of Death Note the Last name is the soundtrack from the second Death Note film, Death Note the Last name. It was released on November 2, 2006.[27] Death Note Tribute is a tribute album dedicated to the live action movie for the Death Note film. Published by BMG Japan on June 21, 2006 Japan, it contains 15 tracks performed by various artists, such as Shikao Suga, M-Flo, Buck-Tick and Aya Matsuura. The soundtrack came with a cosplay Death Note notebook.[28] Another tribute album is The Songs for Death Note the movie～the Last name Tribute dedicated to the second film. Published by Sony Music Entertainment Japan on December 20, 2006, it contains 14 tracks performed by various artist, such as Orange Range, abingdon boys school, High and Mighty Color, Doping Panda and Galneryus.[29]
The music from the anime was composed by Yoshihisa Hirano and Hideki Taniuchi, while the CDs were also published by VAP. The first one was Death Note Original Soundtrack, which was released in Japan on December 21, 2006. It contains music from the series with the first opening and ending themes sung by the Japanese band Nightmare in the TV size format.[30] Death Note Original Soundtrack II was first released in Japan on March 21, 2007. It features the new opening and closing themes by Maximum the Hormone in the TV size format.[31] The third CD, Death Note Original Soundtrack III was released on June 27, 2007. The tracks 1-21 were composed and arranged by Taniuchi, while the tracks 22-28 were composed and arranged by Hirano. The album features one track sung by Aya Hirano, who was also the seiyū of Misa Amane in the anime series. Also appearing on this soundtrack is the ending theme Coda～Death Note, which can be heard at the end of the final episode of the anime as the credits are shown.[32]
Light novels
A light novel adaptation of the series has been written by Nisio Isin, called Death Note Another Note: The Los Angeles BB Murder Cases (アナザーノート — ロサンゼルスBB連続殺人事件?). The novel was released by Shueisha on August 1, 2006.[33][34] It serves as a prequel to the manga series, with Mello narrating the story of L's first encounter with Naomi Misora during the Los Angeles "BB Serial Murder Case" mentioned in volume 2 of the manga. Beside Naomi's character, the novel focuses on how L works and one of the criminals L has to chase down. Insight was given into Watari's orphanage and how the whole system of geniuses such as L, Mello, Beyond Birthday, Matt and Near were put to work. Viz released the novel in English on February 19, 2008.[35] The film L: Change the World was also adapted into a light novel with the same name on December 25, 2007 by "M",[36] While the novel is similar to the movie, there are many significant changes to the plot (for example, Near is not a Thai boy, but the same Near that appears in the manga). It also reveals more information about L and his past. Viz released it on October 20, 2009.[37]
Anime
Main article: List of Death Note episodes
The Death Note anime, directed by Tetsurō Araki and animated by Madhouse, began airing in Japan on October 3, 2006, and finished its run on June 26, 2007, totaling 37 twenty-minute episodes.[38] It begins in the year 2006, instead of 2003. The series aired on the Nippon Television network "every Tuesday at 24:56".[39] The series was co-produced by Madhouse, Nippon Television, Shueisha, D.N. Dream Partners and VAP.[40]
In North America, the series has been licensed by Viz for residents in the United States to use "Download-to-Own" and "Download-to-Rent" services while it was still airing in Japan. This move is seen as "significant because it marks the first time a well known Japanese anime property will be made legally available to domestic audiences for download to own while the title still airs on Japanese television."[41] The downloadable episodes contain the original Japanese audio track and English subtitles,[42] and is available through IGN's Windows-only Direct2Drive service.[43] DVDs of the series are also being released,[42] containing both an English dubbed audio track, produced by The Ocean Group, and the original Japanese audio track with optional English subtitles.[44] Viz announced at Anime Expo 2007 that the first DVD was officially released on November 20, 2007, in both regular and special editions,[45] and also confirmed at Comic-Con International 2007 that the first 15,000 copies of each DVD contains collectible figures.[46]
Death Note was slated to make its North American television premiere in Canada on YTV's Bionix programming block on September 7, 2007;[47] however, the show was removed from the schedule at the last minute.[48] The Canadian premiere was pushed back to October 26, 2007, at 10:00 p.m., when it finally premiered. Death Note premiered in the U.S. on October 20, 2007, at 11:30 p.m. on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim,[49] until January 10, 2010, when the contract expired.[50] The last episode aired on Canada's YTV channel on July 4, 2008, and on Adult Swim two days later. YTV took away the show on July 5, 2008, with the last airing being the last episode rerun at 1:30 a.m. ET, as part of YTV moving the Bionix block to a 2-hour only block on Saturdays.[51] The show also streamed online for free on Adult Swim Video, with a new episode available every Saturday afternoon, on the day of its broadcast premiere.[52]
A two-hour animated Death Note Rewrite: Visions of a God' (DEATH NOTEリライト•幻視する神 Desu Nōto Riraito: Genshisuru kami?) TV special aired on Nippon Television in Japan on August 31, 2007, at 8:00 p.m. It is a recap which takes place after the series end, where a Shinigami approaches Ryuk in the Shinigami realm in order to learn more about the human world. Instead, Ryuk tells him of all the events leading up to the last story arc, about Light Yagami and his rival L. Originally, this special was advertised as a retelling told from Ryuk's point of view, but it does not give a different point of view from what was originally told. However, it contains updated dialog, as well as a few new scenes.[53]
The Japanese broadcaster NTV aired the Death Note: Rewrite 2: L's Successors (Death Note Rewrite 2: L o Tsugu Mono) special on August 22, 2008. Like the first special, this new compilation summarized a part of the 2006–2007 television anime series. Specifically, it recounted the final half of the suspenseful supernatural story, including the investigators Near and Mello's confrontations with the vigilante Kira.[54] This version features more updates than the previous one, most notably omission of the mafia plot.
Video games
A Death Note video game developed and published by Konami for the Nintendo DS, titled Death Note Kira Game (デスノート キラゲーム Desu Nōto Kira Gēmu?), was released on February 15, 2007.[55] Kira Game is a strategy game where the player takes on the role of Kira or L. These are just titles, as any character can be Kira or L. The player will attempt to deduce who their enemy is (Kira will try to uncover L's identity and vice versa). This will play out in 3 phases: Investigation, where the player will discuss the case and clues with other characters; Voting, where each member of the investigation team casts a vote on who they suspect is L or Kira based on the player's performance in the previous phase; L/Kira, where the player can either focus their investigation on one member to see if they are Kira (L part) or force a member off of the team (Kira part).[56] A sequel to the game, Death Note L o Tsugumono (デスノート Lを継ぐ者 Desu Nōto Eru o Tsugu Mono?, literally "Death Note: Successors to L"), was released in Japan on July 12, 2007. The storyline is based on the second part of the manga, featuring characters such as Mello and Near.[56]
A third game, L the Prologue to Death Note -Rasen no Trap- (L the proLogue to DEATH NOTE -螺旋の罠- L the proLogue to DEATH NOTE -Rasen no Torappu-?, literally "L the Prologue to Death Note: Spiraling Trap"), was released for the Nintendo DS in Japan on February 7, 2008.[56][57] The player assumes the role of a rookie FBI agent who awakens in a strange hotel and attempts to escape with the help of L, who provides assistance via an in-game PDA. The story is set before the Kira investigation in the original series.[57]
Several characters from Death Note appear in Jump Super Stars and Jump Ultimate Stars, a fighting game featuring a plethora of characters from Shōnen Jump titles. Light, Ryuk and L appear in Jump Super Stars as support characters. In Jump Ultimate Stars Misa, Near, and Mello are added as support characters as well.[58][59]
Reception
As of June 2006, Death Note had sold around twenty million copies in Japan.[60] On December 31, 2008, Comipress reported that the twelve volumes from the series had sold 26,500,000 copies.[61] It was also nominated for Best Manga at the 2006 American Anime Awards but lost.[62][63] In 2007, the first three volumes of Death Note were on the American Library Association's 2007 Great Graphic Novels for Teens Top Ten list.[64] On ICv2's "Top 10 Shonen Properties Q2 2009", Death Note was the third best manga property from North America.[65] During January from 2007, Oricon made a poll in which they asked Japanese fans from manga and anime which characters from any series they would most like to see in spinoff series. The overall winner from the poll was L, who also ranked first in the women's poll and second in the men's poll.[66]
Various publications for several types of media have commented on the Death Note manga, adding praise and criticism. Anime News Network (ANN) writer Zac Bertschy noted that the difference between Death Note and other manga from the same genre was very big due to the murders the main character (Light Yagami) commits as well as how he hides his identity of Kira. Although Bertchy mentioned some readers from other shonen would be surprised with the dark themes of Death Note, he praised the series for its "great art, great story, compelling characters."[67] Julie Rosato from Mania Entertainment found the story to be very entertaining, having liked Light's development in the story and L's introduction as well as how the latter starts suspecting of the former's identity. Additionally, he praised the story as it is "building a climax" with each detail introduced in the first chapter, making the reader to look forward to upcoming chapters.[68] Briana Lawrence from ANN liked the series' ending as most of the characters from the story were "given a chance to shine" and due to the fact the notebook and other aspects from the series had little importance in the focus of Death Note and now they play a more important part. However, she did not like how the epilogue made no mention of what happens with Misa Amane and how Near and Mello were still treated like parts of L.[69] Shūsuke Kaneko, director of the film versions of the series, said that the manga series "barely touches" pain felt by the Death Note's victims, so he decided to use a different focus with the film series.[70]
Douglas Wolk of Salon said that a rumor circulated stating that the creators intended to create Death Note to last half as long as its actual run; according to Wolk the rumor stated that Ohba and Obata had been persuaded to lengthen the storyline when Death Note's popularity increased. In addition he said that fans wrote "thousands" of Death Note fan fiction stories and posted them on the internet.[71] Carl Kimlinger, in Protoculture Addicts, called Death Note "morally repellent" and said it "presents a worldview that is both shallow and repulsively misanthropic."[72]
The anime was also commented with Tom S. Pepirium of IGN saying that Death Note's "heavy serialized nature" is what "makes the show so engaging and discussion worthy."[73] Pepirium, saying that translating Death Note is "no small task," said that Stephen Hedley created a dub with "nothing clunky." Pepirium added that Karl Willems, director of the dub, assembled a "stunning voice cast of professionals" with a "solid tone minus some of the cheesy yelling and screaming of other dubs."[74] John Powers of the NPR show Fresh Air finds the show "addicting" and equates its similarity to the American TV series Lost. It was also listed as the 51st best animated show in IGN's Top 100 Animated Series.



"Running over thirty-seven 20 minutes episodes, the anime sticks much closer to the manga so takes a far more languid approach to storytelling, better fleshing out the fantastic characters of Light and his nemesis, L. Light in particular is one of the most layered characters to appear in anime in a long time. -Hyper[77]
The novelization L: Change the World became the second top selling light novel in Japan during 2008.[78] A.E. Sparrow of IGN reviewed the novel Another Note and gave it a 9.5 out of 10. Sparrow said that the author understood "what made these characters click so well" and "captures everything that made the manga the compelling read that it is." Sparrow said that fans of Death Note who read Another Note will "find a welcome home" in the Nisio Isin's work that "adds a few more fun layers" to the Death Note franchise.[79]
Banning by People's Republic of China
Early in 2005, school officials in Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province (People's Republic of China), banned Death Note.[80] The immediate cause was that students had been altering notebooks to resemble Death Notes and then writing the names of acquaintances, enemies, and teachers in the books.[81][82] The ban was designed to protect the "physical and mental health"[83] of students from horror material that "misleads innocent children and distorts their mind and spirit."[84] Jonathan Clements has suggested that the Chinese authorities acted partly against "superstition" but also against illegal, pirate publishers of Death Note.[85] The ban has been extended to other Chinese cities including Beijing,[83][86] Shanghai and Lanzhou in Gansu Province.[87] Legally published Chinese language versions of Death Note are published in Hong Kong and in Taiwan.[85]
Copycat crimes and imitations
There have been various copycat crimes around the world which were based on Death Note. On September 28, 2007, two notes written with Latin characters stating "Watashi wa Kira desu", or "I am Kira" (私はキラです watashi wa Kira desu?)[88] were found near the unidentified remains of a Caucasian male in Belgium. The case has been called the "Mangamoord" (Dutch for Manga Murder) in Belgian media. Nothing was found on or near the victim besides these two notes.[89]
A senior at the Franklin Military Academy in Richmond, Virginia, United States was suspended after being caught possessing a replica "Death Note" notebook with the names of fellow students.[90]
In South Carolina, U.S. in 2008, school officials seized a "Death Note" notebook from a Hartsville Middle School student. District officials linked the notebook to the anime/manga. The notebook listed seven students' names. The school planned a disciplinary hearing and contacted the seven students' parents.[91]
In Gadsden, Alabama, U.S. two sixth grade boys were arrested for possessions of "Death Notes" that listed names of several staff members and fellow students. According to Etowah County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Lanny Handy, the notebook was found the previous afternoon by a staffer. The students were suspended from the county's schools. The students, their parents, and school officials had met with Handy and a junior probation officer.[92]
In Gig Harbor, Washington, U.S. one middle school student was expelled and three were suspended on May 14, 2008 for having their own "Death Note" books.[93]
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89. ^ "Notes left near bodies in Belgium linked to Death Note". Anime News Network. October 1, 2007. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-10-01/notes-left-near-bodies-in-belgium-linked-to-death-note. Retrieved May 24, 2008.
90. ^ "Virginian Teen Suspended over Names in 'Death Note'". Anime News Network. November 22, 2007. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-11-22/virginian-teen-suspended-over-names-in-death-note. Retrieved May 24, 2008.
91. ^ "South Carolina Student Removed over "Death Note" List". Anime News Network. March 2, 2008. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-03-02/south-carolina-student-removed-over-death-note-list. Retrieved May 24, 2008.
92. ^ "2 Alabama 6th-Grade Boys Arrested for Death Note Book". Anime News Network. April 4, 2008. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-04-04/2-alabama-6th-grade-boys-arrested-for-death-note-book. Retrieved May 24, 2008.
93. ^ "4 Washington Middle Schoolers Disciplined over "Death Note"". Anime News Network. May 24, 2008. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-05-24/4-washington-middle-schoolers-disciplined-over-death-note. Retrieved May 24, 2008.

Thx 4

Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple

Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple (史上最強の弟子ケンイチ, Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Ken'ichi?, lit. History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi) is a Japanese manga by Syun Matsuena serialized in the weekly manga magazine Shōnen Sunday.

The first tankōbon was published in August 9, 2002. An anime adaptation by Tokyo Movie Shinsha aired from October 2006 to September 2007.

This manga is a remake of Tatakae! Ryōzanpaku Shijō Saikyō no Deshi (戦え!梁山泊 史上最強の弟子?, lit. Fight! Ryōzanpaku, History's Strongest Disciple), which was serialized in the monthly manga magazine Shōnen Sunday Super, publishing five tankōbon between 2000 and 2002.



Storyline
The story focuses on Kenichi Shirahama, an average 16-year-old high school student who has been picked on his whole life. However, after a month into his freshman year, he meets and befriends the mysterious transfer student, Miu Fūrinji. Driven by his desire to become stronger and to protect those around him, he follows her to Ryōzanpaku, a dojo where those who are truly strong and have mastered their arts gather (Ryōzanpaku comes from the Chinese story of Heroes of the Water Margin who train together at Liangshan 梁山). After learning basics from Miu, Kenichi is able to beat a high ranking member of the school's karate club, and becomes a target for all the delinquents in the school. Kenichi's reason for training is to fulfill the promise he made to protect Miu. Subsequently, Kenichi's daily routine is divided between hellish training under the six masters of Ryōzanpaku, and his fights against the members of Ragnarok, a gang that views him as either a possible ally or an impending threat to their plans. After defeating Ragnarok, he faces a new enemy called YOMI, a group of disciples who are each personally trained by a master of an even bigger organization rivaling Ryōzanpaku, Yami. He realized that he wanted to be the strongest in order to protect everyone without killing anyone. Along with former members of Ragnarok who joined the Shinpaku Alliance, a group created by Kenichi's schoolmate Haruo Niijima, Kenichi now fights Yami to prove his ideals and protect those in need.




Characters
Kenichi Shirahama (白浜 兼一, Shirahama Ken'ichi?) Voiced by: Tomokazu Seki (Japanese), Josh Grelle (English)
Kenichi is a first year high school student, who likes gardening and reading books. He was initially viewed as a weakling by the rest of his school, and was ranked as the weakest student. In order to become strong enough to help others, he becomes a disciple of the Ryozanpaku Dojo, and eventually lives there, so he can fully learn his masters' techniques. Despite his timid nature, he grows to be a martial artist when motivated, usually when using his skill to help others, adversary and ally alike. Although his masters and many of his opponents refer to him as someone with zero talent for martial arts, it is implied that his stubbornness and talent for hard work serve just as well. His masters also said:"you are a person who cannot learn high level moves because of your zero talent for martial arts, that's why we will make your low level moves the strongest!"

Miu Furinji (風林寺 美羽, Fūrinji Miu?) Voiced by: Tomoko Kawakami (Japanese), Carrie Savage (English)
Miu is a first year high school student, who also happens to be in the same class as Kenichi. Miu has a quiet nature despite being an incredibly strong and talented fighter trained by her grandfather, the elder of the Ryozanpaku Dojo, since childhood. Miu is quite eager to make friends, and treasures her training with Kenichi, but seems oblivious to his true feelings for her, though she does get jealous whenever another girl shows affection for him and has on various occasions hinted towards having deeper feelings for him, such as getting embarrassed when people suggest they are a couple.

Terminology

Dou
A Dou type martial artist uses his/her anger to exceed his/her limits. As such, they tend to be aggressive in combat, and very rarely strays from the offensive. At some cases, they are even bestial, as seen with Miu and Kisara, after receiving intense emotional pain and frustation, respectively. Users seem to rely heavily on instincts and brute strength when fighting. According to James Shiba, a Dou fighter focuses on making their ki "explode" after channelling it through a target to deal damage. According to the manga, Apachai, Sakaki, and Miu are all Dou types. It seems that Dou types are more prone to move onto the path of Asura (the killing path), because they fight with anger, and can hardly control themselves when fighting. However, Apachai, Sakaki, and Miu are able to uphold the principles of Katsujin-ken because of their own natural sense of kindness.

Sei
A Sei type martial artist doesn't fight to kill his/her enemy. It actually means that this type of martial artist fights not with power or anger, but with skill and wit. These traits are evident in Kensei, Akisame, Hayato, and Kenichi. This principle requires a state of calmness and a clarity of mind.

The Path of the Shura
The path of the martial artist who pursues power in order to protect the people around him. Kenichi is one notable example of one who has accepted this principle. Those who walk this path will protect those around them, forfeiting killing techniques

Satsujin-ken
Literally "the killing fist". The yin belief that martial arts were created to kill and destroy. Yami embodies this principle and recognizes that it cannot prove that satsujin-ken is the true meaning of martial arts without defeating Ryozanpaku, who embodies the principle of katsujin-ken.

Katsujin-ken
Literally "the saving fist". The yang belief that martial arts were created to save and protect lives. Even without the resources and manpower of Yami, the masters of Ryozanpaku are bent on upholding this principle.



Media
Manga
The "History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi" manga is currently serialized in Shōnen Sunday. The series has been compiled into 34+ tankōbon. The manga series follows the story past the ending seen in the anime, in which Kenichi encounters members of Yomi and their respective masters.

Anime
Main article: List of Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple episodes

An anime adaptation of Kenichi: History's Strongest Disciple animated by Tokyo Movie Shinsha first started airing on October 7, 2006. It aired a total of fifty episodes, covering from the beginning of the story to the confrontation against the top members of Ragnarok. FUNimation has dubbed the series. All 50 episodes have been released as of May 25, 2010.

The series made its North American television debut when it aired on FUNimation Channel starting October 26, 2009. Shows 26 episodes.

Games

On March 15, 2007, Capcom released the series' first game, Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Kenichi: Gekitō! Ragnarok Hachikengō, exclusively on the PlayStation 2.



Differences
Between the manga and anime
• In the manga, Kenichi starts training at Ryōzanpaku after beating Daimonji. Miu's map was so confusing that Kenichi needed Honoka to decipher it for him.
• A short arc before Kenichi's showdown with Hermit showed that Akisame had brought Kenichi to train in the mountains to learn the art of tactics. In addition to learning such, Kenichi also showed that training can be a tactic in itself. This arc is not shown in the anime.
• In the manga, after the second battle between Kenichi and Hermit, there is a short arc where Kenichi and Sakaki challenged another dojo, where one of the members of the Shinpaku Alliance was learning an unsportsmanlike version of martial arts (poking the opponents' eyes, using foldable chairs to attack, etc.). This arc is not shown in the anime.
• Right after defeating Thor, the next chapter showed Kenichi slacking off in his training as he thought he was strong enough. His masters proved otherwise, with Apachai getting him severely injured. This is not shown in the anime.
• Right after the arc where Kisara quit Ragnarok, the following 5 chapters followed Hayato's recounts of his meeting with Apachai, and how the latter followed him to Ryōzanpaku. This arc, which is not shown in the anime, was then immediately followed by Nījima's plan 'H' to get Hermit to join the Shinpaku Alliance. This is set after Kenichi went on the mountain retreat with Hayato in the anime, but in the manga, Kenichi participated in the action.
• There is a short arc where Kenichi's father visited him at the Ryōzanpaku Dojo, and after witnessing the actual training, tried to get Kenichi to return home. He brought along his new gun, rotowski, which he secretly bought without his wife's knowledge.
• In the manga, the 馬 family (Kensei, Sōgetsu, Renka, etc.) pronounces their family name ば, (Ba); in the anime, and in some translations, this has been changed to the usual Chinese pronunciation, ま (Ma.)
• Blood in the anime version is either significantly reduced, or removed entirely when compared to the manga.
• The anime ends before the YOMI arc(chapter 143 of manga), thus its existence is omitted.
In Tatakae!! Ryōzanpaku
The plot to the 5 volume monthly predecessor to the series was mostly the same, with a few major differences:
• Shigure does not exist in the monthly version, and two of the masters are said to be away on a journey (the silhouette of one of them seems to be Shigure, however the other figure was rumored to be Saiga Furinji). Also, Akisame's age is said to be 28 instead of 38, but despite the 10 year age difference his looks are the same.
• Kenichi and Miu do not attend the same high school.
• Ma Sougetsu and Ikki Takeda both look completely different as the former has a much less muscular and intimidating appearance and the latter has short black hair. Additionally, Takeda is named Takenouchi (竹ノ内?) (possibly a parody of Ippo Makunouchi from Hajime no Ippo) and is the captain of the boxing team. Natsu Tanimoto is also instead named Natsu Sugimoto (杉本 夏 Sugimoto Natsu?).
• Nijima's hair is a lot shorter and more flat-bowl shaped.
• The group Kenichi battles against is named Snake (スネイク?) and is headed by three main members: Shōgo Furukawa (吉川 将吾 Furukawa Shōgo?) (Top One), Natsu Sugimoto/Hermit (Top Two), and Kisara Nanjō (Top Three). The three of them later appeared in Kenichi as members of Ragnarok (Furukawa appeared as Berserker). Ragnarok was used as the name of Snake's rival group.
• Kisara Nanjo's hair is different compared to the ongoing manga and anime and Shogo Furukawa was never shown chewing gum nor being normally passive compared to the ongoing manga.
• The original Hermit looked exactly (with some slight hair differences) like the new Takeda, still however clothed in the same Hermit outfit.
• Ryōzanpaku Master Differences: Shio Sakaki had a much slimmer build than in the spinoff, Apachai Hopachai was fashioned in the same clothes, with hair resembling Guile from Street Fighter, Shigure Kosaka is fashioned in more of a stereotypical ninja suit, Hayato is less muscular, Ma Kensei had the same outfit without his signature hat and a yin yang symbol on his shoulders, and Akisame Koetsuji had shorter hair.
• Ma Kensei and Ma Sogetsu are adopted brothers instead of real brothers.
• Kenichi did not mention his never-hit-a-girl policy.
• Instead of Ogata who saved Natsu when he was little it was Ma Sogetsu.
• It is a kind old grandpa who adopted Natsu and his sister instead of the other version of a heartless businessman.
• After Kenichi defeated Shōgo Furukawa (吉川 将吾 Furukawa Shōgo?) he became the Leader of Snake and become Top 1 reluctantly.
• Shōgo Furukawa (吉川 将吾 Furukawa Shōgo?) and Kisara become the newest disciple of Ryōzanpaku.
• Instead of Mycroft, Christopher Eclair fights Sakaki, but Mycroft makes a cameo appearance in a flashback of Sakaki burying him and Christopher in a desert and he is also mentioned briefly. In the fight between Sakaki and Mycroft (in the monthly manga), Sakaki also makes a reference to the burial. Though Mycroft's hatred for Sakaki is never mentioned in the weekly manga.


Thx 4

Highschool of the Dead

Highschool of the Dead (学園黙示録, Gakuen Mokushiroku?, "Academy Apocalypse") is a manga series written by Daisuke Satō and illustrated by Shōji Satō. The story follows a group of high school students caught in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. The series has been serialized in Fujimi Shobo's Monthly Dragon Age since September 2006 and has been published internationally in a number of languages. Highschool of the Dead was adapted into an anime television series by Madhouse which began airing in Japan on July 5, 2010. The first season ended on September 20, 2010.



Plot
Highschool of the Dead is set in the present day, beginning as the world is struck by a deadly pandemic that turns humans into zombies, euphemistically referred to by the main characters as "them". The story follows Takashi Komuro, a Japanese student at Fujimi High School who survived the initial outbreak along with several of his classmates and the school nurse, and occasionally jumps to the perspective of other characters.

The plot is initially concerned with survival and escape from the titular high school and zombies, but as the series proceeds it introduces the additional threats of societal collapse, in the form of dangerous fellow survivors and the possible decay of the characters' own moral codes.



Characters
Major

Takashi Komuro (小室 孝, Komuro Takashi?)



Voiced by: Jun'ichi Suwabe[1]

A 17 year old sophomore high school student. Takashi and Rei are childhood friends who are in the same class. He has loved her ever since she made a childhood promise to marry him when they were older. However, due to Takashi's indecisiveness, Rei found comfort in their friend, Hisashi. As a result, their friendship was damaged. He was one of the first people to notice that something was wrong in the school and quickly took action to escape with his friends. His relationship with Rei was shaken further when he was forced to kill Hisashi after he had turned into a zombie. Rei accused Takashi of killing him because he was jealous of their relationship. When Takashi was going to leave Rei behind, Rei quickly rescinded her words and apologized. They hugged and their relationship was amended.

Though initially depicted as a poor student who often skips class, he's proven to be a very reliable and capable person. He has resolved to protect everyone, especially Rei, despite his own feelings of inadequacy. With this resolve, he has taken up the role as leader of the group. Saya Takagi has mentioned that he and Kohta are most likely to snap if things continue. He used a baseball bat for a while, then recovers a Smith & Wesson Model 37 from a dead cop, then a crowbar, and later finds a Ithaca 37. In Chapter 27, he throws away his Ithaca and swaps it for a Benelli M4 Super 90 which he found in police station.

Rei Miyamoto (宮本 麗, Miyamoto Rei?)



Voiced by: Marina Inoue

Classmate of Takashi Komuro. They have known each other since kindergarten. When they were young, Rei promised to marry him when they were older. She has loved him ever since but because of Takashi's indecisiveness, he was never able to honestly return her feelings. Heartbroken, she sought comfort in their friend, Hisashi, and ignoring Takashi at the same time in hopes of forgetting the pain. Rei was furious when Takashi killed Hisashi, even though he turned into a zombie. However, when Takashi was about to leave her behind, she quickly apologized and they amended their relationship.

Rei doesn't find it above herself to reprimand Takashi for acting carelessly. She worries about his well-being whenever he goes to fight "them". Rei has also proven to be a skilled combatant through the use of sojutsu ("Spear Techniques") and strong asset to the group.

Initially in the same year as Saeko, Rei was held back despite being an excellent student. Her father - a police detective - had been investigating the corruption behind the father of Shido, one of the teachers at her school. As a result, Shido purposefully failed her so she would have to repeat a grade. Rei bears a lasting grudge against him and feels uneasy whenever he's around.

Although Rei dated Hisashi, her feelings for Takashi never disappeared. In chapter 12, Rei shamefully admits that she dated Hisashi because he was cute and cared for her but says it is different now. She finally understands Takashi's personality and confesses that it is his selfless nature that she fell in love with. Rei also professes that she would do anything to be with him. Like Saya, Rei gets irritated whenever Takashi spends alone time with Saeko, even if they are fighting "them". As her feelings intensifies, her flirting has also become more aggressive on several occasions. She uses a Spear made from a broken Broom and later a M1A Rifle with a Bayonet attached.

Saeko Busujima (毒島 冴子, Busujima Saeko?)

Voiced by: Miyuki Sawashiro[1]

A high school senior and president of the school's kendo club, she is extremely skilled at close combat with a bokken. Calm and collected with a sense of pride in her skills, Saeko is among the most reliable of the group. Everyone can count on her combat skills to pull them through a crisis. Also throughout the journey, she begins to develop romantic feelings for Takashi. Not much is known about her family except for her father who had traveled abroad on a self-defense conference before the advent of the Outbreak. Saya's father, Souichirou Takagi, tells Saeko that her father once gave him guidance so to repay the favor, he gives her a very powerful sword, crafted in the Tokyo armory by General Murata during the Meiji Era.

Four years prior to the story, an assailant attacked Saeko. Armed with her bokken, she easily disposed of him, breaking several of his bones before the police came. Although it was claimed to be self-defense, this experience revealed her sadistic tendencies. Ever since the incident, she continually struggles with this part of her personality, which causes momentary weaknesses in her otherwise strong demeanor. After telling Takashi her story and encountering a group of "them" afterwards, Saeko considers, for a second, letting herself get killed. However, Takashi stops her and confesses his admiration for her, restoring her confidence and resolve. After this, she accepts her sadistic tendencies and promises to fight alongside Takashi. She also tells him that he needs to take responsibility for actions as a result of this, which he agrees to.

Saeko has faith in Takashi's ability to lead the group through a crisis. After Saya Takagi mentions that Takashi and Kohta are the most likely to "lose it and become a danger to themselves", Saeko simply replies that she will be there to remind them that she is of the female sex. She is later given a Katana by Saya's father. She is then given an M92 Vertec handgun which was found by Kohta in Chapter 27. Just like Rei and Saya, she seems to have feelings for Takashi, and the two kissed when they were briefly separated from the group.

Saya Takagi (高城 沙耶, Takagi Saya?)

Voiced by: Eri Kitamura[1]

Making her escape with fellow classmate Kohta Hirano, she is the daughter of an influential Uyoku dantai politician and her family is deeply involved in Japan's politics. A self-proclaimed genius, Saya's knowledge and deductive capabilities have allowed the group to escape from harm many times. She was among the first to conclude that "they" were attracted to only sound. Despite coming from a prestigious family, she despises her parents whom she thought had given up on finding her in this crisis. However, Saya was able to amend their relationship before leaving the mansion.

Slightly self-conscious, she detests the fact people, due to her status, only call her by her last name and never look her in the eyes when speaking to her. The only exceptions to this are Kohta, who she has a unique friendship with, and Takashi, who is her childhood friend. Saya acts as a mother figure to Alice in this crisis. Although Saya insists Alice calls her with the suffix "-sama", Saya has grown very attached to Alice. She does her best to keep intact Alice's innocence and will severely scold anyone who would dare attempt to tarnish it to any degree.

Saya is also a childhood friend of Takashi. Saya is hinted to have romantic feelings for Takashi but doesn't flirt with him as much as Rei does. However, she does get annoyed whenever Saeko gets close to Takashi. She uses a Drill, and a Luger P08 pistol.

Kohta Hirano (平野 コータ, Hirano Kōta?)

Voiced by: Nobuyuki Hiyama

A 16-year old sophomore student who was often bullied in school, Kohta is a gun otaku (enthusiast) and knows the ins and outs of the firearms and any military-related equipment that the group comes across. Basically, he functions as the group's long-range combat specialist. His skills as a marksman has proven to be an invaluable asset to keeping everyone alive. On a one-month trip to America, he was trained by the US military contractor, Blackwater USA, which furthered his obsession with weapons.

At the beginning of the story, his abilities helped Saya Takagi escape danger. Kohta has a crush on Saya and asked her out on various occasions only to be rejected. However, she does care for his well being. His crush has since ended and he has developed deep feelings for the police officer trainee, Asami Nakaoka. Because the feelings are mutual, they have expressed their love for each other and Kohta even managed to convince her to join the group. Kohta has also grown attached to Alice and will often be found playing with her. He also has a strong desire to protect her innocence.

Unfortunately, he was forced to kill Asami Nakaoka when she risks her life to save a person in danger and gets trapped between a big number of "them". She personally asks him to kill her so that she won't become a zombie and cause pain to others around her. Kohta later finds himself in horror for what he did and tries to get himself killed by them, though with the help of Shizuka-sensei, he overcomes this pain. With this situation, Takashi realizes that if one member of the group dies, everyone will die in a matter of hours.

His character may have been based on the mangaka of the same name as the two look similar. Since Kohta doesn't know any form of close-combat techniques, he uses a supply of different firearms such as a modified Nail Gun, AR-10 and the Smith & Wesson Model 37 that Takashi used before. He then finds a suppressed MP5SFK in Chapter 27.

Shizuka Marikawa (鞠川 静香, Marikawa Shizuka?)

Voiced by: Yukari Fukui[1]

A single 26-year old woman and the school nurse at Fujimi High School. At the beginning of the story, Shizuka was saved by Saeko. She is rather ditsy as compared to the rest of girls. Her large bust size is often used as a comical element in the story. She is close friends with Rika Minani, a sniper of Japan's Special Assault Team. Their home was used as a safe haven for the group after they escaped the high school. Despite being the only adult in the group, she is emotionally fragile and doesn't know what will become of her life. Like the rest of the main characters, Shizuka worries that she will never see her family or friends again.

Even though she's emotionally fragile, Shizuka feels a responsibility to "chaperon" the kids. As a nurse and the only adult in the group, she is responsible for the health of everyone in the group. Although she is still studying to be a full-fledged doctor, Shizuka has shown incredible medical knowledge. She was even able to bring Kohta to his senses after he was forced to kill Asami Nakaoka. She is the only in the group able to drive a car, even a bus and a two Hummers.

Alice Maresato (希里 ありす, Maresato Arisu?)

Voiced by: Ayana Taketatsu[1]

Only 7 years old, she was saved from being attacked by several undead by Takashi after her father was killed by members of a household who wouldn't allow them shelter. Innocent and passive, Alice is the only member of the group that maintains a cheerful attitude despite all their troubles and the loss of her parents. Looking up to everyone in the group as a bigger brother and sister, she is unwilling to leave them even if it's for her own safety.

Alice is often seen playing with a small dog named Zeke whom they had picked up while saving Alice and Kohta, to whom she has grown fairly attached. Presiding over her as a mother figure is Saya to whom she has also grown attached. Alice is also bilingual, able to speak in English and Japanese, and maybe multiracial. It was also recently revealed that she was the next door neighbor to Takashi's friend, Imamuru.

Despite being the youngest member of the group, she seems to be able to carry her own burden against "them". In a discussion between Takashi and Kohta, they made to the conclusion that they cannot protect her for long and she will need to learn how to defeat "them". She is yet to have her own weapon, though she did make use of fireworks and poppers that Asami gave to her (using those to distract "them" from attacking the group).

In the anime, however, During the attack at Saya's mansion, she attacks some of "them" using some things from the garage, such as a large wheel, to protect Shizuka. Saya, however, finishes them off for Alice.

Recurring

Kōichi Shidō (紫藤 浩一, Shidō Kōichi?)

Voiced by: Kisho Taniyama[1]

He is Class 3A's teacher. Rei Miyamoto is afraid and is disgusted by him and Saeko Busujima says his name with a scowl, showing that he apparently is a sadistic and villainous character. Both girls have good reasons to do so as we see him leaving behind a student who has sprained his ankle and even kicking him back towards a group of zombies chasing them. He then makes a speech about how weaklings do not deserve to exist. It was implied by Hirano that Shidō allowed bullies to beat him up as he watched with glee[2]. It is assumed that the former's story is true because he pointed the nail gun at Shidō without blinking or hesitating to punch a nail wound to his face.

He has a desire to be a leader and some of the characters have theorized that he is trying to build a new religion with him on top as leader. Shidō is an apparent coward in the face of extreme danger, as seen when being threatened by a grazing head shot with a nail gun on Hirano's part[3], but nonetheless, proves to be a manipulative, villainous and sadistic character.

He is last seen by the main group when they abandon him on the bus, leaving him with only those willing to follow him. He reappears once more and is seen watching over an orgy between his followers on the bus at the end of Chapter 11, in a sort of Charles Manson-ish brainwashing (he allows his followers to do as they will, calling it "free time"). He seems to have a spy inside the base of humans set up at the mansion, who, as of Chapter 12, is relaying vital information about the morale of the people there. He is seen to keep his followers in line through intimidation, forcing them to follow him lest they incur his wrath or be left to fend for themselves. He sees the people that follow him as angels that will help usher in a new age, since they are youthful teenagers. Shidō then accuses one of the teens on board the bus of showing weakness, the boy having shown concern for the welfare of his family. He convinces the rest of the group to eject the 'weak link' for the sake of the New World. Highlighting how far Shidō has turned the minds of his followers, they callously throw the teen off the bus, going so far as to bid him farewell as he attempts to get back on the bus, only to fail and be subsequently attacked by a zombie. The teen is later seen in his undead form in chapter 15 when the dead break into the estate.

Later on, his history and background with Rei was shown when his father was involved in Japanese politics and had Rei retained as a favor of getting back at his stepbrother[4]. When threatened with a rifle-mounted bayonet by Rei, he seems scared witless until he realizes that no one would come to his aid before daring her to kill him. When she turns away and says that he is not even worth killing, his fury is shown. He is seen being ordered to leave the estate with the students he brought but ends up crashing into the forklift when the EMP Blast temporarily stopped the bus, removing the concrete blocks which served as the barrier against the undead. He recovers consciousness in time to see the undead horde advancing through the gap in the barrier.[4] While it's possible he was devoured by "them" it's unknown what has happened to him as his followers were seen leaving the Bus in chapter 16.

Rika Minami (南リカ, Minami Rika?)

Voiced by: Junko Takeuchi[1]

Rika is the chief of first squadron in the prefecture police and an expert sniper in the Special Assault Team sent to clear the nearby airport of any zombie stragglers. She is close friends with Marikawa Shizuka and has the desire to go and save her from the outbreak of zombies. Unknown to her, they had stayed at her residence and have fled in her Humvee. She has been held up in the same airport alongside surviving passengers who were supposed to fly out with surviving Special Assault Team and Special Security Team operatives alongside airport security guards, customs officers and firefighters in clearing the airport of any stragglers by reducing the zombie strength. When her partner/observer helped her use the jet fuel in a tanker to immolate the zombies. She later receive a phone call from Shizuka and they have a very brief conversation before the whole area goes into a massive blackout due to an EMP surge that cuts off all communications and vehicle engines. She has not been seen from since, and it is unknown what happened to her afterwards.

[edit] Other

Hisashi Igō (井豪永, Igō Hisashi?)

Voiced by: Mamoru Miyano[1]

Rei's classmate and boyfriend, he, Takashi, and Rei were among the first to try and escape the rampage at the school. On their way out of class he was bitten by an infected teacher and subsequently turned into one of "them" afterwards. Aware of his fate he instructed Takashi to kill him before he turned by throwing him off the rooftop of the school building, but died before Takashi could do so, and rose back up as one of "them". Takashi then gathers himself together and takes down Hisashi permanently. A brief bitterness between Rei and Takashi occurred as a result from his death. He was thought to be one of the main characters of the manga because during the first chapter being the cool calm headed leader type of character. Hisashi was responsible for "naming" the zombies as "them".

Souichiro Takagi (高城 壮一郎, Souichirō Takagi?)

Voiced by: Jouji Nakata

Leader of a radical Uyoku dantai group in the Tokonosu district, he is an extreme right-winger who showed his leadership to the survivors when he rallies them to kill the zombies in order to save Japanese society from collapsing. He added a rather pointed illustration by killing his zombified subordinate. Later on, he insists that Kohta give up his weapons. However, Kohta's friends (including Saya) rallied for Kohta and supported him. It is implied that he was impressed by their willingness to challenge him and allows Kohta to maintain the weapons he took from Rika's house.

It is also shown that Saya hates her father more than her mother because he didn't ensure her safety when the outbreak started in Japan. Souichiro seems to be a sword expert and is skeptical about Hirano's reasons of keeping his guns until he's confronted by everyone in the main group except for Marikawa, who defends his reasons for protecting his daughter. It is currently shown that he and his followers are preparing to leave the estate in two days time and is told by Takashi if he and his friends are not back with their parents by then, they should leave without waiting for them. However, when the zombies manage to enter the estate due to a gap from one of the barrier's inadvertently created by Shidō, the Takagis, their followers, and the remaining survivors fight to hold off the invading horde until they could go to other areas of the neighborhood that were not breached. Before Takashi & his entourage leave the estate, Kohta and Takashi swore to Saya's father to protect her and Saya tells her parents that she loves them before they attempt their escape. Souichiro and his wife were last seen fighting against the horde with rest of the estate survivors while saying that they were proud of their daughter and the friends she made. Their fate is currently unknown.

Yuriko Takagi

Voiced by: Yoshiko Sakakibara

Souichiro's wife and Saya's mother. Yuriko was once a New York Stock Broker who later married her future husband after she was impressed with his charisma and political skills. Thanks to her business connections, the Takagi family fortune rises significantly. She is very faithful to her husband and loves her daughter very much. She was last seen with her husband and other survivors fighting against the horde that breach their estate.

Asami Nakaoka (中岡 あさみ, Nakaoka Asami?)
A young traffic enforcer, Asami is in charge of guarding the Mall and protecting the group of survivors sheltering there. She also speak in a third-person speech pattern, such as replacing "I" in her sentence with her name instead, though this is because police in Japan refer to themselves in the third person (though she has yet to master this). Easily scared and intimidated by others, Asami's authority quickly waned amongst the survivors until Kohta and Takashi intervened by handing her a standardized police firearm and building up her confidence. She developed a liking for Kohta after he helped her subdue a civilian who was about to sexually assault Shizuka. Asami later accompanies Takashi to help obtain blood plasma for a sick survivor, and is forced to mercy kill Tamaru when he is bitten by "them". Asami firmly believed that her superior officer, Matsushima, who had left for the police station for help, would come back until she is shocked and horrified to see a zombified Matsushima walking towards the mall, utterly shattering her self-optimism. After running to the mall's roof while she was greatly upset, Asami was kindly praised by the same old couple that she helped in helping the old woman in having the blood transfusion, allowing her to rekindle her spirit. Asami is encouraged by Kohta into coming with him and his friends, which she gladly accepts.

Shortly after breaking out of the mall with the group she attempts to save a frightened student trapped in the parking lot. Despite distracting the zombies long enough for the student to escape Asami herself gets trapped whilst without any means of defending herself. As a nod to upholding her duty as a police officer she sacrifices herself by further drawing the attention of the zombies so the group can escape. Asami shouts out one final request for Kohta to not let her get turned into a zombie as they slowly converge on her. She is last seen tearfully confessing her love to Kohta while saluting as he aims his gun sight on her from a distance. It is revealed in the following chapter that Kohta killed her (as per her request that she die human and not turn into one of "them"), leading to him experiencing a mental breakdown.

Mall Survivors
A small of band of survivors who barricaded themselves in the mall when the outbreak began. With Asami's mental breakdown, some, like the man who attempted to assault Shizuka, believe that they are fine and safe inside the mall, and that they have everything thing they need where they are, while others, like an unnamed white-collar worker, argues that they aren't safe in the mall and should leave, to try to find a more safer place. They are clearly starting to fall apart as a group, possibly becoming dangerous, after realizing they can no longer rely on the police for protection. The situation is worsened when a crazed survivor kills another survivor and attempts to leave the mall(which gave "them" an entrance), an old couple that was helped by the main characters committed suicide by jumping off the roof of the mall, and the lone police officer that was sent to call for help was inevitably turned into "them".

It is then that the group sees the mall is broken through by "them" and escape to the roof and set up a final barricade. Although their fates were seemingly sealed, the Japanese Self-Defense Force arrives just in the nick of time after spotting their position from a UAV and decimate the surrounding undead with helicopter gunships and inserting a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter with troops as a rescue. It is then revealed that the Japanese military is still active in the crisis, conducting many similar rescue operations all over Japan, searching for any survivors.

Yuuki Miku
One of the main characters' classmates and the most beautiful student in their school (according to Morita), she was known to have a "lot of weird talk" surrounding her at school. She escaped with Fujimi Academy's other survivors and stayed with Shidō's group, finding pleasure in their debauchery. She helped Shidō enter the Right wing group's compound by using her sex appeal, but was forced to leave like everyone else that came with Shidō. She survived Shidō's accident after the EMP and subsequently escaped. She is later seen walking in the streets as one of "them" with her eyes rolled back and her mouth torn open.

Tamaru Hiro
One of the mall survivors, Tamaru had assisted Takashi, Kouta, and Asami in getting plasma for an elderly woman from a nearby clinic, with Takashi asking why he'd come, with him amusingly wonders why. While the group manage to get the necessary plasma equipment, Tamaru bought the group some time to escape while the clinic is surrounded by "them" and almost escaped as well, but was bitten on his leg and requested that he be killed, which Asami did before knowing his name. His death caused the group to consider it their defeat.

Zeke
Zeke is a dog found by Alice right after "they" started attacking her and Zeke, only to be saved by Takashi. Zeke is very energetic and also intelligent, being able to differentiate the living from the undead. Zeke's role in the group is to provide some company to Alice and to alert them of the undead.

Media
Manga
Main article: List of Highschool of the Dead chapters

Highschool of the Dead began serialization in Monthly Dragon Age in July 2006, but went on hiatus from the end of 2008 until March 2010, with another short break between May and July 2010.

The manga has been licensed for international release in a number of languages and regions. It is published in Spain by Glénat España,[1] in Germany by Carlsen, in Brazil by Panini Comics, in Canada and France for French-language publication by Pika Édition, in English in Canada and the US by Yen Press[2] and in Taiwan by Kadokawa Media (Taiwan). The first volume was released in May 2008 in Spain, in March 2010 in Germany, and in April 2010 in Brazil. Shortly following the inception of the series, however, the manga became popular enough in English via scanlation to draw the attention of the creators, who included a message in English within the magazine printing of the fifth chapter.

Anime
Main article: List of Highschool of the Dead episodes

The March 2010 issue of Monthly Dragon Age announced that an anime television adaptation of Highschool of the Dead had been green-lighted. Produced by Madhouse under the directorship of Tetsuro Araki, the series began airing on the Japanese network AT-X on July 5, 2010 and rebroadcast days later on seven other Japanese networks. The series is also being simultaneously streamed by Anime Network in North America, although these airings are censored during explicit scenes.[4] and Madman Entertainment in Australia and New Zealand.Sentai Filmworks is licensor of the series in North America and will release the series with an English dub in the future.[6] while Madman Entertainment will distribute the series in Australia and New Zealand.[7] The seventh volume of the manga released on February 10, 2011 will include a 20 minute original video animation on Bluray disc.

The series opening theme song is "HIGHSCHOOL OF THE DEAD" by Kishida Kyōdan and The Akeboshi Rockets.[9] The series closing theme songs will be different in each episode and each will be sung by Maon Kurosaki.

Thx to

Heracles One Piece

Heracles is a strange man that resides in the Greenstone forest in the Boin Archipelago.



Appearance
Heracles is dressed in a beetle-stylized armor that looks like a hero costume with a mask that covers his face and a mantle. He has a round shaped body with relatively thin arms and legs.
Personality
He has an odd habit of adding "n" word to people's name, as well as at the end of sentences (in Japanese). For example, he called Usopp (ウソップ Usoppu?) "Usoppun" (ウソップン Usoppun?), and he himself is Heraclesun (ヘラクレスン Herakuresun?). He also has a habit of repeatedly introducing himself. Heracles has a usual laid-back attitude, but is quick to react when he senses dangers and seems to care for Usopp's well-being and saved him from being eaten multiple times.
Abilities and Powers
Heracles' main style of combat involves the usage of a spear and explosives. His attacks are apparently very fast. Though round in appearance, he is fit and strong which is evident from the way he defeated a giant beetle and man eating plant with a single kick.[1][2] He also has a great amount of knowledge about the different plants and animals of the island where he lives.
History
Straw Hat Separation Adventure: Boin Archipelago
Usopp encounters Heracles on Boin Archipelago, where he is sent flying by Bartholomew Kuma. Heracles rescues Usopp from a giant beetle. Usopp, though thankful of Heracles, looks in shock at his proposal to eat the giant beetle. While Usopp is distracted, a giant man-eating plant tries to devour him, but is saved again by Heracles. Heracles informs Usopp to be more careful if he wants to keep his life and possessions. Heracles is later seen alongside Usopp eating ramen while Usopp gleefully looks at the food around him, which led to the Straw Hat sniper to have become fat, with Heracles looking at him in shock.[3][2]
After the War
When a News Ku dropped a newspaper down to the Archipelago, Usopp learns about the events of the Whitebeard War and tries desperately to get off the island to help his ailing friend and captain Monkey D. Luffy to get over the trauma of his brother's death. Heracles tries to stop Usopp from fighting a giant beetle, but fails as Usopp attempts to get past it. When Usopp lost, Heracles informs him that more and more dangerous creatures will appear as he tries to go away from the center of the island. But Usopp doesn't listen and takes off again regardless of Heracles' warnings. Heracles tells Usopp that escaping the island is impossible because of the giant creatures that get attracted to the aroma of the island; he notices that the island is beginning to move and warns Usopp to cling to something as due to the island is actually a large carnivorous plant called the Stomach Baron. The island moves again and Heracles saves Usopp from falling into the island's mouth. Heracles then question Usopp for his sudden change of behavior since reading the newspaper, to which Usopp answers by saying that Luffy is in pain after losing his brother and that he needs to be there for Luffy. While Usopp was reading the article about Luffy going back to Marineford, Heracles asked him what he was reading now. Time later, Heracles and Usopp are escaping from the dangerous creatures of the island as they do everyday. Heracles realises the hard determination Usopp gained after reading the newspaper, what makes him to answer the pirate what did he read. Usopp tells Heracles the message of Luffy and then he asked to train him, saying that he can learn a lot of things from Heracles, like fighting and sniping abilities calling him "Amazaing Warrior", "Sensei" and then marking that his name is pretty cool. With all these comments Heracles gets excited and accepts to train Usopp, beginning with the differents types of plants there are in the island and their different uses in battle.
Manga and Anime Difference
In the anime, it expands on Usopp's and Heracles' adventures on the Boin Archipelago, as well as bringing up facts that are not revealed in the manga until much later after the war.[2]
The expansion of their escapade starts at Usopp is shown to be running away from a giant sunflower plant with Heracles watching on. Usopp asks Heracles to help him against the giant sunflower plant who is trying to eat him alive. Heracles manages to save Usopp and tells him to build up stamina as he is weaker than ants and worms on that island. Usopp denies this at first, but later agrees with Heracles when he sees a giant ant and worm. Heracles easily beats both the ant and the worm and asks Usopp if he wants to eat them. Usopp in his traditional fashion looks in utter disbelief at Heracles's proposal. He then informs Heracles that he is hungry and wants to eat something edible. Heracles takes him to a place where items like ramen, spaghetti, ham and chocolates are available in abundance. Usopp starts to gulp down the items and is told by Heracles to also work out to build stamina as eating alone won't do it.
Later Heracles loses sight of Usopp, who is busy eating out all the delicacies available on the island. When he finds him Usopp has already turned fat. He tells Usopp to lose some calories when all of a sudden the island starts to move and eats everything on it. Both Usopp and Heracles try to escape, with Heracles catching hold of a branch and tries to catch Usopp, but Usopp is too heavy for Heracles to hold on to. He waves his goodbyes to Usopp, believing it is inevitable that Usopp will be eaten. But Usopp catches a ramen branch and eats it to climb up and escape.
Later Heracles finds Usopp and tells him that fat things will definitely be eaten on the Boin Archipelago, which is in truth a group of giant carnivorous plants. He also informs him that it is impossible to escape the island.
Trivia
• His name, "Heracles", comes from the Greek Hero Heracles, known as Hercules in Rome.
• "Hercules" and "Kabuto" are both types of beetles and incendently represented by both Heracles and Usopp respectatively (in Usopp's case its his weapon).
References
1. ↑ One Piece Manga and Anime - Vol 54 Chapter 524 and Episode 420, Heracles made his debut and saving Usopp.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 One Piece Anime - Episode 455, Usopp's and Heracles' escapade expanded and earlier facts introduced.
3. ↑ One Piece Manga - Vol. 56 Chapters 550-551

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