I started reading Death Note by chance. I hadn't seen any anime (except for some episodes in local TV) neither read any manga, but I found the first volume of the black edition in a bookshop, and my mother told me I was really similar to the character in the cover (Light). The shopkeeper told us that it was manga, how to read it (because although it was translated, it read from right to left) and that it was really good. I was skeptical, but I started reading, and connected with the main character (yes I'm one of those XD). A few pages in and I knew my that I had to finish the series. I will forever be grateful to that shopkeeper.
Death Note started my "journey in the otaku community" and opened my eyes to this kind of media. I think it couldn't have been a better introduction:
THE ARTWORK had me hooked from page one, sometimes I spent minutes staring at it even if I was aching to know what happened next. It is great, realistic and has a really original and unique style.
THE CHARACTERS are great, and I don't need to tell you that. The two main characters are at the top of any rating I've seen. They're so unique and charming, and not necessarily exaggerated.
Finally, THE STORY. Oh the story! I haven't experienced something similar much times. I always predict plot twist in media, except for those ones that come out of nowhere. But in Death Note, all the information and rules (the rules of the book are integral to the argument) are stated to the reader. And that's the magic: THEY STILL GET YOU!!! It's fascinating how logical yet unpredictable things are.
I only have one objection: I didn't like the ending that much. It's a small inconvenience, though. If it weren't for that I think it would be perfect (I don't like that word but it's the best match for what I want to say). And I hear they changed it in the anime, so I'll have to see that alternate ending!
In summary, Death Note came to me in a perfect time. It introduced me to a whole new kind of media, made me fall in love with it's artwork, characters and story. I honestly have to thank the authors for it's work, and I always recommend it, even if you are not a manga or anime fan.
