But I would compare Code Geass more to Death Note than anything else, because both are really intelligent and tightly scripted with similar protagonists. Lelouch isn't completely Light, though, and he's saved from being a sociopath by his love for his handicapped sister and his friendships.
After an encounter with the otherworldly green-haired (and pizza-obsessed) C.C., Lelouch gains the geass, a power that allows him to give commands that can't be retracted or disobeyed. He tries to use this to get revenge and save Japan from Brittanian rule.
I'm fascinated by Lelouch, who gets into these insane situations and then chess-masters his way out of them. His complicated friendship with Suzaku in particular is really great to watch.
