Despite the fact that I haven't read the manga, I can say that Death Note is one of the best anime I've ever seen. The story & characters amazing and complex. It's a classic cat & mouse game between the hero and the villain on who try to find out about the others' identity. The animation is amazing, which is that you can always expect from japan. Overall, Death Note is a classic anime that is beloved by many and will continue to remain beloved for many years to come.