The supernatural crime thriller anime Death Note introduced viewers to a grim world where on the surface, everything looks quite ordinary as high schooler Light Yagami prepares for college and his father works hard at the NPA. That's what a passerby would see. But under the surface, Light is Kira, and with Ryuk watching eagerly, Light battles the world's top detective, L, for victory and justice.
The characters of Death Note don't have the same caliber of outlandish costumes that many other anime characters have, but it's still great fun to cosplay as Death Note's memorable cast. With some snappy clothes and a few choice props, a cosplayer can bring Kira, L, and more to life. Here are ten Death Note cosplayers who turned it up to 11.
10 Misa and Ryuk
Misa and Ryuk may not be the best of friends, but they've teamed up a few times to advance Light's goal of world domination! In fact, Ryuk was once partnered to Misa, and they made the eye trade. Now, these cosplayers bring them both to life with great skill. That Ryuk is stunning, a towering figure of black leather, feathered wings, an apple, and a terrifying face! Misa is looking good too, with a confident smirk, Goth lolita outfit, and the notebook that Rem once gave her.
9 Patient Light
At first glance, this is a pretty mundane scene. There's no killer notebook, no Shinigami, no L! We just see high schooler Light Yagami, waiting at the train crossing like anyone else.. and that's the idea. Light never dresses up like Dracula or anything on his quest for supremacy, even if he's twisted inside. What makes him scarier is that he blends in so well with ordinary Japanese society, and this is like a mournful look at the innocent teenager he once was. In that way, this cosplay is subtly powerful. Now that's art!
8 Misa Amane, death mistress
Here comes Misa again, and this character is simply too eye-catching to appear just once! She's a real firecracker in the anime, and in some ways, she's just as cold as light. It was her, for example, who killed officer Ukita in front of Sakura TV. This cosplayer shows off Misa's own Kira side, complete with a wicked smirk, a skull (Hamlet?), some gruesome tattoos, and an eerie, misty yellow background. Light Yagami is a terrifying serial killer with a god complex, yes... but Misa is a proper little monster, all on her own.
7 Checkmate and dessert
It isn't Death Note cosplay without the world's top detective, L! He's also the world's quirkiest and funniest detective (without realizing it), and this cosplayer does a fine job capturing L's eccentric side. Here, the cosplayer's wig is correct down to the finest detail, and the plain white T-shirt and jeans fit L's simple wardrobe just right. This scene is completed with a chess board, and we're pretty sure that L is about to win. Don't forget the lollipop and cake, either! L powers is brain entirely on sugar.
6 Matt surrenders
The young man known simply as Matt is one of Mello's sidekicks, and he helps Matt track down Misa and ultimately kidnap Kiyomi Takada late in Death Note. He's a pretty minor character, but fans loved his casual, video game-loving ways and his charming outfit. At some point, Matt is surrounded with Kira enforcers, and he exits his car with both hands up, which is no doubt what this cosplayer is going for. The costume looks great, and the red and blue lights strongly suggest cop cars. The gray, somber suburban background and cloudy sky are the perfect backdrop for a cosplay like this.
5 Mello returns
It's not a party without the villainous Mello! Despite kidnapping Sayu Yagami and killing his own mafia followers, Mello is a tragic figure who may earn a little sympathy from viewers, especially when he regrets Matt's death. This cosplayer opted to recreate Mello after his burn scars, where the wig, face paint, and intense eyes really bring out Mello's character. The black outfit, fingerless gloves, and cross necklace round out this exquisite cosplay.
4 The squad
Now we get a three in one, where Light and Misa have a comfortable moment and L, being himself, mostly cares about tea and sugar! During the Yotsuba investigation arc, Misa, L, and Light were all under one roof, loosely working together to bring down the cold-blooded corporate Kira running loose. All of the costumes here are on point, and Misa looks so precious, draped across Light's lap like that. And Light, being the distant guy he is, seems to have his mind elsewhere...
3 The innocent maiden Misa
Misa Amane is really popular for cosplay, and here we get another iteration of the character. This time, Misa is up in a tree, awash in lovely golden sunlight as she picks apples and sings songs. Oh wait, that's a death note! What makes this cosplay so interesting is not only the excellent detail on her outfit and her happy expression, but the stark contrast between this innocent natural setting and Misa's darkness. This makes her stand out and feel totally unnatural and disturbing... and for all the right reasons! She looks rather like a princess or fairy gone to the dark side.
2 L and Light
L and Light may be deadly enemies int he battle of Kira vs L, but they spend plenty of time face to face. After Light's memory loss trick, L allows him to help investigate Kira... if they are bound with a long set of handcuffs! These two cosplayers captured the whole idea of a shared fate between these two young men, and the somber setting really matches the tone of Death Note. The chain link fence helps add a claustrophobic air, and it also acts as a barrier between the viewer and the bitter struggle between L and Kira. Passing civilians had better not get too close!
1 Get to Work!
Let's round out this list with the iconic duo of Light and Ryuk! Don't forget that while Ryuk handed over the Death Note, and he has to explain the rules, Ryuk was never truly Light's friend. He's a monster to the end, and he only wants entertainment out of the deal. In this cosplay scene, we get a properly gritty filter to create an eerie atmosphere, and in it, Light gets to work in that Death Note. He's concentrating deeply, and Ryuk is egging him on with those horrifying long fingers of his. Ryuk's cosplay is done in incredible detail, from his body shape to his feathered ruff and hair to his head's shape.