The hit crime thriller anime series Death Note tells the story of Light Yagami and his quest to rid the world of crime with the Death Note, and the super-detective L has made it his mission to stop him. This beloved story has also been adapted into live-action films a few times.
Once L loses his life to the super-killer Light Yagami, two new detectives emerge to challenge him: Near, and Mello. They're total opposites, but they are both L's heirs, and they and Kira form an odd triangle of rivalry and cooperation as the story goes on. Near is ultimately victorious, and this sharp-witted boy has inspired some fan art all over the Internet. Let's check it out.
10 Wizard Near
For the first entry in this gallery, why not add a little make-believe? Some characters in Death Note have distinct visual flair, from Light's dramatic expressions to Misa's goth clothes, and Near is a lover of all things toy-related.
He's the type to use escapism and toys to aid his thinking process, and it's easy to picture him as a gallant wizard trying to slay the dragon known as Kira, as artist DelilahHyuuga238 shows us. But first, he has to deal with Mello!
9 Grim Future
The same artist brings us another, older version of Near, and this time, he's a lot more down to earth. Even though Near has won the battle against Kira and has assumed the title of L at last, that doesn't mean he's all smiles.
Near grew his hair way out in his older years, and in this art, he is all alone in a rather empty apartment, with some odd furniture and long strings of red beads for company. Just what is he thinking about right now?
8 Grim Determination
The third entry to this fine gallery comes courtesy of artist alucardvx, and it captures the classic "intense stare" that is a trademark of Death Note. This isn't a fist-fighting series; it's about battles of wit, and the eyes are a perfect expression of that.
Near likes toys, but he isn't here to play games. He bitterly hates Kira for murdering his hero L, and the shadows around his eyes add some darkness to this otherwise plain-looking character. His real name is also added in scary handwriting to show that even he is mortal, and the notebook can kill him.
7 Polar Opposites
Artist DelilahHyuuga238 returns for a third entry in this gallery, and this piece is probably the finest one yet. It's a spooky domestic scene where Near and Mello share a room, but they don't look like good roommates.
Just what is going on here? Maybe there's a story to this, but it's also fun to guess, and Mello might be tempting Near to join him on a criminal rampage as part of the Kira investigation. Just look at that face!
6 Wunderkind
The fifth entry is a hand-drawn one, and artist W-E-Z did a fine job bringing all the lush details of this character to life. For the most part, Near has a plain appearance compared to Misa or Mello, but the artist added fine lines and shading to make him look fully 3-D all the same.
When Near and Mello make their first (and minor) appearance in Death Note, they are just kids at Wammy's House, and this art shows what a young but still brilliant Near is like. He's the closest to succeeding L, after all.
5 Not Forgotten
Near and Mello always had their differences, from their one-sided rivalry to their very different personalities and their differing methods in the Kira hunt. But they are both L's heirs and both swore to end Kira, and sometimes, they cooperated.
Artist OddCan brings an almost fairy-tale book look to the characters, where Near is relaxed on his bed and probably telling someone the tale of how Mello helped him capture Kira once and for all. The colors are simple but powerful and make the scene really pop.
4 Master Plan
The seventh entry in this list is some lushly realized digital art, courtesy of artist RikaMello. Near is known for striking a few particular poses, from his kneeling position to his habit of toying with his hair. This fan art is no different.
The lighting is a great touch, too, where Near is stepping out of the shadows of obscurity and into the light to confront Kira directly. He's done hiding in an orphanage; it's finally time to destroy Kira.
3 Little Friend
It is rare to see Near grin or smile unless he's in the middle of lying to L/Kira for a trick. It's also rare to see him take an interest in other parties, but artist MeroNello brought out his softer side, and the results are so charming.
Everyone needs a friend, and a cat is a quiet, independent pet who can cheer up anyone's day. It's easy to picture Near adopting a cat as his new companion, and maybe he even named it after L, too.
2 Eager Near
The second to last entry on this list comes from artist missxoax, who opted for a stark black and white view of Near, much like the source manga series. This time, no rich color palette or pets are needed to show how intense Near can be!
Just look at those large, expressive eyes and that cunning grin. Near is clearly up to something, and Light isn't going to like it. Does this face remind anyone of Suzuya from Tokyo Ghoul?
1 Taking It Easy
Artist RikaMello returns for another entry and this final piece of Near fan art is truly stunning. This time around, red, blue, and white dominate the color scheme, including Near's hair and clothes, the eerie water, and all those rose petals.
It's likely that this fan art takes place after Kira's defeat, based on that half-eaten chocolate bar and how grown-up Near looks. When he needs to relax between cases, it's time for the bathtub, and what a sight it is.