Killer Penmanship in 'Death Note' In the Japanese anime series Death Note, high school student Light Yagami is in possession of a super-powered notebook that allows him to kill anyone, simply by writing down the victim's name. Critic-at-large John Powers offers a commentary.

Killer Penmanship in 'Death Note'

Killer Penmanship in 'Death Note'

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A high school student uses a supernatural notebook to rid the world of evil in 'Death Note.' hide caption

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In the Japanese anime series Death Note, high school student Light Yagami is in possession of a super-powered notebook that allows him to kill anyone, simply by writing down the victim's name. Light tries to use the book to rid the world of evil, but he's not the only one with an interest in the notebook.

Based on a comic series by the same name, the show airs during Adult Swim on the Cartoon Network. Volume 4 of the series will be released on DVD Tuesday. Critic-at-large John Powers offers a commentary.