Death Note Episode 1: Rebirth

Manga chapter 1-2

Canon/HIGH

OSHIMETER

9.6

48 Fans

5

4

3

2

1

PacingVisualWritingEmo ImpactSoundtrack

← Prev: EPNext: EP 2 →

Death Note Episode 1: Rebirth

Manga chapter 1-2

Canon/HIGH

← Prev: EPNext: EP 2 →

OSHIMETER

9.6

48 Fans

5

4

3

2

1

PacingVisualWritingEmo ImpactSoundtrack

QUICK TAKES

the production work in establishing atmosphere is exceptional from the very first scene. the color grading and sound design combine to create a horror tone that rivals dedicated thriller films. a remarkably confident opening episode for a series of this scope.

the color palette and atmosphere in this first episode set everything up so perfectly. i was not expecting to like the shinigami design as much as i do but it just works. the whole thing gives such a deeply eerie horror movie vibe that old anime just does differently fr

this is genuinely one of the best first episodes i have ever watched. the two of them together are just ABSOLUTELY INSANE and i immediately understood why the fandom is still so massive after all these years.

A gripping start with a unique concept. Light discovering the death node and testing its power builds tension quickly. The episode sets up a psychological battle that hooks instantly.

mecatronicauta2017

The episode begins by introducing us to Light Yagami, a high school student, and Ryuk, a Shinigami.
The turning point comes when Light picks up the Death Note and uses it on Kurou Otoharada.
It’s an episode to enjoy for its suspense, mystery, and sound design and to reflect on.

Watching Light test the notebook is actually tense. His mindset is what makes it interesting. Strong opening that pulls you in quickly.

Light finds the Death Note and tests it with cold curiosity. The show establishes its moral tension immediately, is this justice or madness? Ryuk's introduction is perfectly eerie. A flawless pilot.

The moment Light finds the Death Note, you can see how easily he convinces himself he’s doing the right thing. That’s what makes this episode so compelling. The dark atmosphere, visuals, and music all fit perfectly and keep you hooked.

This first episode is pure gas—the psychological tension starts immediately. The moral gray area hits hard right away. It’s dark, sharp, and Ryuk is an absolute icon. A perfect setup for a high-stakes hunt.

OMG!! What a great start the season! Didn't expect the first episode itself will going to be intense. The way Ryuku was introduced is just chills🥶. Pacing is building up and can feel the tense now! Excited for rest of the episode!!!

mustardsprinkles

An insane start to a series with a promising premise. It drops you right into the scenario Light is in and what he chooses to do with his discovery; which says a lot about him as a person. Hoping this goes the character dissection route where we look into Light's psychology.

We are introduced to the world of Light in which it is deeply portrayed as rotten. The visuals and animation greatly transfer this atmosphere, a must watch.

nicholas9547481273

A student, named Light Yagami, happens to find the Death Note suddenly . Later, by discovering the book’s true ability, he has decided to use it to kill criminals. Asked by Ryuk (Shinigami) about his motivation behind doing so, Light replies that his intention is to be God.

This doesn’t feel like a normal first episode. The way Ryuk unfolds from the shadows, as if he was always there is funny but also chilling. If this is what we are starting with, then there is going to be a very intense psychological battle coming down the line.

Love the setup — Light Yagami’s quiet, clever energy paired with Ryuk’s eerie amusement makes the opener hook instantly. The premise lands fast and feels deliciously creepy without wasting time.

abbaskhanyawaari

ntetheleloduma0

Light’s first use of the Death Note on Otoharada is both shocking and decisive.

Great MC introduction! Already from the start, we're getting an idea of what our MC is thinking and how he's still figuring things out. Also, the addition of a Shinigami world and characters adds another interesting layer to the world-building that can be expanded later.

Light going from a bored honors student to a literal god-complex psychopath in 20 minutes is wild. The atmosphere is so heavy, and Ryuk is honestly a vibe. That ending monologue? Absolute chills. Best pilot ever.

A dark yet exciting start of the story. Those who will watch may have an in depth related experience from the man character.

EPISODE CONTEXT

As episode 1 of 37, 'Rebirth' is pure foundation — it introduces the core premise, the central characters, and the moral framework that the entire series will interrogate and dismantle. Everything established here directly fuels the iconic cat-and-mouse dynamic that dominates the season ahead. This is the calm before one of anime's most celebrated intellectual chess matches begins in earnest.

©大場つぐみ・小畑健/集英社・VAP・マッドハウス・NTV・D.N.ドリームパートナーズ

AnimeOshi.com refers to anime titles, character names, logos, and other trademarked or copyrighted materials to identify and describe the works being reviewed, discussed, ranked or otherwise referenced on this site. This usage is believed to be nominative fair use or non-infringing and is not intended to imply any affiliation with the respective rights holders.

All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their owners. If you are a rights holder and have concerns about any content on this site, please contact us at legal@animeoshi.com

EPISODE CONTEXT

As episode 1 of 37, 'Rebirth' is pure foundation — it introduces the core premise, the central characters, and the moral framework that the entire series will interrogate and dismantle. Everything established here directly fuels the iconic cat-and-mouse dynamic that dominates the season ahead. This is the calm before one of anime's most celebrated intellectual chess matches begins in earnest.

QUICK TAKES

the production work in establishing atmosphere is exceptional from the very first scene. the color grading and sound design combine to create a horror tone that rivals dedicated thriller films. a remarkably confident opening episode for a series of this scope.

the color palette and atmosphere in this first episode set everything up so perfectly. i was not expecting to like the shinigami design as much as i do but it just works. the whole thing gives such a deeply eerie horror movie vibe that old anime just does differently fr

this is genuinely one of the best first episodes i have ever watched. the two of them together are just ABSOLUTELY INSANE and i immediately understood why the fandom is still so massive after all these years.

A gripping start with a unique concept. Light discovering the death node and testing its power builds tension quickly. The episode sets up a psychological battle that hooks instantly.

mecatronicauta2017

The episode begins by introducing us to Light Yagami, a high school student, and Ryuk, a Shinigami.
The turning point comes when Light picks up the Death Note and uses it on Kurou Otoharada.
It’s an episode to enjoy for its suspense, mystery, and sound design and to reflect on.

Watching Light test the notebook is actually tense. His mindset is what makes it interesting. Strong opening that pulls you in quickly.

Light finds the Death Note and tests it with cold curiosity. The show establishes its moral tension immediately, is this justice or madness? Ryuk's introduction is perfectly eerie. A flawless pilot.

The moment Light finds the Death Note, you can see how easily he convinces himself he’s doing the right thing. That’s what makes this episode so compelling. The dark atmosphere, visuals, and music all fit perfectly and keep you hooked.

This first episode is pure gas—the psychological tension starts immediately. The moral gray area hits hard right away. It’s dark, sharp, and Ryuk is an absolute icon. A perfect setup for a high-stakes hunt.

OMG!! What a great start the season! Didn't expect the first episode itself will going to be intense. The way Ryuku was introduced is just chills🥶. Pacing is building up and can feel the tense now! Excited for rest of the episode!!!

mustardsprinkles

An insane start to a series with a promising premise. It drops you right into the scenario Light is in and what he chooses to do with his discovery; which says a lot about him as a person. Hoping this goes the character dissection route where we look into Light's psychology.

We are introduced to the world of Light in which it is deeply portrayed as rotten. The visuals and animation greatly transfer this atmosphere, a must watch.

nicholas9547481273

A student, named Light Yagami, happens to find the Death Note suddenly . Later, by discovering the book’s true ability, he has decided to use it to kill criminals. Asked by Ryuk (Shinigami) about his motivation behind doing so, Light replies that his intention is to be God.

This doesn’t feel like a normal first episode. The way Ryuk unfolds from the shadows, as if he was always there is funny but also chilling. If this is what we are starting with, then there is going to be a very intense psychological battle coming down the line.

Love the setup — Light Yagami’s quiet, clever energy paired with Ryuk’s eerie amusement makes the opener hook instantly. The premise lands fast and feels deliciously creepy without wasting time.

abbaskhanyawaari

ntetheleloduma0

Light’s first use of the Death Note on Otoharada is both shocking and decisive.

Great MC introduction! Already from the start, we're getting an idea of what our MC is thinking and how he's still figuring things out. Also, the addition of a Shinigami world and characters adds another interesting layer to the world-building that can be expanded later.

Light going from a bored honors student to a literal god-complex psychopath in 20 minutes is wild. The atmosphere is so heavy, and Ryuk is honestly a vibe. That ending monologue? Absolute chills. Best pilot ever.

A dark yet exciting start of the story. Those who will watch may have an in depth related experience from the man character.

©大場つぐみ・小畑健/集英社・VAP・マッドハウス・NTV・D.N.ドリームパートナーズ

AnimeOshi.com refers to anime titles, character names, logos, and other trademarked or copyrighted materials to identify and describe the works being reviewed, discussed, ranked or otherwise referenced on this site. This usage is believed to be nominative fair use or non-infringing and is not intended to imply any affiliation with the respective rights holders.

All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their owners. If you are a rights holder and have concerns about any content on this site, please contact us at legal@animeoshi.com

©大場つぐみ・小畑健/集英社・VAP・マッドハウス・NTV・D.N.ドリームパートナーズ

AnimeOshi.com refers to anime titles, character names, logos, and other trademarked or copyrighted materials to identify and describe the works being reviewed, discussed, ranked or otherwise referenced on this site. This usage is believed to be nominative fair use or non-infringing and is not intended to imply any affiliation with the respective rights holders.

All trademarks and copyrights remain the property of their owners. If you are a rights holder and have concerns about any content on this site, please contact us at legal@animeoshi.com