10 Best Gateway Anime

2. Death Note

Fullmetal Alchemist
Madhouse

Death Note is not just one of the best gateway anime, it is also one of the best anime of all time, period. Anyone who has had the misfortune of watching the 2017 Netflix adaptation may have difficulty seeing why the anime receives such adoration. While there is an argument that the status quo change from episode 26 onwards is a little jarring, it does not lessen the show's standing.

When Light Yagami discovers a notebook that claims to kill anyone whose name and face are known to its owner, he uses it to rid the world of evil and become a god of a new, peaceful world. The notebook belongs to Ryuk, a Shinigami or god of death, which encourages Light and his crusade for no other reason than it amuses him to do so.

As the world learns of Light's powers, Interpol calls in genius detective and cake enthusiast L to uncover his identity. What follows is a twisting and turning game of cat and mouse that revels in morally grey areas, asks questions about the nature of justice and even manages to make eating a packet of crisps look intense and exciting.

Contributor
Contributor

Kevin McHugh is a code-monkey by day and a purveyor of the unpleasant by night. Having had several comics published by Future Quake Press he is now moving into prose. An avid fan of punk rock, cheap horror movies and even cheaper fast-food Kevin can be found pontificating either on Twitter or over at WhatCulture Comics where he is a regular contributor. He lives in Edinburgh with his wife and two daughters.