Recently I started reading manga on which anime series I like are based on. "Death Note" on the other hand is one of the few, I came into completely blind. I knew that there is a huge franchise behind it (anime, movies, t-shirts,...).
Reading the first volume I was surprised how much I liked it. And the second and third volume were of the same quality. So now I am interested, how the movies did capture the manga. But now reading your comments, I guess I'll have to wait, until I have read the whole thing.
The anime is also on my wishlist. But I have a habit of only buying series in complete season sets. I do not like to buy single volumes. So I guess it will be a while until have the opportunity to see the anime (on the other hand, a colleague has ordered the first volume. I will at least have chance to watch the first few episodes soon).