Code Geass vs Death Note is the ultimate comparison in the Anime world. It is inevitable for anyone who has seen those two animes to end up comparing them. and at first, they may seem similar but when you dig deeper they can’t be more different.
Code Geass vs Death Note the Similarities
First, let’s state the obvious and get it out of our way:
The main characters
Both of the main characters are insanely smart, tactical, and strategic. Enough for them to carry the whole show.
We all had that jaw-dropping moment when we realized that they have thought 100 steps ahead, and planned an epic escape from what seemed to be a dead-end.
Other similarities: both of them are handsome smart and around the same age.
The Main Concept
Both animes revolve around the same idea. where the main character randomly gets the power to change the world.
And chooses to do that while keeping his identity a secret even from the people closest to him.
And that’s about it all, other than that the shows have nothing in common. Each presents a different set of values, morals, and motives.
Code Geass vs Death Note the Differences
Spoilers alert!
Lelouch vs Light Yagami
The Hero and the Devil.
At first, both of them did bad things, but in their minds, they were serving the greater good.
- But when Light was caught in the heat, his main concern was to save himself and cover up his actions no matter the cost. he wanted to rid the world of bad people, but he soon became the worst of them all.
He did not cherish the people around him and saw them as mere tools to achieve his motive, he also manipulated them to get what he wanted from them. - On the other hand, Lelouch started with a selfish goal but ended up being the ultimate hero.
He cherished everyone around him and risked his life for them.
Also, Lelouch had more depth and built up to his character, we know about the hardships he got through since his childhood. and thus we can relate to his pain and suffering.
In addition to that Code Geass was centered around relationships, so we saw Lelouch as a leader, an avenger, a friend, and as a brother.
Related: Best Written Characters in Anime
The Length and Pace of the Show
Death Note has fewer episodes, a total of (37 eps), while Code Geass has (50 ep – for both seasons).
- Death Note started really strong but slowed down in the middle, it got boring and lost its focus.
- Code Geass started slowly but strongly, and the pace kept on building steadily without slowing down. Offering us an engaging plot and epic fights. To the point where Season (2) is considered better than Season (1). And you rarely see that in an anime/ show.
The Ending
Although both of them had the same fate, Code Geass had the surprise element.
- Watching Death Note, I had no compassion toward Light (not after everything he has done). I wanted him to die. And everything is leading towards that obvious ending. So I knew what will happen in the last episode. I just had to wait and see how (It was just a matter of time).
- As for Code Geass, it was not expected at all, I did not see it coming, and it broke my heart. it was sudden but well-written.
Even the fans did not really accept Lelouch’s death easily. And for years they have debated whether Lelouch had died or not. That’s until The movie “Code Geass Lelouch of the Resurrection” came out after almost 10 years to address this matter once and for all.
Conclusion
In the end, it is not fair to put those two shows against each other and pick a winner. they are so different the comparison does not make any sense.
Each anime wins in its own category (I happen to favor one category over the other so I can pick a favorite of that ground).
Both of them are masterpieces. And a must-watch for every anime lover.
That was it for (Death Note vs Code Geass). Which one is your favorite?
I hope that was a fun read for you.
If you made it to the end, thank you so much, it means a lot to me.
Please let me know what your thoughts are in the comments below.
See you at the next one, bye.
