As a lifelong Death Note enthusiast, Death Note Relight 2 L’s Successors hits different — it’s like condensing the chaotic second half of the series into a sharp, emotional finale that still gives me goosebumps. While the first Relight centered on the legendary Light vs. L showdown, this follow-up picks up the pieces and races through the successors’ saga with Near and Mello taking the spotlight. If you’re a fan craving a faster revisit or curious about how this version tweaks the Near-Mello drama, I’ve got you covered. In this review, I’ll break down what Death Note Relight 2 L’s Successors brings to the table — from story and characters to voice cast, reviews, and where to watch — all from someone who’s rewatched it more times than I’d like to admit.
Introduction to Death Note Relight 2
Death Note Relight 2, officially titled “L’s Successors,” is the second recap film that boils down the latter half of the original Death Note anime into a single, intense package. Released in 2008 as a TV special in Japan, it covers episodes roughly 26-37, shifting the spotlight to the post-L era where Light’s Kira empire faces new threats. The purpose? It’s a condensed retelling for fans wanting a refresher or newcomers skipping the full series, with added flair to make it feel cinematic rather than just clipped episodes.
The format streamlines the storytelling, highlighting key events like Light’s temporary memory loss resolution, the rise of the successors, and the explosive final confrontations. Major plot points include Mello’s mob dealings, Near’s SPK investigations, the kidnapping arcs, and Light’s ultimate downfall, emphasizing the successors’ cat-and-mouse games with Kira. But it skips some filler-ish bits, like extended task force debates, to keep the pace breakneck.
Differences from the original anime episodes are notable: this version packs in more original footage than the first Relight, including unseen dynamics between Near and Mello that add depth to their rivalry. There’s new scenes like a cooler L speech at Wammy’s House, gorier Sakura TV killings, and an intensified SPK massacre that amps up the tension. The framing is from the Shinigami realm again, with Ryuk narrating to keep that meta vibe, but it takes more creative liberties to improve on the anime’s sometimes criticized second arc. As a fan, I love how it makes the successors feel more integral, though it can feel rushed if you’re attached to the slower build-up in the episodes.
L’s Successors in Death Note Relight 2
The heart of Death Note Relight 2 revolves around L’s successors: Near (Nate River) and Mello (Mihael Keehl), the brilliant orphans groomed at Wammy’s House to follow in L’s footsteps. Near is portrayed as the calm, toy-obsessed strategist, methodical and detached, piecing together clues with his white hair and puzzle-solving quirks. Mello, on the other hand, is the hot-headed chocolate addict, driven by ego and willing to dive into the criminal underworld for an edge. Their motivations? Both want to surpass L and catch Kira, but Near plays the long game while Mello risks everything for quick wins, creating a tense split in their approaches.
In this relight movie, their roles are beefed up with new footage that highlights their personalities and conflicts more vividly, like expanded scenes of Mello’s mob alliances and Near’s SPK operations. Compared to the original anime and manga, the portrayals are similar but tightened: the anime’s drawn-out arcs get compressed, making Mello’s impulsiveness pop more dramatically, and Near’s intellect feels sharper without as much setup. Some fans argue it improves on the manga’s subtleties by adding visual flair, though purists miss the deeper internal monologues.
Their significance? They’re crucial to the plot post-L’s death, leading the investigation that unravels Light’s plans, Near’s deductions and Mello’s sacrifices force the final confrontations. Key scenes include Mello’s explosive warehouse showdown, Near’s helicopter gambit, and their indirect collaboration that seals Kira’s fate. Fan impact is huge; while the successors’ arc divides the fandom (some prefer the L era), Relight 2’s tweaks have won over skeptics by making them more dynamic. Audience opinions often praise the character depictions for adding intensity, but criticize if it skips too much emotional buildup, personally, I think it redeems the second half for binge-watchers.
Cast and Voice Acting Focused on L’s Successors
The voice acting in Death Note Relight 2 stays true to the original anime’s excellence, with special focus on L’s successors. In the Japanese version, Noriko Hidaka voices Near, bringing a soft, eerie detachment that fits his childlike yet genius demeanor perfectly, it’s consistent from the series, no changes here. Nozomu Sasaki handles Mello, infusing him with raw energy and frustration that captures his volatile personality spot-on.
For the English dub, Cathy Weseluck reprises Near, with her youthful, monotone delivery adding to his enigmatic vibe, while David Hurwitz (sometimes credited differently, but confirmed in casts) voices Mello with a gritty edge that amps up the drama. Continuity is key, no major casting shifts from the anime, which keeps the immersion strong. As a fan who switches between subs and dubs, I appreciate how both versions make the successors’ banter feel alive, especially in the new scenes where their rivalries shine.
Reviews and Audience Reception of Death Note Relight 2
Reviews for Death Note Relight 2 often highlight its pacing as a double-edged sword: critics appreciate the narrative choices that trim fat from the successors’ arc, making it more engaging than the sometimes sluggish anime episodes. Anime News Network notes the wealth of new footage and improvements on Mello and Near’s stories, giving it merit as a refined recap. However, some knock the rushed feel, saying it struggles in movie format by cramming too much without breathing room.
The focus on L’s successors gets mixed but mostly positive reception, fans and critics like how it elevates their roles with fresh dynamics, addressing complaints about the original’s dip in quality post-L. Compared to Relight 1, this one’s seen as a step up for its originality and intensity, though both pale next to the full series’ depth. Audience sentiments on Reddit and IMDb echo this: pros for intense scenes and nostalgia, cons for skipped details, but overall, it’s hailed as a solid fan treat if you’ve already seen the anime. In my book, it’s underrated for fixing some of the second arc’s flaws.
Availability and Viewing Information for Death Note Relight 2
As of 2025, catching Death Note Relight 2 legally isn’t always straightforward, but options exist. It’s available on platforms like Apple TV for rent or purchase, and might pop up on Netflix in certain countries (check your region). For streaming, JustWatch can point you to services like Plex or Amazon Prime Video if licensed there. Physical DVDs/Blu-rays from Viz Media are still out on sites like Amazon for collectors.
The runtime is about 93 minutes, making it a quick watch with solid technical quality, crisp animation, that iconic soundtrack, and options for subs or dubs in HD where available. Pro tip: Pair it with Relight 1 for the full recap experience.
If this has you hyped to relive the successors’ takedown of Kira, fire it up soon, it’s a thrilling shortcut to the endgame. For more anime news, reviews, and updates, head over to AnimePalm, they’ve got the latest on all your favorites.
