A question of definition

[starsplinter]

I recently discovered that according to a local library, Death Note is considered a Young Adult Series. Is this appropriate? Do you think there are ages that wouldn't be able to understand the concepts handled in the series?

As a possibly related question, how old were you when you were first exposed to the series? (I was fifteen, myself.) 

Comments

[serria]

I was seventeen when I first read Death Note, and yeah, I'd consider it a young adult series. It involves a lot of mature concepts and the prevalence of death/murder, etc., I'd say it's really not appropriate for kids and even young teens. It's not horrifying, overtly sexual, nor are offensive words common, but it's just generally a mature and dark story. Not that there aren't mature ones out there who would appreciate it, but just as a general rule I would've called the series PG-15 or so.

Maybe I've just had personally obnoxious experiences with 14 year old girls who read the series because L is "sooooo kawaii!". >>;

But yeah, I'm really not sure what else you would call the series. It's certainly not a children's story. ;D

[fenm]

Yeah, I'd say mid-to-late teens is about the right age. There might be the occasional younger teen who can deal with it (and wouldn't mind the walls of text the manga sometimes indulges in), but it's not for kids.