Series & First Appearance
Mail Jeevas, commonly known as Matt, is a character from the anime and manga series Death Note, created by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. He first appears in Chapter 83 of the manga, which was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 2003 to 2006. The series is renowned for its intricate plot revolving around the battle of wits between protagonists and antagonists.
Profile at a Glance
Mail Jeevas is a 19-year-old (as of his death) character who serves as an accomplice to Mello in his quest to succeed L, the world’s greatest detective. He is often depicted as a laid-back individual who enjoys video games but is disinclined to go outside. Matt’s typical attire includes a beanie and a casual outfit; he is also known for frequently smoking cigarettes, which emphasizes his relaxed demeanor. Throughout the series, his primary role is that of a support character engaged in espionage and tactical distraction.
Personality & Motivations
Matt has a calm and composed personality, which helps him blend into the background and excel at espionage. Despite his intelligence, he lacks the motivation and drive that characterizes Mello and Near, which ultimately positions him third in line to inherit L’s legacy. His friendship with Mello, stemming from their childhood at Wammy’s orphanage, serves as a major driving force behind his actions. Matt enjoys playing video games, which depicts his playful side, and his laid-back attitude contrasts sharply with Mello’s more aggressive approach to achieving their goals.
Abilities / Powers
Matt’s standout skills include agility, stealth, and teamwork, which he effectively utilizes while executing missions for Mello. He exhibits a tactical mind, often coming up with distraction strategies, such as deploying smoke bombs during high-stakes scenarios. He also displays proficiency with firearms, as evidenced when he hides a gun in his clothing during an attempted rescue operation. Despite his capabilities, his relaxed demeanor can lead him into compromising situations, as seen during his final confrontation with Takada’s bodyguards where he underestimates the threat.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
One of Matt’s most pivotal moments occurs in Chapter 98 during the kidnapping of Takada, where he aids Mello by creating a diversion using a smoke bomb. This act ultimately leads to his tragic death in the next chapter when he is overwhelmed and shot multiple times by Takada’s bodyguards. Matt’s demise highlights the danger surrounding Mello’s gang and serves as a catalyst for Mello’s subsequent actions and emotional turmoil. The sorrow expressed by Mello upon witnessing Matt’s death on television serves as a powerful moment in the series, encapsulating the series’ themes of sacrifice and loss.
Notable Relationships
Matt’s most significant relationship is with Mello, characterized by a deep friendship that stems from their time together at Wammy’s orphanage. Their bond is built on shared experiences and a sense of camaraderie in their pursuit of L’s legacy. Additionally, Matt’s interactions with Takada’s bodyguards during the kidnapping attempt reveal the contrast in motivations, where his loyalty to Mello ultimately leads to his demise. He has no known family ties, emphasizing his solitary upbringing at the orphanage.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Matt’s iconic moments occurs in Chapter 98, where he distracts Takada’s bodyguards, allowing Mello to advance with their plan. Furthermore, Mello’s apology to Matt upon hearing about his death highlights the emotional weight of their friendship: “I’m sorry, Matt.” This moment resonates deeply with fans and underscores the themes of loss and sacrifice that pervade the series.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Matt’s character design is notable for his distinctive beanie and casual attire, which reinforce his laid-back personality.
- In the Death Note anime, he is voiced by the Japanese actor Kazuya Nakai and the English voice actor is Brian Dobson.
- He has garnered a considerable fan base, with 886 member favorites listed on various anime community platforms.
- Matt’s character has been subject to various interpretations and discussions among fans, particularly regarding his potential as a more central character had his story been expanded.
Mail Jeevas remains a character lauded for his intelligence, loyalty, and tragic end, embodying the poignant themes that make Death Note such an essential part of the anime and manga landscape.
