Series & First Appearance
Mihael Keehl, commonly known as Mello, first appears in the manga and anime Death Note, created by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. Mello made his debut in Chapter 93 of the manga and Episode 25 of the anime. The character design, imbued with distinctive features, contributes significantly to his recognition in the series.
Profile at a Glance
Mello is characterized as a 13-15-year-old child in his pre-timeskip appearances and transitions to a 19-20-year-old young adult post-timeskip. He serves primarily as an antagonist and one of L’s two successors raised in Wammy’s House, the orphanage for gifted children. Notable for his chocolate addiction and deep-seated rivalry with Near, Mello seeks to capture Kira using his cunning and connection to the Mafia, wielding psychological manipulation as his primary weapon.
Personality & Motivations
Mello is complex, marked by a fierce determination and emotional intensity. He exhibits a strong sense of jealousy, particularly towards Near, whom he perceives as more capable, driving his rivalry further. His personality is occasionally marred by impulsiveness, as evidenced by a noted hatred for those he considers superior. Despite his darker traits, Mello demonstrates genuine feelings, especially towards his friend Matt, highlighting a caring side that suggests depth beneath his hardened exterior. His fondness for chocolate, akin to L’s love for sweets, is a recurring motif in his character.
Abilities / Powers
Mello possesses exceptional intelligence, often leveraging it to outthink adversaries, particularly in high-stakes scenarios related to his investigation of Kira. His skills include strategic planning, adept manipulation of information, and an acute understanding of human psychology, making him a formidable opponent. Mello’s affiliation with the Mafia grants him access to resources and power, which he employs in his strategies. However, his emotional volatility can cloud judgment, leading to rash decisions that sometimes jeopardize his objectives.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Mello’s character arc is pivotal in shaping the narrative of Death Note. Initially, he struggles with his role at Wammy’s House, where he feels overshadowed by Near. This rivalry culminates in Mello’s decision to pursue Kira independently, setting off a chain of events that redefine his character. His kidnapping of Sayu Yagami marks a critical turning point, showcasing his willingness to employ morally ambiguous methods for his goals. This act exposes him to danger, leading to his eventual downfall after complications arise from his schemes, particularly his kidnapping of Kiyomi Takada, which ultimately leads to his demise at the hands of Takada’s Death Note.
Notable Relationships
Mello’s relationships are integral to his characterization. His rivalry with Near is one of the most defining aspects of his narrative, illustrating competing ideologies and methods in the pursuit of Kira. His friendship with Matt portrays a softer aspect of his personality, emphasizing loyalty and camaraderie despite the harsh environment they both navigate. The influence of L, as the predecessor they both aspire to surpass, also shapes Mello’s actions and motivations throughout the series.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Mello’s most memorable moments occurs during the intense standoff with Near, reflecting his cunning nature and resolve. He notably states, "I won’t lose to you, Near," which encapsulates his competitive spirit and unyielding drive. His dedication to capturing Kira leads to a crucial moment in the series where Near acknowledges Mello’s role in revealing Light’s plans, indicating Mello’s larger impact on the storyline despite his tragic end.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Mello has earned a place in the hearts of fans, ranking highly in popularity polls, with over 3,285 member favorites reflecting his significance. He is voiced by Nozomu Sasaki in the Japanese version, David Hurtwitz in the English adaptation, and Javier OlguÃn in the Latin Spanish dub. In addition to his prominence in Death Note, Mello serves as the narrator in the spinoff novel Death Note – Another Note: The Los Angeles BB Murder Cases, further expanding his character depth outside the main storyline. Creator Tsugumi Ohba noted that Mello’s name does not carry significant meaning, unlike Near’s, adding an intriguing layer to their contrasting identities.
Mello’s character, defined by his intellect and emotional complexity, remains a subject of analysis and admiration within the Death Note fandom, representing the struggles between rivalry, ambition, and morality.
