Great comparison! As a lover of ever version of this story (even the movies) I would personally say that the anime is my favorite. You're points on why the manga is stronger I do agree with though, but the artwork and the pacing of the anime is what makes me like it better, due to the cutting of misc parts from the manga, like you said. The only point I disagree with you is on the theme song change in season 2. Though over-the-top, I think the "system of a down" craziness is exactly the point. The personal story of Kira/L becomes the story of the society that they live in, and at that point in the anime the scope of the story becomes more epic. I love that song (even though I'm not into extreme F*ck U heavy metal) because I think the song hits the theme and ideas of the characters/society that the anime is portraying in season 2. All in all....Death Note is amazing, in EVERY version of it. If you haven't read the small spinoff book "Another Note," I highly recommend it. Great noir book.

Great analysis of the second season theme song. :) It still makes me laugh, but it's definitely not a boring thing to watch. I think I heard that Viz is translating Another Note...or maybe it's been translated already? I bet it's worth a look. Thanks for the reminder! Death Note is definitely awesome, no matter what format you choose to enjoy it in.

Is there enough difference between the anime and manga that a fan of the anime (me) would enjoy it?