Death Note News reader Mira has a question for us:
Is it true that there's a secret Death Note reference in Garfield the Movie? A nod to Mello, sneaked in by a set designer or something, because he was a fan? I didn't believe it, but then my friend showed me the picture and it got me wondering. Thanks!
Let's see this picture please! I asked via email, and the return had it attached. It was indeed Mello in Garfield the Movie. Unequivocally, without a doubt, Mello large and stark in the background of that big, orange cat.
I doubt any of us are going to argue with that. But the big question remains - is it OUR Mello? Did a Death Note fan on the Garfield set ninja in a nod to the Mafioso bad boy Himself?
In truth, such things aren't as unlikely as they might appear. Fans get everywhere, especially in the fandom of a franchise as long-lasting and globally popular as Death Note.
But in this instance, I'm not so sure. If it was a bit of graffiti on the wall of an alley, then maybe it would be more convincing. However, Mello's name here is quite prominently placed. It's in eye-catching yellow and black, with lighting picking it out, and characters positioned so not to block its lettering. Practically framing it, in fact.
That suggests to me something quite fundamental to the story and no fan is going to get THAT past the director.
A quick meander over to IMDb confirms that there's a character called Christopher Mello, who will be the person actually referenced by the legend on the wall. Actually that's him standing in the midst of the group of people holding the middle ground - facing us in the suit and tie - as played by Mark Christopher Lawrence.
In truth, such things aren't as unlikely as they might appear. Fans get everywhere, especially in the fandom of a franchise as long-lasting and globally popular as Death Note.
But in this instance, I'm not so sure. If it was a bit of graffiti on the wall of an alley, then maybe it would be more convincing. However, Mello's name here is quite prominently placed. It's in eye-catching yellow and black, with lighting picking it out, and characters positioned so not to block its lettering. Practically framing it, in fact.
That suggests to me something quite fundamental to the story and no fan is going to get THAT past the director.
A quick meander over to IMDb confirms that there's a character called Christopher Mello, who will be the person actually referenced by the legend on the wall. Actually that's him standing in the midst of the group of people holding the middle ground - facing us in the suit and tie - as played by Mark Christopher Lawrence.
There's our fake Mello on the left. Or should I say the OTHER Mello, as he's quite legit in this particular scene. Christopher Mello apparently being a television presenter in Garfield the Movie. Which will be why his name is so large and prominent upon the wall.
However, that picture has just embarrassingly tipped me off to the fact that I mistook Garfield in the initial image. The feline is actually this black and white one in an orange jacket.
But at least I identified Mello!
Finally, as a clincher, Garfield the Movie came out in 2004. Mello wasn't introduced as a character in Death Note until July 4th 2005, when he appeared in the Japanese manga chapter Zero.
Your first instinct was correct, there is no secret Mello/Death Note reference in Garfield. Sadly. Though I did stumble across this on DeviantArt and thought you might get a buzz out of it!
Does anyone else have anything to add to what I've surmised for Mira? Or maybe you disagree with me completely and wish to make a case for that actually being a Death Note Mello nod in the Garfield movie. Please do comment below if you wish to jump in on this one.
In the meantime, thank you for your question, Mira.
If anyone else has anything Death Note related to ask, then just contact us in the usual way or leave your query as a comment on any news item here.
However, that picture has just embarrassingly tipped me off to the fact that I mistook Garfield in the initial image. The feline is actually this black and white one in an orange jacket.
But at least I identified Mello!
Finally, as a clincher, Garfield the Movie came out in 2004. Mello wasn't introduced as a character in Death Note until July 4th 2005, when he appeared in the Japanese manga chapter Zero.
Your first instinct was correct, there is no secret Mello/Death Note reference in Garfield. Sadly. Though I did stumble across this on DeviantArt and thought you might get a buzz out of it!
Does anyone else have anything to add to what I've surmised for Mira? Or maybe you disagree with me completely and wish to make a case for that actually being a Death Note Mello nod in the Garfield movie. Please do comment below if you wish to jump in on this one.
In the meantime, thank you for your question, Mira.
If anyone else has anything Death Note related to ask, then just contact us in the usual way or leave your query as a comment on any news item here.
