Yes, Light Yagami from Death Note is generally considered a bad guy, or more accurately, an anti-villain.
Here's why:
- His Actions: While Light initially aims to rid the world of criminals, his methods quickly become ruthless and morally reprehensible. He doesn't just target murderers and rapists; he eliminates anyone who opposes him or gets in his way, including innocent people and law enforcement officers.
- The Death Note's Influence: The Death Note corrupts Light. The power it grants him leads to a God complex, believing he has the right to judge and execute people.
- Loss of Empathy: Light gradually loses his empathy and becomes increasingly detached from human life. He views people as pawns in his game and is willing to sacrifice anyone to achieve his goals.
- Moral Justification: Light attempts to justify his actions by claiming he's creating a better world, but his methods are tyrannical and based on his own subjective definition of justice. This makes him a compelling villain as he believes, at least initially, he is doing the right thing.
- Comparison to Villains: He employs manipulative tactics, abuses his power, and disregards the sanctity of human life in a manner that aligns more closely with villainous characters than heroic ones.
In short, Light Yagami starts with a noble, albeit flawed, intention. However, the power of the Death Note corrupts him, leading him down a path of murder, manipulation, and ultimately, evil.
