Probably one of the most argued comparisons in anime world, it talks about the intelligence of two smart characters of two very different animes. Lelouch vi Britannia, who is the protagonist and possible antihero of the anime series; Code Geass, and Yagami Light; the protagonist of Death note. If you’ve watched these two anime, you’ll likely be compelled to marvel at the brilliance and cunning of both characters in their attempt for “world peace”. So, who would likely be your pick for best wit? 

Lelouch Vi Britannia

Lelouch vi Britannia, a prince of Britannia fighting his father and empire from the shadows disguised as the hero; Zero with the Geass, given by CC which is the power to compel anyone of choice to do his bidding. Kinda cool right? He fights for his sister Nunnally, against his family members as we see in the anime for the elevens. Lost his Geass later on, betrayed by his friend, Suzaku, later got his Geass back, fought an entire army, and in the end, died in a villainous manner. Quite the sad ending for me though. Would have loved to see a third season.  

Yagami Light

Let’s see Yagami Light, the protagonist of Death note, an anime about books owned by death gods which enables it’s handler to determine the time and manner of death of anyone whose name is scribbled on its pages. Light is a student who became a police officer later on who possesses the death note owned by Ryuk, a death god who surprisingly likes apples. Light delivers his own version of justice by killing off criminals and anyone not up to society’s moral standards usually with a face and a name. Eventually suspected of this by the witty L, this makes Light consider the death god eyes Ryuk offers which he later rejects. Came across Misa-chan who aids him in his spree. Eventually he gets L killed. But is later discovered by Near who maybe too perfectly laid everything bare before everyone. 

My take

For me though, looking at both characters, I’ll pick Lelouch over Light. Lelouch seemed calm and collected, always weighing his options and using unexpected situations to his advantage like when he mistakenly compelled Euphemia to kill the elevens at the stadium. Now don’t get me wrong. both characters are kinda cool, but Lelouch is way cooler with his Geass, he has a goal which is liberating Japan even though it’s a front for getting back at his father, he utilizes his power and wit very well compared to Light who upon discovering about the death note begins killing off individuals with no compassion. 

Although both are for the most part killers, Light is also careless and overconfident albeit smart in the handling of his death note seen especially in the first few episodes when he unknowingly disclosed an important fact of the book; needing a name and face to execute the criminals. Both deserved the manner in which they died, but Light’s was way demeaning.

Another important fact is that Lelouch defeated Schneizel who was always a level above him compared to Light and his situation with Near who was surprisingly always a step ahead when he discovered Light. Looking at a one-on-one situation, Lelouch only needs to use his Geass on Light while keeping his Zero mask on while Light needs to write Lelouch’s name with an idea of his face which wouldn’t matter if Lelouch compelled him to kill himself. That’s what I think anyway. I know you probably love Light. Who do you say will prevail in a battle of intelligence?