I can't be certain if he was the original image of the Bunker when I first opened it, or if he appeared when I redecorated, but I do know I've long been an L fangirl.

I read the Death Note scanlations way back when, enduring the terrible wait between each "page" as they were called, to find out what happened next. Of course, I hadn't anticipated the events of the infamous Page 58, and I cried like a baby when we-all-know-what happened *sniffles*. I don't think "traumatized" is too dramatic a description of the effect on me of that unexpected turn of events.

I gave up reading Death Note after that; hating Light and Misa and angry that the creators had brought in half-Ls in the form of Mello and Near. Of course, that didn't last. I just had to know what happened, so I picked it up again and read it through to the end.

Since Death Note has become hugely popular I don't think I need go into much detail about L. Suffice it to say he is a genius. He's the first, second and third best detectives in the world (positions 2 and 3 being taken by L under pseudynoms) and he maintains contact with the world through his assistant, Watari.

L's character design is instantly recognisable thanks to the large dark shadows under his eyes, his unbrushed hairstyle, and his choice of clothing (always the same style white top and jeans). He never wears shoes unless he has to and his overall appearance is rumpled and reminiscent of someone who's slept on the couch all night.

To say he has a sweet tooth is an understatement of mammoth proportions and this becomes more apparent as the story progresses. As well as a liking for sweet things, L has other quirks, including the way he crouches instead of sitting and the way he holds things with just his fingertips.

Despite all his quirks and his dishevelled appearance, L is a massively popular character whose popularity seems to be on the increase.

YAOI:
L's attractive, his main opponent is attractive - why wouldn't there be yaoi. If you avoid the usual archives out there (yeah, you know the ones I mean), you can find some exceptionally well written fics for L, usually pairing him with his arch rival, Light Yagami.