 Merchandise based on his character has been released , including action figures and plush dolls . Moreover , several publications for manga and anime have commented on Mello 's character . Referring to Mello and Near 's introduction , Julie Rosato of Mania.com said the " focus on both makes for a clash of attitudes and rough transitions " . However , as they were introduced in the anime , IGN 's Tom S. <unk> criticized how it is not explained " what Mello is doing and how it differs from Near 's story . " Writing for Active Anime , Holly Ellingwood stated they " truly represent – Light 's newest and greatest enemies " , while Briana Lawrence from Anime News Network said both could be " much better characters " if they were treated as individuals instead of " different halves of L " . Erin Finnegan from Pop Culture Shock praised Death Note : The Last Name for the absence of Mello and Near . 
