I like them both but Ed can annoy me sometimes. L never annoyed me, so I vote L.

Ed's just amazing. Really, I have nothing else to say. I feel like we didn't get to know L very well before he died, or is that just me? Ah well, me vote goes to Ed!

I am voting for ED, because he takes off his shirt in the series more...
oh wait! I forgot about that thing L does with cream!
I just can't decide!

Past results aside, I would still vote for Edward since I like his back story compared with L.

i liked death note, really, but think about the title being made here.

L does not fit it at all.

Haha, I'm not a fangirl at all but I love L..I think he's a pretty hilarious character. But he's definitely not the "better" all-around character here. My vote goes to Ed.

Easy decision: Ed. Why? He changed me more than any other anime charater has, his motivation is a lot better than L's, his character has changed quite a bit throughout the series, AND I have noticed that he influenced the anime world quite a bit too. Sorry to all Death Note fans... I like L too, but THINK ABOUT IT. Now, hand me some of that popcorn! XD

@HawaiianBabidoll:

You are right, ed is a bucket of angst and emotion,
but ya know most real people are pretty emotional...
this may not be my reason for liking him, but most people would relate to that better.

Tough call. I have a feeling Ed is going to win, but I'm still voting L.
I just think it's funny.... L looks like an angsty guy, but he loves candy and isn't really emotional. Ed is the opposite and has the angst down to a tee.

Back story: This goes to Ed only because so little about L is actually known.

Personality: This goes to L for me. Ed has a more classic hero personality with a little bit of an edge. L has a unique character that is unpredictable and funny.

Physical Characteristics: I like both of their designs actually. It isn't often you're given people who are wearing normal clothes.
Motivation: Ed definitely has the better motivation here. He wants to get him and his brother back to normal. L just can't say no to a challenge.

Handle difficult situations: L gets this one. He thinks things through. Ed lets his emotions run him when he gets upset.
Growth: Ed's series is longer so it's natural he's had more character growth, but you have to admire L for staying true to his beliefs in a story that really makes you question what exactly is right and wrong.

Personal Influence: L wins this one. Again, to me Ed is more of a classic good guy. L, not so much. The way he thinks about things, how he handles situations... I can learn from that.

Emotional complexity: L has the emotional range of a spoon. That's more than Near though. But it's his short range of emotion that gives him so much character. Ed is a bucket of emotion.

Influence on Anime World: Well, let's face it. These two are both powerhouses. Deathnote is a completed series and it's STILL getting new fans every day, so for me, L gets this one too.

lol wall of text

Can't decide, aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Oh wait! I'm not a fan girl! Phew! Somebody get me some popcorn!

(Just kidding around, if I've actually offended someone, I'm sorry. You can totally tease me too if it makes you feel better.)

GO ON ED!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!

lets see ill choose whoever Sailor Moon is more likely to beat.

I think my brain just imploded. But after meeting Vic in person and hearing about his feelings, playing ed and such, i can't not be loyal and choose him, I'm sorry L!

L

-yoru

This one's actually easy for me...and now I'll be grabbing some popcorn and watch the less-sane fangirls tear eachother apart~

L is the one he is awesomest person

I think this is the closest to a stalemate so far, in terms of reaching out beyond anime itself.

This is an easy decision... and I'll just join the rest with that popcorn.

Even though I am not sure who will win with the upsets of fangirls...and fanboys...I will still cast my vote for Edward....

Ed, without a doubt. L was a good character... but come on, really? It's Edward Elric we're talking about here, not a sparkly vampire. *shot for making Twilight jokes*

Yeah, I chose Ed... I love 'em both, but Ed fits the criteria best... *nods*
~yosei~

Definitely Ed...

I'm gonna go with... Ed. Both were brought here mainly by fangirls, but Ed is actually worthy of being named the greatest anime character. He fits ALL the criteria almost perfectly, and well... L's a great character and all, but he's not quite worthy of the title.

I'll cast my vote, remain coy as to which it is, then sit back and grab the popcorn as the fangirls tear themselves apart from the inside.

Ed: the obvious choice.

Go Ed!

Agree with TimeChaser
this is easy

Easy decision. TAKE HIM DOWN, ED!

HOW DO I CHOOSE?! o[]O;;;