In Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, the Seventh Hokage is having a rough time at the moment. Thanks to being trapped in an alternate reality by his adopted son Kawaki, both Naruto Uzumaki and his partner Hinata have been absent from the Hidden Leaf Village during one of the locale’s darkest hours. Of course, since he is trapped in limbo, Naruto can’t exactly fulfill his duties as the Seventh Hokage, and maybe this is for the best. Here are ten reasons why it might be time for Naruto to give up the crown and let someone else dictate Konoha’s future.

Shikamaru Is Way Better At It

Let’s get one of the easiest reasons out of the way: Shikamaru is the best choice to be Hokage at the moment, and we’re already seeing this fact in Two Blue Vortex. Now that Naruto is trapped in another dimension, the shadow ninja is picking up the slack and putting in the work when it comes to making sure Konoha is still ticking. This couldn’t come at a better time as the Divine Trees are putting their terrifying plans into motion, and Shikamaru’s tactical brain might be one of the Hidden Leaf’s biggest assets. You won’t find many who disagree with the idea of Shikamaru remaining on as the eighth Hokage.

The Nine-Tailed Fox Has Jumped Ship

Thanks to his fight against Jigen of the Kara Organization, Naruto had to make a wild sacrifice to ensure victory. The seventh Hokage had to split from the Nine-Tailed Fox to use the power of Baryon Mode, a fact that ended up killing Kurama in the process. While the beast would eventually return, surprisingly revealing itself to be now linked to Himawari, Naruto is now missing a major component of what made him such a skilled fighter. It’s a weakness that several opponents of Konoha could take advantage of.

Family Time

Even though Naruto has the ability to create shadow clones that he often uses to be a father to his family, the future will most likely require the Seventh Hokage to give up his title to be a permanent full-time father. With Himawari struggling with the Nine-Tailed Fox’s power and Boruto dealing with losing his allies thanks to Eida’s spell, should Naruto and Hinata return from their exile, they’ll need to do some serious work on their closest loved ones.

Keep An Eye on Kawaki

Naruto’s responsibilities clearly came with a pretty big price when it comes to Kawaki, who was more than willing to kill his own brother and change the world to eliminate the Otsutsuki entirely. If the Seventh Hokage was there to offer more sagely advice and simply stop Kawaki from putting some of his wild ideas into motion, Naruto might still be a part of the Hidden Leaf. Even if Kawaki manages to settle his differences with Boruto, the former vessel still needs a watchful eye.

Interacting With Other Villages

Of the many things that Naruto is able to call himself, a politician is not one of them. Konoha is not an island, as there are many other villages that make up the ninja world. When it comes to negotiating and simply talking with allies and enemies alike, the Seventh Hokage has to rely far more on Shikamaru. Why not just cut out the middleman and see Uzumaki take another role within the Hidden Leaf?

Naruto is Too Forgiving

Considering the horrific things that Orochimaru has done in the past, do you think most ninjas outside of Naruto are happy to know that he is still lurking around their village? The snake ninja might have said that he’s left his evil behind him, even giving Konoha one of their strongest ninjas in Mitsuki, but the fact that he never really paid for his crimes is almost unbelievable. The sheer number of victims the former villain has claimed is probably beyond belief, and it still doesn’t feel quite right that he was able to skate past accountability in the Boruto series.

Needs to be Training

Now that Kurama is no longer sharing a body with Naruto, it’s time for the Seventh Hokage to hang up his hate to work on his chakra. While he still has the Toad Sage abilities and many of the moves he learned from the likes of Jiraiya and Kakashi, he’s going to need to up his game for the threats that are only getting more powerful. At this point, there’s an argument to be made that Boruto and Himawari are stronger than their dad, so keeping up with his offspring should be a priority. Time to leave the office and get back into the field, Naruto.

Naruto Doesn’t Work in an Office Setting

While Naruto becoming Hokage feels like the ultimate acceptance by Konoha, taking a different route would feel better for the character. Working as something akin to his sensei Jiraiya, wherein he can travel and help those he comes across, would make a lot more sense. If anything, outside of Shikamaru, Sakura following in the footsteps of Tsunade to become the next Hokage would make a lot more sense than the titular character. Seeing Naruto behind a desk simply never looks right and goes back to the idea that he doesn’t quite work as the leader of Konoha.

Lacks a Killer Instinct

While Naruto could certainly be scary when he wanted to, usually thanks to Kurama’s influence, the Seventh Hokage doesn’t seem like the type who would be willing to let people die and/or kill people to achieve a goal. Again, this is right up Shikamaru’s alley, but Uzumaki would attempt to figure out a far more peaceful solution to everything, potentially leading to disaster if he is taking on the likes of Kara and/or the Divine Trees. This doesn’t mean that Konoha ever needs another Danzo running the operation, but somewhere in the middle might be the best route to take.

Naruto’s Simply Bad At It

At the end of the day, Naruto simply isn’t that great of a Hokage. Sure, he can steer the ship when the seas are peaceful, but the overall response to Jiren and the current threat to the village has been dire. Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has created some interesting stories, though the ninja world is currently at a low point thanks to it. Should Naruto Uzumaki return, it is time for him to hang up his hat and move on to greener pastures, as there are more than enough reasons for him to stop being a Hokage.

The post 10 Reasons Why Naruto Shouldn’t Be Hokage Again appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Epic Games’ Fortnite is known for its many collaborations and crossovers. These have featured popular TV shows, movies, video games, anime, and more. Some of these are featured more prominently than others, returning and being available in the in-game Fortnite shop several times. Some even have crossover events where the map has new POIs or new weapons are added. Avatar: The Last Airbender is one such collaboration. It has already seen multiple skins added to the game and in-game events, and a new rumor has revealed that even more skins from Avatar: The Last Airbender may be coming to Fortnite.

The attention shown to Avatar: The Last Airbender brings a different kind of attention to other collaborations, specifically ones that have not seen a return in several years. Of these, the popular anime Naruto has not seen its skins in the store for three years. This has led fans to wonder what is happening with this crossover and why Epic Games has not allowed players to get these skins.

Fortnite’s Rumored Avatar Skins Shine A Light On Naruto’s Long-Awaited Return

With Avatar: The Last Airbender reportedly returning to Fortnite again with new skins, it begs the question of where another popular anime series will be. Naruto skins have not been seen in the Fortnite Item Shop since November 15th, 2022. Fortnite’s in-game shop often rotates what is available to keep the store fresh and give players more chances to purchase the skins they want.

Avatar: The Last Airbender has been featured several times. Epic Games even included a special event featuring the series where players could use the various Bending powers in. With how frequently these items return to the Fortnite shop, one has to wonder why the series is getting so much love.

Comparing the two shows, there are six skins from Avatar: The Last Airbender, while there are eight different Naruto skins. This tells us that even though Naruto hasn’t returned or been featured in a prominent event, there was considerable collaboration between the two. This leaves the question of why fans have not seen a Naruto skin since 2022.

However, with new skins coming to Fortnite, this number will now shift in favor of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Fans of the show are happy to see more of this crossover, but Naruto fans are desperate, even for just a return of existing skins. With no news on the horizon of the skins returning, fans have begun wondering if this is more than an issue of favoritism.

What Is Going With Naruto’s Skins?

The Naruto skins in Fortnite have not been available since 2022, marking three years since players could purchase them. This puts them among the rarest skins in the game. Other rare skins, such as Borderland 3’s Psycho Bandit and Street Fighter skins, have returned after a long hiatus, but this is not the case for Naruto. One major theory has emerged as a frontrunner for why fans haven’t seen them return.

There may be licensing issues that prevent Epic Games from bringing the Naruto skins back. A similar problem occurred with Jinx and Vi from Netflix’s Arcane, and other skins that have not been rereleased since 2022. If this is the case, there would be legal issues preventing Epic Games from bringing these skins back to Fortnite.

This is the worst-case scenario, however, as it would mean that the skins will likely never return. Instead, it could be another reason, like revenue. While both anime are popular, Avatar: The Last Airbender has seen a resurgence after Netflix adapted the series into a live-action TV show. It could also be a better deal with Avatar Studios, leading to more collaborations and favorable treatment.

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Naruto, on the other hand, is now into Boruto, which, while successful, hasn’t had the same appeal as Naruto. Yet there are skins from The Legend of Korra that follow the same direction as Boruto. Both are spin-offs that take place after the main events of the primary anime. So why is Naruto and Boruto getting the silent treatment?

Another reason for the long absence could be that Epic Games is planning a major event for the crossover’s return. Avatar: The Last Airbender saw a big event when the Bending powers were added, and Naruto could share the same fate. The ninjustu or taijustu abilities from the anime would be perfect for Fortnite, so fans are hopeful that the reason is something like this.

Sadly, there is no way to know without an official statement from Epic Games. Speculating, unfortunately, leads nowhere. There is no telling when or if Naruto skins will ever return to Fortnite. If they do, fans should purchase them immediately or risk missing out on them for several more years.

The post Fortnite Is Getting New Avatar Skins, But Naruto Can’t Come Back After 3 Years? appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto is one of the most iconic anime and manga series of all time. The series is globally recognized for its incredible story, emotional depth, and captivating characters. The manga began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999 and was adapted into an anime by Studio Pierrot in 2002. The series concluded in 2017, releasing over 700 episodes, including the first part, Naruto, and the second part, Naruto: Shippuuden. Long-running series were all the rage during the 1990s and 2000s, including some of the Shonen classics such as One Piece and Dragon Ball. Naruto also followed the same trend, while the manga was also ongoing.

On the other hand, almost all the anime series that have debuted in recent years follow a seasonal format to keep a steady pace while also allowing more time for production and thus, enhancing the quality of the animation. Despite the production restraints faced as a long-running series, Naruto is still considered among one of the best anime when it comes to fight choreography. That is especially the case when the art style and animation quality are considerably different compared to the new series. However, one of the series’ most renowned animators recently voiced his criticisms of the anime.

Naruto Animator Criticized the Animation and Fillers

Henry Thurlow is a renowned animator best known for his work in iconic shows such as Naruto, One Piece, Tokyo Ghoul, Yona of the Dawn, and many more. In the years 2014 and 2015, Thurlow participated as a key animator in several Naruto: Shippuuden episodes. He also contributed to The Last: Naruto the Movie and Episode 204 of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.

While rewatching the anime, Thurlow shared on his X account, “As I rewatch Naruto, I do have this critique: While the big-fight animations reach INCREDIBLE heights. Other moments almost never do. Naruto & Sasuke fighting these guys? Very ‘normal.’ I wish they used the mentality of ELEVATE EVERYTHING. Even this scene could’ve been *crazy*!”

In another post, he also criticized the number of filler episodes in the anime: “Looking at it now, the way they handled fillers was downright cruel towards the end of Naruto Shippuden. Right when you think they’re coming back to canon material, they show 5 minutes of plot advancement before jumping into more filler episodes. (Episode 451 I’m looking at you!)”

The series released episodes every week along with the manga, and it was almost impossible to have a steady pacing in anime while keeping up with the manga. Hence, in order to allow buffer time during the anime’s production, the studio had to release a lot of filler episodes. Those resulted in entire story arcs, sometimes, being anime-only and often lasting for months, but despite not being from the source material, they followed the main characters with new challenges for entertaining interludes.

Finally, another constraint the studio faced as a long-running studio was having a limited budget for a weekly series that released new episodes every week for 15 years. As such, it wouldn’t be feasible for the studio to have each and every episode have the same level of quality, so hype episodes were given more priority since they would include intense fight scenes. With Pierrot’s new production philosophy in place, including the fresh coat of paint for Bleach, Kingdom, and even Black Clover with its recent confirmed return, a full-scale Naruto production to Thurlow’s liking would be more feasible today. However, it’d also be on the air for a great many years, which is also not the end of the world.

H/T: Henry Thurlow on X

The post Over 22 Years After Its Debut, Naruto Animator Voices Major Criticism of the Series appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Black Clover fans love debating how strong Asta is compared to Weekly Shonen Jump’s biggest icons, and Naruto‘s creator has settled that debate for good with a special new tribute as part of Black Clover’s 10th anniversary celebration. Black Clover has kicked off a whole new wave of projects to help commemorate the 10th anniversary of its original debut with Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, and one of these special projects has recruited some of Shonen Jump’s biggest creators. Offering their take on the long running franchise, fans are about to see entirely new takes on Asta and the others.

Black Clover is launching special art from 17 different Shonen Jump creators and artists to help celebrate the manga’s 10th anniversary, and the first of these new tributes have been revealed as Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto has shared his own take on Black Clover. But hilariously, it reveals that even multiple Naruto clones can’t lift up Asta’s base Demon-Slayer sword. Which really is going to either settle this long running strength debate, or spark it in a whole new kind of way. Check it out below as released by Shueisha.

Black Clover Celebrates 10 Years

Black Clover first made its debut with Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine ten long years ago, but it will be ending its run in an entirely different magazine. A little over a year or so ago, it was announced that Yuki Tabata would be shifting away from the weekly release demands of Shonen Jump to a new quarterly release schedule with Jump GIGA magazine. In the time since, fans have seen Black Clover return with massive new updates continuing through the final battles for the fate of the Clover Kingdom. Each new entry brings us all closer to the end.

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Black Clover has been working through the final arc of its manga since it moved over to its new quarterly release schedule, and Asta and Yuno now find themselves struggling against Lucius Zogratis for the final time. Things have been getting increasingly intense as Asta and the others exhaust all of their options in the attempts to defeat the villain thus far, so fans have been eagerly waiting to see what could be possibly coming next as the manga gets closer to its potential final chapter. Which is seeming like it’s coming faster than you’d think.

Black Clover’s Anime Is Coming Back Too

One of the biggest surprise announcements for Black Clover‘s 10th anniversary, however, was the confirmation that the anime is set to return in the near future as well. Black Clover has announced that Season 2 of the anime is now in the works, and Studio Pierrot will be behind the animation production once more. The anime has yet to confirm a release window or date as of the time of this writing, but its new episodes will be streaming exclusively with Crunchyroll when they premiere it’s also where you can catch up with Black Clover‘s anime so far.

“The production of the long-awaited new anime season of Black Clover has been confirmed!” Tabata shared in a message to fans when the anime was first announced. “I’m beyond ecstatic going into the new anime season after the super-passionate movie that came out! Thanks to all of you, Black Clover is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year! I definitely plan to keep this hype going! I want fans from Japan and all around the world to enjoy the powered-up anime that’s going to be brought to you by the most awesome anime production staff! Thank you so much for supporting Black Clover!”

The post Naruto Creator Settles Power Level Debate With Black Clover Tribute appeared first on ComicBook.com.

When it comes to creating the animated world of the Hidden Leaf Village, it takes a village to bring the likes of Naruto, Naruto: Shippuden, and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations to life. Recently, Studio Pierrot has taken a more “seasonal” approach to many of its projects, meaning fans will have to wait that much longer to return to Konoha. As fans wait to see when the Seventh Hokage and his son will return, a legendary animator in the anime sphere has revelead that one of his co-workers received a nice bonus for creating one of the most dynamic shots of the shonen series.

Henry Thurlow, an animator has made a name for himself with the likes of Naruto, One Piece, Pokemon, Castlevania, Attack on Titan, and many more, shared that one fellow artist received a tidy bonus for their work on the shonen anime, “Funny random memory. I remember the Douga-man (in-betweener/clean-up artist) who drew this cut from Naruto Shippuden 377 got paid an extra high amount for it and I believe she got the next day off and a thank you from the higher ups at the studio. This is all hand drawn. lol.” You can check out the jaw-dropping image below that netted Douga a major cash injection.

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Naruto’s Return?

While Studio Pierrot has confirmed on their official website that they plan on bringing back Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, anime fans have yet to learn when we can expect the anime adaptation to return to the screen. Initially, when the first part of this sequel series ended, Pierrot confirmed that they were hoping to create four new episodes of the original Naruto series, looking to release them in 2023. Unfortunately, the status of these installments remains in limbo as Pierrot noted that they were having issues with the animation of the quartet. Of course, whenever Pierrot does return to the shonen series, they have some big battles and storylines awaiting them.

At present, the world of Konoha continues in the manga world thanks to Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. Acting as something of a “Shippuden-style” story to Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, the current arc sees a teenage Boruto Uzumaki fighting against friend and foe alike, thanks to the world going topsy-turvy. While Boruto has had some success in undoing Eida’s spell when it comes to some of his past allies, he still has a long way to go in saving the ninja world and taking down the new threats in the Divine Trees.

As for Studio Pierrot’s immediate future, the production house has quite a bit of work on its hands outside of the Hidden Leaf. With anime fans waiting for the fourth and final part of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, the production house is also working on the return of Black Clover. While these projects push back the return of the Uzumakis, many anime fans are thrilled for the comeback of the Soul Society and Asta.

Want to see when Naruto Uzumaki and his son will return? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on the Hidden Leaf and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

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Netflix’s One Piece has helped to enact a major shift when it comes to the idea of live-action anime adaptations living up to their source material. Even though the Straw Hat Pirates helped push open the door, they are far from the only anime characters brought to the real world. Franchises like Dragon Ball, Bleach, Fullmetal Alchemist, Yu Yu Hakusho, and many others have received live-action adaptations in the past, but there are quite a few that have been announced that remain in limbo. Now feels like the best time, at the height of the trend, to go over live-action anime adaptations that have yet to see the light of day.

Hellsing

In 2021, it was announced that Derek Kolstad, screenwriter of John Wick, was working to bring Alucard to life with a live-action Hellsing movie for Amazon. Ever since, the series has remained in limbo, releasing no updates as to the prince of darkenss making his debut. When it was initially announced, Kolstad had this to say, “Ever since my brother introduced me to the Hellsing manga and anime some years ago, I’ve been obsessed with adapting it and when Mike Callaghan and his team managed to secure the rights to then partner us up with Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Amazon, I mean -damn, dude- this is a dream.” Unfortunately, no news has been revealed regarding casting, a release date, or anything else aside from Kolstad’s involvement, leaving many to wonder if Alucard will ever return.

The Promised Neverland

Much like Hellsing, the children of Grace Field House were initially announced to receive a live-action adaptation of their own on Amazon. The Promised Neverland has received a live-action film in Japan but the television series made in the West has yet to be revealed. Announced in 2020, the Amazon production was slated to have Meghan Malloy produce the script, who geeky fans might know for her work on Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse. The project even had a director in Rodney Rothman, who helmed projects like Forgetting Sarah Marshall and 22 Jump Street. While the official social media account for the franchise stated last year that the project was still alive, not much has been heard about the Amazon series.

Death Note

Death Note fans are already well aware of Light and Ryuuk’s many live-action adaptations over the years, with Netflix creating quite the controversial take on this world previously with a film from director Adam Wingard. Japan has seen a handful of films released to adapt the dark world, but in 2022, Netflix announced that it would be taking a crack at the anime universe once again. This next time around, the creators of Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers, were looking to make a Death Note television series and even had hired writer Halia Abdel-Meguid to create this new take. With the final season of Stranger Things in the works to release later this year, perhaps we’ll get more news once the beloved Netflix franchise has come to a close.

Naruto

Last year, many shonen fans were thrown for a loop not just thanks to Naruto finally being confirmed for a live-action adaptation, but the announcement of the creative team who was working on it. Destin Daniel Cretton, director of Shang-Chi: The Legend of The Ten Rings and the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, announced that he was working on a new movie with Lionsgate. Cretton even went so far as to fly to Japan to get approval from Naruto’s creator Masashi Kishimoto. With work already starting on Marvel’s Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’s next movie, it might be some time before we see the ball once again rolling on the Hidden Leaf Village live-action foray.

Attack on Titan

In 2017, it was announced that Warner Bros was working with The Flash and Stephen King’s It director Andy Muschietti to create a live-action adaptation of Attack on Titan. While Japan had created two live-action movies that presented a radically new take on Hajime Isayama, the WB project has floundered in recent years. In 2023, Muschietti confirmed that he was no longer attached to the project, with Warner Bros Discovery releasing no news on the Scout Regiment returning to the realm of live action.

My Hero Academia

In 2022, Netflix and Legendary Pictures announced that they were working in conjunction on a live-action television series adapting the story from Kohei Horikoshi, My Hero Academia. Alongside the announcement, screenwriter Joby Harold had been slated to pen the project, perhaps best known for his work on movies like Army of The Dead, King Arthur: Legend of The Sword, and Transformers: Rise of The Beasts to name a few. Ever since the announcement, news has been practically non-existent regarding the series, and with the superhero shonen series ending with its eighth season this fall, fans might look to this live-action adaptation as a welcome return to UA Academy.

Alita: Battle Angel Sequel

We had to give props to the “Alita Army” with this one, as a sequel to Alita: Battle Angel has yet to surface. While never officially confirmed, the sequel has been addressed by director James Cameron and producer Jon Landau in recent years. On top of having plenty of avenues to take for a part two thanks to the source material, the first Battle Angel film ends on quite the cliffhanger while also introducing actor Edward Norton into the universe as well. With Cameron still working hard on the Avatar films and the film’s original director Robert Rodriguez not hinting at returning to the live-action adaptation, the question remains whether we’ll ever see this beloved world make a comeback.

Akira

Akira has been one of the most notorious examples of a live-action anime adaptation that refuses to both exist and die at the same time. Earlier this year, it was announced that after years of trying, Warner Bros was letting the rights expire so that Kodansha could reclaim them. Previously, director Taika Waititi was linked to the live-action adaptations, with more attempts than we can list here almost happening the past. With the rights reverting to the manga producers, anime fans will most likely be waiting that much longer for any live-action take on the works of Katsuhiro Otomo.

Sword Art Online

In 2017, Skydance Television announced that it was working on a live-action adaptation of one of the biggest isekai series, Sword Art Online. While it was never revealed who would be taking on the roles, Laeta Kalogridis was attached to write the series while the likes of David Ellison, Marcy Ross, and Dana Goldbert were signed on as executive producers. Even Ellison, CEO of Skydance, released a statement hyping up the project that has been in limbo for years at this point, “At Skydance we are in the business of world-building and SAO is a massive pop-culture phenomenon from which we plan to launch a full-scale and wide-ranging set of live-action franchise extensions across our business verticals, beginning with television. We look forward to working alongside Laeta, Reki Kawahara and the teams at Kadowawa and Aniplex to build out a deeply immersive new universe of SAO in an authentic way that honors its well-established fan base around the globe.”

One-Punch Man

Sony Pictures announced in 2020 that One-Punch Man was set to receive a live-action film in the West and there has been a steady stream of revelations since. Last year in fact the studio revealed that legendary creator Dan Harmon, of Community and Rick And Morty fame, was working on the movie’s script. With the movie also having director Justin Lin attached, a release date, production schedule, nor casting news has been revealed this year. With the anime’s third season arriving later this year, it might be a good time for Sony to spill some more beans when it comes to Saitama’s live-action adventure.

The post 10 Live-Action Anime Adaptations in Limbo appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Naruto might have ended its original manga run with Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine some time ago, but the creator behind it all revealed just how hands on he is with the ongoing sequel series, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and its own sequel, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. Naruto continues to be one of the most successful franchises to ever come out of Shonen Jump as not only did the original series go on to massive success worldwide, but it has continued its story with an official sequel series that has gone on to have its own worldwide success with fans too.

Although Naruto series creator Masashi Kishimoto has largely moved on to new projects such as the swiftly canceled Samurai 8, the creator has had some input when it comes to the official sequel, Boruto as well. The art and story for the series are handled by former Kishimoto assistant Mikio Ikemoto, and Kishimoto recently revealed during a special interview just how involved he is with the new series. As the creator debunks rumors of his heavy involvement, Kishimoto states, “It really is Ikemoto’s manga.”

How Much Naruto’s Creator Works on Boruto Sequel

With a special interview shared on Naruto‘s official website, Kishimoto was asked about just how involved he is with Boruto compared to how much work went into the original series. It’s here that Kishimoto settled the debate over whether or not Ikemoto truly is in charge of the new series, “It was a completely different workflow. For Naruto, I was in charge of both the story and the main illustrations while Ikemoto helped with things like illustrating backgrounds and drawing shadow doppelgangers. For Boruto, Ikemoto is completely in charge of the story and main illustrations. It really is Ikemoto’s manga.”

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Ever since Kishimoto was noted to be more involved with Boruto: Naruto Next Generations following Samurai 8‘s cancellation, fans had been wondering what it meant for Ikemoto. But as Kishimoto clearly states, Ikemoto is “completely in charge” of the story and art for the sequel series. So while Kishimoto is likely to be offering input of some kind of ways to continue the series, Ikemoto is driving it forward. Whether or not that’s going to be good news to fans is likely still going to be a debate as the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga continues, however.

Naruto Creator Reacts to Its Popularity

The popularity of the franchise on a whole seemed to take Kishimoto by surprise too as the Naruto creator revealed, “I mean, I never expected it to run so long at the start, nor did I expect it to become so popular in countries outside Japan like France. When I see the reactions of fans such as you all, I can really feel how beloved Naruto is, and that brings me a lot of joy.” But that popularity also came with the fact that the creator needed to remind himself to temper his expectations.

“However, nothing ever goes well all the time, and I’ve had to remind myself over the course of the series not to get carried away with excitement or, conversely, get bogged down in despair,” Kishimoto continued. “One thing I learned from creating Naruto was how to maintain my own equilibrium despite the current situation, and still live in a healthy manner throughout the series’ ups and downs.”

The post Naruto Creator Reveals How Involved He Is With Boruto Sequel appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, the sequel to the iconic Naruto franchise, is going strong with new chapters releasing every month. Despite the heavy criticism it often faces, it remains one of the most popular ongoing series, often sitting only behind One Piece on Manga Plus. While fans have valid reasons to criticize it for not fully living up to its predecessor, there are certain aspects where the sequel surpasses Naruto. With characters like Sarada and Himawari, it is countering the criticism aimed at Naruto for its lack of compelling female characters. Moreover, the series has just solidified a dynamic duo that Naruto could never truly achieve with Sasuke Uchiha and its titular protagonist.

The latest chapter of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, Chapter 24, released on July 17th, 2025, finally brings Kawaki and Boruto back in action as a united front against a common enemy. While the spotlight was on their battle with Jura, the chapter revealed Boruto’s hidden strategy, which involved positioning Kawaki as the main front while he prepared their escape from Jura. This showcased the duo working seamlessly with a shared goal and an effectively coordinated plan. As the fight concluded with Kawaki exuding a cool aura after pushing Jura to his limits, it became evident that Kawaki and Boruto function as an efficient and natural team, something that Naruto and Sasuke, despite being the supposed main duo of the original series, never truly achieved, often feeling forced in their teamwork.

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Boruto and Kawaki Are Becoming the Duo Fans Hoped to See in Naruto and Sasuke

Since its inception, the Naruto series has never truly presented the titular protagonist and Sasuke as a natural duo. Instead, their dynamic often felt forced. It began with Naruto’s jealousy toward Sasuke for attracting the attention of a female character, which became the primary drive for their bond and eventually evolved into an incomprehensible rivalry, without acknowledgement from Sasuke. With their opposing interests, the series split them apart, leading Naruto to spend most of the second installment obsessively trying to bring Sasuke back. As a result, their eventual alliance during the series’ climax felt unearned. Furthermore, the revelation of their origins as the successors of Ashura and Indra rooted their rivalry and partnership in destiny rather than their own choices and actions.

In contrast, the Boruto sequel has steadily developed elements that create a far more natural and cohesive duo. While Boruto and Kawaki are also bound by fate through their Karma marks, they share a common goal of defeating the Otsutsuki, which aligns them as a unified force. What truly strengthens their bond is the absence of obsession between them, allowing their partnership to form organically around their shared purpose.

Seeing Kawaki and Boruto operate as such an efficient duo this early in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex suggests that they will both be key players, but not only Boruto in overcoming the final obstacles of the series. This dynamic will only solidify their relationships as “brothers” by the story’s conclusion, especially as they resolve the conflict that was teased at the beginning. Their evolving teamwork may very well become one of the coolest elements of the Boruto series, something fans only hoped to see with Naruto and Sasuke in the Naruto series.

The post Boruto Just Showcased the Coolest Duo That Naruto Could Never Have appeared first on ComicBook.com.

As Black Clover prepares to return to screens with a new season of the anime, it turns out that it’s new goal is to be just as popular around the world with fans as Naruto and Boruto. Black Clover fans have been waiting nearly five years for news about a potential return for the TV anime, and that news finally came over the Anime Expo 2025 weekend earlier this Summer. The anime is finally in the works on a new season of the anime, and there are going to be more fans checking out the new episodes than ever before.

It’s not just fans who are eagerly waiting for Black Clover’s new anime premiere, however, as TV Tokyo has revealed they have some high hopes for the anime franchise in a recent earnings report. As they detailed their current anime plans, TV Tokyo’s new goal is to further globalize all of their franchises. Noting that while Naruto and Boruto have reached a wide level of success, their hope is that Black Clover (along with some of the other key franchises like Bleach and Gintama) will reach Naruto‘s level of profitability.

Black Clover’s Anime Has Big Hopes for the Future

“While our anime business already has a global footprint, our goal is to further strengthen the overseas profitability of titles beyond NARUTO and BORUTO, such as BLEACH, Gintama, and Black Clover, and raise them to the same level as NARUTO,” TV Tokyo’s earnings report reads. “This year, we also have anime projects like Hotel Inhumans led by TV Tokyo, and we plan to actively expand our overseas business by leveraging such globally recognized IPs.” As TV Tokyo mentions, Naruto and Boruto are doing well (with Naruto even doing collabs with Burger King) but they hope to get Black Clover and the other franchises on that same level of success in the future.

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What’s going to help this along is an active anime for Black Clover, and thankfully that’s going to happen soon. Black Clover Season 2 has been announced to be in the works, and Studio Pierrot will be returning as the production studio behind the new episodes. It’s yet to be revealed when this new season will be releasing, nor has any of the potentially returning staff or cast been confirmed for the new episodes as of this time either. It’s also yet to be revealed how long this new era of the anime is going to be.

Black Clover Creator Teases New Anime

To help celebrate the new anime, Black Clover series creator Yuki Tabata shared a special message with fans during Anime Expo 2025 earlier this month, “The production of the long-awaited new anime season of Black Clover has been confirmed! I’m beyond ecstatic going into the new anime season after the super-passionate movie that came out! Thanks to all of you, Black Clover is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year! I definitely plan to keep this hype going! I want fans from Japan and all around the world to enjoy the powered-up anime that’s going to be brought to you by the most awesome anime production staff! Thank you so much for supporting Black Clover!”

With Black Clover’s manga also running through its final arc, and celebrating its 10th anniversary of the original debut with Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, Black Clover has its best chance yet of reaching Naruto’s level around the world as more fans join the ride to see how it’s all going to come to an end after all this time.

The post Black Clover’s New Goal Is to Be as Popular as Naruto appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Hidden Leaf Village has a bizarre relationship with burgers as the edibles keep finding their way into the Naruto franchise in some wild ways. In Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, the son of the Seventh Hokage found himself chowing down on “lemon burgers” in some unexpected filler episodes. To the surprise of no one, the shonen franchise has teamed up with fast food restaurants in the past to spread the “good word” of Konoha and now, North America will see a new tie-in this summer. Naruto and Burger King are teaming up to give anime enthusiasts some exclusive merch from the series sooner than you might expect.

Beginning on Monday, July 21st, Naruto fans will be able to swing by any participating Burger King to pick up their own anime figurines from the series. The figures will be included in Burger King’s “King Jr. Meals” and the gamut of ninjas are being well-represented in this summer collaboration. As it stands, the figurines include Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, Rock Lee, Hinata, Neiji, Gaara, and Kakashi. Those hoping to see the current adult iterations of many of these characters might be disappointed as this Burger King team-up brings fans back to the original series that started it all. You can check out the figures below.

Naruto’s Burger Crossovers

This recent North American collaboration isn’t the first time that the Hidden Leaf ninjas teamed up with Burger King in France earlier this year. Not only was this previous anime collaboration a meeting of worlds, the fast food chain even offered new burgers to celebrate the crossover. Around the world, various Shippuden franchises have teamed up with fast food restaurants, with many of these collabs never hitting the West. Luckily, it appears as though more eateries are taking the chance to dip their toes into the anime world.

Luckily, Boruto’s infamous “lemon burger” did not return following its infamous arrival in the anime’s filler episodes. While Studio Pierrot has confirmed that they are planning to return to the Hidden Leaf Village in the future, there hasn’t been word on when we can expect the anime adaptation to return. This fact is frustrating for many fans, especially considering what Pierrot had promised in the past.

On top of moving forward with Boruto’s story, Pierrot had previously confirmed that they were planning to return to the original series with four new episodes. While details regarding the new OG Naruto installments remain few and far between, they were initially delayed due to the production house stating that they needed more time for the animation. As Pierrot continues to follow a more seasonal approach to its anime properties, there’s no telling when we might expect Konoha to return, especially with both Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War and Black Clover on the horizon.

Want to see what other eateries Team 7 invades in the future? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on all things Naruto and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

Via PR

The post Naruto Has a New Fast Food Crossover Coming to The US appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Sometimes, the best episodes in a series are the ones that dare to be different, and Naruto Shippuden Episode 82, “Team 10,” does exactly that. Even though our main character, Naruto, doesn’t appear at all, it stands out as one of the most emotional and unforgettable episodes in the entire series. It’s a quiet, powerful story that proves you don’t need flashy jutsu or your main character to hit viewers right in the feels.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead for Naruto Shippuden’s Akatsuki Suppression Mission Arc!

Instead of following Naruto and the rest of Team 7, Episode 82 centers around the members of Team 10, namely Shikamaru, Ino, and Chōji, as they deal with the death of their sensei, Asuma Sarutobi. There are no epic battles or over-the-top drama, just human emotion at its worst and love at its best; even the titular protagonist barely appears, instead depicted as a supporting character at the public funeral in the wake of his death. And thanks to all that, it might just be the most human episode the Naruto series has ever given us. 

A Visual Masterpiece

The first thing you’ll notice about this episode is how completely different it looks from other Naruto episodes. The animation is softer and more realistic, with muted tones that make you feel the weight of what’s happening. Instead of focusing on the bright oranges and blues we’re used to seeing, this episode draws your attention to facial expressions, body language, and the overall atmosphere.

You can tell the animators really wanted viewers to feel the loss. Simple moments, like Shikamaru just staring at the sky or sitting in complete silence, hit harder than any dramatic speech could. It feels like a short film, separate from the usual energy of Naruto, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.

Shikamaru’s Breakdown: One of Shippuden’s Realest Moments

While the entire episode focuses on Team 10 dealing with the death of their teacher, what makes it so special is how the show actually takes time to really explore these characters who are usually in the background. It shows them as real people with deep emotions and not just supporting characters. One of the realest moments of this episode comes from Shikamaru, the usually calm and composed genius of the group. We see him skip Asuma’s funeral, avoid his friends, and spend all his time silently sitting outside, staring at the sky. 

At first, you might think he doesn’t care, but that’s just Shikamaru bottling everything up inside. Then his father, Shikaku, tries to help by getting him to play shogi, a Japanese chess-like game, and talking about Asuma, with whom Shikamaru used to regularly play as well. You can feel the pressure building with every move on the board, Shikaku provoking his son methodically so that he can process his loss healthily, until Shikamaru breaks down, yelling at his father and then bursting into tears. Watching him break down is one of the most heartbreaking moments in the entire series as we get to see all the anger, sadness, and confusion he has been holding inside finally pour out.

Grief Becomes Purpose

But after Shikamaru gets all that emotion out, he sits down with that same shogi board and starts plotting a strategy to take down Asuma’s killers, Hidan and Kakuzu. It’s not just about revenge anymore; it’s about closure. When Chōji and Ino ask him if he’s really going after them, he’s surprised that they were thinking the same, and they all want to finish what their sensei started.

Before leaving the village, Shikamaru finally visits Asuma’s grave and apologizes for not coming sooner. He just stands there quietly, then pulls out Asuma’s old lighter, a symbol of their bond, leaving a lit cigarette at his mentor’s grave with a promise never to hesitate again, in grieving or in the line of duty, showing Shikamaru grasping at adulthood. This tiny scene says so much, and it’s the anime that gives this moment the weight it deserves, which was barely touched on in the manga.

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The Anime Actually Made It Better

Here’s what is really cool about this episode: it takes what was just a few pages in the manga and turns it into something incredible. The original manga covered these events, sure, but the anime takes much more time to explore the emotional depth of what’s happening. It added extra scenes, extended conversations, and included small details that don’t feel like filler and make the characters feel much more real.

For example, the manga doesn’t spend nearly as much time on Shikamaru’s grieving process or his relationship with his father. While the anime version gives us a more complete picture. Showing us how someone deals with losing their mentor and father figure. 

Naruto‘s Most Human Episode Ever

Episode 82 doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It doesn’t try to make grief look pretty or easy; instead, it shows it as messy, complicated, and deeply personal. Watching Shikamaru deal with loss by sitting alone, overthinking everything, then slowly turning that pain into action, feels like how real people actually grieve – with no dramatic speeches, just the ugly truth of losing someone important.

Everything about this episode feels heavy in the best way possible. From the music to the pacing, it shows the weight of what these characters are going through. Even when Team 10 decides to seek revenge, it doesn’t feel like typical anime action; it feels like real people making a difficult decision based on their pain. But with Shikamaru on their side, having processed his tragedy and come through the other side, the viewers know it won’t be for naught.

The whole episode feels cinematic, with beautiful art in every detail: the way they show Shikamaru picking flowers, the depth of the field when Shikamaru visits Asuma’s grave, and even the tiny details of the village. It’s so different from how Naruto usually looks. The scene when Shikamaru plays shogi with his father is brilliant direction – by keeping the camera on their silhouettes, you can feel the tension building with every piece that hits the board, and that’s storytelling without words.

Remember, this was the first major death of a young ninja, the son of a murdered Hokage, no less. The creative team knew they had to honor Asuma properly, and they absolutely nailed it. This episode proved that Naruto didn’t need flashy fights or even its main character to tell incredible stories. Sometimes, the best episodes were the quiet ones that reminded fans why they fell in love with these characters in the first place.

The post This Naruto Shippuden Episode Doesn’t Even Feature Its Star (And It’s a Masterpiece) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Since its formation, Naruto’s Hidden Leaf Village has needed a leader to steer the ship in a ninja world that is, seemingly, always on the edge of annihilation. From Orochimaru to Madara Uchiha to the Kara Organization to the Divine Trees, it seems that there are always new threats looking to change the world for the worst. Luckily, Konoha has had plenty of Hokages who have been up to the task. To honor these ninja leaders, we’re taking the opportunity to rank the Hokages from the beginning of Naruto all the way to Boruto: Two Blue Vortex.

Dishonorable Mention: Danzo Shimura

While never officially crowned as Hokage, Danzo came closer than most when it came to becoming the new leader of Konoha during the events of Naruto: Shippuden. Believing that the only way to save the Hidden Leaf Village was by effectively transforming himself into a dictator and throwing tradition to the wind, it was good news for the ninja world that he never had the opportunity to make his dreams come true. If Danzo had become an official Hokage, he would easily have been at the very bottom of this list, earning his place on the last rung with ease.

8.) Hiruzen Sarutobi

While Sarutobi might have ultimately worked for the betterment of Konoha, he waded far too deep into nefarious waters to do so. Responsible for the death of the Uchiha Clan and acting as quite the terrible adoptive father to Naruto, the Third Hokage still was able to prove himself in many ways. One of his biggest moments was his fight against Orochimaru, ending his life in the process but ensuring that the Third was able to save the land he loved so much. Unfortunately, in comparison to the other ninjas on this list, picking Hiruzen for the last official spot felt like an easy choice.

7.) Minato Namikaze

The rest of the list can be quite tricky as there are several factors to take into consideration when ranking the leaders of Konoha. Aside from “cool factor,” anime fans need to think about the effectiveness of the Hokages and what they can accomplish. Unfortunately, the “Yellow Flash” might have been a legend on the battlefield but his tenure as the Fourth Hokage didn’t see him manage to accomplish nearly as much. In fact, his role as the head of the Hidden Leaf almost felt like a blip in the Third’s tenure. It would have been amazing to see what Minato could have done given the chance but his unfortunate end meant that we would never get the chance to see what the Fourth could do.

6.) Naruto Uzumaki

This is perhaps our most controversial choice on this list but there is a reason why we’re ranking Naruto so low. The Seventh Hokage has certainly been granted the opportunity to lay his life on the line in fighting against the Otsutsuki and the Kara Organization but when it comes to the daily grind of being Konoha’s leader, he’s pretty lacking. Could you imagine Naruto attempting to broker the peace between two warring ninja nations? Could he think outside the box when it came to military strategies? There’s someone who has effectively been the brains of the operation throughout the Seventh’s tenure and we’ll get to them in short order. Naruto’s achievements are quite legendary but to be honest, the good majority of them have nothing to do with him being Hokage.

5.) Kakashi Hatake

Now to be fair, this ranking for Kakashi Hatake, aka the Copycat Ninja, could have been much higher if he had experienced tougher times. Taking the mantle of Hokage after Tsunade, Kakashi pretty much had an uneventful run as a leader of Konoha and as the Sixth Hokage. It’s pretty unfortunate that we never got the chance to truly see him in action that much thanks to his tenure taking place between the conclusion of Naruto Shippuden and the beginning of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. As a Hokage, Kakashi’s run almost seemed like a stopgap, which is somewhat unfortunate.

4.) Hashirama Senju

The man who started it all by founding Konoha, Hashirama Senju, certainly earned his place in the history of the Ninja World. Dealing with strife and violence that many ninjas could only dream of, Hashirama was forced to kill his best friend Madara and work tirelessly to bring about peace to the ninja world. Much like Kakashi, it’s unfortunate that shonen fans weren’t able to receive an entire season focused on his works but the legacy he left behind. Senju even earned his title as “God of Shinobi” by displaying some wild abilities that marched on via his ancestors.

3.) Tobirama Senju

While Hashirama got the ball rolling, the Second Hokage was the one who truly refined the legacy and traditions of Konoha. The Hidden Leaf Village had been forged thanks to the “Shinobi God” but it was thanks to Tobirama that Konoha was able to truly stand on its own. From the Ninja Academy to the Chunin Exams to Konoha’s ranking system, the way that the Hidden Leaf functioned was all thanks to Tobirama, proving that the Second Hokage was a brilliant mind when it came to the developing nation.

2.) Shikamaru Naru

Since the disappearance of Naruto and Hinata in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Shikamaru has been steering the ship that is Konoha. Ever since the franchise began, Shikamaru has seemed as if he was born to be the Hokage and now, as the Eighth Hokage, the shadow-manipulating ninja has been putting his money where his mouth is. During Naruto’s tenure as the Seventh, his right-hand man was offering Uzumaki more than a bit of expertise on the best routes to take in leading the Hidden Leaf. As we’ve seen so far in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex so far, Shikamaru has been putting in serious work to make sure everything is running smoothly in the face of world-ending threats and in all honesty, he might prove to be the greatest Hokage of them all should he be given the chance.

1.) Tsunade Senju

The Fifth Hokage stands above the rest when it comes to how she handled her role along with the challenges that she tackled throughout the shonen series. First arriving as a gambling addict who had little interest in running the Hidden Leaf, Tsunade would come to become the perfect choice to take the spot of the fifth leader of Konoha. She led the ninjas through the Fourth Ninja World War and fought against the Akatsuki, keeping the village together when other Hokages on this list might not have done the same. There’s also really something to be said about the fact that the Fifth handled the day-to-day operations of the Hokage so well as it’s something fans were able to see on the regular. Tsunade had some serious character progression throughout the shonen series and easily earns her place on the top of the charts.

The post Every Hokage in Naruto & Boruto, Ranked From Worst to Best appeared first on ComicBook.com.

With some anime franchises releasing new chapters after decades of stories, not every character is going to stand still in time. Unfortunately, there are often times wherein some of your favorite heroes skip a beat and aren’t able to retain the mystique that made them such powerhouses to begin with. In compiling a list of “anime heroes who have only gotten worse over time,” we narrowed the choices down to seven of the worst offenders and are more than happy to break down what happened to make these figures lose their luster.

Goku

Let’s get one of the obvious choices out of the way. Goku went from an air-headed toddler who likes brawling to a full-fledged warrior who seemed like he was more than willing to do anything to get into a fight. Along with abandoning his family for years at a time to increase his power level, Goku nearly brought trillions of lives to an end simply to get his next fight. Effectively, Goku’s influence on the all-powerful being known as Xeno helped to create the Tournament of Power, a competition that saw entire universes wiped off the map. While Android 17’s victory assured that all universes destroyed returned from the grave, it goes to show just how bad Son’s state of mind has been in Dragon Ball Super and who can suffer as a result.

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Naruto Uzumaki

While the torch has been passed from father to son in both Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, this fact has made it so that Naruto Uzumaki has suffered as a result. Now that Naruto has achieved his dream of becoming the seventh Hokage of Konoha, he has taken a backseat to his son, which is both good and bad. As it stands in the recent sequel series, Naruto has been locked away in another dimension by Kawaki for years, making him effectively a non-player in the shonen franchise. Following the death, and resurrection, of the Nine Tails, hopefully Naruto will one day return to shine in the spotlight once again.

Light Yagami

Light Yagami started off the Death Note series “strong,” in that he was totally goal-focused and had a back and forth dance with L that showed his brain power and skill. Unfortunately, as the series progressed, Light got sloppy and eventually met his end thanks to biting off far more than he can chew. At his height, Light was able to effectively change society and create a new era wherein “Kira” was able to strike fear into the hearts of criminals. At his lowest, however, everything unraveled and he became far less of the brilliant mind that had put together his intricate plan involving the Death Note.

Guts

Specifically, Berserk’s protagonist is having quite a difficult time maintaining his previous glory in recent chapters of the bleak manga. With the tragic passing of series creator Kentaro Miura, the manga has continued to release new chapters but has focused on a Black Swordsman who can’t quite keep things together. Thanks to Casca being kidnapped by Griffith, Guts has spiralled into emotional turmoil as he can barely even put words together as the Kushan Empire has decided to exile him thanks to his brand. Most likely, Guts will eventually pull himself out of this tail spin but for now, the swordsman is far from the destructive force of nature that we once knew him as.

Jotaro Kujo

Jotaro Kujo started as an anime protagonist who wanted nothing more than to defeat Dio Brando to both end the vampiric threat in Stardust Crusaders and save his mother’s life. As JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure advanced, Jotaro went from being a world-saving hero to a deadbeat father, leaving his daughter Jolyne to suffer being framed for a crime she didn’t commit. While Kujo would help his daughter get a Stand of her own, he was the reason why she was put into this situation in the first place and we have to wonder if Jolyne’s story would have turned out different had he been in his offspring’s life.

Eren Jaeger

The star of Attack on Titan found himself transforming from an underdog hoping to protect his friends into a genocidal force of nature, using the power of the Founding Titan to murder a large majority of the world’s population. While anime fans got a better idea of what Eren was doing when he unleashed the Rumbling and his thought process, it doesn’t change the fact that he clearly went from a troubled hero to, at best, a murderous anti-hero if not outright villain. Effectively, Eren became the main villain of Hajime Isayama’s dark epic and while this turn was certainly an interesting one, it didn’t exactly have the youngest Jaeger become a shining light in the anime realm.

Denji

The Chainsaw Man was always air-headed but Denji has taken that status to new heights in the latest arcs of the manga. Author Tatsuki Fujimoto not only has shown Denji still trying to achieve his goals of getting a girlfriend and leading a quiet life but he has also fumbled the ball quite a few times thanks to losing himself to his desire to be known worldwide. Most recently, a sin Denji committed in his devil hunting has come back to haunt him and in all honesty, he completely deserves it. While this descent is some time away from taking place in the anime adaptation, it is quite the downfall for the bloody shonen character.

The post 7 Anime Heroes Who Have Only Gotten Worse Over Time appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Naruto is one of the biggest franchises in the world and is often seen as the face of anime and manga. It aired on Toonami in 2005 and drew in many young viewers for its United States debut. But behind the flashy fights and colorful scenes, is a story set in a brutal world where kids are trained as ninjas and sent on deadly missions. All those bright colors and funny moments hide the harsh reality and beliefs of the ninja world, where death, trauma, and violence are part of everyday life. 

Despite this, Naruto is the most-searched “kids’ show” in over 83 countries, even ranking above actual children’s shows like CoComelon. When I first watched the series, I was drawn in by the action and cool jutsu. But rewatching it as an adult, all I see now is a story full of pain, hard choices, and emotional complexity that completely went over my head before. Naruto’s ninja world, upon immediate observation, also has a problem with its use of child soldiers. Characters like Kakashi became assassins before they were even teens, while Itachi was manipulated into massacring his entire clan at just 13. Even the main cast of Naruto and his friends were sent on deadly missions since they were 12 years old.

The Sad Truth About Kids Growing Up in Naruto’s World

Almost every main character in Naruto has experienced terrible trauma that shapes who they are and what they do. Sasuke watched his brother massacre his entire clan which pushed him onto a dark path of revenge. Gaara was turned into a living weapon by his own father, was rejected by his village, and developed severe mental health issues that made him a murderous, unstable child. Even our cheerful protagonist, Naruto, grew up completely isolated and emotionally neglected, with the village treating him as a monster. 

Pain also lost his parents to war which eventually led to him becoming a terrorist mastermind with the twisted idea of creating world peace by making everyone suffer together. The show doesn’t just mention these tragic backstories but explores them in depth through flashbacks that include violence, blood, and the psychological damage these characters suffered as children. Despite this, most of the characters in the show don’t actually question the system that led to that world, which makes it easy for young viewers to miss how disturbing it actually is.

The academy system in Naruto graduates children at around 12 years old, after which they immediately start taking missions that can involve killing or being killed. However, admittedly, younger squads like Team 7 were initially handed softer missions like rescuing local villagers’ cats, but even then, young upstart shinobi craved the deadlier tasks, seeing them as a path to glory as future Hokage contenders. Through the lens of characters like Naruto, this is phrased as a good thing. Characters like Kakashi and Itachi are seen as cool prodigies and not victims of an abusive system that exploited them from childhood. But once you really think about it, even the Chunin Exams that initially seem like exciting tournament battles look like horrifying events where children fight each other, sometimes to the death, while adults just watch and evaluate their performance.

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Compared to Dragon Ball and Bleach, Naruto Was Way Darker

While Naruto, Bleach, and Dragon Ball are often mentioned together in the same breath, these shows couldn’t be more different. Dragon Ball mainly focuses on Goku as he trains and protects the Earth from various threats, including alien invaders and powerful beings, often with clear good-versus-evil dynamics. Even when powerful villains like Frieza appear, the story still feels light and fun. 

Similarly, Bleach touches on death and the spirit world, but it tends to follow a simpler good-versus-evil narrative. It doesn’t explore why the antagonists feel the way they do or explore much of the protagonists’ mistakes and failures. Naruto is different because it shows that even the “good” village and its leaders, like the Third Hokage, made terrible decisions that resulted in suffering for characters we care about, showing that villains are often created by the same system the heroes protect.

It’s Shonen, But Feels Conceptually Like a Seinen

Naruto explores grief, loneliness, war, and sacrifice in ways that make it feel more mature than most other shows aimed at younger audiences. While technically a shonen anime made for boys aged 10 to 19, if Naruto had less goofy humor and romance subplots, with the right mature tweaks it could easily have been a seinen anime targeted at adult men and women rather than adolescent boys. For a show so heavily revolving around fighting and war, Naruto also presents multiple perspectives on how to achieve peace. But shonen manga and anime can often attract creators who push its conceptual limits; after all, Baki the Grapper is a shonen, of all things.

Pain believes that only through experiencing horrific pain can humans understand each other, while Madara thinks putting everyone in an eternal illusion is the only answer to finding world peace. Naruto struggles to find a more hopeful solution through understanding and forgiveness, which are much deeper ideas than what you usually find in kids’ shows. This puts Naruto in the same category as Death Note and Attack on Titan; technically shonen, but dark enough to attract older viewers, which shows just how wide-ranging the shonen category really is.

What I find most special about Naruto is how it speaks to different ages in completely different ways. I enjoyed it for the cool fights when I was younger, but now I appreciate its deeper meanings. When I rewatch episodes as an adult, I notice all these themes about society, human nature, and philosophical questions that went over my head the first time around. This might be why, even decades after its debut, Naruto remains popular worldwide across multiple age groups, with many adults finding new meaning in a show they first watched when they were kids.

The post Naruto Was Never Really a Kids’ Show (And I’ll Tell You Why) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is the often controversial sequel to the Naruto series. It shifts the spotlight to Boruto Uzumaki, son of Naruto and Hinata, as he navigates life in a new era of peace. Set years after the Fourth Great Ninja War, the series follows the next generation of shinobi stepping out from the shadows of their legendary parents to build their own legacies.

But ever since the series began, there have been debates about whether it lives up to the standards set by Naruto. There’s no doubt that Boruto has improved significantly in recent years, with stronger story arcs and better character development that make it worth watching. But there’s still one big problem holding it back from greatness: the underutilization of Kakashi Hatake, a fan-favorite and one of the most capable shinobi the franchise has ever produced.

Spoilers Ahead for Naruto and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations!

Why Kakashi Was So Important in Naruto

Kakashi was one of the most important characters in Naruto, known for being smart, skilled, calm under pressure, and always reliable. As the leader of Team 7, he trained Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. He later became the Sixth Hokage and helped lead the shinobi world through the Fourth Great Ninja War.

For three generations, no shinobi was more well-rounded and dependable than Kakashi. While his friend Obito lost his way and Naruto and Sasuke faced inner battles, Kakashi stayed grounded and helped others grow. He wasn’t from a legendary clan, but his intelligence, leadership, and strength made him one of Konoha’s best. Yet in Boruto, like many others, Kakashi barely gets any attention, only appearing now and then as a minor supporting character.

[RELATED – 7 Best Boruto Fights Even Hardcore Naruto Fans Love]

A Former Hokage Turned Sidelined as a Teacher

Tragically, Kakashi has been reduced to the role of a wise mentor who only exists to guide others. He helps Mirai grow as a shinobi, teaches Boruto advanced jutsu, and gives Sasuke advice about his daughter, but never gets the spotlight or a storyline of his own. That’s an unfair fate for a character of his caliber. This is only made worse by Kakashi’s utter absence in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex.

Many assume that losing his Sharingan made him weaker, but the opposite is true. That eye drained his chakra for years, even when covered, so now that it’s gone, Kakashi has way more chakra to use. This is clear from how he created a stronger replacement for Chidori called Purple Lightning and even upgraded his Earth Jutsu to create massive, lightning-resistant walls strong enough to protect entire villages.

On top of that, Kakashi has mastered all five chakra types, learned basic healing ninjutsu, and can still use the Rasengan when needed. With more chakra than ever, he can fight at full strength for the first time in decades. Yet Boruto keeps treating Kakashi like he’s retired and past his prime, ignoring that he’s still one of Konoha’s most powerful and experienced shinobi.

Kakashi Is a Major Component of What’s Missing in Boruto Right Now

The problem isn’t that Kakashi no longer matters; it’s that Boruto refuses to give him the attention he deserves. While it’s natural for the story to focus on the new generation, completely sidelining a legend like Kakashi weakens the overall story. His skills, wisdom, experience, and ability to bridge the old and new generations could add exactly the depth the show often lacks.

Boruto has already proven it can use older characters well when it wants to. The issue is that Kakashi is treated like he’s outdated instead of a vital part of the present, a problem more pronounced for legacy characters in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, yet it seems like Two Blue Vortex could rectify this. For now, however, when he does appear, it feels brief and forced, and he’s reduced to quick appearances when he could be leading missions or mentoring at a much deeper level.

Kakashi earned his place among the greatest ninjas in Naruto history through years of dedication, sacrifice, and growth. His story didn’t end when Naruto became Hokage; in fact, losing the Sharingan actually opened up new possibilities for him. But Boruto hasn’t taken advantage of that. Until the series realizes what it still has in Kakashi, it will continue to feel like it’s holding itself back, despite having all the pieces for greatness. 

The post Boruto Is Good Now, but One Missing Naruto Character Is Keeping It From Greatness appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The crossover between the Big Apple and Konoha has come to an end but the Naruto x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mini-series ended in a grand fashion. Rather than seeing the Heroes in a Half Shell teleport to the Hidden Leaf Village or seeing Team 7 winding up in NYC, a new universe was created that imagines the TMNT as part of the “Big Apple Village.” Thanks to the collab in this strange new world, the characters were able to create new attacks in fighting against Shredder and the Foot Clan, with the future Seventh Hokage unleashing a brand new Rasengan.

Warning. If you have yet to read the latest issue of Naruto x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Issue #4, be forewarned that we’ll be diving into spoiler territory. Thanks to Shredder downing a ridiculous amount of mutagen, the TMNT villain has gained a major power-up that requires some thinking outside of the box. While Naruto creates a new Rasengan, Team 7 has some original moves of their own in this crossover. Sakura unleashes a “Cherry Blossom Catapult” to hurl her allies at the Shredder and Sasuke and Kakashi unleash the “Lightning Chidori Scissors,” but Naruto’s new ultimate attack was the creme of the crop.

[RELATED: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto Finale Gives Shredder A Sasuke Upgrade]

The Half-Shell Rasengan Arrives

In teaming up with Raphael, Leonardo, Donatello, and Michaelangelo for an ultimate attack, Naruto unleashes the “Half-Shell Rasengang Spiral Sphere.” The attack might be a mouthful but it did the trick in completely atomizing the newest iteration of the Shredder. With nothing left but his helmet, Kakashi notes that he can still feel the villain’s chakra, meaning that it’s entirely possible that this alternate reality antagonist will heal from these grievous injuries. Luckily, even though the villain might return, Team 7 and the TMNT are more than willing to celebrate with some pizza, as is the tradition for the Heroes In A Half-Shell.

As of the writing of this article, no sequel crossovers have been announced featuring Konoha’s finest and the Big Apple Village but the door is now wide open. Certainly, there are plenty of other comic book characters that would be a great fit for the Hidden Leaf Village and fingers crossed that we’ll see more shonen team-ups with North American superheroes in the future.

A Naruto x TMNT Movie?

Obviously, a movie featuring this storyline hasn’t been confirmed but it might be possible to see it happen. When the Heroes in a Half Shell met Gotham’s Dark Knight in the comics, the storyline was eventually made into an official animated movie in Batman Vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Should we ever receive a Naruto x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles anime adaptation, it would be interesting to see if Studio Pierrot would handle the project or if a North American production house would tackle Team 7’s big crossover.

Want to see what future anime crossovers arrive in the future? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on Naruto x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The post Naruto x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Gives Anime Fans a New Rasengan (And It’s Hilarious) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

After four issues, the comic book crossover that many never saw coming is finally taking a bow. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto has ended its mini-series in glorious fashion as the four-issue comic pulled out all the stops. Bringing together the strongest of the Hidden Leaf Village and New York’s subterranean protectors, a worthy threat was needed to show off all their skills. While Shredder alone has given Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michaelangelo a hard time for decades, the final issue gives us a new take on the classic villain that is reminiscent of Sasuke’s past look while under Orochimaru’s thrall.

Warning. if you have yet to read Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #4, be forewarned that we’ll be diving into serious spoiler territory. While the Shredder doesn’t find himself taking on the curse mark that was laid upon Sasuke years back, the Foot Clan leader does sport a look that is beyond similar. Downing a serious amount of mutagen in this new universe, Shredder not only sports a far scarier look but also has “hand wings” that looks as though they were ripped right from the Uchiha’s back. Even with this wild new transformation, both the Heroes in a Half-Shell and Konoha’s Team 7 found themselves up to the task. You can check out Shredder’s new form below.

[RELATED: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto Crossover Reveals Team 7’s Important Mission]

How Does The Crossover End?

Thanks to creating a brand new attack with the TMNT, Naruto and company are able to not only defeat this new Shredder, but effectively atomize him in the process. Unfortunately, Kakashi puts a damper on their celebration as the Team 7 teacher can still sense Shredder’s chakra, meaning it’s possible that he will heal from even this. Promising to be ready for the villain’s possible return, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles celebrate the only way they know how, by introducing Naruto and friends to pizza for the first time.

The crossover between these two franchises was one that many didn’t see coming, and while the mini-series is now over, it leaves the door open for Naruto to potentially cross over with other North American comic book characters. In the past, we’ve seen Marvel heroes meet characters from the worlds of Attack on Titan and My Hero Academia, so stranger things have happened. A sequel series hasn’t been revealed but the sky is the limit when it comes to anime crossovers.

Naruto’s Future

While Team 7 doesn’t have a sequel crossover with the TMNT planned for the future, things are moving forward for the Hidden Leaf Village all the same. Studio Pierrot has confirmed that Boruto: Naruto Next Generations will return with new anime episodes, as Boruto: Two Blue Vortex continues with new manga chapters.

Want to stay in the loop when it comes to anime crossovers? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on Naruto and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The post Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto Finale Gives Shredder A Sasuke Upgrade appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The 2000s were a golden era for anime, delivering iconic series that shaped the medium and captivated global audiences. This decade saw a surge in diverse storytelling combining intense action, deep emotional narratives, and thought-provoking themes. It’s surprising how insightful the stories were and how, even in the 2000s, the animations brought about the complete essence of almost every manga that got animated. The impact of these anime was realized in the next decade, influencing modern anime to date. And even though 2000s animation may seem outdated by modern standards, once you start watching, there’s no going back. That’s how vintage anime captivates minds.

From supernatural epics to psychological thrillers, the anime of this period pushed creative boundaries, appealing to both new fans and seasoned otakus. Series like Naruto and Bleach became cultural phenomena all over the globe. And anime like Death Note and Monster redefined the psychological thriller genre, leaving fans yearning for more. With stunning visuals, unforgettable characters, and gripping plots, these shows left a lasting legacy. But one question arises: which 2000s anime are worthy of being called the 10 best anime of the 2000s? That’s the question we’re going to try and answer in the article.

1) Bleach 

Tite Kubo’s supernatural shonen and one of the Big Three, Bleach first came out in 2004. The story follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teen who becomes a Soul Reaper to fight Hollows which are corrupted, malevolent spirits. Its combination of high-energy battles, humor, and emotional ups and downs, hooked millions. The Soul Society arc, with its intricate lore rooted in Japanese mythology, is especially a fan-favorite for its pacing and character depth, introducing beloved characters like Rukia and the cunning Aizen. 

Studio Pierrot’s vibrant animation and soundtracks further amplified iconic moments, though later filler arcs drew criticism. Among 2000s anime, Bleach’s animation is one of the finest. But that’s not all. Ichigo’s growth and potential is the highlight of the show as it explores deep themes of duty and sacrifice. Furthermore, the anime’s massive influence spawned a 2022 revival, Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War arc, cementing its status as a 2000s shonen titan that shaped the genre’s global rise.

2) Clannad: After Story 

Released in 2008 by Kyoto Animation, Clannad: After Story is the gut-wrenching sequel to Clannad following Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa as they face adulthood’s trials. This show masterfully shifts from slice-of-life warmth to devastating tragedy, exploring family, love, and resilience. With its realistic portrayal of relationships and grief, unique art style, and a haunting musical score, the series delivers emotional punches that keep you glued to the screen. 

The series’ ability to balance joy and sorrow sets it apart, making Clannad: After Story a 2000s masterpiece that gave a new shape to emotional storytelling and continues to resonate with viewers seeking heartfelt narratives to this date. Key moments, like Tomoya’s journey through loss, are executed with raw honesty, earning it acclaim as one of anime’s most moving works. And while Clannad itself was also on par with its sequel, its harem elements and slow pacing took away from the experience. In contrast, Clannad: After Story commits fully to its main plot, making it a must-watch.

3) Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion 

Launched in 2006, Code Geass is a mecha-political thriller centered on Lelouch Lamperouge, an exiled royal genius who wields the power of Geass to compel obedience, leading a rebellion against the corrupt Britannian Empire. Sunrise’s animation brings strategic battles and moral ambiguity to life, with Lelouch’s anti-hero arc driving the storyline. The series explores power, betrayal, and sacrifice, keeping fans engaged with the narrative and delivering unpredictable twists. 

Its blend of psychological depth and drama made it a 2000s standout, with characters like C.C. and Suzaku adding depth to the plot. Even better, its climactic ending remains one of the anime industry’s most beloved endings of all time. Earning a devoted fanbase for its storytelling and influencing many new anime years down the line.

4) Death Note 

An iconic psychological thriller adapted from Tsugumi Ohba’s manga in 2006, Death Note follows Light Yagami, a genius honor student who lives a mostly ordinary life until he finds a supernatural notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it. Soon, Light starts killing criminals using the book, earning the name Kira or killer as his actions attract attention from law enforcement. Eventually, the world’s number one detective, L, starts looking into Kira’s real identity, and what follows is an intense battle of wits between Light and L. 

But the real reason Death Note stands at the epitome of 2000s anime, is its intellectual battles and moral dilemmas. The series dives into themes of justice, power, and corruption, with Light’s descent into megalomania showing the audience how an ultimately well-intentioned high school student slowly became the very thing he wanted to destroy. Madhouse’s dark animation and eerie soundtrack amplified his tense cat-and-mouse dynamic with L. However, many argue the series’ ending could have been better, making it a topic of constant debate. 

[RELATED – Naruto Has Better Fights Than Dragon Ball, and Here’s Why]

5) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood 

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood debuted in 2009 as a completely faithful adaption of Hiromu Arakawa’s manga. Much like the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime, the story follows the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, seeking the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical ritual to revive their deceased mother. But unlike the original anime that significantly deviated from the original manga, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood tells a study much closer to Arakawa’s original vision. 

The series balances humor, tragedy, and philosophy, exploring sacrifice and humanity through a rich cast. Its pacing and satisfying conclusion set a shonen standard, earning near-universal praise. On top of that, Bones’ animation delivers a steampunk world with fluid action and emotional weight, making Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood a 2000s pinnacle often noted as one of anime industry’s greatest works that has inspired countless fans and creators alike since. 

6) Hajime no Ippo 

Hajime no Ippo is a sports anime gem adapted from George Morikawa’s manga in 2000. It follows shy teen Ippo Makunouchi who trains heavily and eventually manages to transform into a boxing prodigy through sheer grit and determination. Madhouse’s animation brings intense matches to life, capturing the sport’s raw physicality. While Ippo’s underdog journey, filled with perseverance and self-discovery, resonates universally. 

The series blends humor, drama, and technical boxing details, appealing beyond sports fans. Intense rivalries, like those with Miyata, and engaging training arcs keep viewers hooked. And the anime’s focus on personal growth and thrilling bouts makes Hajime no Ippo a 2000s classic loved for its heart and adrenaline, inspiring fans with its relatable, hard-hitting narrative and managing to compete with modern sports anime to this date.

7) Hellsing Ultimate 

Hellsing Ultimate is a 2006 OVA which reimagines Kouta Hirano’s vampire manga with unrelenting intensity. It follows the Hellsing Organization, led by Integra, and their vampire weapon, Alucard, as they battle supernatural threats. Alucard’s charismatic, morally complex persona steers the story, exploring power and loyalty.

While Madhouse and Satelight’s animation delivers brutal, gore-heavy action and gothic aesthetics. Key battles, like those against the Millennium group, are visually stunning. But the series’ violence and philosophical tones set it apart from everyday action anime. All in all, Hellsing Ultimate’s high production values and dark narrative make it a cult favorite, captivating fans of stylish vampire horror to leave a memorable bloody mark on the 2000s.

8) Inuyasha

Debuting in 2000, Inuyasha is Rumiko Takahashi’s famous fantasy-adventure classic. It follows Kagome, a modern schoolgirl transported to feudal Japan, where she joins half-demon Inuyasha to collect shards of the Shikon Jewel. Sunrise’s animation brings mythical creatures and vibrant characters to life, blending action, romance, and humor. While villains like Naraku and themes of love and destiny drive the storyline. 

Despite occasional pacing issues, the anime’s engaging cast and emotional depth captivate all. Inuyasha’s nostalgic charm and cultural impact made it a 2000s cornerstone, introducing many to anime. Its blend of folklore and heartfelt storytelling ensures its enduring appeal among fans worldwide.

9) Monster 

Monster was released in 2004 as a psychological thriller adapted from Naoki Urasawa’s masterpiece manga. It follows Dr. Kenzo Tenma, whose decision to save a boy unleashes a psychopathic killer and a chilling conspiracy. Madhouse’s restrained animation enhances the realistic, slow-burn idea, focusing on moral dilemmas and human nature. 

The complex plot and characters like the enigmatic Johan, give a sense of guilt and redemption. Unlike most anime, Monster avoids supernatural elements, relying mostly on its suspense in psychological depth. Its mature storytelling and ethical questions make it a 2000s best, earning applause for its approach and appealing to fans of sophisticated, thought-provoking ideologies that stay with you long after the credits roll.

10) Naruto 

First airing in 2002, Naruto is widely recognized as Masashi Kishimoto’s masterpiece and one of the shonen Big Three. It’s about Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja dreaming of becoming Hokage or the leader of his village. There’s just one problem: a nine-tailed demon is sealed inside of him and his village hates him because of it. 

Naruto’s journey from outcast to hero explores friendship, perseverance, and redemption, resonating globally. The series’ vibrant cast, different teams, missions, and character relationships keep things entertaining even during filler content. Studio Pierrot’s animation masterfully brings the ninja world to life with iconic fights and emotional arcs, giving rise to Naruto’s massive cultural impact and inspiring generations to come.

The post 10 Best 2000s Anime That Have Shaped the Fandom appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It’s a showdown for the ages when Naruto squares off against the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles‘ greatest enemy, Shredder. The Heroes in a Half-Shell are no strangers to crossovers, having teamed up with the likes of the Power Rangers and Batman, just to name a few. Their latest crossover adventure comes in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto, a four-issue limited series from IDW Publishing and Viz Media. We’ve seen Naruto officially recruited as the fifth Turtle, and now a preview for the finale teases the anticipated confrontation between Naruto and Shredder.

IDW released a preview of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #4 by Caleb Goellner, Hendry Prasetya, Raul Angulo, and Ed Dukeshire. The preview begins with an all-out fight with Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura going up against Shredder, who seems annoyed at their feeble attempts to harm him. Oroku Saki abandoned his humanity and transformed himself into the monstrous Shredder using the power of the ooze. He’s definitely a force to reckon with.

Shredder takes out each attacker one by one. Alopex decides she’s seen enough and makes a run for it with April O’Neil over her shoulder. Alopex says she hasn’t had a change of heart, but instead is trying to stay alive. Naruto calls Shredder a monster, and the Nine-Tailed Fox inside Naruto tries to persuade him to free it so they can see who the real monster is. However, Naruto argues that he doesn’t need help from the Nine-Tailed Fox, with our preview ending as Naruto begins to harness his chakra energy.

“IDW and VIZ Media present the shinobi showdown of your dreams in this action-packed crossover finale!” the description of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #4 reads. “The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Team Seven have defeated the Foot Clan’s mutated forces, but the battle is far from over: Using the power of the ooze, Oroku Saki has abandoned his humanity and transformed himself into the monstrous Shredder. As he seeks revenge against Big Apple Village, it’s up to our heroes to end Shredder’s path of destruction and challenge the cycle of hatred consuming him. The fight you’ve been waiting for is finally here—Naruto vs. Shredder!”

In an early review of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #1, ComicBook gave the crossover a 4 out of 5 rating, calling it “a ton of ninja fun, introducing interesting concepts and a brand new universe that many didn’t see coming,” along with “a must-buy for fans of either franchise,” if you’re wondering about the quality of the miniseries.

“Research is always key when you’re writing for established characters, so I re-read a ton of the Naruto manga – not only the early Team 7 adventures, which loosely feed into the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto miniseries, but also the Shippuden era,” writer Caleb Goellner told ComicBook. “Early in the pitching stage, I wanted to figure out as many potential story scenarios as possible to give all of the project stakeholders flexibility, so I re-watched several Naruto movies and sat my OG 2003 Bandai Naruto, Sasuke, and Kakashi figures on my desk as faux totems of power.”

Shredder is also about to star in his own limited series, titled TMNT: Shredder by writer Dan Watters (Batman: Dark Patterns) and artist Michele Bandini (Spider-Man: City at War). The comic follows Shredder, who is removed from the Foot Clan, as he returns to New York to face a former protege who has their own rival clan. Shredder will also have a new look, designed by fan-favorite TMNT artist Mateus Santolouco.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Naruto #4 goes on sale Wednesday, June 4th. Let us know your thoughts on the preview in the comments below!

The post It’s Naruto vs Shredder in the Finale of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Crossover appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Neji was one of the first rivals that Naruto had to face off against, who truly believed that Naruto’s ninja way was nonsense. This positioned both Neji and Naruto as absolute foils to each other for the Chunin Exams and would allow for the victor’s beliefs to be the ones deemed worthy of the narrative. For most Naruto fans, this fight was a huge step in the right direction for our protagonist as he managed to assert his belief that hard work and determination are enough to change anyone’s destiny, especially your own. However, keen-minded fans may have realized that as the series continued into Naruto Shippuden, suddenly Neji’s assertions began to ring more and more true. Throughout his entire fight with Naruto, he proclaimed that people are set in the destiny they are born to and that there is no changing those truths, and even though our protagonist fought tooth and nail to disprove this, the eventual narrative may have proved the Genin right.

As Naruto Shippuden marched confidently towards its eventual climax and resolution, many things came to light through the many battles fought by our protagonists. Early on in Shippuden, Naruto continued his hard work and mastered and created multiple techniques and jutsus to aid him in the oncoming strife. Yet the crux of Naruto’s final arc boiled down to a cycle of reincarnation that has Naruto and Sasuke as two halves of a whole savior prophecy, meaning that all things leading up to that point in the series were parts of Naruto’s eventual “destiny.”

A Clash of Destiny

This matchup between Neji and Naruto seemed destined to come about, as much of the Chunin exams’ one-on-one matches consisted of genius Genin facing off against determined Genin. As thematic as the trend was, there were certainly moments where it appeared our hero might lose, but the reality of the matter is that during these competitions, the fans were set to learn just how they should view the world of Naruto. Naruto fought for the sake of “weaklings” who wanted to rise above the way they were perceived and wanted to win for the sake of Hinata and Rock Lee, who lost during the previous matches of the exams. As the two clashed, Neji regaled his past and how he was born to a destiny that he could not change. By the end of the battle, Naruto had proven to Neji that, according to his ninja way, anyone could craft their destiny and break free of their predetermined lives.

This faceoff was, in a sense, destined as well, as the two Genin were diametrically opposed, and only one of them could emerge victorious, proving the other’s views as inferior beliefs. Even with the fight being dominated by Neji’s overwhelming techniques, the battle boiled down to the fact that Neji consistently underestimated those he felt weren’t destined for greatness. Neji was blinded by his belief system, and on the opposite side of that coin was Naruto, who was liberated and empowered by his personal beliefs. Naruto drove forward, creating his destiny as he tapped into Kurama’s chakra to down his opponent and demonstrate just how capable he was of changing his path.

[RELATED: Naruto Has Better Fights Than Dragon Ball, and Here’s Why]

The Man Destined for Greatness

Much of early Naruto, such as the showdown between Neji and Naruto, insisted that the young ninja was simply a product of grit and determination. Yet, every fan who watched further into Naruto, as well as Naruto Shippuden, would soon realize that Naruto may be more than a hardworking Shinobi. The narrative of the series truly begins to lend itself to a savior story during the Shippuden war arc as Naruto rapidly begins surpassing characters left and right and is even revealed to be one-half of the reincarnated “God of Shinobi.” If that’s not destiny, we’re not sure what is. This simple fact alone is enough to condemn Naruto to be a bit full of himself and to gratify any long-standing Neji fan, but there are still many earlier moments that set Naruto apart from a basic, hardworking character.

Going through a handful of Naruto’s victories, it quickly becomes evident that much of his success stems from the Tailed Beast sealed inside of him, as well as the large reserve of chakra his lineage had granted him. Suddenly, there’s substantially more context to Neji vs. Naruto, and it wasn’t some underdog ninja facing a clan’s genius, but two genin granted power beyond much of the ninja world fighting it out to defend the concepts they respect the most. With all of this in mind, it is easy to quickly dismiss the savior of the Shinobi world as a hypocrite, but there is still something to be said for Naruto’s undying will to fight for those under him and even inspire them to become better versions of themselves.

The post Neji Was Right, Naruto Was Destined For Greatness the Whole Time appeared first on ComicBook.com.

In Naruto, many things repeat from one generation to the next. This includes how ninjas fight and how they fall in love. Naruto didn’t just become Hokage like his dad, Minato. He also married someone who shares many of his traits, albeit with an added demure factor cranked to 11 with Hinata Hyuga. After all, his parents both had personalities that were polar opposites. Minato was calm and steady, whereas Kushina was loud and strong. In the same way, Naruto is loud and bold, while Hinata is quiet and introverted on the outside, and strong on the inside. 

These relationships show how people with seemingly opposite personalities can love and support each other. Before Kushina died, she told Naruto to find someone like her — someone who’d love him as deeply and be as loyal to him. But that person turned out to be closer to Minato in personality. Even more interestingly, the anime acknowledges this parallel repeatedly. Throughout the show, there are many big moments that connect both love stories, showing how just like dreams and duties, love too is passed down.

Naruto Is All Kushina, Hinata Is Basically Minato With Bangs

From the moment Naruto bursts onto the scene, he’s a mess of energy and emotion. He talks too much, gets into fights, and acts first, thinks later. Think that sounds familiar? That was Kushina back in the day. She had a short fuse, a big heart, and was famous for decking people who annoyed her (or tried to kidnap her). Cut from that same cloth, Naruto is basically The Red-Hot Habanero 2.0, with his official moniker in the family being Konoha’s Orange Spark.

In contrast, Minato was always shown to be calm, cool, and terrifyingly smart. He had that quiet confidence that didn’t need volume. And in Naruto’s relationship, that’s Hinata. Even though Hinata and Minato seem unlike each other at first, they both share the same calm courage. Fans were also quick to point out the tangible visual parallels from the anime on Reddit. 

In Episode 350, Minato stands motionless as he teleports a tailed-beast bomb away from the village, and then reappears discreetly to save his wife and son, ultimately sacrificing his life for his family and village. When faced with a threat to one she loves, Hinata does the same. In Episode 166, she walks between Naruto and Pain, in the process declaring her love for the former while fighting the deadly Akatsuki leader, knowing she will die but willing to take that risk if it means saving Naruto. 

One Fell First, the Other Took a While to Catch Up

When Kushina first arrived at the ninja academy, she shared a class with her future husband and loudly declared her desire to become the first female Hokage. Minato noted her bright red hair and bold attitude right away. And while other students teased her, Minato just watched and admired her. Despite this, Kushina initially found Minato  “weird” and “unreliable”, and even thought he was stalking her. It took Minato saving her from the Hidden Cloud shinobi that had kidnapped her for Kushina to finally see the hero hiding behind his quiet exterior.

Much like Minato, Hinata’s story was just as one-sided at first. She liked Naruto from the beginning, but Naruto thought she was “weird.” He was always kind to her, but didn’t understand her shyness around him. Eventually, however, just like Kushina realized Minato was something special, Naruto caught on. The Last: Naruto the Movie showed him finally connecting the dots and realizing that Hinata was always there, always rooting for him. She may have fallen first, but he fell harder and that rest was history.

[RELATED – 10 Most Controversial Times Naruto Was Censored]

The Visual Parallels Between the Two

Moreover, Naruto’s visual storytelling also shows us parallels between Hinata and Minato. There are many instances where we see panel-to-panel and frame-to-frame parallels of the two’s relationship in the manga and anime. For example, in a scene where Hinata and Naruto go to Ichiraku Ramen, Naruto gets queasy and goes to throw up after being overly full while Hinata reaches out to pats his back. This is a direct parallel to Minato and Kushina, where Kushina got queasy in the same Ramen stall and Minato reached out to her in the exact same way.

Additionally, in a postcard art imagining a teenage Naruto with his parents, Naruto can be seen leaving through the window with his breakfast held between his teeth while Kushina rages. This is eerily similar to an artwork from Boruto where Naruto’s son also leaves through the window with his breakfast. But instead of Boruto’s mother raging, it’s Naruto who shouts at his son. It is also significant that the defining moment that solidified both of these relationships had one partner carrying the other with the full moon shining in the background.

Even Their Kids Are a Throwback

Even the next generation mirrors the last. One of Naruto’s children is calm and collected, while the other is a powerhouse of emotions. In Boruto Episode 18, Himawari got mad after Naruto accidentally ruined her toy. She punched him once and knocked the Hokage who can tank Rasenshurikens out cold. This is a funny moment, but it also shows just how much of Kushina’s fiery blood runs through Himawari. 

Meanwhile, Boruto, too, starts off as a hothead in Next Generations, but becomes much much more emotionally reserved in Two Blue Vortex. He’s got Hinata’s cool vibe and Minato’s “I’ll show you how good I am, quietly” energy, not being the type to shout unless he really has to. That just goes to show how deep Minato and Kushina’s DNA runs. 

The post Naruto Basically Married His Dad (And Fans Agree) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

If you have been an anime fan since the early 2000s or earlier, it’s probably safe to assume your first few anime were one of the Big Three of the shonen jump genre: One Piece, Bleach, or Naruto (and as an honorable mention, Dragon Ball). All of these combined majestic world building, fleshed out characters, and engaging story arcs to immerse fans in worlds that would normally feel bizarre but held up very well thanks to the authors’ writing. If not anything else, the shonen genre’s fight scenes and choreography are often the center of countless discussions and debates among the fandom. 

Out of these classics, my personal favorites have to be Dragon Ball and Naruto. As I rewatch these anime known for their high-stakes battles, I wonder which of these two legendary anime have better fight scenes and choreography. Each fan has a unique perspective on which anime performed better depending on their movies, budget, frames-per-second ratios, etc. But in my personal humble opinion, Naruto has better fights than Dragon Ball and in this article, I’m going to dive into exactly why I think that.

[RELATED – Dragon Ball Super Artist Returns With New Goku & Vegeta Team Up]

Naruto’s Strategic Fights and Balanced Power Scaling

What sets Naruto’s fights apart is its emphasis on strategy over brute force. Everything in Naruto has complex moves involved. When Naruto Uzumaki, who’s not even known for being a strategic planner, faces challenging opponents, each battle almost feels like a chess match. For instance, in the Chunin Exams arc, Naruto’s fight against Neji showcases his ingenuity, using misdirection to land a decisive blow. Some fights, like Shikamaru vs. Temari, show viewers how a previously underestimate character can use his massive talents to secure the upper hand, yet know when to quit while ahead, serving a strong lesson on tactics in Naruto. At the same time, we learn that hard work (Naruto Uzumaki) does have a chance against talent (Neji Hyuga). 

In the same arc, Rock Lee’s fight against Gaara was among the best animated and choreographed fights in the entire anime despite Lee’s clear disadvantage against a powerhouse like Gaara. Almost everyone thought Gaara would win with no trouble, but there are so many jutsus, different classes of power, and innate abilities like Kekkei Genkai, Genjutsu, Taijutsu, and much more, that the anime is able to give a lot of variety in action and comprehension. You don’t see the same fighting sequence that often and battles depend more upon an intricate combination of technique, tactics, and talent than brute force. This strategic depth makes every encounter unpredictable and engaging, as raw power rarely secures victory.

In contrast, Dragon Ball often leans on linear power scaling, where the strongest fighter typically wins. Goku’s battles are thrilling but revolve too much around who can unleash the bigger energy blast or achieve the next transformation. Many fans have echoed this sentiment, noting that Dragon Ball Z’s fights, like Goku versus Frieza, prioritize spectacle over nuance, with power-ups like Super Saiyan escalating the stakes but simplifying the outcome. 

Naruto’s power scaling, however, feels less rigid. Characters like Shikamaru, who lacks overwhelming strength, can defeat stronger foes like Hidan through intellect and planning, keeping fights varied and grounded. This balance ensures that Naruto’s battles reward creativity, making them more compelling to me as a viewer and to everyone who values brains alongside brawn.

Choreography and Animation: Naruto’s Fluid Precision

Regarding fight choreography and animation, Naruto delivers a masterclass in fluid, expressive combat. Studio Pierrot’s work, particularly in arcs like Sasuke Retrieval or the Pain arc, brings a cinematic quality to the battles. The choreography is intricate, seamlessly blending hand-to-hand taijutsu, ninja tools, and jutsu techniques. 

A great example of this is Kakashi’s fight against Obito in the Kamui dimension. You can’t help but be mesmerized by the dynamic camera angles, the weight of each punch, and the emotional stakes reflected in every move. The fight also makes great use of flashbacks, something the anime is normally criticized for. The animation amplifies these moments with vibrant colors and smooth transitions, making the fights feel alive.

Dragon Ball, while iconic, often relies on repetitive animation cycles, especially in Dragon Ball Z. Fights like Goku versus Vegeta are thrilling but feature prolonged staring contests, reused energy beam sequences, and less varied choreography. And while Dragon Ball Super improved with crisper animation, it still leans heavily on power clashes over complex movements. Naruto’s fights, by contrast, feel meticulously crafted, with each arc introducing fresh visual styles and combat dynamics that keep the action engaging.

However, I must acknowledge Akira Toriyama’s genius in manga paneling as a counterpoint to where Dragon Ball shines. Toriyama’s clean, dynamic layouts in the Dragon Ball manga make every punch and ki blast feel monumental. His use of angles and pacing creates a sense of unmatched speed and impact, influencing countless artists. 

Of course, Naruto’s manga, drawn by Masashi Kishimoto, is no slouch either. Kishimoto’s detailed artwork and creative paneling, especially in battles like Rock Lee versus Gaara, convey motion and emotion equally. While Toriyama’s paneling is legendary, Naruto matches it with its flair, ensuring its fights remain visually stunning in both manga and anime.

The post Naruto Has Better Fights Than Dragon Ball, and Here’s Why appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Anime has long captivated audiences with its breathtaking sword fights, blending artistry, emotion, and raw intensity. Japan already has a rich history revolving around sword fighting and that history is reflected in the anime world as well. Every year, a bunch of anime with intense swordplay makes it to streaming sites for fans to eagerly devour. From clashing blades to profound character-driven narratives, the sword fights in these anime transcend action. They showcase themes of honor, sacrifice, and growth, be it Zoro from One Piece or Sung Jin Woo of Solo Leveling. (Combat with replicas from Mini Katana is strongly discouraged, even if they’re realistic enough to make you feel as powerful as your favorite anime character.)

But one question arises: what are the best sword fights in the history of anime? Fans can’t help but debate the swordsmanship of popular titles like Demon Slayer and Sword Art Online. Which is why that’s the question this article is going to answer. Drawing from both iconic classics and recent gems, here are the best sword fights in anime history where every swing of the blade tells a story of determination, skill, and heart. Whether it’s a test of strength, a clash of ideologies, or a fight for survival, these moments define the pinnacle of anime swordsmanship.

1) Asta vs. Conrad – Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King

In the movie, Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King, Asta’s clash with Conrad is a spectacle of raw determination against overwhelming power. Asta, wielding his anti-magic swords, faces Conrad’s key magic in a high-stakes battle to save the Clover Kingdom. To make things even more challenging, Conrad’s magic was highly compatible with the legendary Imperial Sword: Elsdocia.

The choreography in the fight is electrifying. At first, Asta tries to get close to Conrad and hit him with his Anti-magic swords to undo his key magic, but Conrad is no slouch either. He dodges all of Asta’s attacks and then uses Elsdocia to become even stronger and dominate Asta so much that he’s able to stab him, seemingly winning the battle. But with sheer willpower, refusal to give up, and love for his comrades, Asta unlocks his anti-magic further and goes on to deliver a final slash which pierces Conrad, ending the fight in Asta’s favor. 

2) Sasuke vs. Killer Bee – Naruto Shippuden

In Episode 143 of Naruto Shippuden, Sasuke was ordered by Tobi to bring in the Eight Tails Jinchuriki, Killer Bee. With his freshly awakened Mangekyo Sharingan, most fans thought the last Uchiha would win the fight without breaking a sweat. But that turned out to be far from the case, giving birth to one of the best sword fights in anime history.

Against Bee’s eccentric yet acrobatic multi-sword style using seven swords, Sasuke’s Chidori-infused katana struggled to keep up. Not only was Bee incredibly unpredictable, he was also lightning-fast, pushing Sasuke’s Sharingan to its limits. The animation captured every clash with dynamic camera angles, highlighting the fluidity of Bee’s seven-sword dance and Sasuke’s calculated counters.

The fight reminded the younger Uchiha (and the audience) that while Sasuke may have succeeded in his goal of killing his brother, he only won because Itachi wanted him to. Sasuke was completely unequipped to deal with an opponent as strong and chaotic as Killer Bee when the latter wasn’t holding back against him. And had it not been for the rest of team Taka, the Uchiha would have likely met an early end at the hands of the series’ first perfect Jinchuriki.

3) Ichigo vs. Byakuya – Bleach

Ichigo’s showdown against Byakuya in Bleach’s Soul Society arc (Episodes 58-59) is a defining moment in the series, earning its spot among anime’s greatest sword fights. With a series so focused on distinctive armaments, it should come as no surprise that fans want to recreate these iconic moments and more with convincing props. At this point in the story, Byakuya’s unwillingness to stop his own sister’s execution clashes with Ichigo’s mission to save Rukia at any cost, adding emotional baggage to their encounter. Their clash reached its peak once both Shinigami activated their Bankai. While powerful in its own right, Ichigo’s raw and unpolished Bankai struggled against the full force of Byakuya’s elegant and petal-blade Senbonzakura. 

The sixth division captain even managed to paralyze Ichigo with a Hado and would have won if not for Ichigo’s Hollowfication. But the fight marked a moment of growth for Ichigo when he managed to break his Hollowfication mask and take back control of his body, establishing that if he was going to win this fight and save Rukia, it would be with his own strength. Which he ultimately managed to do with one final attack, making Byakuya admit defeat and earning his respect.

You can check out Mini Katana’s Bleach replicas here.

4) Zoro vs. King – One Piece

Zoro’s clash with King in One Piece’s Wano arc, Episode 1062 is a jaw-dropping display of two extremely strong swordmasters in action. Wielding his three-sword style, Zoro faces King’s fiery, pteranodon-enhanced blade work in a battle that tests his limits. As one of One Piece’s newer episodes, the animation is stunning, with vibrant flames and precise sword clashes illuminating the rooftop of Onigashima. 

Zoro’s struggle to unlock Conqueror’s Haki adds emotional depth, as he pushes past physical and mental barriers to overcome King’s near-invincible defense. The fight choreography is relentless, a mix of brute force and strategic combat as Zoro’s Enma sings against King’s katana. And the stakes are high with Zoro’s victory being crucial for the Straw Hats’ rebellion and its visual spectacle. The whole thing is a testament to Zoro’s growth as a swordsman, making this duel a pinnacle of One Piece’s action-packed legacy.

5) Sieg vs. Shirou – Fate/Apocrypha

The sword fight between Sieg and Shirou in Episode 24 of Fate/Apocrypha is a gripping clash of ideals and blades. Sieg uses Balmung to face off against Shirou’s divine authority in a battle that combines mythic grandeur with lots of emotion. The animation is on par with every other Fate series epilogue, Balmung’s radiant energy clashing against Shirou’s holy spear to create a visual feast of a fast-paced fight that seems very real. 

The choreography is striking and camera angles follow the fighters beautifully, keeping the tension high. Even better, this duel is more than physical – it’s a philosophical struggle between Sieg’s quest for freedom and Shirou’s authoritarian vision. Sieg’s growth as a hero, fueled by his bond with Jeanne, counteracts Shirou’s unyielding resolve, making this memorable anime sword fight stand out for both its depth and visuals.

[RELATED – 10 Most Controversial Times Naruto Was Censored]

6) Tengen Uzui vs. Gyutaro – Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer is all about specially crafted swords but there’s one swordfight that stands out among the rest. And that’s Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui’s battle against Upper Moon 6 Gyutaro in Season 2, Episode 7 of Demon Slayer’s Entertainment District arc. The whole fight is a dazzling display of flamboyant swordsmanship at its best. 

As one of the best-animated fights in the series, the intensity of this visual masterpiece is only amplified by Tengen’s teamwork with Tanjiro and others, showcasing his leadership under pressure. Tengen’s iconic dual Nichirin Blades, infused with his Sound Breathing, clash with Gyutaro’s blood sickles in a frenetic, high-stakes duel. Even after losing his left hand, Tengen still manages to fight on even footing against Gyutaro, ultimately winning with Tanjirou and Nezuko’s help.

You can check out Mini Katana’s Demon Slayer replicas here.

7) Kirito vs. General Eugene – Sword Art Online 

Kirito’s duel with General Eugene in Episode 20 of Sword Art Online Season 2 is an underrated one in the pack. His dual-wielding sword style clashes with Eugene’s massive longsword, creating a fast-paced sword fight in midair. But what makes this thrilling virtual showdown in Alfheim Online stand out is both parties’ use of unexpected tactics.

The fight starts with Eugene using his sword to shine sunlight into Kirito’s eyes, catching him off guard for a moment to create the perfect opening to begin his onslaught. Since Eugene’s sword Gram can phase through any weapon that tries to block it, he’s able to land hits on Kirito despite the two being more or less equal in skill. In a rare moment of sudden defeat, Kirito uses a smokescreen.

But this isn’t him running away. Instead, Kirito uses the smoke cover to borrow a sword from his partner. After that, he surprises Eugene by attacking from above and having figured out that Eugene’s sword cannot phase through multiple weapons at once, uses his borrowed sword to block him. With Eugene’s main advantage against Kirito gone, the latter is then able to quickly counterattack to win the fight.

8) Akame vs. Esdeath – Akame Ga Kill

The highly anticipated climactic battle between Akame and Esdeath in Akame Ga Kill is a heart-pounding clash of lethal swordplay. Akame’s Murasame is a one-cut-kill blade against Esdeath’s overwhelming ice-based abilities. The animation is gripping, the visuals are sharp, and the swordplay is absolutely masterful, with its most incredible moments and distinctive swords highly sought-after by fans.

The choreography is intense as Akame skillfully dodges Esdeath’s icy blows and sword attacks. Akame’s resolve to end Esdeath’s tyranny adds depth to the fight, as both warriors embody opposing ideals. And while the encounter faced criticism for deviating from the manga, it’s still a worthy culmination of two arcs, showcasing Akame’s growth and Esdeath’s unyielding dominance. 

You can check out Mini Katana’s Akame Ga Kill replicas here.

9) Sung Jinwoo vs. Igris – Solo Leveling 

Sung Jin-Woo’s fight against Igris in Solo Leveling Season 1 is a defining moment of his rise as a hunter, and his first step to becoming an S-Rank hunter. Before, he was having a hard time fighting off knight soldiers who kept on spawning endlessly. And as soon as Igris stepped in, the fight took a dramatic turn. 

Hunter Sung was easily overpowered, but he didn’t give up and kept on looking for Igris’s weakness and blindspots. Eventually, Jin-Woo was able to use his dagger to exploit a weakness in Igris’s armor, making him vulnerable to attacks. With relentless dagger stabs, Jin-Woo was finally able to win against Igris. 

The animation in this fight is smooth with constantly changing camera angles and perspectives that add tension. Every single frame gives goosebumps. Establishing this as a visually stunning and narratively rich sword fight that cements Solo Leveling’s place in anime action.

10) Zaraki Kenpachi vs. Retsu Unohana – Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War

Zaraki’s brutal clash with Unohana in Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War is an emotional masterpiece. Two of Soul Society’s fiercest swordsmen face off against each other in a battle that could destroy Soul Society. Zaraki’s unrestrained savagery meets Unohana’s refined, lethal blade work in a fight to awaken Kenpachi’s true potential and Bankai. 

This was one of the most awaited fights in the Bleach community as we finally got to see Unohana’s bankai, Minazuki, animated. The animation was visceral, with blood-soaked strikes and visuals capturing their ferocity. While at first, it seemed like an even matchup, Zaraki was quickly able to surpass Unohana once it was revealed that he had been unknowingly suppressing his strength since their fistfight when he was just a child, truly earning the title of Kenpachi as the strongest.

The post 10 Best Sword Fights in the History of Anime appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Naruto, as a series, is defined by flashy ninjutsu, great hand-to-hand combat, and the ever-present Talk no Jutsu, and with all of that in mind, of course, the series features no shortage of review-worthy quotes. When it boils down to the ethos of the series, there were plenty of characters featured that acted as both a conduit for the themes and foils to the themes. Naruto often acted as the direct representation of hard work and heroic themes, as he was usually the change he wanted to see in the world. However, during his face-off with Neji during the Chunin exams, we saw one of his peers from the village he valued so deeply directly challenge Naruto’s ideologies. Not only was Neji viewed as more skilled than Naruto, but he quickly asserted his assumed superiority over our young protagonist throughout the entire match.

Or, perhaps more correctly, Neji’s superiority in the match so far. Naruto has never been one to face down criticisms of his beliefs without proving the worth of his ninja way. Naruto meets Neji head-on during this battle and continually proves the young prodigy wrong through words backed by actions. Naruto fights for his belief in trying and his belief in betterment. Neji disrespects Naruto’s reasoning and even his cousin, as he deems them weaklings. Having been a featured fight during the original season of Naruto, it is impressive to see that words and beliefs featured by both Neji and Naruto during these episodes have carried weight throughout Naruto: Shippuden and even into Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. Naruto asserts that people control their destinies and encourages the other Genin to take control of their own, and these sentiments have never rung more true than in the most recent chapters of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex.

[RELATED: Boruto Creator Talks Naruto’s Absence and Its Heartbreaking Effects on One Character]

The Generation That Shattered Destiny

The belief in destiny is a recurring theme throughout all of Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden and is often reflected in the villains’ or antagonists’ resolutions that the world is cyclical and full of pain. Most of our favorite antagonists assert to Naruto that it is the destiny of shinobi to suffer within the world they serve. The greatest example of Naruto defying destiny and encouraging others to break free of the chains that “destiny” had bound them in is the physical and philosophical battle against Neji. Neji represented everything Naruto wasn’t and was the first major hurdle that Naruto would have to face on the road to defeating his rival, Sasuke. Neji was naturally gifted and worked hard, but believed in the absolute power of his strength. Neji was brutal to those weaker than him and believed that even with his strength, he would face similar mistreatment as his father because of the seal on his forehead denoting him as a “branch” family member of his clan.

Even with all of this in mind and with the first half of the match being dominated by Neji, Naruto always believed that he would end this fight as the victor. Despite Naruto’s clear disadvantage, he showed off his cunning nature and tenacity by deploying a shadow clone as a distraction to allow his real body to land a devastating uppercut on Neji. After all of Neji’s assertions and the clear skill discrepancy, Naruto stood above a defeated Neji and announced, “So don’t come whining to me with this destiny stuff, and stop trying to tell me you can’t change what you are! You can do it too.” This quote from Naruto Episode 62 was the final edge to the blade of a quote that informed Neji that he had lost to someone he had deemed lower than himself. Naruto truly believed that complaining about destiny was a cop-out, and that you are the only person in charge of your destiny. Naruto’s generation of shinobi went on to constantly change the very destiny of the world they lived in, and they all had a hand in moving the ninja world toward a place of security and peace.

Boruto: A Child of Destiny

Within the peace Naruto and his friends had created, there was still strife, and within that strife bloomed a new generation of enemies. Boruto has entered a new era of immense danger and unprecedented threats, and he, along with his allies, has to navigate these threats without Naruto and Sasuke. But along with these new villains, we get to see Boruto and his friends demonstrate the reality that their destinies are in their own hands. From the very beginning of Boruto, we see that the village will be destroyed and Kawaki and Boruto will face off in a battle of ideals, yet as the series has gone on, we have seen that these circumstances are likely to come to a head because of Kawaki’s actions. On top of that, we have seen Sarada defy godly, reality-warping powers through her sheer will of affection as she has laid out a path for herself that she wants to go down alongside Boruto.

These are all perfect examples of the newest generation creating their destiny. Boruto is another prime example, as in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, we have seen our protagonist navigate a world turned against him by powers beyond his control, yet he continues to fight against the hand dealt and towards the world he wants to achieve. Alongside that, fans have learned that Boruto has accessed knowledge through Koji Kashin’s foresight, which has allowed him to rapidly increase his power but has also put him in a position of abiding by the deterministic nature of future sight. However, as of Chapters 21 and 22, Boruto has reflected his father’s words, and even with the knowledge that there is no future where he defeats the enemy, Boruto has still entered the fray armed with his strongest attacks and intends to change what he is.

The post Naruto’s Most Underrated Quote Defined His Ninja Career (And the Next Generation) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Fans just can’t get enough action from all the fights, escapades, and missions anime has to offer. Action has always been a widely popular genre in anime, if not the most popular genre. It’s even probably one of the more versatile that meshes incredibly well with most other combinations of genres. Melees full of god-like strength like in Dragon Ball, comedic slapstick brawls like those in Gintama, grappling with monsters like in Tokyo Ghoul, action-packed fantastical adventures like those of One Piece — there’s truly an action anime for anyone’s tastes.

Over the years, there have only been more and more awesome additions to the library of action-packed titles. More titles, more to watch, more to love, and, of course, more action. And how could audiences not be glued to the screen and on the edge of their seats with such fast-paced high stakes, intense battle choreography, and exciting adrenaline-pumping thrills? And while the list could go on and on with new and old titles that have had substantial fanbases over the years, these ones are the best of the best!

1) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

The Elric brothers, in their endeavor to bring their mother back from the dead, ignored the ban of human transmutation and ended up paying a hefty price. While trespassing the taboo cost Edward an arm and a leg, Alphonse lost his entire body. With their bio-mechanical engineer neighbor and friend Winry able to fit Edward with advanced automail prosthetic limbs, Alphonse had his soul bound to an entire suit of armor in Edward’s attempt to save him. Determined to restore their bodies, they set out to find the Philosopher’s Stone, an item said to allow an alchemist to defy the traditional laws of Equivalent Exchange, and become caught in the middle of a conspiracy along the way.

With secrets, mysteries, and conspiracies in a fantastical, action-packed adventure, the determined brothers face extremely high stakes in their quest. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a classic that has been at the top of the charts for anime in general for many years and for good reason.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood can be streamed on Netflix and Crunchyroll.

2) Dandadan

When feisty gyaru Momo Ayase defends the meek, geeky Ken Takakura, dubbed Okarun, from bullies throwing trash at the poor guy just trying to read his magazine, he follows after his new friend. Misunderstanding her intentions, he presumes she is also into aliens and the occult. Saying she’s not into aliens and UFOs but she does believe in ghosts prompts Okarun to chuckle that ghosts aren’t real. The two begin to argue their points on whether or not aliens or ghosts are the real deal. Thus, beginning their unusual, deepening friendship founded on the resulting, arguably more absurd, consequences – getting Okarun’s family jewels back from the very things they questioned existing.

Aliens, ghosts, grannies — oh my! But as formidable of foes Momo and Okarun face are, this duo manages to not only overcome whatever gets in their way of retrieving Okarun’s golden balls, but gain some incredible powers themselves along the way in this supernatural action comedy.

Dandadan can be streamed on Netflix and Crunchyroll.

3) Attack on Titan

When mankind had been on the brink of extinction centuries ago, they took to hiding behind massive stone walls from the man-eating humanoid monsters known as Titans. One hundred peaceful years came to pass without threat of Titans. That is, until one Titan managed to break through the wall, forcing the humans to return to fighting for their lives and living in fear. Eren Yeager, one such citizen who bore witness to his own mother perish at the hands of a Titan, vows vengeance upon the entire race by enlisting into the Survey Corps, a specialized military unit that fights back against the Titans outside the city walls. Along with his adopted sister Mikasa Ackerman and childhood friend Armin Arlert, the secrets of the Titans becomes something even more horrifying as each mystery is uncovered.

It doesn’t get much more action-packed than a plot that revolves around characters constantly fighting for their very lives against voracious monsters who wish nothing more than to gobble up the entire human race.

Attack on Titan can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

4) Mob Psycho 100

What reserved, passive middle schooler Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama lacks in friends due to his distant, inexpressive demeanor he makes up for in pure unadulterated psychic power. Or at least, in theory. Ever since lashing out and accidentally injuring his younger brother, Ritsu, Mob had resolved to keep his emotions, and therefore, psychic abilities, in check. Although, he does occasionally use it to try to impress his crush, Tsubomi Takane. But when she grows bored of Mob’s repetitive tricks, he seeks to better control his power, and so becomes the apprentice of the con artist, Arataka Reigen, who claims to also be psychic. In the business of exorcising evil spirits, Reigen exploits Mob’s supernatural abilities for money. As much as Mob tries to control his power by suppressing his emotions, his untapped potential fights to let his emotions run rampant, driving him towards exploding at 100% power capacity.

Although Mob tries to control his power by suppressing his emotions, his untapped potential fights to let his emotions run rampant, driving him towards exploding at 100% power capacity in pure unadulterated psychic power. As much as there’s a ton of intense supernatural action being dished out, there’s also plenty of relatable, endearing comedy

Mob Psycho 100 can be streamed on Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll.

5) Vinland Saga

Thorfinn, born in his homeland of Iceland, had once received a bespoke piece of advice from his father: “You have no enemies, nobody does. There is nobody who it’s okay to hurt.” But when a man named Askeladd kills his father, Thorfinn takes up work as a mercenary, seeking revenge with death and war becoming the reality Thorfinn endures in his daily life. With constant war between England and the Danes, the Vikings actually enjoy making a living collecting the spoils and making names for themselves. Recalling tales from sailors he’d heard as a young lad, tales of a land warm and fertile and free of fighting, Thorfinn seeks the legendary Vinland.

The Vikings in Vinland Saga live to fight, although Thorfinn fights in the hope that he can eventually find something more to live for himself. Even so, Thorfinn’s views on violence drastically change over the course of the story.

Vinland Saga can be streamed on Netflix, Prime Video, and Crunchyroll.

[RELATED: 10 Best Historical Anime for When You’re Done With Vinland Saga]

6) Jujutsu Kaisen

As a member of the Occult Club and having a bedridden grandfather, Yuji Itadori often spends his time either at school or at the hospital. But his relatively leisurely life comes to an abrupt halt when he discovers an actual cursed object, triggering a chain of supernatural consequences. Upon swallowing the cursed item, a finger belonging to the King of Curses, the demon Sukuna Ryoumen, Yuji gains his own powers and faces a whole new world full of Curses, beings of pure dread, malice, and negativity, that threaten society. Now having to attend the Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School, Yuji must now become a Jujutsu sorcerer.

Premiering in 2020, this supernatural action shonen series by MAPPA was and has been one of the most popular over the past few years, even garnering attention and praise as a sort of gateway anime for former normies turned new fans.

Jujutsu Kaisen can be streamed on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu where available.

7) Spy x Family

As the neighboring countries Ostania and Westalis quietly plot against each other, spy Twilight takes on the alias of psychiatrist Loid Forger in the Ostanian city of Berlint to conduct intel. His target: the politician Donovan Desmond. The problem is Donovan only rarely appears at his son’s school, Eden Academy. In order to get closer to his target, Loid enlists Yor Briar, an unmarried city hall clerk, and Anya, his newly adopted daughter who he enrolls at Eden Academy, to act as a normal happy family. Unbeknownst to the spy, Loid’s new family hides their own secrets — Yor is actually an assassin known as “Thorn Princess” and Anya is a telepath secretly able to read others’ minds.

Through secret spy operations, assassination services, and school assignments, even though the family starts out as a façade, their love for each other grows to be true, each cherishing their forged relationships.

Spy x Family can be streamed on Hulu and Crunchyroll where available.

8) Naruto

In the Hidden Leaf Village, Konohagakure, Naruto Uzumaki, a young, aspiring ninja, is shunned by the wary community. The leader, the Fourth Hokage, had sacrificed his life and sealed the Nine-Tailed Fox demon within the newborn Naruto to prevent it from wreaking havoc on the village. But Naruto doesn’t let his circumstances and rejection from others deter him — with a rambunctious, mischievous nature, he’s determined to become the next Hokage and gain the village’s recognition and respect. Making friends along the way, Naruto trains to become a strong and capable ninja, facing many new foes and the demon inside himself.

With a franchise as bold, iconic, and enduring as the namesake himself, Naruto, though he faces challenge after challenge in ninja training, doesn’t let anything stop him. Naruto’s fight to accomplish his dreams in the face of adversity is the epitome of “never give up”. Believe it!

Naruto can be streamed on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Peacock, Crunchyroll, and more.

9) Neon Genesis Evangelion

As Earth is attacked by strange celestial alien beings known as Angels, it’s up to the mysterious scientific organization NERV headed by Gendo Ikari to defend humanity through the use of Evangelion, giant piloted humanoid “robots”. When Gendo calls upon his abandoned son Shinji to become one of these pilots, Shinji, alongside fellow pilots Asuka Langley Soryu and Rei Ayanami, faces a lot more at stake than defending humanity from giant monsters as the secrets behind NERV and Gendo’s ambitions are revealed.

Shinji Ikari may not be very eager to fight for humanity’s survival, but there’s certainly no lack of larger-than-life “mecha” combats. But his own fight for survival ends up being a bit more existential than simply saving his skin.

Neon Genesis Evangelion can be streamed on Netflix.

10) Bleach

Ichigo Kurosaki has the unique ability as an otherwise normal high schooler to see spirits. When his family is attacked by a Hollow, a corrupted spirit hungry for human souls, Ichigo’s thrust into not just observing but participating in the spirit world. After Soul Reaper Rukia Kuchiki is injured in her battle with the Hollow, Ichigo gains her abilities in order to defeat the malicious spirit and protect his family. But when Rukia is unable to regain her powers, Ichigo must hunt down Hollows in her stead. Later joined by classmates Orihime Inoue, Yasutora Sado, and Uryuu Ishida with their own abilities, Ichigo endeavors to fight against the Hollows and other uncovered threats.

Bleach has been a long-popular series since its debut in 2004 and still is with its ongoing and final arc in Thousand-Year Blood War. With hundreds of episodes, Bleach has plenty of action to binge.

Bleach can be streamed on Disney+ or Hulu where available.

What’s your go-to action anime? Let us know in the comments what series you think would be an instant favorite to anyone!

The post 10 Best Popular Action Anime That Live Up to the Hype appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has once again returned with a new manga chapter and it is a doozy. With Boruto Uzumaki entering the battlefield to lend a hand to his fellow Hidden Leaf ninjas, another major player has stepped into the sunlight. Jura, the leader of the Divine Trees, has arrived and is already proving why he is one of the strongest villains in the history of the shonen franchise. In taking on the biggest bad we’ve seen in the series to date, Boruto unleashes his ultimate attack and readers get a far better understanding of just how devastating the Rasengan Uzuhiko can be.

Warning. If you have yet to read the latest chapter of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, Chapter 22, be forewarned that we’ll be diving into serious spoiler territory. The Rasengan Uzuhiko has changed the game, as the now teenage Boruto of Two Blue Vortex had spent his time well in isolation, learning how to harness this new technique. While his father was able to transform the Rasengan into projectiles and various other objects, the Uzuhiko variation is far different from much of what we’ve seen before. The ultimate attack is one that works with the planet itself and can be an unlimited energy source, with Boruto using it early on to make Code look foolish as a result. Against Jura however, even the Uzuhiko’s secrets aren’t enough.

[RELATED: Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Reveals the True Strength of Its Best Villain]

The Uzuhiko Rasengan’s Power Unleashed

Aside from simply releasing a giant blast of power at a target, Boruto reveals some of the wild aspects of an opponent being hit by the ultimate Rasengan. Once Jura is hit by the attack in their confrontation, the son of Naruto explains that the Uzuhiko Rasengan has some hidden tricks of its own, “The world seems to be spinning, right? Your sense of equilibrium is mucked. You won’t be able to fly anymore, I bet even standing straight will be difficult.” Unfortunately, despite Boruto landing the attack on Jura, the Divine Tree manages to spring back into action.

As the leader of the villainous conclave explains, thanks to the attack following the same principles as his “biju bombs” he can nullify its effects and not have his equilibrium thrown out of whack as a result. Even with Jura shaking off the effects of the attack, it once again proves that not only has Boruto spent his time training wisely but he might be on a path to overcome his father, Naruto, in the power department in the future.

Boruto’s Anime Return

Studio Pierrot, the anime studio that has been the creators of Naruto and Boruto’s series over the decades, has yet to confirm when we can expect the return of the Hidden Leaf’s anime adaptation. Luckily, the production house has confirmed that Masashi Kishimoto’s series will be making a comeback, having confirmed earlier this year that Boruto: Naruto Next Generations’ Part 2 is in the works. Rest assured, we’ll keep you posted on when we can expect the ninja world to roar back to the small screen in the future.

You can read the latest chapter of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex by clicking here.

The post Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Reveals The Secrets of Its Leads Strongest Attack appeared first on ComicBook.com.

While Naruto has plenty of beloved friendships that add depth to the series and serve as motivational forces in the brutal world of ninjas, there is one overlooked friendship that especially stands out. If you’ve watched Naruto Shippuden, you might have noticed Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki’s unique relationship. They spent years together, never betrayed one another, fought side by side, and completed mission after mission for the Akatsuki. But if you look carefully, you’ll see they weren’t really friends in the traditional sense. They weren’t even that close. 

But that’s exactly what made them work so well together. In a show full of strong emotions, friendships, and dramatic rivalries, Itachi and Kisame stood out not because of what they shared, but because of what they didn’t. Even if they had enough similarities to bond as true friends in different circumstances, they knew friendships full of emotion were tricky grounds for ninjas. Their relationship wasn’t about loyalty or feelings, it was about respect and getting the job done. And in the morally gray world of the Akatsuki, that was enough.

Their Early Encounters

We’re first introduced to Itachi and Kisame in Episode 80 of the Naruto anime. The Hidden Leaf is still mourning the death of the Third Hokage. But outside the village, two figures quietly observe. Kisame, ever the talker, casually asks Itachi if he feels bad for his old home. Without hesitation, Itachi answers, “No”. Even from this brief interaction, their dynamic is clear. Kisame is chatty, brash, and powerful, while Itachi is the opposite. But when Itachi shuts him down, Kisame listens without question.

We soon learn their backgrounds, too. Itachi is the prodigy who massacred his entire clan and spared only his little brother. Kisame, formerly of the Hidden Mist’s Seven Ninja Swordsmen, is known for killing his own comrades to preserve secrecy. Both are incredibly dangerous killers. But their paths to that point were very different. In Episode 251, we get a flashback to the day Itachi joins the Akatsuki. Kisame is sent to meet him, and the shark-like ninja immediately claims they’re alike because they both killed those they once served. But Itachi doesn’t agree. Instead, he calls Kisame pathetic, lost, and weak for not knowing what he’s truly fighting for.

Annoyed by Itachi’s harsh words, Kisame draws his sword. But Itachi stays calm and the conversation takes a turn when the Uchiha quietly declares, “You don’t truly know who you are until the moment before your death.” That line lands so hard that Itachi immediately earns Kisame’s respect, letting the two work as a near-perfect team despite the rocky start of their dynamic.

[RELATED – 10 Most Controversial Times Naruto Was Censored]

A Friendship of Respect

What’s particularly interesting about Itachi and Kisame’s relationship is that either could betray the other at any time, but doesn’t choose to. Even in their first conversation, Kisame hints at not being the type to hesitate to kill comrades if they get in his way or their deaths benefit him and Itachi makes it clear that he would do the same. Itachi also has good reason to betray Kisame, since as viewers later learn, he was spying on the Akatsuki for the Hidden Leaf Village all along.

But despite being technically enemies, Itachi treats Kisame with the respect deserving of a comrade. He doesn’t open up emotionally, as he knows he might have to betray the other some day, but they do have a tentative friendship built of mutual respect. Although he’s older, larger, and more physically intimidating, Kisame defers to Itachi. He calls him “Itachi-san” and follows his lead without complaint. The two of them attack together, retreat together, and don’t undermine one another. 

Aside from this clear respect, Kisame is also shown to care about Itachi’s well-being. In Chapter 364 of the manga, Kisame sees Itachi heading out in the rain, and he points out that Itachi will ruin his health. Even during Itachi’s fight with Sasuke at the Uchiha hideout, Kisame lingers outside the place. He understands that this fight is personal to Itachi and respects that decision by not interfering. But he also seems to care about the outcome. When informed about his partner’s death, Kisame says he’ll spread his wings and see where fate takes him. Some fans interpret this as an admission that he wasn’t particularly dedicated to the Akatsuki’s goals, but stayed there so long because of Itachi.

When Kisame’s own end comes later in Episode 251, he remembers Itachi’s words about not really knowing who you are before the moment of your death, many episodes and years after he first uttered them. While Kisame chose a twisted path, he was still willing to be loyal to his comrades, taking his own life by letting his sharks devour him rather than risk being interrogated and compromising the Akatsuki’s goals. And thanks to Itachi, Kisame dies realizing that he wasn’t really as selfish or “worthless” of a ninja as he had thought. 

The post This Overlooked Naruto Friendship Blurs the Line Between Friend and Foe appeared first on ComicBook.com.

In the world of Naruto, being Hokage isn’t just about being the strongest ninja; it’s about standing as the Hidden Leaf Village’s primary political leader and carrying the full weight of protecting and leading it. Across Naruto and Boruto, there have been eight Hokage, with legends like Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju remembered for their power and legacy. But Tsunade Senju, the Fifth Hokage, proved that leadership is about more than just strength; it’s about determination, accountability, and knowing when to say no.

Serving through most of Naruto Shippuden, Tsunade led Konoha through some of its darkest times. And while she wasn’t the strongest or most feared Hokage, she was the right one for her time, and reminded fans of what makes a good Hokage. When Konoha was falling apart after Orochimaru’s attack, she stepped in to rebuild the village, improve its medical systems, and bring back a sense of stability. But what really set her apart was how she wasn’t afraid to challenge the systems or push the people in power around her.

[RELATED – Naruto Reveals Major Streaming Surprise]

Tsunade Did What Hiruzen Could Not: Say No to the Elders

Hiruzen Sarutobi, for all his wisdom and power, often let too many things slide under pressure. His relationship with Danzo Shimura and the village elders created an environment where morally questionable decisions were made behind closed doors. He allowed Danzo to run Root in secret, failed to prevent the Uchiha massacre, and tolerated actions that ultimately harmed his own village. His reluctance to challenge the people around him, even as Hokage, revealed a major weakness in his leadership: conflict avoidance.

Tsunade, on the other hand, had lived through enough wars to know what real leadership should look like. As in a Reddit thread by u/Zezerthu, the Fifth Hokage consistently pushed back against the elders, refused to follow their outdated views, and made her own calls, especially when it came to protecting Naruto, even when others viewed him as a threat. Redditor u/moasis285 put it perfectly: “I think the simple fact that Hiruzen let a genocide of one of his own village’s clans happen makes Tsunade a lot better of a Hokage. It’s kind of the exact opposite of his job description.”

A Real Leader: Tsunade Fought for Naruto When No One Else Did

Tsunade didn’t just protect Naruto; she genuinely believed in him when almost no one else did. Her decision to let him leave the village for training ended up being one of the deciding factors in winning the Fourth Great Ninja War. If Naruto hadn’t unlocked the power of the Nine-Tails, the Shinobi Alliance likely would’ve been wiped out by Obito Uchiha. 

Even before these events, when the village elders insisted on treating Naruto as nothing more than a jinchūriki weapon, Tsunade fought for his rights both as a shinobi and as a person. Redditor u/neoH96 observed: “Tsunade’s ‘I don’t take crap from no one!’ attitude makes her the best-written female in the series. She believes in Naruto and has a personal history with him after they fought together against Orochimaru and Kabuto. The Konoha elders see Naruto more as a tool and not as a person which is why Tsunade yelled at them.” Her refusal to reduce Naruto to a tool proved exactly what kind of Hokage she was: a real one.

Leadership Through Sacrifice, Not Just Power 

When Pain destroyed the Hidden Leaf, Tsunade responded with courage. Rather than just facing the danger head-on, fleeing, or surrendering, she prioritized an often overlooked aspect of the Hokage’s duty: providing support to her people to minimize casualties. She used her medical ninjutsu to save as many lives as possible, buying just enough time for Naruto to come back and save the Hidden Leaf. 

Her resilience was further demonstrated during the war when, despite being literally bisected by Madara, she refused to give up and continued fighting to protect those around her. While she may not have had Hashirama’s ninja prowess or Minato’s combat genius, Tsunade showed something just as important: being Hokage is not just about power, it’s about taking accountability and making sacrifices. And that’s something most of her predecessors, despite all their power, didn’t always get right.

Breaking the Cycle

One of the most important things Tsunade did as Hokage was breaking harmful cycles that had been passed down for generations. While previous Hokage had their strengths, they often upheld systems that created resentment, inequality, and silence. Of course, that’s not to say Hiruzen and the previous Hokage didn’t do the best they could. However, Tsunade’s legacy isn’t about dismissing Hiruzen’s contributions, it’s about finally asking the hard questions. 

From refusing the traditional treatment of jinchūriki and the village’s relationship with other nations to refusing to blindly follow outdated traditions, she led with principle, not politics. Sure, it’s a jarring thought for someone younger to grab an elder by the scruff and declare that they’ll no longer be doing things their way. Especially when you consider how the Konoha elders Homura and Koharu were teammates of Tsunade’s teacher, Hiruzen. But it shows how hard Tsunade pushed back on outdated power. Unlike many before her, she refused to be controlled by the elders and focused on rebuilding systems, like Konoha’s medical network, so the village could stay strong in the future.

H/T: Reddit

The post Naruto: Tsunade Was a Better Hokage Than Her Predecessors for One Stunning Reason appeared first on ComicBook.com.

To help celebrate Mother’s Day this year, fans in Japan have voted for the best moms in anime overall and a surprise winner has been chosen. Anime has some of the most memorable mothers in animation as not only are they the support figures that one would hope for in that kind of role, but many shows offer all different kinds of mothers that kick just as much ass as one would expect. But with so many mothers in anime overall, it can be hard to figure out which ones are truly the best of the best and at the top of the heap.

Anime! Anime! recently took a poll of fans in Japan to help celebrate Mother’s Day this year, and polled nearly 300 people about their favorite mothers in anime from May 4th to May 7th. Over the few days the poll received responses from a group that consisted of “40 percent male and 60 percent female” with slightly more female responses. Ages for the poll skewed more young, with “about 30 percent under 19 and in their 20s.” And the winners at the very top might surprise you.

Anime’s Best Moms As Ranked By Fans

The top rankings of the list come with quite a few ties amongst them, but it turns out that the top three were Hinata Uzumaki from Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Yor Forger from Spy x Family, and Misae Nohara from Crayon Shin-chan. These three had a clear lead over the others, and the full breakdown for the best moms as voted by those fans in Japan break down as such:

• 1. Hinata Uzumaki (Boruto: Naruto Next Generations)
• 2. Yor Forger (Spy x Family)
• 3. Misae Nohara (Crayon Shin-chan)
• 4. Ai Hoshino (Oshi no Ko)
• 5. Isabella (The Promised Neverland)
• 5. Yukiko Kudo (Detective Conan)
• 7. Kagura (Gintama)
• 7. Mother (Atashin’chi)
• 9. Kiyora (Blue Lock)
• 10. Carla Yeager (Attack on Titan)
• 10. Yufufu (I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level)
• 10. Hahari Hokazono (The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You)

Hinata winning the best mom in anime poll is certainly a surprise considering that there’s no currently airing Boruto anime at the moment. Yor Forger reaching second place does make sense considering she’s one of the icons from more recent years, and has some huge moments in just the first two seasons that we’ve gotten to see. With a third season on the way, Yor’s going to have even bigger moments in the coming episodes.

RELATED: Boruto Season 2: What We Want to See From Naruto’s Anime Return

Why Hinata is Anime’s Best Mom

Hinata winning this poll is a surprise considering the range of the fans polled in Japan, but also makes a great deal of sense when you also factor in just how big of a fanbase Naruto actually has. Hinata and Naruto’s love story was one that had been brewing since the series began, and it paid off with the two of them becoming a full couple with kids of their own that we’re now seeing in action through the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and Boruto: Two Blue Vortex sequels.

It’s become increasingly rare for an action series to not only following through on a romance heading into its finale, but then taking it even further with children down the line. We’ve only gotten to see a few brief moments of Hinata in Boruto, but those scenes were focused on how clearly good of a mother she’s been to her children. So while it might seem like a surprise, Hinata really has been anime’s best mom all along.

HT – Anime! Anime!

The post Anime Fans Voted for Best Mom This Mother’s Day (& You Won’t Believe the Winner) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Naruto Uzumaki has had no shortage of great mentors from Kakashi Hatake to Jaraiya, but there was one man who looked out for him before anybody else, and given his lack of impressive ninjutsu feats, he often gets glossed over retrospectively. Iruka Umino may not have taught Naruto any flashy jutsu, but he was still present for our young protagonist when he needed him the most, and provided Naruto with his first instances of parental camaraderie. Fans may have left Iruka behind, but the narrative and Naruto himself keep him in their minds as they continue to grow. Iruka acted as Naruto’s first teacher, and during the first episode, we got to see just what made Iruka the perfect role model for the young Naruto and how this low-level Ninja set the stage for Naruto’s development toward being the Hokage.

During Episode 1, we are introduced to not only Naruto but also the older ninjas who are in charge of teaching the kids, as well as going on missions. We see Naruto struggle with the basics of Ninjutsu and is frequently getting scolded by Iruka for his pranks and acting out. However, as the episode goes on, we see that there are not only ninja and people in the village who dislike Naruto, but they would even manipulate the young want-to-be ninja into incredibly dangerous situations. The episode comes to a head when Iruka finds Naruto, who has stolen a scroll of forbidden Jutsu’s but the two are attacked by Mizuki, leading to Iruka defending Naruto both physically and through one of the most heartfelt speeches in the entire series.

[RELATED: Sakura Stopped the Best Naruto Fight We Never Got]

Iruka Umino, the Purest Father Figure to Naruto

Iruka is an incredibly empathic character, and the audience learns that his bond with Naruto is particularly important as Iruka also lost his parents during the nine-tailed fox’s attack on Konoha. This specific trait is revealed to both fans and young Naruto through the villain of the episode attempting to goad Naruto into betraying Iruka. Iruka, throughout this episode, has shown his merit and even admitted to struggling with Naruto as a teacher, but has finally come full circle and realized that the young ninja is a lot like him and requires guidance and care. He quickly shows Naruto care by not only saving Naruto from Mizuki’s attack and allowing him to run but also by defending Naruto as a ninja against the villain. The speech that Iruka gives is long and full of poignant points about his life and how he and Naruto are alike, and it ends in his reconciliation that Naruto is not a beast or a monster like Mizuki implies.

“His suffering only makes him stronger. That’s what separates him from being a beast. So you’re wrong. He’s nothing like the Nine-Tailed Fox. He’s Naruto Uzumaki, of the Village Hidden in the Leaves.”

– Iruka, Naruto Episode 1

These words alone are enough to bring Naruto and even the most stoic of fans to tears as the brave teacher faced down what was likely to be his imminent death. Mizuki intentionally targeted Naruto and continued to wear him down at his self-worth, almost leading him to victory. Naruto felt scared and isolated; he had been tricked and was considered by many to be a failure, yet when faced with this do-or-die moment, Iruka was still willing to protect him. It’s also a quote which rings true throughout Naruto for him, and other Jinchuriki like Gaara and Killer B, that they’re able to grow from their suffering, and, in fact, not have to feel ashamed of their status, but embrace them as splendid ninjas of their village.

This moment of earnestness and courage from Iruka set the tone for Naruto throughout the rest of the series as these words rang out and helped forge Naruto’s ninja way. Naruto is finally instilled with the courage to find his resolution and protect his sensei. Naruto bursts from his hiding spot and shows off his new multi-shadow clone technique to defeat Mizuki. This technique may be a forbidden one, and Iruka may not have taught it to Naruto, but his kind words and heroic actions fueled our protagonist, leading to the reveal of what would become his ace move.

Iruka Was Always There for Naruto in Subtler Ways Than His Most Powerful Mentors

Now, the narrative may have left Iruka behind in terms of power and jutsu, but the reality of all that the teacher did for Naruto remains a reality for fans and the canon of the series. Iruka consistently protects the children at the Ninja Academy and continues to teach and train each new generation. He happily joins Naruto to celebrate his latest accomplishments over a bowl of ramen at Ichiraku, Naruto’s favorite joint in the village. He is also present for Naruto’s lowest points, like pulling Naruto out of his abyss of grief over Jiraiya’s loss, and celebrating the triumphs, such as when Naruto saved Konoha from utter annihilation by Pain.

Beyond instructing at the academy, Iruka is eventually promoted to headmaster to continue to aid the instructors in molding the minds of young wannabe ninjas. Jaraiya and Kakashi taught Naruto a lot and were certainly integral to the future Hokage’s path, but Iruka was the one consistent, always in Konoha, ready to take Naruto to get ramen. Iruka had such an impact on Naruto that among his senseis that survived the series, Iruka was who Naruto asked to fill the role of father at his wedding.

The post This Naruto Quote Reminds Fans That Jiraiya Wasn’t Naruto’s Only Great Mentor appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Chunin Exams from Naruto is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic arcs in all of anime, and one ninja managed to cement herself as a force to be reckoned with in a storyline full of multiple amazing moments and sequences. Today marks 19 years since fans’ minds were changed about one specific character who had been mostly unremarkable until then, especially when compared to other primary characters like Naruto, Sasuke, and Kakashi.

Titled “Sakura Blossoms”, Naruto Episode 32 premiered on May 6th, 2006, and the Japanese version was released coincidentally on May 7th, 2003. It covered chapters 52 and 53 of the manga and focused on the heroine and Team 7 member, Sakura Haruno. It saw her cut off her long hair, which symbolized severing her weak self, where she always relied on help from others and was unable to defend herself. While she fought valiantly against the Sound Genin to protect her unconscious friends, willpower wasn’t enough to win the fight, and she was eventually backed up by Ino and Team 10.

RELATED: Naruto Cosplay Unites Kakashi And Team 7

Sakura’s Emergence To The Scene Was Spectacular

Since the Land of the Waves arc, Sakura was constantly left behind by her teammates and was not as active in fights as the other two. While the power difference was understandable given the other two’s incredible motivations and goals that spurred them on, Sakura still felt empty and a non-contributor. However, this changed in the Chunin Exams arc when she felt horrible and disheartened by her weakness and how often she was getting rescued. She also wanted to fight side by side as a member of Team 7, and this episode was the first step to that.

At the beginning of the time-skip, Sakura’s performance in the Kazekage Rescue arc was unbelievable. Be it healing Kankuro when none of the Sand’s doctors could or taking down Kankuro alongside Chiyo in one of Naruto’s best fights, she became all that she desired and more. She was even more impressive in the War arc, where she was one of the primary medics who saved hundreds and helped a lot in the sealing of Kaguya Otsutsuki. No one could have predicted that episode 32 was the start of one of the series’ best character arcs, and it was 19 years ago that she showed her grit in becoming her two friends’ equal.

The post 19 Years Ago, Naruto Fans Saw One Classic Hero Change Forever appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Anime fans are counting down the days until we see the story of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations return to the small screen. Thanks to Studio Pierrot taking a far more measured approach to its anime, the Hidden Leaf Village has been sitting on the sidelines as the production house works on Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. Luckily, the Seventh Hokage still has some streaming tricks up his sleeve. In a major new announcement, Hulu has confirmed that it is housing a major entry in Naruto Uzumaki’s life and fans will be able to decide what iteration of the sequel series they can view.

Hulu has announced that not only does it now house the entirety of Naruto: Shippuden, but the English Dub is also available to watch on the streaming service for the anime fans that prefer this iteration. Shippuden, the sequel series to the original Naruto that featured Naruto and his fellow young Konoha residents as teenagers, held five hundred episodes to its name. While the show would eventually end, leaving the door open for Naruto’s son Boruto to take the reins as the new anime protagonist, Shippuden left its mark on the anime world and many battles are still referenced as some of anime’s best.

[RELATED: Naruto’s Anime Brought Us Its Best Antihero 21 Years Ago (And Changed the Series Forever)]

Boruto’s Sequel Series

While Boruto: Naruto Next Generations carried the torch following the conclusion of Naruto: Shippuden, but currently, the series has dove headfirst into a sequel series of its own, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. While the Blue Vortex has yet to be animated, the manga has been throwing some major curveballs into the ninja world and those who inhabit it. Without diving too deeply into spoiler territory, new villains and new changes to current protagonists are coming in fast and furious.

Studio Pierrot might have confirmed that “Boruto: Part 2” is in the works, though this doesn’t mean the production house is immediately getting into the Two Blue Vortex game. There are still some big events from Naruto Next Generations that have yet to be adapted to the small screen and things would never be the same for the son of the Seventh Hokage as a result. Creator Masashi Kishimoto returned to the series as its writer and with his comeback, the playing field has been radically altered.

Hulu’s Anime Territory

Naruto as a series can be found on quite a few streaming services, thanks to its huge status within the anime world. As the anime streaming wars keep heating up, Hulu has been housing some exclusive series on its platform. So far, these include heavyweights such as Code Geass: Roze of The Recapture, Undead Unluck, Tokyo Revengers, Medalist, Go! Go! Loser Ranger!, and more.

Want to stay in the loop when it comes to future developments focused on the Hidden Leaf Village? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on all things Naruto and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The post Naruto Reveals Major Streaming Surprise appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Everybody loves cool and flashy power systems, and Naruto undoubtedly delivers on that front with a range of jutsu from iconic to played out. Jutsu acted as the special move and trump card throughout all of Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, but even with 720 episodes under their belts, there were still so many jutsu that we didn’t get to see enough of. We all know the Rasengan and Chidori, but every ninja in the series has a deep bag of techniques they could break out. However, too often, we see the same jutsu used time and time again. So today, we will not only cover the top 5 underrated jutsu, but we’ll also look at the 5 that fans have seen more than enough of!

Most of the most iconic jutsu got their flowers and love throughout the series, but there are plenty of one-off techniques we get to see that have undeniable potential. From basic attacks to support abilities, there have been countless jutsu that fans wanted to see applied more often. Being the cornerstone of the series’s power system, the battles that featured the best or most creative jutsu often became fan favorites. We may all be tired of shadow clone spam, but any keen-eyed fan would be aware that for every Chidori, there is a Dust Release technique.

Underrated: Demonic Illusion: Steaming Multistoried Building

First, we have a genjutsu that fans got to see for the first time during the Fourth Great Ninja War. This jutsu was used by Gengetsu Hōzuki, the Second Mizukage, who had been resurrected to face the allied shinobi forces. The late Mizukage casts this genjutsu in tandem with his giant clam summon, and even as a B-ranked jutsu, it quickly shifts the tides of the battle. This ability is not one of direct damage output but instead focuses heavily on battlefield control while strikers and support pick off the enemy.

As an ability that had only been seen once, this genjutsu quickly proved its merit in battle, and either abilities like it or the jutsu itself deserved more attention in the series. The jutsu itself makes the entire battlefield into a steam-filled illusion machine that could debatably even fool a perfected Junchūriki, as they aren’t under the effects of anything but hyper-realistic mirages. If more of our genjutsu-focused characters used this in high-stakes battles, it would set up any ninja who lacks a perception-based Kekkei Genkai.

Overrated: Sexy Jutsu

A slapstick comedic jutsu often used by Naruto in the early episodes of the series, as well as a handful of times throughout Naruto: Shippuden. This jutsu has a novelty and nostalgia factor to it, given that it is one of the earliest techniques used by Naruto, but it quickly becomes a frequent attempt at shock humor, and even rears its head in terms of the Reverse Harem Jutsu used during the final fight against Kaguya.

Underrated: Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu

Phoenix Flower Jutsu has been seen substantially more than the other four entries; however, with a name like that, this move could have been the cornerstone of a ninja’s repertoire. Phoenix Flower Jutsu is a fire-based attack that we see used in both Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, used by a handful of Sharingan-wielding shinobi. Unlike the constantly used Fireball Jutsu, this versatile counterpart has instances of adaptation that the powerhouse fire jutsus don’t lend themselves to. We see both Sasuke and Kakashi utilize this jutsu as a battle hazard, firing a volley of flaming spheres, forcing opponents into defensive and evasive footing.

On top of the volley, there have also been instances of a ninja concealing shuriken within the attack to add a level of complexity and lethality to the jutsu. With all of this in mind, this versatile jutsu with one of the coolest names in the series deserves to be featured far more prominently in Naruto.

Overrated: Chidori

The Chidori is a technique taught to Sasuke by Kakashi and is first seen in Naruto Chapter 113, where it is revealed as Sasuke’s trump card against Gaara. After this moment, the audience begins to see the Chidori used in every fight Sasuke participates in, and even as a fan favorite, it is one hundred percent overused, and the evolved versions of it introduced in Shippuden were well needed.

Underrated: Spiralling Ring and Great Spiralling Ring

During Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie, fans were introduced to Menma, an alternate universe version of Naruto who flourished in ninjutsu quickly and who acted as the villain of this movie. However, this villain came with a handful of very interesting jutsu, one of which could have been an eventual adaptation for Naruto’s Rasengan down the line. The Spiraling Ring and Great Spiralling Ring are black-colored balls of chakra, like a Rasengan, but surrounded by rotating white rings.

This move is shown to be fairly powerful, and the Great version of it is shown to be able to destroy a bulk of Konoha, much like Pain’s Almighty Push. Having been a movie-based Jutsu, we never got to see it used beyond this point, but surely fans can all agree that seeing Naruto expand upon the Rasengan beyond the Rasenshuriken and expanding his tool kit would be well received.

[RELATED: This Iconic Naruto Quote Is Darker Than You May Have Realized]

Overrated: Rasengan

Naruto’s bread and butter, this jutsu was passed down from his father and has been a constant of the series after its introduction. This ability was Naruto’s trump card and has been seen in just about every fight that Naruto has taken part in. Naruto does improve upon the technique, and we see many variations of it in Shippuden, but let’s just call it like we see it and say we’ve seen it enough. It doesn’t help that Boruto seems to have taken the mantle for Naruto in terms of adopting this as his ultimate finisher, although they eventually both at least create new spins on the formula.

Underrated: Summoning: Crushing Toad Stomach

As seen in Naruto: Shippuden Episode 131, the Crushing Toad Stomach is a technique used by Jiraiya in his battle against Pain. This technique falls under the umbrella of summoning and reverse summoning jutsu and abides by the typical toad-themed techniques of the Legendary Sanin.

After being backed into a corner against the Giant Multi-Headed Dog, Jiraiya reverse-summons himself and the dogs into the stomach of a toad, causing the dogs to finally be destroyed as the stomach begins to digest them. Although (spoiler alert) Jiraiya would not make it out of this fight alive, his student, who would go forward and master the Toad Sage form, Naruto, could have used this jutsu in multiple battles, including his face-off with Pain.

Overrated: Shadow Clone Technique

Speaking of calling it like we see it, our protagonist has likely made more shadow clones than we can hope to count! Naruto loves this jutsu and rightfully uses it in every single fight in both Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden. Yes, the shinobi does use it quite creatively, but after the hundredth puff of smoke from a destroyed clone, we can comfortably say that we would love to see Naruto do something else, anything else, maybe not the Rasengan, but something.

Underrated: Heavenly Transfer Technique

Mabui, the Fourth Raikage’s assistant, is the user of this final technique we want to see more of. The Heavenly Transfer Technique is capable of transferring an item to a desired destination through a beam of light. This ability is typically used on inanimate objects, yet we see it used to transport the Fourth Raikage and Lady Tsunade during the Fourth Great Shinobi War.

This technique needs either inanimate objects or incredibly durable targets; however, it is undeniably powerful and could have been used far more efficiently and frequently, considering it is a jutsu type on par with things like Kamui and Flying Thunder God.

Overrated: Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique

A jutsu used by practically all noteworthy Sharingan-bearing characters throughout the series, Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique is often referred to as the Uchiha clan’s signature technique. This attack is used ad nauseum throughout the series, and its frequency of use removes the oomph from it beyond Naruto Part 1.

Early uses of the technique are fairly flashy and are shown to quickly dispatch swaths of low-level opponents like shadow clones, but eventually, the ability becomes a common fire-based attack that can’t even singe the eyebrows of the upper echelon of shinobi. Let it rest, Sasuke, it’s okay.

The post Naruto’s 5 Most Underrated Jutsu We Wanted to See More (And 5 We Saw Way Too Much) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Naruto franchise has introduced hundreds, if not thousands, of characters in the shonen series’ history. Amongst the many heroic and villainous ninjas that have been a part of Naruto Uzumaki’s life, there has been one who has become far and away one of the most popular figures of the Ninja World. Itachi Uchiha hasn’t been a part of the shonen series for years at this point but fans are taking the chance to celebrate a major anniversary for Sasuke’s big brother. In kicking off this big celebration, we thought that now would be the perfect time to dig into what made Itachi work so well in the series, warts and all.

To kick things off, Itachi Uchiha first premiered in the Naruto anime adaptation, in full view, twenty-one years ago. Since Sasuke Uchiha was introduced early in the shonen franchise, his main goal was to defeat his brother as Itachi was responsible for the death of the Uchiha Clan. Joining with the villainous Akatsuki, Sasuke’s older brother became a major threat to the ninja world at large. Harnessing the awesome power of the Sharingan, the villainous Uchiha primarily worked in the background but his shadow loomed large over both Sasuke and the Hidden Leaf Village at large.

[RELATED: Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Kills Some Major Villains]

What Made Itachi Work?

Let’s take a look at what made Itachi such an effective villain at the start. From the get-go, eliminating an entire clan of ninjas is no easy feat and leaving protagonist Sasuke as an orphan worked to get fans to see the threat level of the Akatsuki member. On top of this, while Itachi wasn’t featured nearly as much as the likes of Orochimaru early on, his demeanor and presence in the series’ story helped push him in the minds of anime fans. Despite being a part of a villainous enclave made up of colorful characters, Itachi carved out a place of his own.

Itachi’s arrival in the anime series was one that still makes for one of the biggest moments of the shonen series. Appearing completely out of nowhere to kidnap Naruto for the purposes of the Akatsuki, the future Seventh Hokage only gained reprieve thanks to the interjection of Jiraiya. Itachi has long been a cool, calm, and collected villain, seemingly never taking any pleasure from his antagonistic ways. Its in this mystery of his character that fans were hoping to peel back more of the eldest Uchiha’s character.

Does The Itachi Twist Work?

Of course, you cannot talk about Itachi Uchiha without discussing the big twist that was ultimately revealed about Sasuke’s sibling. As was revealed during the events of Naruto: Shippuden, Itachi eliminated his family and clan at the request of the Third Hokage. Thanks to the Uchihas planning to take over the Hidden Leaf Village and kill anyone who got in their way, Itachi both killed his clan to stop this from happening and sacrificing his future to infiltrate the Akatsuki. It added a brand new level to Itachi’s character and sent Sasuke on a path of revenge that far exceeded simply taking down his older brother.

The choice to reveal Itachi’s true motivations was quite controversial at the time, making him a double agent for Konoha the entire time. His death at the hands of his own brother felt earned on Sasuke’s behalf but it would send the younger brother on a path of revenge that would look to consume his former friends in Team 7. While it somewhat decimated his villainous motivations, it showed that there were layers to the disgraced Uchiha members.

Itachi Would Never Return But That’s Ok

When Sasuke delivered the death blow to his older brother, Itachi would not make a comeback to the shonen series. The series by creator Masashi Kishimoto was no stranger to resurrecting characters but Itachi’s role had quite the satisfying conclusion. Long past Itachi’s demise, the fact that we are discussing his place in the anime world proves that Sasuke’s older brother, and Sarada’s uncle, remains a fan-favorite.

Want to see what the Naruto franchise has in store for fans moving forward? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on the Hidden Leaf Village and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The post Naruto’s Anime Brought Us Its Best Antihero 21 Years Ago (And Changed the Series Forever) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

“I’m gonna bring you home safe if I have to break every bone in your body” is an intense and emotion-steeped quote from Naruto Uzumaki to Sasuke Uchiha during their face-off at the Valley of the End during the original Naruto series. These two shinobi had come to a point on their diverging paths where neither could move forward without facing the other in combat. A battle of this magnitude for both characters was foreshadowed, and when it finally arrived, it was full of impressive jutsu and heartfelt words, and communication through combat. Naruto facing off against his best friend and expressing desperately that he would willingly maim him to return him home gives the audience stark insight into the radical existence of a shinobi.

Throughout Naruto, we watch as Team 7 is frequently faced with the deadly reality that is the ninja world. Our young shinobi are sent on missions that endanger their lives, and even take part in saving their village from an enemy infiltration scheme. As we witness these genin grow and become well-rounded ninja, we also see that their paths begin to go in separate directions. Sasuke bears down on his resolve to gain the power necessary to kill his brother and avenge his clan, regardless of what it takes. While Sasuke follows Orochimaru down a dark path, Naruto maintains his ideals of wanting to become the Hokage and to protect those he loves. When the two finally exchange words and blows, Naruto delivers a chilling line that drives home the fact that the protagonist we’re watching and idealizing is still a child soldier whose entire existence is deeply ingrained with violence.

[RELATED: Nearly All of Naruto’s Villains Share One Thing in Common]

A Clash of Ideals

Naruto and Sasuke’s fight at the Valley of the End was heavily foreshadowed as the protagonists and their rival had constantly been growing alongside each other while laying the pathways for a showdown. Setting a scene for this epic battle was the easy part, as both young shinobi had already been fully indoctrinated as child soldiers and had experienced the frequent violence from within the ninja world. During the clash, we learn of the depth that these two characters have when it comes to their emotions for each other. Both of them view each other as the only other person who can understand them and as sibling figures. For Sasuke, this is why he must leave the village and sever that bond, he believes that he will never be able to achieve enough power to reach his goals as long as he is held back by close bonds. Naruto, on the other hand, believes in the sanctity of the village and hinges his very own ideals as a ninja on the fact that if we can’t save one friend, how could he become Hokage and lead his fellow shinobi?

There are many intense words thrown around by these two rivals, yet the one that stands out the most is the one we are talking about today, which truly highlights the violence of living within the ninja world. In swearing to save Sasuke and return him to the village, Naruto threatens to do anything it takes, including breaking every bone in Sasuke’s body. The intensity of a threat like this, even in an anime, can’t be understated, especially when we consider it is a child saying it. Naruto’s resolve throughout the series is ironclad, and he is sure of himself and sure of his mission, so much so that when a dear friend goes against the grain of his ninja way, his only option for resolution is combat. Of course, this doesn’t come as much of a surprise to viewers after experiencing the deadly Chunin exams and watching as these kids defended their village from invading soldiers.

Naruto’s Generational Violence

A world of violence creates a world filled with people who have been scarred by said violence, and this is never on display more than through all of the adult ninjas who were unable to help these Genin find peaceful solutions. As Sasuke began to exhibit his darker-leaning ideals in seeking strength, Kakashi was only capable of restraining the Genin and expressing to him that, like Sasuke, he had no loved ones left. Kakashi was forged by a great war and lost his entire squad, except for his sensei during that war, and often showed signs of not having recovered from that space mentally. A further failure for our adults was when a mission that should have fallen to older, more experienced ninjas became the Sasuke Retrieval mission led by a newly minted Chunin and four Genin. There were no other experienced ninjas available in the village, but that was because of the invasion by the Sand Village earlier on in the series; again, our young shinobi are constantly marred by the violence in their world.

“I’m gonna bring you home safe if I have to break every bone in your body!”

Naruto Uzumaki, Naruto Chapter 228

This Naruto quote about the extremes to which Naruto will go to bring Sasuke home is an example of absolute resolve and of a character who is one with their world. The dark truth is that all of the characters in Naruto suffer similar tragic existences; their world is war-torn and forged through combat, meaning that even at a young age, one of the prime career paths is becoming a soldier. Getting caught up in Naruto’s grandiosity, it is easy to forget the dire circumstances the young protagonists are in; however, that is not to say that he doesn’t become a voice for change. Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden were stories about Naruto learning that his life and world were a vicious cycle of violence and death and recognizing that responding with violence would not rid the world of this problem. Thus, Naruto, who said such violent things as threatening to break all of the bones in someone’s body, was able to forge forward and help usher in a world that relies less on wars to solve the majority of its conflicts.

The post This Iconic Naruto Quote Is Darker Than You May Have Realized appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Naruto has blessed the world with some of the greatest fights in fiction on multiple occasions, and it is time to celebrate 20 years since possibly the series’ best one aired. It was the perfect fight in almost every way possible, and there is no better time than now to re-experience this iconic bout that changed the trajectory of the story itself.

On 27th April, 2005, Naruto episode 132, which was titled “For a Friend…” aired in Japan. It adapted chapters 226, 227 and 228 of the Sasuke Retrieval Arc. The fights between the genin and the Sound Four concluded, and the final fight between the two friends finally begun. This fight was the last of part 1 and would lead to the timeskip transition, although the anime deviated into dozens of filler arcs before that.

Naruto And Sasuke’s Legendary Battle Is Eternalised In History Books

Kakashi discovers that Sasuke has betrayed the village and sets out to find him, calling upon his ninja dogs for assistance. Meanwhile, Sasuke, who sees Naruto as his closest ally, intends to kill him to obtain the Mangekyō Sharingan. Their Rasengan and Chidori collide, with neither gaining the upper hand. Sasuke activates his cursed seal and employs Fire Release to distract Naruto, allowing him to take the upper hand. Sasuke defeats Naruto, but starts to question their relationship. He hits Naruto with his Chidori, inflicting a wound, but Naruto is able to heal using the Nine-Tails’ chakra. Naruto proclaims that Sasuke is his friend and pledges to bring him back, launching an attack with renewed power.

The animation was out of this world, the soundtracks were amazing, and the choreography was gorgeous. Everything about a good fight, whether it was strategy, utilization of the power system, the flow of the action, and more, was all thanks to Kishimoto’s masterful understanding of combat. The emotional context between the fight, the stakes of the battle, and the conclusion to the battle made it one of the most emotional moments in the story. Furthermore, the consequences of the fight and Naruto’s surprising loss wrapped it all together and solidified it as the series at its peak.

RELATED: 10 Best Naruto Quotes That Moved Fans Worldwide

Naruto’s Topped This Legendary Fight Again And Again

While most series would have never been able to make a fight close to this again, Kishimoto did the impossible by making fights even better than this a few times later. Sasuke and Itachi’s fated battle was everything fans wanted and more. Naruto stepping amidst a destroyed Konoha and taking on Nagato/Pain concluded that amazing plot line that spanned most of the series in the best way possible. And finally, Naruto and Sasuke’s second fight in the Valley of End managed to be even better than the first. With an improved arsenal, greater destructive power and a more developed relationship between the two, it was the perfect climax to the 15 years of excellence over which Naruto spanned.

The post It’s Been 20 Years Since This Iconic Naruto Fight Broke Our Hearts appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations has announced Part 2 of the anime is now in the works, so there are some big things we need to see from the Naruto anime when it comes back. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations has been in the midst of a very long hiatus since 2023, and the anime brought its first era to an end while the manga was getting ready to kick off its second full era. The anime had come to an end because it was fast approaching where the manga was at the time, but now there has been plenty of material released to help give the anime more breathing room.

When Boruto: Naruto Next Generations returns for new episodes, however, there is a major change that the anime needs to make in order for it to be a success. It’s something that Pierrot has found success with in releases such as Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, and something that they could find success with in other franchises like Black Clover. Boruto’s anime needs to return on a seasonal release schedule rather than air new episodes on a weekly basis like it did before. It needs to allow the manga time to develop to avoid catching up again.

Boruto’s Anime Needs to Change

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations has announced that Part 2 of the anime is now in the works, but has not revealed much information about what to expect or when fans can expect to see the new episodes. But it needs to set a seasonal schedule in place for when it actually comes back. The Naruto franchise as a whole has been dealing with weekly episode releases since its anime first began over two decades ago, and that was the same format that the Boruto sequel series had followed when it first released. But that’s not necessary for success anymore as seasonal anime releases are now more the norm than they were years ago.

Seasonal anime releases also avoid some of the big pitfalls of a weekly anime schedule. Not only do the teams behind these seasonal releases usually have better production schedules for the staff (and hopefully means a less demanding workload as a result), but it also means a better final product at the end of the day. It would mean better looking episodes that are more commonplace (rather than just a few fight scenes that stand out every now and again), and fewer original episodes that need to be crafted as material that would serve as filler to keep from catching up to the manga’s materials.

Original story arcs not canon to the manga are one of Naruto’s biggest issues, and that was the case for Boruto. Much of its duration was spent with original stories because of the manga’s monthly updating schedule, and that would be the case this time around too if the anime returns on a weekly schedule. The manga’s still releasing monthly, and even if there’s more material to adapt by now, the anime would quickly catch up if it kept going on a weekly basis. But that wouldn’t happen if Boruto came back with a batch of 12 episodes once a year instead. Even if it had a 25 episode a year release, it would still take a while to catch up.

RELATED: Goku From Dragon Ball and Naruto Share One Unfortunately Bad Quality

What’s Coming in Boruto Season 2?

When Boruto: Naruto Next Genrations’ anime ended with Episode 293, it also ended adapting around Chapter 67 or so of the manga. With 80 chapters of the first series in total, it means there’s about 13 or so chapters of material left to cover. That’s all of the final bits of the series that kick off the sequel’s true story as well, so this is where is starts to really get interesting. Following Eida’s debut, it was then revealed that she actually had a much more devastating power than fans had ever expected. A power that Kawaki is about to use for his benefit.

Eida’s power was revealed to have an impact on the world around her. Rather than just having the Omnipotence to see every event that was going on in the present, it turned out that her ability also had the power to change the minds of everyone who she used it on. She then used this power to make the rest of the Hidden Village believe that Kawaki was Naruto’s real son, and Boruto instead was a fugitive on the run. This leads to a three year time skip that kicks off Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, a now ongoing sequel series of its own.

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is likely the biggest tease from the original series that began with a much older Boruto and Kawaki fighting in the ruins of the Hidden Leaf Village. If Boruto does indeed return for new episodes, this is the biggest thing that fans would want to see fully animated. Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is showing off the older versions of the characters with stronger abilities and more, and that’s what the anime needs to spotlight as soon as possible. Even better if a seasonal schedule gives us plenty of time to enjoy it.

The post Boruto Season 2: What We Want to See From Naruto’s Anime Return appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Studio Pierrot has been busy, forging the story of the Soul Society in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. Thanks to the production house’s new seasonal approach to anime, many series that the studio is known for have been on hiatus for quite some time. Luckily, some major news has been revealed regarding the most popular anime ninjas of all time. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations season two has seemingly been confirmed by Studio Pierrot, meaning that the son of the Seventh Hokage will eventually return to the anime world after his years-long hiatus.

On Pierrot’s official website, the anime studio slipped the big news under the radar, adding a line of dialogue to the franchise page stating, “A second part has been confirmed.” While the major storyline taking place in the manga at the moment is Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, there are still a handful of events that need to take place in Naruto Next Generations for the anime to catch up to the manga’s events. Unfortunately, a release window has yet to be revealed for this second season, or the four original episodes of the initial Naruto series that Pierrot confirmed years ago. Most likely, anime fans will learn more once Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War has finished its fourth and final batch of episodes.

[RELATED: Boruto Is Taking a Bold Risk With One Feature That Made Naruto Great]

What Will Boruto Season 2 Cover?

When last we left Boruto: Naruto Next Generations in 2023, Konoha was flying high. While the Nine-Tailed Fox had died thanks to the fight against the Kara Organization’s leader, Jigen did die in his fight against Naruto, Boruto, and Kawaki. Unfortunately for the ninja world, Jigen’s protege Code is more than willing to take up the cause and is looking for revenge. The son of the Seventh is going to have more troubles than Code in the anime’s return, however.

Before Boruto: Naruto Next Generations jumped into its hiatus, it introduced new members of the Kara Organization unlike anything we’ve seen before. Eida and her younger brother Daemon had bizarre powers that made them major threats to our heroes and when the anime returns, expect some major developments from the siblings. While the second season is on the way, it will be interesting to see if this renewal includes the current manga series Boruto: Two Blue Vortex.

Demon Slayer Changed It All

Pierrot’s decision to change its approach to anime came about thanks to Demon Slayer, with studio Ufotable taking a more seasonal approach to the Demon Slayer Corps. In a past interview, Pierrot president Michiyuki Honma talked about the change, “I think Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba was a major turning point for the anime industry. It was a high-quality work that took a lot of time and a generous budget to make and it was a big hit when it aired, attracting people from a wide range of age groups. I watched it. Before and after Demon Slayer was announced, I really felt that we had to change the way we create things. Furthermore, other studios were releasing high-quality works on a similar scale and in Japan there was an environment where these could be watched on commercial television.”

Via Pierrot

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Naruto aired its first episode in Japan on October 3rd, 2002, and came to English-speaking audiences via Viz Media in 2005. I was 13 years old, and it only took a few months before I was deeply hooked on the series. The tragic-yet-optimistic protagonist, silly jokes, and terrifying battles were a captivating trifecta. What would happen to Naruto? Would he finally make friends? Would he ever learn to read the expiration date on a milk label?

As of this year, I am 33 years old. I traded my Konoha headband and cheap orange Naruto jacket for a four-year-old son, a day job, and The Great British Bake Off. Most of my anime collectibles and manga sit in a weatherproof trunk in our garage, gathering dust. It has been nearly 15 years since I last watched an episode of Naruto, and even longer since I picked up a manga, which was why it was so surprising when I got a notification one night while cooking dinner about a special event happening at our local performing arts center.

The Naruto Symphonic Experience came to my town. This special showing combines the first 220 episodes of the franchise, the whole original Naruto runtime, into a two-and-a-half-hour experience punctuated by a live orchestra and singers. It’s one of those nostalgic throwbacks that took me from trying to flip hamburgers with a toddler hanging off my leg back to a wild, ninja-loving teenager in the blink of an eye. I could smell the Suncoast in the mall, feel the blisters from ninja shoes bought at a local anime convention, and hear “Fighting Dreamer” blaring off an old burned CD.

I called my childhood best friend, and we booked our tickets within ten minutes of seeing the advertisement.

The Naruto Fandom Shaped My Love of Anime

RELATED: Naruto’s Ending Ruins One of the OG Series’ Best Moments

Media is a curious and powerful sculptor of young identities. Much of what we watched as kids leaves a lasting impression on our hearts and has the power to shape what we enjoy in adulthood. Whether it’s reminiscing about Blue’s Clues or Bluey, generations form deep attachments to the messages and memories connected with the things we watch and then share with our peers.

In the ’00s, Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece were considered the “Big Three” of anime. Everyone was into at least one of these franchises, if not all of them. They dominated cosplays at conventions, drew huge groups of anime-loving teens together, and acted as a bonding experience for anyone deep in nerd culture. My friend group was Naruto at full speed. It was something we talked about at school, watched on the weekends, and wore to our very first anime conventions.

So much of my early teens was spent with a headband tied around my neck. Even to this day, I still have it tucked in a box of precious keepsakes alongside a broken Kunai and battered notebook filled with original character doodles. It’s a reminder that at one point in my life, I wasn’t embarrassed to show off what I loved. I was proud of it, and I took parts of it with me wherever I went.

Naruto was a stepping stone into other anime and manga as well. I went from ninjas fighting horrific evils to Black Cat, Rurouni Kenshin, Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, and Inuyasha. My love of fast-paced action, deep character turmoil, and emotional connections between characters was foundationally etched by my time with Naruto, and I was hungry to find it in any other media I could get my hands on. I was also fortunate to grow up in a time when Manga was easier to get than ever before. We weren’t quite at easy streaming options for anime, but that was easily fixed with YouTube’s vast library of low-quality, chopped-up episodes of popular titles.

I would also say that Naruto helped shape me into the writer I am today. It was the first time I paid particular attention to the way action and narrative rose and fell, and I still fall back on those elements when writing today. My partner calls this your “creative toolbox”, filled with important influences that help shape the way we imagine worlds and build our own artistic identities.

The Naruto Symphonic Experience Reconnected Me to Myself

I went to the concert in a pair of green shorts and a black T-shirt, no extras or accessories to add any flair. It has been years since I’ve had anything with anime printed on the front. I expected the crowd to be primarily parents with younger kids. The new generation of Naruto fans. When we walked into the theater, instead of kids in outfits or teens looking for a way to pass an evening, I found myself surrounded by people my age. It was a whole performing arts venue loaded with fans who likely sat on their living room floors decades earlier, staring at the first episode the day it aired, just like me.

Some of the attendees looked like I did – dressed in something non-assuming, shuffling with the embarrassment that comes from being a covert anime fan. Others were dressed in full cosplay. Sakuras, Narutos, and Sasukes stood in line for drinks or at the merch booth, talking excitedly. Additionally, there were parents with younger kids, but both age groups were dressed in a way that clearly stated their love of the series stemmed from sharing it as a family.

We filed in, took our seats, and the lights dimmed. The orchestra struck the opening chords to “ROCKS” by Hound Dog, and everyone around me started to sing – the same song I used to sing while getting ready for middle school a lifetime ago.

I sat and watched as iconic scenes from the show were brought to life by the music. I remembered how I felt watching specific scenes for the first time. I shivered as songs I hadn’t listened to in years came back to me word-for-word. The show was punctuated by cheers and screams as everyone in the audience caught sight of their favorite characters, and the entire experience ended with the room on their feet, screaming the lyrics to “Fighting Dreamer” as the orchestra played in front of us.

I am very glad that I wasn’t the only one who started crying. It had been such a long time since I’d felt so connected to a full room of people, and it reminded me why this show meant so much to me. Naruto wasn’t just an anime I watched growing up, it was a connection point to other people. It was the chance to be a part of a community that enjoyed the same things and wanted to celebrate them together.

For just a minute, we were all able to set down everything in our lives, and simply enjoy something together without worry or stress. No bills, no anxiety about the state of the world, just pure fun and joy at loving something with others.

I Am Still a Naruto Fan

After the Naruto Symphonic Experience, I went home and dug out the old box with all my manga. All the volumes have lived in that box since I got married, put away to make way for the ‘more grown-up’ appearance I was trying to project. I’ve started putting them back on the bookcase in my office, because I shouldn’t shut up such an important part of who I am. I also realized while watching the show that I’ve forgotten so much of the important plot, making now the perfect time to jump back in and enjoy the series with fresh eyes and a new perspective.

I want to reconnect with the kid in me who loved the series. I also want to continue finding ways to connect with others like I did while watching the show. I am still a Naruto fan. I’m an anime fan, and that doesn’t have to change. It’s easy to lose that when life takes over and everything always feels overwhelming.

In a few years, I want to introduce my kid to the series and hopefully, pass on my love of Naruto to him. I don’t want to hide what makes me who I am, or act like I’m only interested in reading the dictionary because I get shy about it. More importantly, I don’t want him to shut away what he loves like I did. He should celebrate those things, enjoy the connections it will bring him, and revel in being part of a world that creates beautiful art that unites communities.

The Naruto Symphonic Experience was one of the best shows I’ve ever been to, from the performance to the connection. If you are a Naruto fan, it is definitely worth seeing. Who knows, it might reawaken a hidden child inside of you, too.

Check out the Naruto: The Symphonic Experience website here to find ticket options and tour dates if you don’t want to miss out!

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Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has been turning heads by presenting us with a “Shippuden-style” story for the son of the Seventh Hokage. With the Divine Trees seeking to continue the quest of the Otsutsuki, Boruto himself is struggling with a world that now hates and fears him thanks to Eida’s shenanigans. While anime fans might be waiting for some time to see the events of this sequel series animated, that isn’t stopping Two Blue Vortex from hitting some big heights as a new milestone has been revealed as to just how popular Naruto’s successor is.

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has released four manga volumes to date since first premiering in 2023 and since that year, the shonen sequel series has netted one million copies of its story in circulation. The current storyline sees series creator Masashi Kishimoto joining artist Mikio Ikemoto to forge a wild new chapter for Konoha in which Boruto has to fight friend and foe alike. When Kishimoto returned to writing duties in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, he threw everything out of whack by killing the Nine-Tailed Fox and Jigen, making major changes to the shonen landscape. With the series showing no signs of ending anytime soon, the sky is the limit for the manga.

[RELATED: Boruto Is Taking a Bold Risk With One Feature That Made Naruto Great]

What’s Happening In The Vortex?

When last we left Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, the son of the Seventh has been making some good headway in terms of bringing former friends to his side. So far, Naruto’s son has been able to undo Eida’s spell on some key figures in the ninja world, including Shikamaru, Sasuke, and more. Thanks to the arrival of the Divine Trees, former enemies have become allies as Boruto Uzumaki is now partnering up with Kashin Koji, the clone of Jiraiya who was once a key player in the ranks of the Kara Organization.

On top of the changes that Boruto has been dealing with, many members of Konoha have been given some wild new circumstances in the Two Blue Vortex. Perhaps the biggest has been with Boruto’s sister Himawari, who has become the new vessel for a resurrected Nine-Tailed Fox. Now that Kurama has been reborn as a chibi-sized version of itself, Himawari might turn out to be the strongest member of her family, which is no easy feat considering the powerhouses that make up the Uzumaki clan.

Where is The Two Blue Vortex Anime?

Unfortunately, Studio Pierrot has been tight-lipped regarding when we can expect Konoha’s return to the small screen. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations released its 293rd episode in 2023, marking the start of a major hiatus for the series that normally would release episodes weekly. Pierrot hasn’t been shy about their new seasonal approach, but at the moment, the production studio is working on the grand finale of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. With Ichigo and the Soul Society’s final episodes still in the works, anime fans are left to wonder when we’ll see Konoha return.

Want to stay in the loop when it comes to the Two Blue Vortex? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on Boruto and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

Via WSJ_Manga

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Naruto is filled with countless iconic moments and story arcs, however, none is more important than the Chunin Exams and the storylines it gave breath to. This arc set the stage for character development throughout the rest of the series and even set Naruto and Sasuke down their opposing paths for the first time officially. During the exams, the audience is finally introduced to the expansive world of Masashi Kishimoto and gets to watch as their favorite ninjas compete to move from Genin to Chunin.

The question, “If the Chunin Exams had gone to the end, who do you think would’ve won?” was asked by the official Naruto and Boruto account on X, was originally bounced around in the minds of fans for years now, and has a handful of possible answers. Before being interrupted, the Chunin Exams had five ninjas left in the running. Gaara, Temari, Kankuro, Shino, Naruto, and Sasuke each did not get to complete their final face-offs in an official capacity. An argument can be made for any of these Genin to be the victor, and fans in the comments are hard at work making their cases. We will discuss the matches and hopefully come to a compelling conclusion for a victory.

[RELATED: Why Sakura Was So Weak in Naruto (And How She’s Great Despite This)]

The Matchups Left Some Questions Unanswered in the Chunin Exams

While the exams came to an abrupt end, there were two semi-final matches left to be had. The first match we’ll talk about is between Sasuke and Gaara, and it was the match that led to the exams becoming interrupted. When breaking down straight-up abilities the fact that Sasuke lacked any meaningful ways to deal damage to Gaara beyond the Chidori an attack that drew blood but not much else from the Sand Genin, leads to a difficult fight that would likely end with Sasuke running out of chakra much like his battle against Gaara outside of the exams. The follow-up fight would be between Kankuro and Shino, who are two fighters that we get to see face off outside of the exams as well, where we see Shino immobilize Kankuro but succumb to poison. This fight can go either way, and for this conversation, we can have them end in a draw, giving one of the other competitors a bye round.

The follow-up fights would revolve around the remaining Naruto, Temari, and Gaara and could either be a match between two of the Genin while one has a break or between the three of them in a battle royal style match like we see in Boruto: Naruto the Next Generations. Either way, the battle ends up the truth of the matter would be similar to the bout against Gaara and Sasuke which is that there is no meaningful form of damage that any of the Leaf Genin can muster against the Sand Shinobi. We do see Naruto face off against Gaara outside of the exams, but he requires help from the rest of team 7 and needs boosts from anger through seeing his friends in danger.

The Strongest Genin

Throughout the Chunin exams, Gaara shows that he is on a completely different level than the other young ninjas and would only really have true difficulty in the future against Naruto’s greatest villains. We see Gaara defeat countless opponents with ease and even defeat adult Shinobi sent to assassinate him. The question we should be asking is, who would get second place? Could Naruto defeat Temari? Well, from all showings of their respective abilities, it is incredibly unlikely that Naruto would be able to even lay a finger on the Kunoichi. Up to this point, Naruto has shadow clones and taijutsu to fall back on, and we often see him struggle with enemies that can attack at range and damage multiple targets.

Not counting for any extra power boosts that the narrative may bring about when it comes to looking at pure abilities, our second and first-place ninjas in the Chunin exams would be Temari and Gaara. The Genin from the Village Hidden in the Sand showed their consistent power and dominance through the whole of the Chunin Exams and were rarely faced with opponents whom they couldn’t outright eclipse. Rock Lee had to utilize a body-damaging ability to face off against Gaara, and Shikamaru was the perfect match-up for the Kunoichi. At the end of the day, within the confines of a tournament, none of the Leaf Genin left in the running could hold a flame to the sand siblings.

The post Official Naruto Post Reignites Decades-Long Debate Over the Most Important Arc appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Decades after its initial release, Naruto continues to be among the most popular anime shows, especially on Netflix. Of course, being popular hasn’t spared it from being criticized for various reasons, and one prominent criticism revolves around Sakura and her character design. Sakura receives a lot of hate from fans, and there are plenty of complaints that she’s a useless character. If you take a look at the series overall, quite a few female characters end up with lackluster roles, often there to be a support or as a comparison to show how much stronger other characters are, and it feels like their roles weren’t as well planned out as characters like Naruto and Sasuke.

However, it actually makes sense that Sakura isn’t a powerhouse. At least, not in the beginning of the series. When you consider her background and circumstances, Sakura actually beat the odds to become the best medical nin. This takes her out of the running in terms of typical battle shonen powerscaling races, but in another sense, it gives her character a different, more fulfilling purpose.

Sakura Is From a Humble Civilian Family

Unlike most of the other graduates in her year, Sakura doesn’t have a family with a robust shinobi background or a clan that she belongs to. Some filler episodes in the anime have her parents as former shinobi who never really rose through the ranks, but you can basically say that they fit better in the category of civilian. As a result, Sakura wouldn’t have been raised with a future as a shinobi in mind.

Not only does this mean that she likely didn’t receive any additional preparation for the academy while she was young, since it wasn’t an expected path for her to take, but she doesn’t have the same resources that shinobi families would have available for their kids before and during their academy years. On top of that, she certainly doesn’t have the benefit of a bloodline limit or unique properties from her heritage, such as Naruto inheriting his mother’s unique chakra (and the Nine-Tailed Fox).

Looking back at it, Sakura probably had the most peaceful childhood among the kids she went to the academy with, many of whom experienced tragic moments before they even earned their forehead protectors and were assigned to a team. The greatest hardship she experienced as a kid was her lack of friends and typical childhood bullying. While this meant that her overall mental well-being was good, she didn’t have the chance to use those tragedies as a source of strength, unlike Sasuke, who used his clan’s massacre as a reason to keep growing stronger.

RELATED – Naruto’s Most Underrated Skill Paved the Way to Become Hokage

Sakura Beat the Odds by Putting in the Work

For the majority of the standard series, Sakura doesn’t show anywhere near as much growth as her teammates. It’s not until she decides to be Tsunade’s apprentice that she starts to evolve into a force capable of facing a member of the Akatsuki with one person acting as her backup. This is famously the case for her battle against Sasori, notably the first major victory against the Akatsuki scored by anybody from Team 7, and the first overall in the series. It’s a triumph showcasing the series’ values of diligence, dedication, and believing in oneself.

You could say that Sakura started weak in Naruto because she never had the opportunities or the right teacher to guide her before Tsunade. Her chakra control, ability to absorb new information quickly, and determination to improve after she realized how far behind she was in terms of strength made her the perfect student for Tsunade. In a way, it’s similar to real life and how finding a teacher who’s the right fit for you can make a big difference when it comes to your future path.

Sakura’s Character Arc Was Decently Done

Yes, it could’ve been done better, but the series makes it obvious that the main focus is on Sasuke and Naruto, so a lot of interesting characters end up on the sidelines more often, even if their inclusion would’ve made sense. Despite that, Sakura received a full arc during the series. She started her journey with confidence in her knowledge, even if her practical skills weren’t on par with other kids. Then, she realized chakra control was her strength—she just didn’t know how to capitalize on it. Next, she started to understand how weak she was when compared to her peers and that she isn’t able to use her strengths to their fullest. Finally, she finds the right teacher in Tsunade, who turns her into one of the best medical ninjas alive.

Whether you like Sakura or hate her, her role in the series has a sense of completion to it. Naruto has high moments and flaws, but it does a decent job of giving development to its side characters, even if they don’t receive as much screentime or have their development shown, sometimes opting to show their progress when they appear again. In Sakura’s case, her development is amazing. She starts with no benefits and without a background to help her on the path of a shinobi. Despite this, she’s still able to overcome these hurdles and go from one of the weakest characters to one of the strongest by the end of the series, able to stand by her closest friends in their darkest hour, garnering recognition from her peers and even past Hokage for her power.

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Naruto earned its place amongst Shonen Jump’s Big Three more times than we can count. The shonen franchise that gave anime fans the original Naruto series, Naruto: Shippuden, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, and Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has been a part of the pop culture sphere for decades. Like so many other fictional stories, heroes are typically only as good as their villains, and boy oh boy does the Hidden Leaf Village have plenty of villains to choose from. Here is our ranking of the top Naruto villains to appear in the long history of the franchise from the Seventh Hokage’s beginnings to his son’s teenage misadventures.

As a quick breakdown for a list, the top ten are in no particular order as it would be so difficult to choose the creme of the crop. Luckily, we have gathered this den of villainy and broken down our reasoning behind which antagonists were able to stand on the top of the ninja ladder. Let’s kick things off with one of the earliest villains of the shonen franchise.

Gaara

It’s been a very long time since the current Kazekage was a villain but we’re safe in stating that Gaara’s initial appearance helped to make him one of the most memorable antagonists of the series. Giving fans one of the best battles in the shonen’s history, Gaara beat down Rock Lee in such a way that many thought the hard-kicking ninja would never recover. The Sand Village resident was one whose backstory was a twisted iteration of Naruto’s struggling with the demon inside of him and terrifying those around him in the process. While Gaara would eventually see the light side, like many villains on this list, his villain-status was nothing to sneeze at.

Orochimaru

Speaking of early villains, Orochimaru is most assuredly the “biggest bad” of the initial Naruto series. Initially a part of Konoha’s “Legendary Sannin” alongside Jiraiya and Tsunade, the snake-like ninja would depart the Hidden Leaf to dabble in dark ninjutsu. Alongside causing the death of the Third Hokage, Orochimaru gave Sasuke the opportunity to leave his old life behind in a bid to achieve power by any means necessary. Thanks to no restrictions on what he can learn, the villain was able to become a powerhouse who easily earned his spot on the Akatsuki, whose members will certainly appear on this list.

Itachi Uchiha

Sasuke’s older brother was a cold, calculating villain whose power was terrifying enough in and of itself thanks to his mastery of the Sharingan. First appearing in the original Naruto series as a member of the Akatsuki seeking to capture Naruto, Itachi Uchiha earned his younger brother’s ire by eliminating their clan. While his background blurred the lines between anti-hero and villain, the bodies left in Itachi’s wake and the damage he did to so many makes a strong argument for him being a part of the antagonist category of the shonen. Even though Itachi hardly appears in the initial series as much as Gaara and Orochimaru, the member of the defunct Uchiha clan had a long shadow in the initial shonen.

Sasuke Uchiha

This will be a controversial pick thanks to Sasuke being a hero in the likes of Naruto, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, and Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, but in Naruto: Shippuden, Itachi’s younger brother was a villain through and through. His ultimate goal of killing his brother Itachi was achieved but this fact didn’t stop his reign of terror as he chose a new target. Thanks to Itachi being secretly employed by the Third Hokage, Sasuke turned his ire to Konoha and was more than willing to kill anyone who got in his way. Eventually, Naruto brought him back to the good side of the equation but not before he nearly killed everyone on the battlefield.

Pain

When it comes to some of the most impactful villains of the shonen franchise, Pain is a great example of an antagonist who shaped the future of Konoha. Leading the Akatsuki and having a ninjutsu that allowed him to inhabit multiple bodies at once, the villain didn’t just give Naruto one of the biggest battles of his life but he also laid the groundwork for the shonen protagonist to become the Seventh Hokage. Naruto’s victory here against the Akatsuki head had the Hidden Leaf Village trusting him like never before, swinging open doors that the son of the Yellow Flash never thought possible.

Madara Uchiha

Madara’s resurrection made sense as a part of the “Third Ninja World War,” wherein Kabuto used Orochimaru’s powers to resurrect allies and enemies of Konoha alike to fight the Ninja World. What did come as a surprise is that the founder of the Uchiha Clan had been alive long before Kabuto’s machinations, pulling the strings in the background on most of the nefarious doings taking place in both Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden. On top of his tactical experience, Madara’s power level was such that he was able to defeat hundreds of ninjas at once and even the combined effort of all of the Hidden Leaf ultimately wasn’t enough to defeat him.

Obito Uchiha

First appearing in the series as what seemed like the weakest, most flippant member of the Akatsuki, “Tobi” would eventually be revealed to be Obito Uchiha. While he was the right-hand man to Itachi Uchiha, his background with Kakashi as one of his most trusted allies helped push some impactful storytelling during the events of Naruto: Shippuden. Not only did Obito have one of the most compelling origins of any character, his eventual confrontation with Kakashi is still touted as one of the best fights of the shonen franchise. Dying during the final battle of Shippuden, Obito left his mark on the ninja world in more ways than one before finding redemption thanks to Naruto.

Danzo Shimura

Danzo was within spitting distance of becoming the next Hokage following Pain’s assault on the Hidden Leaf Village and is often thought of as one of the villains that you love to hate. While the villain presented himself as a leader hoping to keep his village safe, he was willing to go to any length to make sure that not only was Konoha safe but that he was firmly in charge. This resulted in some disastrous decisions that placed him on a collision course with Sasuke Uchiha, with the latter taking Danzo’s life. Thanks to some experimentation by Orochimaru, Danzo gained some serious power but his body was mutilated in the process, as you can see in the image above.

Zabuza Momochi

Zabuza’s initial threat almost seems quaint in comparison to the other antagonists that threatened the ninja world in the subsequent years. The Hidden Mist Village swordsman presented the original Team 7 with their big first challenge, as a confrontation over a bridge set all the parties involved on a collision course. While Zabuza wasn’t a threat that was able to defeat Kakashi or threaten the Hidden Leaf at large, his aesthetic and personality made him the perfect initial villain for the shonen series. Even following his demise, Zabuza’s shadow loomed over much of the future of the ninja world.

Jigen/Isshiki Otsusuki

We had to sneak one Boruto villain into the mix. Jigen is the former head of the Kara Organization who died during his fight against Naruto Uzumaki and the Seventh Hokage’s Baryon Mode. Thanks to the Kara leader’s machinations, the Nine-Tailed Fox died and the ninja world became that much more dangerous as a result. The Otsusuki member is one that definitely sticks out amongst the crowd in the Boruto series and it’s a shame that he won’t torment Konoha any longer. Fingers crossed that the Divine Trees adequately take the reins as effective big bads.

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Naruto is a franchise that, without a doubt, carries a massive legacy with it. Whether it be the anime or manga, fans around the globe are familiar with the shonen title and many of its characters – even if they’ve never taken the time to get invested in the story for themselves. One of the biggest draws for fans of the series, especially when Naruto was still ongoing, was which of the shinobi from Konoha and the other villages would end up pairing off with one another. Obviously, there are plenty of canon couples throughout Naruto that have earned the love – and ire – of fans, but there’s one couple who had immense potential that was never properly explored.

Warning: Minor Spoilers Ahead for Naruto’s Ending!

While Naruto ending up with Hinata was inevitable and Sakura and Sasuke being together obvious by the end of the manga, there were plenty of other characters in the cast that seemed to have decent chemistry with one another, whether or not they ended up together. Reflecting on some of the endgame romances, one of the biggest missed opportunities and couplings that had an intriguing storyline that followed their relationship was Ino and Choji. Team 10’s Ino Yamanaka and Choji Akimichi had many moments in both pre and post-timeskip Naruto that suggested something of a “Don’t Judge a Book” storyline between the two that was unceremoniously dropped before the two ended up being paired off with completely different supporting characters, with Ino ending up with Sai and Karui from Kumogakure.

Ino & Choji’s Bond as Teammates Gave Them the Opportunity To Grow Together

Something about the dynamic between Ino and Choji that makes the ship so interesting is their growth and bond as teammates. In the earlier arcs of Naruto, Ino is depicted as having a mean girl persona. Like many of the other young girls in Konoha, she has a devastating crush on resident bad boy Sasuke and pits herself against other girls who have feelings for him. In the same way, she oftentimes acts disgusted by any other boys who don’t compose themselves as being the cool, silent type, and when she is initially put on Team 10 with Shikamaru and Choji, she couldn’t be more displeased by their personalities and appearances. But, as seen in small moments leading up to the Sasuke Retrieval arc, Ino starts to develop a soft spot for her teammates – especially Choji.

Despite Ino goading him by making fun of his appearance in the Chunin Exams arc to make him fight better, after the boys return from trying to change Sasuke’s mind in the Sasuke Retrieval arc, Ino is shown to genuinely care for and be concerned with Choji’s near-fatal injuries. It’s a small nod to her changing her behavior to not only be a better teammate but also a better friend. This chemistry continues going into post-timeskip Naruto, where, in the Five Kage Summit arc, news that Sasuke has become affiliated with the Akatsuki has made its way back to Konoha. After it’s suggested that Konoha eliminate Sasuke to prevent any further tragedies from befalling Konoha, Choji and Ino are seen together, with the kunoichi being devastated over the village’s decision while Choji does his best to comfort her.

This deep care for one another’s feelings persisted into the Shinobi World War arc. When Team 10 is forced to fight against a resurrected Asuma, Choji can’t emotionally or mentally bring himself to fight his former mentor. In an act of mercy and even love for her teammate, Ino uses her jutsu to transfer her consciousness into Choji in order to fight. Their dedicated moments together are few and far between, but it’s made abundantly clear throughout Naruto‘s run that in their time together, Ino and Choji have each helped the other in different ways. In Ino’s case, her friendship and camaraderie with Choji makes her far less shallow – even if she does still have an eye for pretty boys – and Ino’s eye for beauty seems to embolden Choji as the series goes on. It’s an incredible dynamic that works well with both of their characters, even if they aren’t cast members who are given much screen time compared to other couples in the series.

[RELATED: Naruto’s Ending Ruins One of the OG Series’ Best Moments]

Why InoCho Should Have Been Endgame

While, yes, Ino does have plenty of moments with Sai that justify the two of them getting together, much of the content of them together as a romantic pairing isn’t seen by audiences until well into the epilogue of the original series and their married life in Boruto. In a similar vein, Choji’s relationship with his wife, Karui, is almost exclusively seen in Boruto or other supplemental side stories. With that said, there’s no hard justification why these two wouldn’t have worked as a legitimate endgame pairing going into Naruto‘s finale, and in many ways, it would have been the better writing direction for both of them. As mentioned above, much of the symbolism surrounding Choji, butterflies, inner beauty, and confidence plays remarkably well into Ino’s own progression as a character. Ino progresses by learning to distance herself from the shallow, preconceived ideas she forms about other people before getting to know them properly.

It would have been an absolute delight to see these two develop a closer romantic bond with each other or even learning how to process their feelings and try to find the words to express themselves. It also could have made the dynamic of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio more complex going into Boruto with two of the families suddenly being unified by marriage. Better yet, it would have created an opportunity to see the child of Ino and Choji thrive in an environment built on self-love and embracing oneself to the fullest. There are just so many little narrative nods to the two developing a relationship that leans into being more than platonic that it is disappointing, albeit understandable, that they ended up being just friends by the end of the series.

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Since its humbler beginnings, anime has exploded in popularity, a passive pastime to some and others becoming avid fans seeking all the merch, conventions, and comradery they can get. The subculture, like the fandoms of comic books, superheroes, and video games, was once mocked as cringy and for incel geeks. Now, it’s finally recognized as a respected pastime that’s had a complete glow-up in the eyes of society in relatively recent years, even coming toe-to-toe in rivaling the popularity, like that of devoted sports fans. There have even been some nifty sources for anime, such as the database MyAnimeList or even voice actor SungWon Cho, who provides suggestions on his YouTube channel, ProZD.

From young, blossoming novices to older generations seeking a new hobby, anime has charmed many with stunning visuals, beautiful music scores, heartfelt characters, gripping plots, and all-around masterpieces of storytelling mediums. While anime in itself isn’t just a single genre or interest but a vast sea, there are also many iffy tropes and cultural differences to wade through. But with so many choices and questionable content, where does one even begin getting into such a hobby? Well, whether you’re a younger fan in need of eye protection or a more mature newbie, we’re here to help!

For the Younger Budding Anime Fans

From otaku parents starting an anime journey for their kiddos or tweens interested in the fad themselves, these picks are a bit lighter for the beginner palate. Please be advised that it is strongly suggested that parents do their due diligence in screening anime themselves since, like with any piece of media, there is always a chance of certain topics, themes, visuals, or cultural differences that may not agree with specific family values. If you’re looking for some family-friendly anime fun, you’re in luck!
If your kid enjoys collections of cool monsters, we suggest:

• Pokémon
• Digimon
• Yo-kai Watch
• Yu-Gi-Oh!
• Beyblade
• Monster Rancher
• Element Hunters

Or perhaps for the magical girl enthusiasts:

• Sailor Moon
• Cardcaptor Sakura
• Magical Doremi
• Jewelpet
• Pretty Cure
• Mewkledreamy

Want something silly or a slice-of-life? Here are some picks:

• Spy x Family
• Sgt Frog
• My Roommate is a Cat
• Natsume’s Book of Friends, Lucky Star, Nichijou, Chi’s Sweet Home, Hamtaro, Barakamon.

Craving action-packed and goofy adventures? Try:

• Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo
• Dragon Ball
• One Piece
• Sonic X
• Doraemon
• Little Witch Academia

For family movie night, we suggest some Studio Ghibli films:

• My Neighbor Totoro
• Spirited Away
• Arrietty
• The Boy and the Heron
• Castle in the Sky
• Howl’s Moving Castle
• Ponyo
• Kiki’s Delivery Service
• The Cat Returns

Also worth considering:

• Mary and the Witch’s Flower
• Any of the Pokemon movies.

For the More Mature Viewers Seeking a New Hobby

While the following suggested anime are for those who can handle more mature themes, we strongly suggest checking out the previous picks, as there are some gems that fans of any age can enjoy! From coming-of-age to relatability, there are many anime to choose from!

Whether feeling shy or awkward, these characters will probably make you feel better about yourself, give you a giggle, or even feel relatable:

• Komi Can’t Communicate
• Bocchi the Rock!
• Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!
• Sonny Boy
• The Dangers in My Heart
• Teasing Master Takagi-san
• Skip And Loafer
• FLCL
• Dandadan
• Ranma 1/2

For those interested in sports and clubs:

• Haikyu!!
• Kuroko no Basket
• Free! Iwatobi Swim Club
• Blue Box
• Blue Lock
• K-On
• Do It Yourself!!
• Blue Period
• Chihayafuru
• Ping Pong the Animation
• Hyouka.

Some somewhat educational but mostly entertaining choices:

• Cells at Work!
• Dr. Stone
• Food Wars!
• Spice and Wolf
• Heaven’s Design Team
• Shirobako

Want action and adventure? These classics tend to be a great starting point for many:

• Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
• Monster
• Cowboy Bebop
• Space Dandy
• Samurai Champloo
• Naruto
• Attack on Titan
• Hunter x Hunter
• Demon Slayer
• Jujutsu Kaisen
• My Hero Academia
• Gurren Lagann
• Bleach
• Inuyasha
• Soul Eater
• Assassination Classroom
• Fairy Tail
• Yu Yu Hakusho
• Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World
• Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.

Or perhaps a bit darker/psychological/thought-provoking picks:

• Death Note
• Black Butler
• The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
• Psycho-Pass
• Steins;Gate
• Puella Magi Madoka Magica
• School-Live!
• Future Diary
• Death Parade

Looking for something a bit silly?:

• One-Punch Man
• Mob Psycho 100
• My Deer Friend Nokotan
• The Demon Girl Next Door
• Pop Team Epic
• KonoSuba
• Uncle From Another World
• Azumanga Daioh
• The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
• Gintama

Or some anime to chill out to:

• Aria the Animation
• Insomniacs After School
• Laid-Back Camp

A bit of fantasy to spice things up:

• The Ancient Magus’ Bride
• Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
• Sword Art Online
• Mushi-Shi
• Land of the Lustrous
• Delicious in Dungeon

Romance anime that are sure to make your heart flutter:

• Ouran High School Host Club
• Horimiya
• Toradora!
• Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
• Fruits Basket
• Maid Sama!
• Kamisama Kiss
• My Little Monster
• My Dress-Up Darling

Apropos for the working adult:

• Aggretsuko
• Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku
• My Senpai Is Annoying
• Bartender Glass of God
• Great Pretender

Picks to watch about married life with your spouse:

• I Can’t Understand What My Husband Is Saying
• The Way Of The Househusband
• Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again
• Tonikawa: Over the Moon for You

For parents looking for a relatable break:

• Wolf Children
• Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms
• Sweetness and Lightning
• Bunny Drop
• Buddy Daddies
• Sakamoto Days

Movie night options include some more mature picks from Studio Ghibli:

• Princess Mononoke
• Porco Rosso
• Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
• Whisper of the Heart

If you’ve exhausted your Ghibli options, we suggest these even more advanced offerings:

• Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop
• Lonely Castle in the Mirror
• A Silent Voice
• Your Name
• Summer Wars
• The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
• The Boy and the Beast
• Belle
• In This Corner Of The World
• A Whisker Away
• Perfect Blue
• Akira
• Tokyo Godfathers
• Paprika

What anime do you think is a great starting point for new fans? Let us know in the comments what picks you’d recommend as a lifelong fan or what your favorites are as a newbie!

The post From Naruto to Delicious in Dungeon: A Guide to Anime for Beginners appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Over its fifteen-year run, Naruto had countless major, minor, and filler villains for the titular ninja to face in battle. Within each arc featured in Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, these villains all had something in common: they were “missing-nin”, a ninja in the Naruto world that has abandoned or become unaffiliated with their village of origin. This title bears heavy significance, and we are first introduced to the unaffiliated enemies during the original Team 7’s first mission, setting the tone for those in the world of whom we should be wary.

From Zabuza Momochi to the Akatsuki and eventually even Team Seven’s own Sasuke, Naruto faces down the shinobi in his world that have abandoned their homes and their ninja way. For a series focusing heavily on the protagonist’s belief system being his very own nindo (ninja way), these antagonists often foil Naruto in abilities and beliefs, leading not only to flashy and engaging combat but to the face-off of two philosophies. But there are certainly approachable reasons as to why so many of Naruto’s core villains are missing-nin.

Part One: Naruto

Part one of the Naruto series follows the main cast of ninjas as they work through their Genin Exams, early missions, and the Chunin Exams, growing into the heroes they will eventually become. The first enemies we meet that bear the title of missing-nin are Zabuza Momochi and Haku. Zabuza is an imposing figure that we learn about from Kakashi after Team 7’s first encounter with him as he attempts to assassinate the bridge builder Tazuna. Zabuza’s contributions towards the overarching narrative run deep, even if the character didn’t last beyond his introductory arc, because we see that this first mission causes Naruto to become resolute in his ninja way.

Another of the villains we face in early Naruto is Orochimaru. This recurring antagonist not only orchestrates the attack on Konoha by the Sand Ninja but is a missing-nin from Konoha himself. Orochimaru repeatedly appears as a direct threat and a reminder of an underlying path that members of Team Seven can take to access power more quickly. In between instances of Orochimaru’s scheming, we are also introduced to two members of the Akatsuki, Itachi and Kisame. Being faced with the recurring power of multiple missing-nin, our characters are presented with two options: stay resolute in their village and their fundamental way of living or, in pursuit of power, embrace the solitary and hate-filled life that being a missing-nin can bring. As we see the first series come to an end, two of our stars, Naruto and Sasuke, come to a head in a battle of ideals as Sasuke abandons his home and friends to gain access to greater power through Orochimaru.

[RELATED: 10 Best Anime to Watch If You Like Naruto]

Part Two: Naruto: Shippuden

For almost the entirety of Naruto: Shippuden, we watch as Naruto spends most of his time hunting down Sasuke in between missions and training. These two characters still exist in opposition to each other, and Sasuke is one of the many missing-nin this portion of the series features. These styles of characters appear more and more frequently to face our heroic ninjas from Konoha in battle and to begin pressing against our character’s ideals directly. As Naruto grows stronger both in ninjutsu and his ideals, he is repeatedly bore down by the group of missing-nin called the Akatsuki. The Akatsuki come in all shapes and sizes and even introduces us to Pain and his iconic cycle of pain speech.

Pain, also known as Nagato, is the absolute foil to Naruto’s character and exists in opposition to the Ninja in every way. Nagato was a previous student of Naruto’s teacher Jiraiya and was an orphan, much like Naruto himself. However, unlike Naruto, Nagato believed that the world needed to be brought to peace through a powerful hand and that as long as wars were fought, people would remain stuck in a perpetual state of hate and pain. These two characters boiled to an absolute showdown after Nagato had destroyed Konoha in a siege that only ended when Naruto was able to quell his rage and show his opponent that they could end the cycle of pain by ending the fight between each other and removing themselves from the violence of the ninja world at this moment.

The Necessity of Missing-nin

The world of Naruto is one of many ninja villages and lands that are dominated by intra-village and feudal-style politics. As the world evolves and as we, the viewers, experience its expansion, we begin to understand that these ninjas abide by strict codes and rules, even for assassins and soldiers. So, with all of this in mind, the reality is that the missing-nin are fundamentally easier villains to utilize within the world presented. Any village-based ninja would bring with them village-based ideals as well as the complex intra-village governmental conflict, the likes of which could deeply overcomplicate any arc it would be featured in.

The post Nearly All of Naruto’s Villains Share One Thing in Common appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Some popular anime garner hype with new content. Some nostalgic, well-loved anime still have fans flocking to their fanbases years and hundreds of episodes later. Naruto is the latter. But unlike some franchises bolstering more episodes or having begun airing years prior, Naruto is still garnering attention with a firm, dedicated fanbase that continues to grow watching their cherished show. And, with such iconic, admired storylines and characters, the franchise deserves the attention.

And with a franchise as bold, iconic, and enduring as the namesake himself, Naruto tops other franchises in its latest milestone, topping the Netflix anime charts for the second half of 2024. And why shouldn’t it? Naruto, though he faces challenge after challenge in ninja training, also faces emotional challenges that hit close to home. But he doesn’t let that stop him. Naruto’s drive to accomplish his dreams in the face of adversity is the epitome of “never give up” and is a widely beloved inspiration to otaku everywhere. Believe it!

Naruto is Still the Best! Believe it!

After over twenty years, Naruto still manages to come out on top. With an analysis conducted by PJB Entertainment on the comparison of watch hours each franchise has had as of the conclusion of 2024, Netflix’s “What We Watched” Report reveals that the Naruto franchise has taken the #1 spot. This includes the original 2002 series through its 2017 conclusion with Naruto: Shippuden, filler, and other projects like Boruto, with cumulative watch hours adding up to around a whopping 330 million. With its officially claimed #1 spot as the most-watched anime globally, Naruto has outpaced One Piece (ongoing with over 1000 episodes), Demon Slayer, Pokemon (also with over 1000 episodes), Black Clover, Hunter x Hunter, Seven Deadly Sins, My Hero Academia, Dandadan, and even Jujutsu Kaisen. It’s an impressive change of pace compared to the first half of the year, which saw Delicious in Dungeon rightly snatch the top rank.

With nothing current matching the full run of Naruto, this shows just how the series has really impacted its fans with the lasting quality of Naruto’s best moments. Naruto as a character resonates with fans everywhere with his determined spirit in the face of adversity and is a widely beloved inspiration to otaku everywhere. With friends and foes along the way, his adventures, ranging from hilarious antics to heart-wrenching emotional experiences, have left their imprint on not just the storylines and characters and the franchise’s audience but the course of anime culture itself.

A Beloved Anime Franchise Since 2002

In the Hidden Leaf Village, Konohagakure, Naruto Uzumaki, a young, aspiring ninja, is shunned by the wary community. The leader, the Fourth Hokage, had sacrificed his life and sealed the Nine-Tailed Fox demon within the newborn Naruto to prevent it from wreaking havoc on the village. But Naruto doesn’t let his circumstances and rejection from others deter him — with a rambunctious, mischievous nature, he’s determined to become the next Hokage and gain the village’s recognition and respect. Making friends along the way, Naruto trains to become a strong and capable ninja, facing many new foes and the demon inside himself.

Since its humble beginnings in 1999 as a manga by Masashi Kishimoto and published by Shueisha, the adventure/fantasy/comedy/martial arts shonen amassed 72 volumes in its run until 2014. In 2002, Pierrot adapted it into an anime series that has been widely popular ever since. The franchise has included the original Naruto 220-episode series spanning 5 seasons, Naruto: Shippuden with 500 episodes spanning 22 seasons, and ending in 2017 with the next generation continuing in Boruto, featuring Naruto’s son.

[RELATED: Naruto Team Shares How Its Sequel, Boruto, Came to Light]

Even with other franchises like One Piece having a seemingly more imposing legacy with ongoing manga and anime series, Naruto manages to appeal to generations of anime fans both new and nostalgic, the franchise as a whole successfully bridging the cultural gap in surprising ways with regards to viewership. Constantly outputting new merch, promos, and collaborations, the franchise is as successful as ever with garnering both its marketing and genuine appeal, and the impressive number of watch hours is a testament to its lasting appeal.

And as fans clearly still want more content from the franchise, perhaps this should be case enough for Boruto needing its anime to make a return and why Two Blue Vortex is a worthwhile reading experience. With its 2016 ongoing two-part manga series, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, the franchise’s clear endurance is evidence enough that it could continue its successful viewership should the anime also continue. But until then, fans can get their fix with Two Blue Vortex’s ongoing monthly manga. With Boruto facing new skills to learn and new goals to achieve, the manga is increasingly worth your time as its plot unfolds.

Even if you’re unable to support Naruto by watching on Netflix, that’s okay! Naruto can also be streamed on most major streaming services including Amazon, Hulu, Peacock, Crunchyroll, and more.

The post Naruto Is Still the Hottest Anime on Netflix appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has been taking the opportunity to focus on some of the Seventh Hokage’s biggest allies fighting against the newest big bads of the shonen universe, the Divine Trees. While Sarada Uchiha and her fellow young ninjas find themselves in a physical altercation, Konohamaru has a much more difficult and emotional challenge on his hands. As Konohamaru struggles with a former ally turned enemy, Boruto’s teacher has to make a tough decision in the latest manga chapter, proving once again that creator Masashi Kishimoto is more than willing to take off the gloves when necessary.

Warning. If you have yet to read Boruto: Two Blue Vortex’s latest manga chapter, Chapter 20, be forewarned that we’ll be diving into major spoiler territory. Konohamaru has been in a tough situation in Boruto’s manga, being assigned with taking down the Divine Trees by the current Hokage Shikamaru. Initially tasked with befriending Matsuri, the Divine Tree member born from the DNA of Konohamaru’s friend Moegi, Boruto’s mentor was attacked by the villain thanks to her wild emotional state. The Divine Trees, after all, are equivalent to children in terms of their understanding of the world and themselves, which Konohamaru uses to his advantage.

[RELATED: Naruto Finally Unleashes Sarada’s Greatest Sharingan & Teases Its Power]

Konohamaru Still Has It

Trapped in Matsuri’s scarf and being threatened with a painful demise, Konohamaru is forced to play his trump card and start emotionally manipulating his opponent. With the Divine Tree putting the squeeze on the Hidden Leaf ninja, tears start streaming down her face as she fails to understand this rush of emotion raging inside of her. Thanks to being based on Moegi’s DNA, the villain doesn’t wish to be Konohamaru’s executor and thus, leaves herself open to a wild attack.

In a brilliant fashion, Konohamaru asks to hold Matsuri’s hands, allowing her to drop her guard and unleashing a devastating attack at point blank rage. Boruto’s former teacher calls forth a pair of “Giant Rasengan”, not only completely blowing apart the Divine Tree’s arms but her legs as well. In a split moment, Konohamaru might have also lost his win opportunity to claim victory.

Watching from afar, the Divine Tree leader known as Jura confirms that Konohamaru might have lost his life in his hesitation to kill Matsuri, “Because of love, Matsuri wavered over devouring him and allowed him to trick her and deliver a painful counter-attack. Also because of love, Sarutobi Konohamaru fell prey to doubt and foolishly let victory slip from his grasp.” In Konohamaru’s final scene in this latest manga chapter, it seems that Matsuri losing her appendages won’t stop her from unleashing a maelstrom his way, potentially spelling the end of the ninja.

Want to see if Konohamaru makes it out of this encounter alive? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on the Hidden Leaf Village and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The post Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Unleashes Konohamaru’s Greatest Betrayal appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has put Sarada Uchiha and the others in the midst of some very real danger against the Divine Trees, and the cliffhanger from the newest chapter has finally unleashed Sarada’s own Mangekyo Sharingan. The Mangekyo Sharingan is one of the strongest Sharingan techniques fans got to see Sasuke Uchiha use during the heights of the original Naruto series, and Sarada was previously revealed to carry on this power. In the final few chapters of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, it was revealed that Sarada had unlocked this ability but didn’t seem to know herself that she had activated it.

It’s been a long time since that point, however, as Sarada has grown throughout the years in between the events of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex sequel. Now that she’s gone on a deadly new mission to the Hidden Sand Village and facing off against two of the Divine Tree foes, it seems the stress and chaos of the situation has activated this latent power within her once more. But this time around, we’re finally starting to see what Sarada’s version of the technique can do.

Naruto Unleashes Sarada’s Own Mangekyo Sharingan

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 20 picks up right after Ryu catches Sarada and the others while they were trying to trick him. Although they were able to avoid his iron sand control for awhile, it’s now a much different case as his ability continues to overwhelm both Team 7 and the Hidden Sand Ninja. Ryu then offers them a deal to reveal more information about Boruto’s whereabouts in exchange for their lives. Sarada refuses to do so because not only would she not want to give away Boruto’s location, but she doesn’t even know where he is in the first place.

It’s here that Yodo realizes that Sarada’s going to protect Boruto regardless of how the rest of the world sees him, and thus decides to give herself up. Claiming that her abilities to help locate Boruto, Ryu refuses and strikes her through the stomach. As she lies there in injured, Yodo then asks Sarada to look deep within herself as it’s clear that she’s holding back her power. She’s been subconsciously holding herself back, and Yodo tells her its okay to use that power to protect the one she cares about instead of for some “greater good.” It’s here that Sarada’s Mangekyo Sharingan activates in full.

RELATED: Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Explains Boruto’s New Jujutsu Kaisen-Like Powers

What Does Sarada’s New Sharingan Do?

Although Sarada had unknowingly activated her Mangekyo Sharingan during the final events of the original series, it’s not until this chapter that she’s activated it in full. The power unleashed from her version of the technique seems to work much differently than her father’s as well as Ryu’s iron sand starts collecting in a single sphere in the middle of the air. The sand is being sucked into this one single spot, and it’s almost as if it’s working as a black hole.

The chapter ends before fans get to see more of Sarada wielding this new power, but now it’s just a matter of seeing what’s next. Sarada has never used this ability before, and following the time skip she’s now at a point where she can even wield the ability. It’s unclear as to whether or not it will have the same drawbacks seen with the other Sharingan users, but now she’s going to test it out in the midst of combat with her life on the line. And the technique could not have sparked at a better time.

The post Naruto Finally Unleashes Sarada’s Greatest Sharingan & Teases Its Power appeared first on ComicBook.com.

As an anime about friendship and teamwork, Naruto has its fair share of competition or friendships turned rivalries. Some of them, like Naruto and Sasuke’s rivalry, are meant to pave the way to character growth. While others, like Might Guy and Kakashi’s rivalry, serve as friendly and somewhat comedic relationships in an otherwise bleak world. But one Naruto rivalry is agreed by fans to be the worst of them all even after multiple decades: the rivalry between Ino Yamanaka and Sakura Haruno. 

Ino and Sakura’s rivalry is frequently criticized for being shallow and revolving around a boy who (at least at the time) wasn’t even interested in them. But while Sasuke played a major role in the two’s rivalry, the underlying theme is a fight to show the other up in both love and ninja skills. Had the story focused more on this element of the two’s relationship, their friendship and rivalry would have been much less frustrating to watch, and might have even paralleled Naruto and Sasuke’s iconic rivalry.

The Background Behind Naruto’s Worst Rivalry

One of Naruto’s most hated rivalries, Ino and Sakura’s relationship is often criticized for being one-dimensional, with the two former friends seemingly only fighting to impress Sasuke. But that’s not all there is to it. While the two’s feelings for the last Uchiha were the overt reason given for their competitiveness, their actual dynamic is far more complex.

Ino and Sakura first became friends after the former found a young Sakura crying from being bullied for her large forehead. Ino told her to embrace her forehead to stop the teasing and tied her hair back for her with a red ribbon. This set the tone for their relationship: Sakura was the shy, timid girl who often got bullied, and Ino was the confident girl who defended and supported her.

While Ino’s support helped Sakura slowly become more confident, her inner insecurity remained. She compared herself to Ino and found herself lacking. This can be seen in Naruto Episode 41, when the two young girls made flower arrangements and Sakura asked Ino if the latter was a beautiful Cosmos and the former just a common Thoroughwort. Ino was quick to reassure Sakura that she was still a flower bud and could bloom into a flower even more beautiful than the Cosmos. But while her words inspired Sakura, they weren’t enough to erase her insecurity.

The Easy Change That Could Fix It All 

This is where Sasuke comes in. Sakura’s feelings for Sasuke were strong enough that when she learned Ino also liked him, she didn’t automatically back down thinking she didn’t have a chance. Her feelings for him brought out her inner competitiveness and pushed her to improve to the point that she could finally view herself as Ino’s equal.

This focus on Sasuke also makes Sakura’s otherwise significant character arc feel remarkably childish and shallow. So, how could this have been fixed? The easiest way would have been to simply substitute the catalyst of liking Sasuke with something else. In the context of the story, the obvious choice would have been a rivalry over becoming the better Kunoichi. Kunoichi, or female ninjas, are already a minority among the Konoha 11, with their growth being largely overlooked until Naruto Shippuden, and Tenten being practically ignored by the end. Given Sakura’s growth under Tsunade following the time skip, putting this development into focus in Part 1 could have been far more compelling.

[RELATED – One Naruto “Plot Hole” Is Seen in a New Light 25 Years Later]

This is already a major part of Ino and Sakura’s relationship, so the story would not need to be altered significantly for it to work. To a young Sakura, Ino symbolized the kind of person and ninja she wanted to become. As such, even without their mutual crush on Sasuke, Sakura’s feeling of not being Ino’s equal and desire to grow out of the other girl’s shadow would have eventually led her to turn their friendship into a rivalry.

But without the love rivals angle, the two girls could perhaps become rivals without ending their friendship, leading to a relationship of constant improvement reminiscent of Kakashi and Might Guy. As acknowledged by Sakura herself during her Chunin Exam fight against Ino, the latter’s support and rivalry was a major reason she was able to even come as far as she did. Both of them could get much stronger if they pushed each other as friends and regularly trained together. 

It also helps that the story does see the two girls eventually redefine their rivalry as not just being over Sasuke during the Chunin Exam Arc, although this gets overshadowed by their continued infatuation with him. When Sakura cuts her hair to free herself from the Sound ninja Kin, she shows she values fighting for her teammates more than Sasuke potentially liking her long hair. Ino does the same when she cuts her own hair off during her fight against Sakura. These scenes could have been much more powerful if they served as physical proof of the two moving past their childhood crushes on an uninterested Sasuke.

How Sakura and Ino Mirror Naruto and Sasuke

Despite everything, Sakura and Ino’s rivalry is, in a way, a parallel to Naruto and Sasuke’s rivalry. Sakura starts the rivalry out of a desire to become Ino’s equal. Much like how Naruto initiates his rivalry with Sasuke over being envious of the Uchiha’s popularity and wanting to become his equal. 

The two also share the same underlying hard work vs. talent angle as Naruto and Sasuke, with Ino coming from a prestigious ninja clan while Sakura comes from a civilian family. There is the difference that, unlike Sasuke, Ino seems to have always believed in Sakura’s potential. But Sakura still needed to stand up to her in an actual fight to believe in herself, hence the need for their rivalry.

The post Naruto’s Worst Rivalry Could Have Been Fixed With One Easy Change appeared first on ComicBook.com.