I'll just jump right in with my usual system of good/bad without backstory. However, due to the nature of the story, I think it's better if I just approach each group of people.
Looking for an in-depth story; Sorry, you won't find it here. Naruto makes no jokes about it being a shonen. It's boy's manga, plain and simple. It has a lot of holes, makes several DB missteps, etc.
Looking for awesome action; You like Gurren Lagann? Then you'll love Naruto. Into Dragon Ball? You'll love Naruto. Follow One Piece and Bleach? You'll love Naruto.
Now onto deeper stuff. I love the main character Naruto, mostly because I used to watch Dragon Ball all the time and had always believed in the power of friendship. So yeah, Naruto was one manga that filled it all for me. Monsters, explosions, funny moments, awesome characters, etc.
Also, I love the debates that go on around the main "boss" fights. With Gaara, with Orochimaru, with Sasuke, with Pain, with Obito... they're amazing to read and really made me think.
I can understand that some hate the story. Sometimes it drags on for me too. Which is why I normally recommend folks to read the wiki and simply read the fights that interest them. Thankfully, the Narutopedia is awesome in keeping track of things, so you won't be missing out on much.
Oh, and avoid the anime fillers. Granted, I did enjoy a few, but I would, again, recommend consulting the wiki before investing any time into it. Parts can be skipped and nothing would really change.
Still though, with all that I said, I love Naruto and am not ashamed to admit it. It probably takes a special taste to truly enjoy every moment of it, so I recommend viewing the first part, before the timeskip. After the timeskip, everything builts onto each other, so you suddenly feel invested into seeing everything through to the end.
So much to cover in so little words
I'll just jump right in with my usual system of good/bad without backstory. However, due to the nature of the story, I think it's better if I just approach each group of people.
Looking for an in-depth story; Sorry, you won't find it here. Naruto makes no jokes about it being a shonen. It's boy's manga, plain and simple. It has a lot of holes, makes several DB missteps, etc.
Looking for awesome action; You like Gurren Lagann? Then you'll love Naruto. Into Dragon Ball? You'll love Naruto. Follow One Piece and Bleach? You'll love Naruto.
Now onto deeper stuff. I love the main character Naruto, mostly because I used to watch Dragon Ball all the time and had always believed in the power of friendship. So yeah, Naruto was one manga that filled it all for me. Monsters, explosions, funny moments, awesome characters, etc.
Also, I love the debates that go on around the main "boss" fights. With Gaara, with Orochimaru, with Sasuke, with Pain, with Obito... they're amazing to read and really made me think.
I can understand that some hate the story. Sometimes it drags on for me too. Which is why I normally recommend folks to read the wiki and simply read the fights that interest them. Thankfully, the Narutopedia is awesome in keeping track of things, so you won't be missing out on much.
Oh, and avoid the anime fillers. Granted, I did enjoy a few, but I would, again, recommend consulting the wiki before investing any time into it. Parts can be skipped and nothing would really change.
Still though, with all that I said, I love Naruto and am not ashamed to admit it. It probably takes a special taste to truly enjoy every moment of it, so I recommend viewing the first part, before the timeskip. After the timeskip, everything builts onto each other, so you suddenly feel invested into seeing everything through to the end.