Reviews Manga / Naruto

This series made me who I am today

That title isn't even that much of an exaggeration. When it comes to my interest in anime and manga, Naruto is to me what Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z is to others.

From the beginning, Naruto is a very unique take on the ninja world. As the story progresses the capabilities and powers of shinobi are greatly expanded upon while still leaving enough room for fans to theorize and make their own headcanons (which is almost always unintentional but nonetheless fun).

While many critics of this series say that the story could have definitely ended at the Zabuza arc and that the Chunin exams were an attempt to extend an already decent story, I submit that I probably wouldn't have given the series that much attention had that been the case. The only reason I got interested in it was because I stumbled upon an episode of the Preliminary Chunin exams and was captured by the ninjas flip-flopping all over with their cool techniques. I highly doubt I would have pursued the series if I learned it ended so succinctly and open-endedly like some have opined would have been the best for the series.

As time goes on, threats are mounting. Imminent and in a way, unavoidable, this being a bloodthirsty ninja world. The mystery behind Naruto's past grows ever more important as the cards he's been dealt—a jinchuuriki housing the world's most powerful demon—begin to threaten his and his village's existence, as well as that of the peace between nations. The Akatsuki, Kishimoto's own neat little Rogues' Gallery replace Orochimaru as the main antagonistic force. They are promptly defeated, however, making all of them but two of them mere distractions to the main end game.

With retconning and utterly stubborn characters taking center stage, the latter fourth of the manga will most likely turn you off. Only the most devoted fans like myself sat through to the end.

I will not say that I was very happy with the end, simply because I have become more hung up on the Akatsuki's wasted potential as compelling and entertaining villains, but if you're like me, you see your favorite manga series to the end, as it's the least you can do after spending a decade following it.

The fillers are deadly but at times humorous. The characters are entertaining and unique for the most part. It is a series to be tried simply to experience one moment of "wow that's cool".