In 1999 Masashi Kishimoto published a one-shot manga called ‘Naruto’. 15 years later it is still going strong and remains one of the best selling series in history. Since it’s first publication it has sold more than 130 million copies in Japan alone and has been made into a popular anime series which have spanned into other ventures such movies and video games.
The story revolves around a young ninja called Nartuo Uzumaki who constantly searches for recognition and dreams to become the Hokage, the ninja in his village who is acknowledged as the leader and the strongest of all. The story spans 6+ years, with a time gap in the middle.
The story focuses on the ninja world and the history surrounding it. With many fantasy elements has well as individual lore, the world is rich with detail. The series greatest strengths are it’s action, comedic scenes and it’s character personalities.
Naruto has been widely successful outside Japan and has broken into western culture. With the manga, anime, games and movies all being translated to English, it has become widely popular and found a massive market. The series strengths eco that of other series that have become popular in the western market and the simple art style has translated well in the West. For many, Nartuo has been an introduction to Japanese pop culture and has helped other manga series make the jump to western media.
While the series is still on going, many believe this story arc will be the last one. It’s fair to see that Naruto will continue to be a great example of how Asian culture can make the jump to western pop-culture . It’ll endure as one of the greatest manga of our time.
The story revolves around a young ninja called Nartuo Uzumaki who constantly searches for recognition and dreams to become the Hokage, the ninja in his village who is acknowledged as the leader and the strongest of all. The story spans 6+ years, with a time gap in the middle.
The story focuses on the ninja world and the history surrounding it. With many fantasy elements has well as individual lore, the world is rich with detail. The series greatest strengths are it’s action, comedic scenes and it’s character personalities.
Naruto has been widely successful outside Japan and has broken into western culture. With the manga, anime, games and movies all being translated to English, it has become widely popular and found a massive market. The series strengths eco that of other series that have become popular in the western market and the simple art style has translated well in the West. For many, Nartuo has been an introduction to Japanese pop culture and has helped other manga series make the jump to western media.
While the series is still on going, many believe this story arc will be the last one. It’s fair to see that Naruto will continue to be a great example of how Asian culture can make the jump to western pop-culture . It’ll endure as one of the greatest manga of our time.