Review: NARUTO: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring

NARUTO: THE SEVENTH HOKAGE AND THE SCARLET SPRING
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONIST: Masashi Kishimoto
TRANSLATION: Mari Morimoto
LETTERS: John Hunt
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8493-5; paperback (January 2016); Rated “T” for “Teen”
216pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

A young shinobi (ninja), Uzumaki Naruto had an incorrigible knack for mischief, and he was the biggest troublemaker at the Ninja Academy in the shinobi Village of Konohagakure.  Naruto was an outcast.  There was, however, something special about Naruto.  When he was a baby, Naruto's parents (father Minato and mother Kushina) imprisoned a nine-tailed fox spirit (Kurama) inside his infant body.  In time, he became a ninja with his classmates Haruno Sakura and Uchiha Sasuke.

Then, the story of young Naruto ended...

Naruto, the long-running ninja manga from creator, Masashi Kishimoto, ended with Chapter 700, published in Japan's Weekly Shonen Jump on November 10, 2014.  However, a few months later came a miniseries that focused on the children of the main characters in Naruto.  It was published in Weekly Shonen Jump from April 2015 to July 2015, and it was entitled  Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring.

The setup is basically this:  Naruto the teen learned special ninja techniques, and he helped save the world.  He achieved his dream of becoming the greatest ninja in his village, and now, he is the Seventh Hokage.   Time has passed, and Naruto is a father, but he also faces new troubles bubbling up in the shinobi world.

As Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring (Chapters 700+1 to 700+10) opens, some time has passed since the Fourth Great Ninja War.  Naruto does the mundane work of leading Konohagakure, but his son, Boruto, and his pranks demand attention – like father, like son.

Meanwhile, Sarada, the daughter of Sasuke and Sakura, is troubled by her parents' relationship.  Sasuke is always away on missions, so she wonders if he really cares about his wife and daughter.  When new trouble arises, Naruto leaves the village to find Sasuke, so Sarada and her friend, Akimichi Cho-Cho, follow the Seventh Hokage.  What Sarada discovers will fill her with doubt.

The last volume of the Naruto graphic novel series, Vol. 72., was published in North America this past October.  That was a little less than a year after the final chapter of the Naruto manga (Chapter 700) was published in Japan (November 2014).

Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring is a stand-alone volume that finds our favorite ninja teenagers now adults and parents.  In this 10-chapter tale, Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto focuses not on Naruto or his son, Boruto, but on Sarada.  Sure, this would not be a Naruto manga without Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura battling some ninja enemy.

Instead, Kishimoto shows off his skill at creating engaging characters.  Sarada is a wonderful and complex and wonderfully complex character with her own desires and questions and with the magical inscrutable teenage nature that makes for attractive teen characters.  I had a blast reading this.  It gives me hope that when Kishimoto revisits Naruto, he will be able to make it worth the wait for his readers.  And he'll have a superb character in Sarada if he chooses to use her again.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: NARUTO Volume 72

NARUTO, VOL. 72
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONIST: Masashi Kishimoto
TRANSLATION: Mari Morimoto
LETTERS: John Hunt
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8284-9; paperback (October 2015); Rated “T” for “Teen”
216pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto began as a one-shot manga that was published in the August 1997 issue of Akamaru Jump.  Naruto the series began its serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump on September 21, 1999 and ended on November 10, 2014.  The final 10 chapters of Naruto arrive in North America, collected in the graphic novel, Naruto Volume 72.

Naruto focuses on Uzumaki Naruto.  As a young shinobi (ninja), Naruto had an incorrigible knack for mischief and was also the biggest troublemaker at the Ninja Academy in the shinobi Village of Konohagakure.  He was an outcast because there was something special about him.  When he was a baby, Naruto's parents (father Minato and mother Kushina) imprisoned a nine-tailed fox spirit (Kurama) inside his infant body.  In time, he became a ninja with his classmates Haruno Sakura and Uchiha Sasuke.  Now, 16-years-old and incorrigible as ever, Naruto has to save the world.

As Naruto, Vol. 72 (entitled Uzumaki Naruto – Chapters 691 to 700) opens, the Fourth Great Ninja War has ended, and its instigators, the Akatsuki, have been vanquished.  Naruto and Sasuke sealed away the rogue Rabbit Goddess Kaguya.  Now, the reunited classmates, fueled by opposing ideals, will fight each other in one final battle in order to determine the future of the world.

I have made no secret that I think Naruto has been one of best comics published in North America over the last decade.  In fact, there were a few years, when I thought that Naruto was the best comic book of the year.  So I'm sad that it has ended.  I didn't see it coming.  I simply believed that the Fourth Great Ninja War would end and that the series would move on to the next world beaters.

Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto has a note at the beginning of Vol. 72 in which he says (basically) that he'd be honored if, in the future, we occasionally recall that there was once a character named Naruto.  Kishimoto-san, because of your work, Naruto will never be a “was.”  There will always be a character named Uzumaki Naruto.

Readers, old and new, looking for the best in shonen battle manga will have 72 volumes of the Shonen Jump title, Naruto (the king of ninja manga), to enjoy.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

Naruto: Naruto and the Sage of Six Paths

I read Naruto, Vol. 70

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.  Follow me on Twitter and Tumblr or at Grumble.  Support me on Patreon.

Naruto: The Start of Crimson Spring

I read Naruto, Vol. 69

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin, which is seeking donations.  Follow me on Twitter and at Grumble.

Naruto: Path

I read Naruto, Vol. 68

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin, which is seeking donations.  Follow me on Twitter or at Grumble.

I Reads You Review: NARUTO Volume 67

NARUTO, VOL. 67

Creators: Masashi Kishimoto; Mari Morimoto (Translator), John Hunt (Lettering)
Publishing Information: VIZ Media (@VIZMedia); 192 pages, $9.99 (US), $12.99 (CAN), £6.99 U.K.
Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-1-4215-7384-7 (ISBN), paperback (October 2014)

Rated: “T” for “Teen”

The star of the manga, Naruto, is Uzumaki Naruto.  He was a young shinobi (ninja) with a knack for mischief, and he was the biggest troublemaker at the Ninja Academy in the shinobi Village of Konohagakure.  However, Naruto was also two things:  special and an outcast.  When he was a baby, his parents (father Minato and mother Kushina) imprisoned a nine-tailed fox spirit (Kurama) inside his infant body.  Now, 16-years-old and incorrigible as ever, Naruto is still serious about his quest to become the world’s greatest ninja.

Guided by their secret ally, Uchiha Obito, Akatsuki villains Uchiha Madara and Kabuto declare war on the Five Great Nations of the ninja.  This begins the Fourth Great Ninja War, and the five great shinobi leaders, known as the Gokage, form the Allied Shinobi Forces to fight this war.  Obito and Madara's goal is to revive the monstrous tailed-beast, Ten Tails, but Obito has even more diabolical plans.

As Naruto, Vol. 67 (entitled An Opening – Chapters 638 to 647) begins, Obito reveals himself.  He absorbed Ten Tails into himself and is now the ultimate jinchuriki.  Not waiting, the Lords Hokage attack, and are met by Obito's awesome new powers.  A power that can stop Obito-Ten Tails and save them is discovered.  They will need it, as Ten Tails reaches his final form, the Divine Tree.  Learn how that development reveals the origins of the shinobi (ninja).

After an almost 11-month hiatus from reading the Naruto manga, I read two in three weeks.  And I want more.  Naruto is my favorite comic, and I think that it is currently among the world's best comics.  Creator Masashi Kishimoto has a way of usually offering surprises in Naruto – from new characters to sudden reveals.  Naruto Volume 67 presents a history of the ninja that is practically a throwaway item, but it would make a good story arc by itself.  Kishimoto is stretching out this battle with Obito, but that does not read as a stunt.  This Ten Tails battle is simply too good to end.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

I Reads You Review: NARUTO Volume 66

NARUTO, VOL. 66

Creators: Masashi Kishimoto; Mari Morimoto (Translator), John Hunt (Lettering)
Publishing Information: VIZ Media (@VIZMedia); 192 pages, $9.99 (US), $12.99 (CAN), £6.99 U.K.
Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-1-4215-6948-2 (ISBN), paperback (July 2014)

Rated: “T” for “Teen”

Uzumaki Naruto is a young shinobi (ninja) with a knack for mischief.  Once, he was the biggest troublemaker at the Ninja Academy in the shinobi Village of Konohagakure.  However, Naruto was also two things:  special and an outcast.  When he was a baby, his parents (father Minato and mother Kushina) imprisoned a nine-tailed fox spirit (Kurama) inside his infant body.  Now, 16-years-old and incorrigible as ever, Naruto is still serious about his quest to become the world’s greatest ninja.

Guided by their secret ally, Uchiha Obito, Akatsuki villains Uchiha Madara and Kabuto declare war on the Five Great Nations of the ninja.  This begins the Fourth Great Ninja War, and the five great shinobi leaders, known as the Gokage, form the Allied Shinobi Forces to fight this war.  Obito and Madara's goal is to revive the monstrous tailed-beast, Ten Tails.

As Naruto, Vol. 66 (entitled The New Three – Chapters 628 to 637) begins, Obito and Madara have indeed revived Ten Tails.  While Madara guides Ten Tails, Obito faces his one-time teammate, Hatake Kakashi, who is also Naruto's teacher and mentor.

All is not lost for the shinobi forces.  The Four Lords Hokage arrive, including someone dear to Naruto.  Speaking of our favorite teen ninja, Naruto and Sakura Haruno are reunited with their prodigal teammate, Sasuke Uchiha – Cell 7.  Will they be enough to stop Ten Tails?  Meanwhile, troublemaker Lord Orochimaru and his partners, Suigetsu and Karin, make their play.

It has been almost 11 months since I last read a volume of the Naruto manga.  Naruto is my favorite comic, and I put off keeping up with it, as I read other things.  I recently snagged two volumes, including Naruto Volume 66.

A year ago, in a review of Vol. 65 for the ComicBookBin website, I wrote that Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto was doing some of his best storytelling.  That is still true.  Naruto is on the precipice of making its next big leap, but first this, long war of the tailed-beast needs to wrap up.  Kishimoto is using this time in the narrative to not only make shocking reveals, but also to reunite many characters and to dig into the past of some.  As always, Kishimoto gives his readers a reason to keep reading, because Naruto Vol. 66 is as good as the promise made by Vol. 65, which sets a high standard for Vol. 67.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

Naruto: Hashirama and Madara

I read Naruto: Hashirama and Madara, Vol. 65

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (and follow me on Twitter and please, visit my Indiegogo campaign).

Naruto: Ten Tails

I read Naruto, Vol. 64: Ten Tails

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free smart phones apps and comics).

Naruto: World of Dreams

I read Naruto, Vol. 63: World of Dreams

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.

Naruto: The Crack

I read Naruto, Vol. 62: The Crack

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free smart phone apps and comics).

Naruto: Uchiha Brothers United Front

I read Naruto, Vol. 61: Uchiha Brothers United Front

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.

Review: NARUTO Volume 60

NARUTO, VOL. 60
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONIST: Masashi Kishimoto
TRANSLATION: Mari Morimoto
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Joel Enos
LETTERS: John Hunt
ISBN: 978-1-4215-4943-9; paperback (February 2013); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

The worldwide bestselling manga, Naruto, began life as a one-shot comic appearing in the August 1997 issue of Akamaru Jump. Then, it began a still-ongoing serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump #43. The first graphic novel collection (tankoubon) of the series was released in March of 2003 in Japan. VIZ Media published its first Naruto graphic novel in August of 2003.

For the publication of the 60th tankoubon/graphic novel, several artists celebrated the publishing event by contributing pin-ups and art to the book. Naruto Volume 60 contains the work of the following artists: Atsuhiro Sato, Takahiro Hiraishi, Mikio Ikemoto, Yuichi Itakura, Masaki Murakami, Koichi Nishiya, Akira Okubo, Akio Shiraska, and Kenji Taira.

Naruto is the story of a young shinobi (ninja) named Uzumaki Naruto. He has a knack for mischief and is the biggest troublemaker at the Ninja Academy in the shinobi Village of Konohagakure. Naruto is special and an outcast, because when he was a baby, his parents imprisoned a nine-tailed fox spirit within his infant body. Now, 16-years-old and incorrigible as ever, Naruto is still serious about his quest to become the world’s greatest ninja.

The current Naruto story arc continues the Fourth Great Ninja War. The conflict begins when Akatsuki villains Madara and Kabuto declare war on the Five Great Nations, the world of the ninja. The five great leaders, known as the Gokage, form the Allied Shinobi Forces to fight back.

As Naruto, Vol. 60 (entitled Kurama – Chapters 566 to 575) starts, Naruto battles the other tailed beasts. His partner in battle is Killer Bee, the jinchûriki (hosts) to the eight-tailed octo-beast. Naruto’s mentor, Hatake Kakashi, and Guy join them to form a quartet against Madara. Now, Naruto tries to align himself with the other tailed beasts. Will he be successful? Can he also take on Madara? Naruto’s comrades, however, aren’t about to let him fight alone.

Meanwhile, Uchiha Sasuke, Naruto’s former teammate, decides that it is time to fight Naruto again. Kabuto, who revives dead shinobi to fight in the Fourth Great Ninja War, has summoned a special reunion for Sasuke.

The Naruto manga continues the current long story arc, the Fourth Great Ninja War. Once a year or so, we get a volume that shows the evolution of Naruto – how the outcast becomes a hero. It is an ongoing process, as it seems as if Naruto has to learn to become a hero over and over again. Naruto Volume 60 is one of those graphic novels that shows Naruto grasping something, some idea, some technique, etc. essential to his journey to becoming whatever he is supposed to become.

Naruto creator, Masashi Kishimoto keeps the series fresh in this way – not that he really needs to do so. The subplots and characters keep growing, and most of them are fantastically interesting. For instant, this Uchiha family element promises great new fun in the coming graphic novels (or tankoubon).

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Naruto: The Five Kage

I read Naruto, Vol. 59: Nobody (Naruto (Graphic Novels)).

I posted a review at ComicBookBin.

Naruto: Naruto vs. Itachi

I read Naruto, Vol. 58

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free comics).

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for September 12 2012

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

JUN121251 2000 AD #1794 $5.25

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Naruto: Battle

I read Naruto, Vol. 57 (Naruto (Graphic Novels))

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free comics).

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for July 4 2012

PREVIEWS PUBLICATIONS
MAY122128 GAME TRADE MAGAZINE #149 $3.99

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
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MAGAZINES
APR121416 CINEFEX #130 $12.50
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BOOKS
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Naruto: Team Asuma, Reunited

I read Naruto, Vol. 56

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart phone apps and comics).