Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Anime sequels and spin-offs are a hit or miss andBorutois a perfect example of that. The series started on a rocky note and ended down in the dumps. Be it animation or character designs, the sequel was lackluster according to several fans.
Amidst the criticism and censure, however, there are several upsides to this as well. While it may not be a cult favorite or popular series, it has an upper hand over its predecessor with this key aspect.
Of late, fans noted how the series would do well as a non-shonen manga. From its stakes to its character arcs, most elements are extremely divergent from its precursor. And while it seems a bit of a stretch, it might just be favorable.
On top of that, it contrasts greatly with Masashi Kishimoto’s magnum opus. This is especially true for the latter’s towering popularity within the shonen genre that defines its legacy. This is something that the sequel fails to live up to in many aspects.
Borutoas a slice-of-life manga seems favorable
WhenBorutoanime was announced, fans were anticipating its release and had their fair share of expectations. Its release, however, dampened the spirits of many readers and viewers. From animation to pacing, the series remains a mixed bag for the most part.
But like most Shonen series, it has its fair share of pros and cons. While it flatlined in the animation and pacing aspect, it reigned supreme through its complexities. The new generation was a much-needed step away from the banal storyline.
Other than that, it was abreakaway from the precursorin every aspect. While it is heavily laden with technology and modern elements, it does one thing right. The need for independence and individualism strikes it as different in more ways than one.
And though it faltered in core aspects, fans believe that the series would do well as a non-shonen manga. Precisely when it comes to the slice-of-life elements present in its storyline.
Solo Leveling: Ragnarok Avoided the Boruto Curse By Avoiding Masashi Kishimoto’s Illogical Storytelling Leap of Faith
SeveralRedditorswere of the consensus that the series embodied slice-of-life elements majorly.
From familial conflicts to friendships, the sequel focuses heavily on light-hearted themes. While it does occasionally reflect the character’s growth, it isdevoid of the nostalgiathat Kishimoto’s series embodied.
In his writing of the shonen masterpiece, Kishimoto broke the ironclad rules of the shonen genre. Be it villains or side characters, the series’ legacy is a landmark in the genre for various reasons.
Naruto’slegacy as a landmark shonen series
Not only wasNarutolauded as one of Shonen’s Big 3 but it was thoroughly praised for decades. This was mainly because of its grappling themes, storyline, and characters. A blonde ninja with a complex past was truly novel.
But more than that, Kishimoto’s writing of ninjas, the shinobi, and the society was remarkable. It brought deeper and darker aspects that mirrored the real world in most aspects. Be it the child soldiers or experiments, it is a true masterpiece.
No wonder it still holds relevance for many reasons. Its popularity is attributed to its premise, profundity, and most of all, Kishimoto’s ability to paint depth and gravitas in his story.
Thebackstories of war, strife, segregation, and pain are no cakewalk. The mangaka brilliantly encapsulated the grave themes by fleshing out his characters in the story.
“Maybe if Boruto had a girlfriend renting arc he’d be more popular”: Fans Have Already Deemed This Controversial Shojo to Be Better Than ‘Boruto’
Overall, it isn’t merely popularity that makes the series relevant but the spectrum of characters. Be it villains, side characters, or morally complex characters, the series redefined Shonen in more ways than one.
BorutoandNarutoare available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is available for reading on Shueisha’s Manga Plus app.
Himanshi Jeswani
Anime Writer
Articles Published :993
Himanshi Jeswani is an anime writer at Fandomwire, with her work spanning over 900 articles. Her articles cover shojo, shonen, seinen, and all things beyond. Her interests, however, aren’t limited to simply anime. She has a penchant for exploring different genres of manga, be it horror, yanki, music, and food. She brings out her specialization and expertise in the performing arts through her articles. As a writer, she strives to bridge the gap between the viewers and the medium itself. To her, anime is a revolutionary medium that is capable of creating communities and stories after all.
