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Boruto: An Honest Review

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According to our Scopo-Meter, we check the following in Boruto Anime 

Category Out Of 5
CHARACTERS 3
WORLD-BUILDING 3.4
PLOT 3.2
ANIMATION 2.7
OVERALL BOMB / GOOD/ NICE / FINE / HMM / PATHETIC

FilmScopes thank the creators of the manga and anime for expanding the Naruto verse by bringing in new characters and concepts.

 

Introduction

 

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is an ongoing anime and manga series that follows the adventures of Boruto Uzumaki, the son of Naruto Uzumaki, the Seventh Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village.

The story is set in the same world as the original Naruto series, but it takes place several years later. The Hidden Leaf Village has experienced a period of peace and technological advancement.

 

Arcs

 

Boruto
Boruto Arcs

 

1. Introduction: Boruto Uzumaki is introduced as a young ninja who is part of the new generation. He is initially depicted as a rebellious and mischievous boy who seeks attention from his busy father, Naruto. Boruto’s teammates are Sarada Uchiha, the daughter of Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, and Mitsuki, a mysterious boy with unique abilities.

2. Academy Arc: Boruto, Sarada, and Mitsuki attend the Ninja Academy, where they learn the basics of ninjutsu and form friendships. They face various challenges and encounters with other classmates and rivals.

3. Chunin Exams Arc: The young ninja participate in the Chunin Exams, a prestigious tournament that determines the rank of a ninja. The exams become a major turning point when the group encounters a dangerous organization called “Kara,” which seeks to create a new world order. Boruto receives a mysterious mark, known as the “Karma,” which grants him unusual powers.

4. Gaiden Arc: Boruto and his team venture on a mission to rescue Sasuke Uchiha’s kidnapped daughter, Sarada. During their journey, they learn more about Akatsuki’s involvement with Kara and encounter a powerful enemy named Shin Uchiha, who experiments with genetic modifications.

5. Mujina Bandits Arc: Boruto’s team takes on a mission to escort a prisoner, but they discover a plot involving the Mujina Bandits, an organized crime group. Boruto encounters a young man named Kawaki, who possesses a similar Karma mark. The encounter foreshadows future conflicts.

6. Kawaki Arc: The story shifts focus to Kawaki, a new character who becomes an integral part of the narrative. The series delves into Kawaki’s past, his connection with Kara, and the growing bond between him and Boruto. The conflict with Kara intensifies as they pose a threat to the Hidden Leaf Village.

7. Time Travel Arc: Through a series of events, Boruto and Sasuke travel back in time to the era of Naruto’s childhood. They encounter younger versions of Naruto, Sasuke, and other iconic characters, facing challenges and dangers while attempting to protect the timeline.

8. Kara Actuation Arc: The Hidden Leaf Village faces a full-scale attack by the Kara organization. Boruto, Kawaki, and their allies must join forces to defend their home. The arc explores the true nature of Karma, the dark secrets of the Otsutsuki clan, and the fates of the characters involved.

The ongoing series continues to expand on the conflict between the ninja world and the Kara organization, exploring the powers of Karma and the intertwining destinies of Boruto and Kawaki. The plot delves into themes of legacy, friendship, and the burdens of leadership as Boruto strives to overcome his path and protect those he holds dear.

 

Main Characters And Legends:

 

Characters of Boruto
Prominent characters in the anime

 

1. Boruto Uzumaki: The main protagonist of the series and the son of Naruto Uzumaki. Boruto initially possesses a rebellious and mischievous nature but develops into a skilled ninja. He possesses the Karma mark, which grants him unique powers.

2. Sarada Uchiha: Sarada is the daughter of Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno. She is a talented and determined ninja who aspires to become the Hokage. Sarada specializes in the use of shurikenjutsu and possesses the Sharingan, a powerful dojutsu.

3. Mitsuki: Mitsuki is a mysterious and calm ninja who becomes Boruto’s teammate. He possesses the Sage Transformation ability, allowing him to access advanced techniques. Mitsuki is dedicated to his friends and possesses a strong sense of loyalty.

4. Naruto Uzumaki: The Seventh Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village and Boruto’s father. Naruto is a powerful ninja known for his exceptional skills and his ability to use the Nine-Tails’ chakra. He is a caring father but is often busy with his duties as Hokage.

5. Sasuke Uchiha: A former member of Team 7 and one of the last surviving members of the Uchiha clan. Sasuke is a skilled ninja who possesses the Sharingan and later gains the Rinnegan. He is a mentor to Boruto and plays a vital role in protecting the village.

6. Kawaki: Introduced later in the series, Kawaki is a key character who becomes closely linked with Boruto. He possesses the Karma mark like Boruto and has a troubled past involving the Kara organization. Kawaki’s abilities and background make him a significant player in the ongoing conflicts.

7. Himawari Uzumaki: Boruto’s younger sister and Naruto’s daughter. Himawari initially shows potential as a ninja and possesses a gentle personality. While not a main character, she has her moments and contributes to the familial dynamics.

 

The Karma

 

A boy with yellow hair with a tattoo on his wrist and hand
Boruto’s Karma

 

Karma refers to a special mark that appears on certain individuals, including Boruto Uzumaki and Kawaki. Here’s an overview of Karma and its significance in the series:

1. Nature and Appearance: Karma is a mysterious seal that manifests as a pattern on the body of those marked. It typically appears on the palm or other parts of the body. The mark’s design resembles intricate geometric patterns.

2. Powers and Abilities: The Karma mark grants its bearer unique and powerful abilities. It enhances their physical strength, speed, and overall combat prowess. Additionally, it allows the wielder to absorb and manipulate chakra, including that of their opponents.

3. Otsutsuki Connection: The Karma mark is linked to the Otsutsuki clan, an ancient and powerful alien race that seeks to harvest chakra for their purposes. The mark serves as a vessel for Otsutsuki’s consciousness or residual power.

4. Transference and Evolution: The Karma mark can be transferred from one person to another through physical contact. When a marked individual dies, the Karma mark can be reborn in a new vessel. Over time, the Karma mark can evolve, granting the bearer even greater powers.

5. Role in the Story: The existence of Karma becomes a central plot point in the series. Boruto and Kawaki, both marked with Karma, become key players in the conflict against the Kara organization, which seeks to harness the power of the Otsutsuki clan. The nature and purpose of Karma, as well as its connection to the Otsutsuki and the fate of those marked, are explored throughout the story.

Karma catalyzes various events and conflicts in the series, highlighting the ongoing struggle between the ninja world and external forces. The mark’s powers and the individuals who bear it have significant implications for the overall storyline, shaping the destinies of characters and their roles in the battle against powerful adversaries.

 

The Akatsuki Ripoff

 

Kara
Kara

 

Kara is a secretive and dangerous organization that plays a major role in the series. Here’s an overview of Kara and its significance:

1. Introduction: Kara is introduced during the Chunin Exams arc when Boruto and his friends encounter members of the organization. Initially, their true motives and goals remain unknown, but it becomes evident that they pose a significant threat to the Hidden Leaf Village and the ninja world as a whole.

2. Goals and Beliefs: Kara seeks to establish a new world order by manipulating and controlling various aspects of society. They believe in the idea of an “Age of Shadows,” where they can attain power and reshape the world according to their desires. Their plans involve acquiring powerful artifacts and using advanced technology.

3. Inner and Outer Members: Kara is divided into two factions: the Inner and Outer members. The Inner members hold higher positions and possess stronger abilities, while the Outer members are lower-ranking operatives. The Inner members, such as Jigen and Delta, are key figures in the organization and have unique powers.

4. Scientific Ninja Tools: Kara extensively uses scientific ninja tools, and advanced technological devices that enhance a ninja’s abilities. These tools provide them with extraordinary capabilities, making them formidable opponents in battle. The organization’s access to these tools gives them an edge over traditional shinobi.

5. Otsutsuki Connection: Kara is closely tied to the Otsutsuki clan, an ancient and powerful alien race that seeks to harvest chakra. They are interested in obtaining the chakra fruit, which grants immense power and longevity. The organization aims to use the Otsutsuki clan’s power to further its goals.

6. Clash with Konoha: Kara becomes a significant threat to the Hidden Leaf Village as they target important individuals, artefacts, and secrets related to the village’s history. Boruto, along with his allies, becomes embroiled in a conflict with Kara as they attempt to protect their home and uncover the organization’s true intentions.

7. Inner Workings and Mysteries: As the series progresses, more information about Kara’s origins, structure, and the past of its members is revealed. The organization’s involvement with the Otsutsuki clan and the significance of the Karma mark are explored, adding depth to the overarching plot.

Kara serves as a major antagonist in the series, presenting a new and formidable threat to the ninja world. The organization’s actions and goals drive the narrative, leading to intense confrontations and revelations about the secrets that lie within the shadows.

 

Manga VS Anime

 

Manga:

 

Manga panel
The manga

 

1. Source Material: The manga serves as the source material for the Boruto series. It is written by Ukyo Kodachi (until Chapter 51) and illustrated by Mikio Ikemoto, with Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, overseeing the story.

2. Story Progression: The manga generally advances the main story more quickly compared to anime. It covers major story arcs, reveals key plot points, and explores significant character developments.

3. Canon Material: The events and storylines depicted in the manga are considered canon and are regarded as the official continuation of the Naruto universe. They provide essential information and major plot developments that directly impact the overarching narrative.

 

Anime:

 

Anime still of a boy giving a fist bump
The anime

 

1. Expanded Storytelling: The anime adaptation expands upon the events of the manga by adding additional content, filler episodes, and character-focused arcs. These expansions allow for more world-building, character exploration, and side stories.

2. Filler Episodes: The anime includes filler episodes, which are non-canon stories that do not appear in the manga. These episodes often provide entertaining and light-hearted content, allowing for more relaxed storytelling or character interactions.

3. Visual Presentation: The anime brings the manga’s story to life with animation, voice acting, and music. It provides a dynamic and immersive experience that enhances action sequences, emotional moments, and overall atmosphere.

4. Pacing and Adaptation: The anime adaptation tends to have a slower pace compared to the manga. This allows the anime to maintain a consistent release schedule and adapt the story at a more manageable rate. However, it can result in more prolonged story arcs and filler content.

5. Fidelity to the Source Material: While the anime generally follows the main storyline of the manga, it may make certain changes, additions, or adaptations to the original material. These alterations can include slight modifications to the events, filler episodes, or expanded scenes to provide a more complete viewing experience.

Both the manga and anime versions of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations offer unique perspectives on the story. The manga focuses on the main plot and provides key developments, while the anime expands upon the world, and characters, and offers additional content. Fans of the series often enjoy experiencing both formats to get a comprehensive understanding of the narrative.

 

What’s Going Wrong?

 

A boy making a weird face
The son of Naruto

 

1. Mixed Reactions to Pacing: Some fans appreciate the slower pace of the anime, as it allows for a more detailed exploration of characters, relationships, and world-building. On the other hand, some fans find the pacing too slow and feel that it leads to a lack of major plot developments.

2. Manga’s Story Advancements: Many fans praise the manga for its progression of the main story, including the exploration of the Karma mark, the conflicts with Kara, and the development of Boruto and Kawaki’s characters. The manga’s focus on the central narrative and major revelations has generated excitement among fans.

3. Filler Episodes: The inclusion of filler episodes in the anime has garnered mixed reactions. Some fans enjoy the additional content, as it provides more opportunities for character development, humor, and side stories. However, others prefer a more streamlined approach and feel that filler episodes can disrupt the overall pacing and impact of the main story.

4. Character Development: Fans have expressed differing opinions about the character development in Boruto. Some appreciate the growth of the new generation of characters, such as Boruto, Sarada, and Mitsuki, as they face unique challenges and forge their paths. Others feel that some characters lack the depth and complexity of the original Naruto series.

5. Nostalgia and Comparisons: Some fans compare Boruto to its predecessor, Naruto, leading to mixed reactions. While some appreciate the continuation of the story and the opportunity to revisit familiar characters, others feel that Boruto does not live up to the legacy of Naruto in terms of storytelling and emotional impact.

It’s important to note that fan responses can vary greatly, and individual opinions may differ. The Boruto series has a large and diverse fan base, and fans’ perspectives can evolve as the story progresses and new developments unfold.

 

Depowering Of Naruto & Sasuke

 

A boy stabbing a mans eye
Boruto stabbing Sasuke’s Rinnegan

 

The depowering of Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha has been a significant topic of discussion among fans. Here are some of our key points regarding this matter:

1. Narrative Purpose: The depowering of Naruto and Sasuke serves a narrative purpose to shift the focus onto the new generation of characters, specifically Boruto and his peers. Reducing the power of the previous generation creates a sense of vulnerability and allows the new characters to face challenges on their own and develop their unique abilities.

2. Balance and Limitations: Naruto and Sasuke were incredibly powerful characters in the original Naruto series, possessing immense chakra, advanced techniques, and access to legendary powers such as the Nine-Tails and the Rinnegan. Depowering them helps maintain a sense of balance and prevents them from overpowering the conflicts and overshadowing the development of new characters.

3. Plot Development: The depowering of Naruto and Sasuke also allows for the exploration of different storylines and character dynamics. It presents an opportunity for growth and character arcs as Naruto and Sasuke navigate their roles as mentors and parents, while also adapting to their diminished powers.

4. New Challenges: By depowering Naruto and Sasuke, the series introduces new and formidable adversaries that pose a threat even to seasoned veterans. This adds tension and suspense to the story, as the characters must find new ways to overcome challenges and protect the village.

5. Potential Power Return: It’s worth noting that the depowering of Naruto and Sasuke doesn’t necessarily mean they will remain at reduced power levels throughout the series. As the story progresses, there may be opportunities for power-ups or temporary returns to their former strength, especially during critical moments or major confrontations.

The depowering of Naruto and Sasuke has sparked discussions among fans, with opinions varying. Some appreciate the focus on the new generation and the challenges they face, while others may miss the overwhelming power of Naruto and Sasuke from the original series. Ultimately, it adds a new dynamic to the story and allows for fresh narratives and character growth which came at a very high price to the fandom.

 

Also Read: Sharingan: The Most Impactful Eyes In Anime


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