CAA: Christian Anime Alliance

I have, of course, heard very much about Naruto, and how popular it is, how many fans love the characters, etc. When I watched the first episode, however, I didn't find myself too impressed. Naruto seemed, frankly, like an annoying, bratty boy, and not too compelling of a hero. So I was wondering: Is Naruto really all that great?

If possible, I'd like to hear some specific reasons why or why not Naruto is worth watching hundreds of episodes for. I've also heard about Naruto Shippuden, where the characters are more of teenagers, rather than preteens. Is that better than the original? Does the original series need to be watched to comprehend Shippuden?

Thanks for your input!

Personally, I could never stick with the anime. A big part of the reason is that I too don't care much for Naruto as a character at all. However, the MAIN objection I have with the show is that it just doesn't work as well as the manga. Once the story finally gets moving it's actually really interesting, with a number of unexpected twists and some genuinely nice character development. Unfortunately, the realities of TV animation mean that the anime just can't do the action of the manga justice. Plus, all the flashbacks and explanations of various techniques really derail the pacing when you actually have to watch it in real time, they flow much more naturally on the printed page.

So, personally, I would say that you really should hunt down the manga, but the anime's not worth the trouble.

The anime? No, I don't think it's worth your time (at least I don't have the patience for the slow pacing). I would advocate more strongly for the manga, but even still it's far from the greatest series available. More specific reasons can be given if you like.

Shippuden is really just the continuation of the manga plot (after 100+ episodes the "first series" is all filler, which is generally agreed to be lesser in quality). The nature of the series is essentially unchanged. Reading the manga version of Shippuden, I'm not terribly impressed. Most of the new elements don't seem to flow naturally from the previous plot and just appear from nowhere.

Blitzkrieg1701 wrote:Unfortunately, the realities of TV animation mean that the anime just can't do the action of the manga justice.

It could, but being a weekly shonen anime it doesn't.

Before you take into the account of the opinions of the people who enjoy Naruto, make sure you're looking at what demographic they are.

That being said, Naruto isn't that impressive. I'd pass on it if I were you.

Sort of depends on what kind of series you like. It has some fun fights and characters, but is somewhat hampered by slow pacing(the first arc of the first series especially) and a very lengthy amount of filler episodes. I would suggest you check out the manga first.

Unfortunately, the realities of TV animation mean that the anime just can't do the action of the manga justice. Plus, all the flashbacks and explanations of various techniques really derail the pacing when you actually have to watch it in real time, they flow much more naturally on the printed page.

Ignoring the flashbacks and such(which were a problem), I thought some of the fights were decently animated. And the Gainax-animated fights were pretty spectacular...

Before you take into the account of the opinions of the people who enjoy Naruto, make sure you're looking at what demographic they are.

Actually, I believe most of the fans and so forth on the Internet are above that demographic regardless.

I personally don't like Naruto the series that much, but the Naruto Abridged series is hilarious! (It's basically a parody of the series --worth looking up.)

Naruto is a decent shonen series for about the first...120/130 episodes. after that, you are bombarded with about 100 pointless filler episodes. the series begins to take a turn for the worst as we begin to fully realize how much of a cliched series Naruto really is. characters are constantly trying to grow stronger. this is an incredibly overused formula that i refer to as "the DBZ formula" (if you've seen the series, then you know what i'm talking about). like i said earlier, the series begins to focus purely on the main characters growing stronger by learning some "new special ultimate technique that cannot be topped" to defeat their enemy. unfortunately, that technique will sooner or later be topped. and the whole cycle of learning ANOTHER new technique begins. the progression of the plot grows utterly slow. more and more and more characters are introduced. things really grow out of hand. like i said, the first...120/130 episodes prove to be decent. after that, things go down the drain...

Personally, I really like this anime. Granted, there's way too much filler, so it might be a better idea to read the manga, but, in regards to your initial impression, the character Naruto does grow and mature, and the series gets better. Try to skip the filler, or just read the manga, and yeah, it's good. But don't watch the dub, as the first 30-ish episodes were really bad.

Anyway, check it out, definitely. It's one of my favorites, but I like that style of anime.

Naruto is mostly for kids. Is it better than DBZ? Yeah, probably. That doesn't really mean a whole lot though.

I wouldn't waste my hours on it.

Sheenar wrote:I personally don't like Naruto the series that much, but the Naruto Abridged series is hilarious! (It's basically a parody of the series --worth looking up.)

Is that like "Fullmetal Alchemist: the Artisically Abridged Series" done by the Artistic Men?

I actually like that version better then the original....but then again, I stopped watching Naruto after the 8th episode becuase I just couldn't take the pace (which is odd, cuase I'm often fine with slow pacing...as long as the plot keeps getting better) as well as the bratty, imature attitudes of the main characters.....Even something like Sonic X is easier to enjoy in the long run then this.....at least that's my opinion.....

AsianBlossom wrote:Is that like "Fullmetal Alchemist: the Artisically Abridged Series" done by the Artistic Men?

I'm suddenly curious too. I loved their parodies.

I'll say this:

If you even REMOTELY enjoyed DragonBall Z, then chances are good you'll enjoy Naruto.

Thanks, everyone, for your input! I think I'll check out the manga - I gave the anime a chance, so I might as well give the manga a chance as well. And if I don't like that either, then it'll just be one of those things, I guess.

AsianBlossom wrote:Is that like "Fullmetal Alchemist: the Artisically Abridged Series" done by the Artistic Men?

I've never heard of this, but it sounds really interesting. Where can I get ahold of it, or find out more?

Google it. 'Tis amusing. "I'm sorry, but our princess is in another castle." "Wait! You mean the Wizard's a GIRL?!"