Naruto has to be at the top of the list of most-watched anime shows of all time. The story is intriguing and filled with suspense. It follows the life of Naruto, from when he was bound to the fox, Nine Tails and looks at his journey of fulfilling his destiny of becoming a Hokage.
However, all good things need to come to an end, which is why Boruto was born. Although it is the sequel of Naruto, is it any good?
Naruto is stacked with memorable characters
Throughout Naruto, we meet some of the most interesting characters. Their intrigue is not locked up in themselves alone, but in how they help Naruto grow into a better version of himself. Shikamaru, Gaara and Ten-Ten are just some of the characters we come to know and their mark on Naruto’s life is significant.
One would think that Boruto would feature its own set of unique characters, but the old characters are given a new lease on life through their kids. Metal Lee, Shikadai, and Chocho all seem very much like their parents which makes them predictable.
Naruto was filled with action
There is no shortage of action in Naruto and although it might not make the top of the NoFillerAnime list, it still has more than enough action to keep you coming back for more. From the very first episode, you are catapulted into a rich story that demands attention.
From when Naruto joined Team 7, the action does not stop. From his battle with Zabuza and Haku to the Chunin exams and the Konoha Crush, the action is intense and to the point. Boruto, on the other hand, seems to spend countless episodes introducing characters.
Naruto is a superior warrior
Naruto was not a spoiled brat. He grew up alone and was often ostracised for his unique situation. At first, he was unaware of his condition and could not understand why he was treated as an outcast. His parents died when he was still young and he had to learn the way of the ninja on his own. Being shunned by the community did not make things easier either.
Boruto, on the other hand, lives in the shadow of his successful father. He is well-liked and constantly receives instruction and lessons from the likes of Sasuke, Konohamaru, and even his famous father, Naruto.
Naruto is not an all-ages series
Naruto is by no means a soft series. There are some harrowing and often violent moments in the story. Naruto and his companions are often struck by tragedy and loss and depict a somber and often lonely life of a shinobi.
Some of the most cringeworthy episodes include Sasuke’s defecting from the village, Gaara’s shattering of Lee’s leg and the death of Kimimaro. Boruto, on the other hand, is set in a time of peace where the ninja is no longer needed.
Naruto grew by working hard
The character growth of Naruto is remarkable. He started as a weak and incompetent ninja but grew into a legend. This did not come of its own, though. He had to work hard and fight for his development. Naruto was never the most talented ninja, but he worked harder than any of his peers to get where he wanted to be.
Boruto, on the other hand, is already a formed character with little room for growth in the skills department. Given his heritage and the conditions that he is brought up in, it comes as no surprise that he is super skilled. What he lacks, however, is his father’s work ethic. Maybe that will bite him later in the series.