Title: Naruto, Vol. 1: Uzumaki Naruto
Author: Masashi Kishimoto
First published September 21, 1999
187 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781569319000 (ISBN10: 1569319006)
Rating: 4.41
Overview
Meet Naruto, the mischievous ninja-in-training, whose dream is to one day become the greatest ninja in the world. But his path to greatness is littered with obstacles.
Twelve years ago, the Village Hidden in the Leaves was attacked by a vicious nine-tailed fox spirit, claiming the life of the village leader and leaving many others dead. Now, as the village strives for peace, Naruto finds himself struggling to graduate from the Ninja Academy.
His ultimate goal may be to become Hokage, but his journey is far from over. Follow Naruto as he embarks on a thrilling adventure filled with danger, excitement, and unexpected twists!
About the Author
Masashi Kishimoto, a talented Japanese manga artist, is best known for his creation of the popular manga series Naruto. Interestingly, his twin brother Seishi Kishimoto is also a manga artist who has created successful manga series like O-Parts Hunter (666 Satan) and Blazer Drive.
Kishimoto has had two former assistants, Osamu Kajisa (Tattoo Hearts) and Yuuichi Itakura (Hand’s), who have also gone on to achieve moderate success after working on Naruto.
Kishimoto began his journey as a manga artist in 1995 when he submitted his work, Karakuri (カラクリ?), to Shueisha. This earned him the prestigious “Hop Step Award” from Weekly Shōnen Jump, recognizing him as a promising new manga artist, in 1996.
The following year, he published a pilot version of Naruto (NARUTO－ナルト－) in Akamaru Jump Summer. In 1998, Kishimoto made his debut as a Weekly Shōnen Jump artist with a serialized version of Karakuri.
Unfortunately, it didn’t gain much popularity and was canceled soon after. However, in 1999, Kishimoto’s serialized version of Naruto was published in Weekly Shōnen Jump and became an instant hit.
Editoral Review
Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto, Vol. 1: Uzumaki Naruto is the first installment in the popular manga series, first published on September 21, 1999.
The manga genre, which originated in Japan, is characterized by its visual storytelling, featuring sequential art and dialogue in panels. Kishimoto’s approach to storytelling in Naruto, Vol.
1 embodies the strengths of the medium, providing a rich visual experience alongside a captivating story. The plot of the book follows the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young orphan who dreams of becoming a powerful ninja in his village.
Set in a fictional world inspired by Japanese folklore, Naruto is filled with fantastical creatures, ninjutsu, martial arts, and political intrigue. As Naruto trains to become a ninja, he must face off against rival ninjas and powerful villains, discovering the secrets of his past and the path to his future.
Kishimoto’s artwork is vivid and elaborate, immersing readers in the world of Naruto. The characters are drawn with exaggerated features, capturing their emotions and intentions in striking detail.
The dialogue is sharp and witty, making the story accessible and engaging. Beyond the visual storytelling, Naruto, Vol.
1 also explores themes of identity, belonging, and ambition. As Naruto navigates his own path, he grapples with societal expectations, personal trauma, and the weight of his own desires.
Kishimoto’s characters are complex and multifaceted, adding depth to the story and creating a compelling emotional journey for readers. While Naruto, Vol.
1 is undoubtedly a masterpiece of manga, it may not appeal to all readers. The book is driven by its aesthetic and genre conventions, which may turn off readers who prefer more traditional prose or less fantastical subject matter.
Additionally, some readers may find the pacing of the story slow or the plot predictable. Overall, Naruto, Vol.
1: Uzumaki Naruto is an exceptional work of manga that transcends its genre. Kishimoto’s rich storytelling and stunning artwork make for a captivating reading experience.
Fans of action, fantasy, and manga will find much to love here. However, caution should be taken regarding the target audience, as younger and more sensitive readers may not be ready for some of the more intense themes and violence present in the book.
I give this book an 8/10, as the plot and characters are well-developed, but it may not suit everyone’s taste.
