The next generation of the ninja world of Naruto has made it’s debut with the children of Naruto, Sasuke, Shikamaru and co. Having resentment for his father Naruto’s role as Hokage, son Boruto does everything he can to gain his attention. From pulling pranks to training with his “Uncle” Sasuke, Boruto goes to extreme lengths to catch the eye of Naruto, while everyone else admires him for his work in the Fourth Great Ninja War.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is a 2017 shounen manga series, it is created by Masashi Kishimoto and licensed by Viz Media, it is currently available in print and digital in English.

Editor’s Note: A review copy of Boruto Volumes 1 & 2 was provided by Viz Media.

Boruto (right), Sarada (left), and the Next Generation (background).

After a near 20 year run the story of Naruto came to an end. Naruto became Hokage of Konoha & married Hinata, while Sasuke was pardoned of his crimes and married Sakura. Years later the four have children Boruto & Himawari, and Sarada respectively. Unlike their fathers however, both Sarada and Boruto have different ideals on the Hokage and what the role represents.

A bleak future for the world of ninja.

THE GOOD: One of Boruto’s most notable traits is the fact that lead character Boruto is far more likable than Naruto was prior to Part 2. A number of side characters also received far more panel time and development in comparison to the original story, which essentially became “Naruto & Sasuke story”. Characters such as Mitsuki, Shikaku, Cho Cho, etc are almost always featured in some fashion or another, and hopefully the trend continues.

While Boruto’s world looks bleak, his story looks to have a bright future.

THE BAD: The main issue with Boruto is that it’s showing us what we’ve already seen. Felt like a really bad move starting the manga off with the film arc. and it seems that the anime is going in a similar direction outside of its own content.

Boruto on a mission.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Boruto is off to a promising, albeit repeated start. Though starting things off with the film arc was a head scratcher, I have no doubts the sequel will eventually find its own grove, as will the anime. Otaku Dome gives Boruto Volume 1 a 75 and Volume 2 an 84.