In 1999, manga artist, Masashi Kishimoto published a manga for Weekly Shōnen Jump titled, “Naruto.” It follows the titular character’s lifelong journey to become a ninja. The prankster boy manages to pass an exam. He’s assigned as a member of Team 7 under the tutelage of Kakashi Hatsake. Naruto has a rivalry with a loner named, Sasuke Uchiha. The former has the hots for Sakura Haruno. Only female of the team with a deep-seated hatred towards Naruto. She has an obsessive crush towards Sasuke. Despite nothing in common the trio work together as a team squaring off with powerful bad guys. As the story progresses, something inside Naruto unleashes his hidden potential.
The manga became a bestseller as one of the biggest money making mangas spanning a total of 72 volumes from 1999-2014. A spin-off manga, “Boruto” published in 2016. As of 2026, it’s an ongoing series. Studio Pierrot (Bleach, YuYu Hakusho) produced an anime adaptation of Naruto. The first story arc, “Land of Waves” officially aired in 2005 (same year Avatar: The Last Airbender aired) on Cartoon Network’s block, Toonami. It received praise from critics and viewers alike.
Anyway, Naruto in the flesh, Malie Flanagan will attend Fan Expo Dallas 2026 along with Hinata herself, Stephanie Sheh. The three-day event will commence on September 11-13. I may or may not get a selfie/autograph combo with the latter voice actress. Depends on the schedule.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving newcomers a chance to view the first story arc.
Strong & Weak Aspects
Strong: Maile Flanagan, Yuri Lowenthal, Kate Higgins, Dave Wittenberg, Brian Donovan, Steve Blum & Stephanie Sheh all did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances.
Animation brings a few elements to life such as character models, lighting, fluid movement, environmental locations etc.
Action Sequences are pretty good.
Funny Moments made me laugh. Sakura’s inner thoughts are actually pretty funny. Don’t forget Naruto’s unique technique, “Sexy Jitsu.” Much funnier than any “Hannah Montana” episode.
Masashi Kishimoto mentioned the manga’s influenced by “Dragon Ball” & “Rurouni Kenshin.”
Naruto’s chemistry with Sasuke & Sakura serves as the main highlight. The trio must put aside their differences if they want to achieve victory. A first hint of Character Development.
Pacing didn’t feel like a drab. My eyes were glued to all 19 episodes.
We learn about the lives of certain characters including Naruto, Haku and arc villain, Zabuza.
Towards the end of the story arc, Naruto & Sasuke unleash their inner potential. Setting up later story arcs.
Random Thoughts
- I’m probably going to Mephisto’s realm for this, I never watched Naruto when it first aired on Toonami. I regret not watching a single episode. Back then, I watched “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “Teen Titans,” “Justice League Unlimited,” “Megas XLR” & “Code Lyoko.”
- Don’t expect reviews on filler arcs. I’m only covering the main ones from the manga. My spare time is limited.
- Every time I hear Naruto shout, his voice reminds me of Melissa McCarthy.
- My favorite battle is the icy mirror sequence.
- One movie critic, BloggedByEric thinks Cartoon Network died in 2004. He’s wrong. It died in 2013 when “Teen Titans Go” happened. BloggedByEric’s rant on his Facebook post is utterly incoherent. As if he’s never seen high quality shows prior to 2013 like Megas XLR, Code Lyoko, Justice League Unlimited, “Eureka Seven,” “Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood” & “Young Justice.” First he likes poorly written Disney Princesses like “Cinderella,” (gave it a 9/10) now his inaccurate rant on Cartoon Network? Something tells me he’s a practitioner of self-humiliation. He’ll never live it down.
Weak: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the Studio Pierrot an Extra Point for making a flawless adapted storyline as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
I didn’t expect Naruto’s first storyline to be really good. I deeply regret not watching it back in 2005. If had a Time Machine, I would’ve told my younger self to check out this anime. If you’re new to Naruto, watch the first 19 episodes. Which long anime series should I watch next? Please leave a comment. Can’t be 1000+ episodes like One Piece” or Pokemon.” They’ll take forever.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 